Wind tunnel
Fold a paper rocket, test it in a column of moving air, change the fins, try again.
All ages
Hall guide
Forces and motion
A big, loud, busy hall about pushes and pulls. Ride a hovercraft, race on ramps, lift a motorbike with one hand and send paper rockets up a wind tunnel.
Exhibits
What is in the hall
Hovercraft ride
Sit on a leaf blower powered platform and glide across the floor. Feel friction disappear.
7 and upRace ramps
Roll balls, cars and cylinders down tracks and find out which wins, and why.
All agesGiant lever
Lift a real motorbike with one hand using a long enough lever.
4 and up
Curriculum links
What children learn
- 01
Friction
Why the hovercraft glides and the trainers grip.
- 02
Gravity
Why heavy and light balls land together, mostly.
- 03
Levers and pulleys
The same trick builders use on sites across Abuja.
- 04
Air pressure
How wings and paper rockets both use moving air.
Tips
Visiting tips
The hall is busiest from 10.30am to 12.30pm on school days. Come early or after 2pm for more room. Staff demonstrations run on the hour, and there is seating along the back wall for grandparents.
In the hall
Tap a photo to see it larger.
Questions about this hall
Is it safe for small children?
Yes, with an adult close by. Every exhibit is tested by three school classes before it opens, and staff are always on the floor.
How long should we allow?
About an hour for most families, longer if someone gets hooked on the wind tunnel.
Can teachers get worksheets?
Yes, free from the schools page, for Primary 4 to SS2.
