Batavia, Illinois: Particle Physics Playground
Kids and kid-like adults can "Run Like a Proton" and "Wave Like a Particle." Indoors, you can gaze into an actual, working cloud chamber.
Lederman Science Center
- Address:
- Pine St., Batavia, IL
- Directions:
- Lederman Science Center. I-88 exit onto Farnsworth Ave. N. Drive north three miles. Turn right onto Pine St. (As you enter Fermilab, you'll have to stop at a checkpoint and show a photo ID.) Drive approximately one mile. The Science Center will be on the right.
- Hours:
- M-F 8:30-4:30, Sa 9-3 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 630-840-8258
- Admission:
- Free (donation requested)
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Outside the Fermilabs Lederman Science Center is a playground where the kid-in-you can "Run Like a Proton" and "Wave Like a Particle." Additionally, you can gaze at a decommissioned bubble chamber and act as a human sundial. If you are running like a proton, be a little careful where you step because the numerous Canada geese have left their own particles on the limestone jogging track. Inside the Science Center is an actual, working cloud chamber in which you can observe the invisible particles all around us making little tracks in supersaturated alcohol vapor. Quite mesmerizing, actually.
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Okay, but where's the "Slide Like a Slide Rule"...?