Exploratorium

During a recent weekend in San Francisco with my husband, Pat, we went exploring at The Exploratium on Pier 15. I was delighted to see and experience the various galleries. However, my favorite was the East Gallery-LIVING SYSTEMS with its Microscope Imaging Station.

Behind the note on the window in the picture were various plants at different growth stages, microscopes and necessary research tools. The botanicals were being used for propagation and cell structure research during various conditions and soil types.

Once I pulled myself from the window I was met with a “slice of a Douglas Fir” which is several hundred years old. As I saw its enormous lacy root structure and rings it made me appreciate this “once-living organism” (as it is called). I just saw beauty. Have I told you of my love affair with trees?

The curator's hope is that it creates an appreciation of the living world and the many ways that it can be explored.

For me, it created awe and wonder of what is growing around us. I truly enjoyed this East Gallery the most but found the Central Gallery a close second. The Exploratium should be visited by everyone, no matter your age or interests!

(photo by Toni Greer)

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