PacSci Podcast

Celebrating Butterflies and Curiosity

December 26, 2018 17:36 - 3 minutes - 4.43 MB

Here it is, December 2018 which marks 20 years of our famous Tropical Butterfly House. We're celebrating by sparking even more curiosity.

Meet CRISPR, Again

December 19, 2018 18:03 - 3 minutes - 4.97 MB

A recent news item has reignited the debate over the gene editing technology known as CRISPR. Will it lead to designer babies, bizarre laboratory experiments, or other ghastly sci-fi scenarios? One thing's for certain: genetic manipulation will do nothing but get more complex and commonplace in the near future. So, give this quick PacSci Podcast a listen for the basics then make plans to attend our next Science in The City event coming up December 27. It's sci-fi that's very real.

A Cold Turtle Odyssey

December 14, 2018 19:36 - 3 minutes - 4.4 MB

An important documentary movie is now showing at Pacific Science Center. It's called Turtle Odyssey 3D and it tells the story of a baby sea turtle named Bunji. It follows this little creature through a thousand mile journey, documenting the amazing life cycle of this ancient species and just how interconnected all life is on this planet. Just a great story. But it got me thinking...do those fascinating creatures, who always seem to be in the tropics, ever visit our part of the world?

Update From the South Pole

December 12, 2018 16:09 - 3 minutes - 4.96 MB

A few weeks back on this podcast we introduced you to Graylan Vincent of Seattle, Senior Communications Technician with the U.S. Antarctic Program who's now living at the south pole where summer is coming on. He managed to get a static-filled phone call through to give us an update on some pretty heavy research under way. UPDATE: In this report we mention that anyone with questions can send them to [email protected]. A Man in Puyallup, WA asked about the ham radio setup used at the pole. G...

One Great Thinker Is Coming To Seattle

December 07, 2018 20:22 - 3 minutes - 4.48 MB

Noted astrophysicist, author, NPR commentator, New York Times contributor and all around deep thinker Adam Frank returns to Seattle this month.

Coso Artifact: Small Rock With A Reputation

November 30, 2018 20:24 - 3 minutes - 5.15 MB

Pacific Science Center now has on display a small rock. While it's not very big, its story is huge.

Taking VR To The Next Level

November 19, 2018 17:02 - 3 minutes - 4.8 MB

In recent months, Pacific Science Center has been focused on what we call our What Is Reality effort...a new set of experiences that highlight immersive technologies...that's virtual reality, augmented reality, and so on. We've teamed up with local startups, scientists, artists, and others to act as an incubator for these emerging, amazing technologies. One of the first to sign up with us was Hyperspace, a small startup that has created a new experience that takes virtual reality somewhere el...

Celebrate The Next Mars Landing

November 07, 2018 20:54 - 3 minutes - 4.28 MB

Attention space exploration fans. Mark your calendar for Monday, November 26 as we pull out all the stops to celebrate humankind's next step....out there.

PacSci Podcast: "Community-Driven Innovation"

November 06, 2018 18:46 - 56 minutes - 77 MB

Pacific Science Center recently hosted an esteemed panel of local experts active in the conversation around community-driven innovation and homelessness. Inspired by our latest exhibit, Block by BLOCK: Innovating From the Ground Up, our panelists discussed what community-driven innovation means, how technology can play a part in solutions to pressing social issues and how the community can get more engaged in these issues. We invite you to listen to the conversation, moderated by KUOW’s Kate ...

Spending The Winter 'Down South'

October 26, 2018 15:10 - 3 minutes - 4.14 MB

As the Pacific Northwest's typical dreary winter weather gets going, the thought of spending those dark months in the southern hemisphere where it's summer might sound pretty good. But as we learn in this quick PacSci Podcast, it depends on just how far south you go.

Death Is Not The End: A Decomposition Story

October 17, 2018 16:21 - 3 minutes - 4.76 MB

Our newest living exhibit, Death is not the end: a decomposition story, is now open in our Ackerley Family Exhibit Gallery. The exhibit explores the important role decomposers play in converting dead organisms into usable nutrients so other organisms can live. Come see insects, bacteria and fungi in action as they use death as an opportunity to support new life.

Celebrate The Slough

October 10, 2018 15:47 - 3 minutes - 5.21 MB

If you've never visited Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center in Bellevue, now's the time. In this quick PacSci Podcast we explain why October 2018 is a historic date for this oasis of nature in the heart of the big city on the Eastside. Stop by and help us celebrate and learn why this is such a special place. https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/mercer-slough/

Meet The Mushroom Lady

September 28, 2018 20:13 - 3 minutes - 5.15 MB

Meet a fascinating woman who's made mushrooms a huge part of her life. She's crafted part of an exhibit devoted to decomposition that will be on display during the month of October. More info:https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/halloween/

Discover Discovery Corps

September 25, 2018 02:36 - 3 minutes - 4.14 MB

Pacific Science Center's Discovery Corps program is now recruiting high school students for the new class this fall. Applications must be in by the end of September 2018. As you'll learn in this quick PacSci Podcast, Discovery Corps has had an impact on countless students over the years and helped create a unique network of friends. More info: https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/discovery-corps/

Butterfly House Reopens

September 17, 2018 14:46 - 3 minutes - 4.39 MB

Pacific Science Center's famous Tropical Butterfly House has reopened after a 5-day closure. Along with the annual deep cleaning of the space and some maintenance issues, we've added some new features.

Planetarium Professionals Gather In Seattle

September 07, 2018 13:52 - 3 minutes - 4.18 MB

A very special event happens at Pacific Science Center next week. It's a global conference, symposium and convention, but one you probably won't hear about anywhere else. It's for a small but fascinating group of people.

Making Butterflies More Accessible

August 30, 2018 17:54 - 2 minutes - 3.71 MB

Pacific Science Center's Tropical Butterfly House is now accessible to even more of our guests: those who can't see. Learn more about our new braille guides and audio guide then make plans to visit. It's a wonderful place to visit any time of year. More info:https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/butterfly-house/

Fossil Hunting 101

August 06, 2018 15:20 - 3 minutes - 4.7 MB

Something new in Pacific Science Center's dinosaur exhibit. It's an exhibit within the exhibit all about YOU finding fossils like those on display.

New Planetarium Show Looks Inward

August 06, 2018 15:03 - 2 minutes - 4.12 MB

When you hear the word planetarium you might think of images of distant worlds. But the newest show in Pacific Science Center's Willard Smith Planetarium does just the opposite. It looks at the closest of all worlds. More info at https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/planetarium/

Cannabis and Its Evolving Role in Modern Medicine

July 23, 2018 19:04 - 3 minutes - 4.41 MB

Pacific Science Center's Science in The City series will soon take up one of the world's most debated subjects: cannabis, marijuana. Here we get a sneak peek. More info: https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/events/cannabis-evolving-role-in-modern-medicine-2018-08-07/

Baby Naked Mole Rats Arrive

July 23, 2018 18:13 - 3 minutes - 4.37 MB

We have some new additions to our colony of naked mole rats after the recent delivery of a new litter of pups. More info: https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/naked-mole-rat-cam/

New Immersive Reality Experiences

July 11, 2018 19:15 - 4 minutes - 6.8 MB

Over the past year or so, Pacific Science Center has been involved with a new project we call What is Reality in which we work with local startups, scientists, engineers, artists and others to explore a new set of experiences that highlight immersive technologies. That's your virtual reality, augmented reality and so on. And this summer we're taking it to a whole new level with two new experiences that are just mind blowing. Learn more about them in this quick PacSci Podcast then make plans ...

Pet College 101

July 02, 2018 18:22 - 3 minutes - 4.29 MB

On July 17, 2018 come to Pacific Science Center to learn the secrets to getting your pet to behave. Seattle Humane's Disa Emerson will be on hand with a canine co-host for a fun, informative evening. More info: https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/events/pet-college-101-2018-07-17/

New Movie Star Is Quite Old

June 22, 2018 20:53 - 3 minutes - 4.67 MB

A new documentary just had its world premiere at Pacific Science Center. The Trolley comes from famed documentary filmmaker Stephen Low whose latest work is already getting people to talk about one of today's most important issues, transportation. In this quick PacSci Podcast this famous storyteller explains his movie and why very old science is the key to solving our problems.

Exciting New Program Needs A New Name

June 18, 2018 18:02 - 3 minutes - 4.3 MB

Our newest program at Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center in Bellevue has a less than exciting name, but the program itself is awesome...and it's FREE! More info: https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/mercer-slough/community-partners/

Bugs! Yum!

June 13, 2018 19:07 - 3 minutes - 4.39 MB

A brand new exhibit at Pacific Science Center shines some light on a longstanding human practice: eating bugs and other creepy crawly critters.

Meet An Inspiring Space Traveler

May 30, 2018 19:45 - 3 minutes - 4.2 MB

Pacific Science Center has one VERY inspiring event planned for this Tuesday, June 5 when we spend an evening with Dr. Soyeon Yi, the first and only Korean astronaut to travel to space. Learn More: https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/events/science-in-the-city-2018-06-05/

Good Dirt, Good Wine

May 25, 2018 15:31 - 3 minutes - 4.79 MB

Pacific Science Center's annual event that celebrates the science of wine is coming up June 1 this year and as always there will be plenty of wine tasting and science. We call it STEM: Science Uncorked. And this year you might say we're getting down and dirty with our wine-related science because this year we will have a local biotech firm on hand to demonstrate the importance of one key ingredient to all good wine: good dirt. More: http://pacsci.org/stem-science-uncorked/

Sustainable Scoops With Molly Moon

May 16, 2018 21:15 - 3 minutes - 4.48 MB

What happens when you bring together great culinary minds and mix their expertise in pastry with locally-sourced, organic ingredients? Molly Moon's Ice Cream! On May 22, the woman behind the famous ice cream company and her head chef will explore the science of making ice cream. YES...there will be samples! Learn more in this quick PacSci podcast, then make plans to join us. More info: https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/events/sustainable-scoops-2018-05-22/

The Summer Of Light

May 16, 2018 15:41 - 3 minutes - 4.64 MB

Pacific Science Center's Laser Dome is adding 17 new and reimagined laser shows for the first ever Summer of Light. Every week we will premiere a new mini-series with two shows leading us into the new lineup. Our Laser Team has been working tirelessly to bring fans a summer jam-packed with new shows like Laser Stranger Things, Laser Cardi B and Laser Bruno Mars. More: https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/laser-dome/

A Beloved, Two-Part Program For Teens

May 08, 2018 15:37 - 3 minutes - 4.67 MB

Pacific Science Center has become famous over the past 55+ years for teaching young students about science. For high school students we offer some outstanding programs that not only teach science, but also how to communicate with others, how to build confidence in speaking before groups, and how to teach the things the students learn. And there's no better example of that than a program we affectionately call Ell-Whip.

A Hike By Any Other Name

May 07, 2018 18:33 - 3 minutes - 4.87 MB

Something new this spring and summer at Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center in Bellevue: nighttime hikes with a focus on cultural uses for native plants. Guaranteed to give you a new perspective on this place we call home. More info: https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/mercer-slough/ethnobotany-hikes/

The Living Wall

April 27, 2018 17:04 - 3 minutes - 4.6 MB

Inside Pacific Science Center's Tropical Butterfly House, the fluttering creatures get most of the attention. But it's the flowery foliage that keeps the butterflies alive and transports our guests somewhere warm and tropical. And now we've enhanced the foliage side of the tropical space with the addition of what we call The Living Wall. Give a listen then build your own.

The Wall Of Failure

April 19, 2018 20:03 - 3 minutes - 4.38 MB

In this quick PacSci Podcast we look at a new exhibit that celebrates something we all face from time to time: failure.

Middle School Environmentalists

April 06, 2018 21:19 - 3 minutes - 4.6 MB

Learn about one of our most popular programs at Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center. It's for middle school students and it's called Environmental Science Pathways. More info: https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/environmental-science-pathways/

Whales In The City

April 02, 2018 19:55 - 3 minutes - 4.88 MB

Here in America's great Pacific Northwest, we never tire of watching whales. Orcas, grey whales, humpbacks...we love them all and it's always exciting to see them. But one whale that was once abundant in our part of the world and was very hard to miss is very rarely seen anymore. That's the Eastern North Pacific right whale which is the subject of an upcoming Science in the City event at Pacific Science Center. Learn more in this quick PacSci Podcast then make pans to join us April 18, 2018 i...

You'll Get A Charge Out Of Our Newest Project

March 23, 2018 19:52 - 3 minutes - 4.83 MB

At Pacific Science Center, we love to learn new things and then use our experience as a teaching opportunity. We've done it with our indoor and outdoor gardens, our Tinker Tank, and many other examples over the past 50+ years. Now we have a new example: Electric vehicle charging stations are now available in our parking garage at the corner of 2nd and Denny. Learn More: https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/ev-charging-station/

What A Time To Be Alive!

March 16, 2018 14:42 - 3 minutes - 5.07 MB

Learn about a tiny, fascinating new company now residing at Pacific Science Center. Meet one of the founders of Curio Interactive and what fuels the company's passion to create new worlds. More info: http://pacsci.org/?p=20334

The Power Of Making

March 07, 2018 16:06 - 3 minutes - 4.36 MB

The Power Of Making At Pacific Science Center, we talk a lot about making things...tinkering with things...tearing things apart to learn how they work. That idea is behind our very popular Tinker Tank, our maker space near the entrance to the Boeing IMAX Theater. It's also the idea behind many of the workshops we offer, in some of our summer camps, and other programs. And now we have a very cool example of the power of this stuff residing in Tinker Tank. More info: https://www.pacificscience...

Dawn Of A New Era

March 02, 2018 22:25 - 3 minutes - 4.86 MB

A fascinating event will be held at Pacific Science Center March 23-25, 2018...and event all about creating content for the emerging field of virtual reality. More info: http://cinematicvr.sixrfestival.com

Girls' Night Out

February 23, 2018 22:12 - 3 minutes - 4.83 MB

Our newest program aims to bring local girls together with women in STEM-related fields. For girls in grades 5-8, Girls' Night Out promises to be enlightening and fun. Learn more: https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/girls-night-out/

Wild Weather Week

February 16, 2018 20:23 - 3 minutes - 4.28 MB

At this time of year around the U.S. Pacific Northwest, our weather can get pretty crazy. Snow one minute, sunshine the next. So, Pacific Science Center decided to devout an entire week to it. We call it Wild Weather Week, February 19-25. Give a listen to this quick PacSci Podcast then round up every weather question you've ever had an make plans to join us. More info:

Help Fight Winter's Gloom

February 15, 2018 22:50 - 3 minutes - 4.99 MB

Winters in the U.S. Pacific Northwest can get a little gloomy. OK, downright dismal for many of us tired of the wet, dark, cold weather. So, what can we do? How about some gardening? Now, before you say 'it's too cold to garden,' give a listen to this quick PacSci Podcast. Then stop by for a stroll through our indoor and outdoor gardens. They're inspiring for all of us home gardeners.

A Mid-Winter Summer Tradition

February 02, 2018 20:47 - 3 minutes - 4.13 MB

It may be winter, but now is the time to be making plans for summer camps. As we hear in this quick PacSci Podcast, camps this year are more fascinating and more popular than ever. More info: https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/summer-camps/

A New Theater Opens Under The Arches

January 29, 2018 01:34 - 3 minutes - 5.19 MB

Since 1962, Pacific Science Center has operated theaters to help fulfill our mission of igniting curiosity and a passion for lifelong learning in all of us. Now we've added another theater to our lineup except this one is completely different. Learn more about our VR Microtheater in this quick PacSci Podcast then make plans to experience it yourself. For a limited time, there is no extra charge. https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/virtual-reality-microtheater/

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