The spark of imagination is part of what makes us human. It drives not only our more abstract endeavors, but also our pursuits into understanding the world around us on a more empirical basis.

Before Albert Einstein crafted his theory of general relativity, the nature of gravity was blocking the advancement of physics. Up until that point, no one could imagine how the force of massive bodies related to time and the trajectory of light. It was a huge conceptual leap to indicate that space and time were bending, molding to the presence of a massive body (or energy). This sort of paradigm shift has happened many times in the history of science: Newtonian mechanics, the periodic table, heliocentricity, and others. Making such a large change requires stepping out of what is conventionally... Keep reading.

While you are already enjoying Discovery Place’s brand new exhibits, did you know that we offer special programming just for Little Scientists? Little Scientists is a series of workshops just for two-year-olds and their adult caregivers. It provides an effective means for parents and other care providers to share moments of intellectual curiosity and time with their children.

Starting in October 2010, Little Scientists workshop topics will include insects, color and light, fishy fun, and many more. These topics will help your child gain knowledge in the building blocks of science, learning experiences that will serve them well in preschool and beyond.

Little Scientists workshops enhance the learning environment of the Museum; turning it into one giant classroom built for fun... Keep reading.

Mitchell Joachim is what you might call an innovative architect. A master in the ancient art of pleaching – that is, guiding the way trees grow to create a hedge, or in this case a house! - Joachim’s ideas challenge the way we look at today’s buildings. Combining architecture, biology and ancient pruning practices Joachim creates specific shapes using trees (check out the pics screen right) that bring life to modern dwellings.

Once the initial structure is completed, one can design and create the interior of a house within this arboreal framing. Innovative building techniques such as this limit the negative impact building has on the environment and helps sustain the ecosystem by blending with nature. Plus, Joachim’s creations are pretty cool... Keep reading.

Recently, a sporty, spunky trio of kids had the opportunity to experience the all-new Discovery Place for the first time on special assignment as "Rookie Reporters" for FOX News Charlotte

Abby, Sam and Bobbie Ann found science and technology at their fingertips as they took on an exciting mission to find out just what is so cool about physics, innovation, biodiversity and much, much more.

Click the links below to watch our three reporters in action as they learn, play and meet a whole realm of Discovery Place inhabitants. And, don’t forget to check back with our blog, because our Rookie Reporters will be making return visits. We'll make sure you’re in the know about all the cool stuff happening at Discovery Place.

Click on the links below:
Rookie Reporters –... Keep reading.

Driving through the Discovery Place parking deck one morning, I noticed a van had just hit a moth. Interested in identifying what type of moth had just suffered this unfortunate fate, I quickly parked and headed toward the scene of the “hit and run” with the intention of collecting the critter and getting it to my office. But as I approached, an uninvited guest swooped down and stole the object of my wonder, carrying it just out of my reach. As the thief started to peck vigorously at his prey my insect friend bounced in small arcs over and over in a brave attempt to escape. The attacker was not giving up easily though, doggedly pursuing the moth as I, wide eyed with wonder, marveled at the ancient predator vs. prey drama unfolding right before my eyes.

Finally, as the... Keep reading.