From the toy aisle to boxes of macaroni and cheese and everywhere in between, it's hard to escape the Force. The country has been swept up in Star Wars mania since well before the release of Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens in December.
Now the Museum of Discovery is getting in on the fun with its Star Wars Science event, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to learn a bit about the science behind some of their favorite movies while also making some out-of-this-world mementos to take home.
Star Wars Science
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Museum of Discovery, 500 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock
Admission: $10; $8 for children 1-12, ages 60 and older, teachers, military and Little Rock city employees
(501) 396-7050
As Chief Marketing Officer Kendall Thornton explains, the story of a galaxy far, far away with its heavy use of science and technology is a perfect fit for the museum: "This is a good way to take something that kids already love and teach them the science behind it. This will be able to take something like a light saber that seems very cool and teach kids possibly how they work or what we can make into a light saber using technology."
Besides, the multi-generational appeal of the movies helps the museum encourage "family learning," offering activities for all ages.
The museum has mined the Star Wars world for an activity before, using it as the theme for one of its Science After Dark adults-only programs.
"It went over so well and we had such a good time that we just knew that we had to do an event for families," Thornton says.
Hands-on activities will include creating light sabers using LED lights, making BB-8 replicas, building hovercrafts and assembling and testing Star Wars-style aircraft.
Guests will also get the chance to use figurines to create stop-motion animation videos.
For children who are interested in the dark side, there will be "plastic fusion Vader capes" of melted plastic to wear.
"Even if you don't love Star Wars, this is going to be a great day of hands-on learning," Thornton says. "You'll leave with a light saber and a Vader cape and a huge smile on your face and you'll also be a little bit wiser as to how some of these things work and that, obviously, is what we're all about."
Weekend on 05/12/2016