Great Lakes Science Center exploring aviation advancements and more with ‘Above and Beyond’ – News-Herald
Less than a month after the Cleveland National Air Show returned to the skies over Northeast Ohio, the Great Lakes Science Center is exploring the science behind flight, as well as the future of aerospace technology and air travel, with a new interactive experience.
Presented by Boeing and produced by Evergreen Exhibitions in collaboration with NASA and the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, “Above and Beyond” opens Sept. 25 and runs through Jan. 2 at the attraction on Cleveland’s North Coast.
“The Science Center is thrilled to offer this incredible, interactive exhibition that highlights the science and wonder of flight,” said President & CEO Dr. Kirsten Ellenbogen in a news release.
“From the moment guests enter through an immersive theater experience they will feel the excitement and inspiration that has accompanied humanity’s quest for flight.”
The 5,000-square-foot exhibition boasts interactive demonstrations of the advances in aviation and aerospace from the first powered flights to the newest innovations.
Within the exhibition, guests will be able to step into a simulated space elevator that takes them to the edge of the universe, design and test a supersonic jet to face off in a virtual high-speed flying competition, experience a flight simulation with motion-sensing technology to get a sense of what it’s like to fly like a bird and discover concepts for future aircraft, according to the release.
Great Lakes Science Center Vice President of Education and Exhibits Scott Vollmer said “Above and Beyond,” which is included with general admission to the venue, offers plenty of mind-blowing experiences for visitors.
“You get to start out learning the history of the innovations of flight and aeronautics,” Vollmer said. “That’s 100 years, and it’s condensed pretty quickly. From there, you get to learn how a bird can fly and why you can’t.”
Something that Vollmer is nearly giddy about is the “Full Throttle” exhibit, which in museum parlance is referred to as a prolonged-engagement attraction. The two-part experience begins with users designing their own jet fighter, which is later put to the test through a speed-and-maneuverability obstacle course.
“There’s a score at the end,” Vollmer said. “What we’ve seen in other exhibits involving a competition is kids get excited because they get to do it again and do it differently.
“I foresee people walking up, learning how to design a plane, racing and if they lose they going back and making changes.”
Originally scheduled to open just as the pandemic arrived in early 2020, “Above and Beyond” marks the Great Lakes Science Center’s first temporary interior exhibit in nearly two years.
Vollmer noted it’s not hyperbole to suggest the attraction’s potential impact on inspiring future generations of pilots and engineers.
“Workforce development is a big part of what we do here at the science center, whether it’s exhibits or school programs,” Vollmer said. “We’re constantly looking at industries that are in Northeast Ohio and trying to prepare the next generation to join those workforces.”
‘Above and Beyond’
When: Sept. 25 through Jan. 2.
Where: Great Lakes Science Center, 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland.
Tickets: $16.95 for adults and $13.95 for children (ages 2 to 12).
Info: 216-694-2000 or GreatScience.com.
Great Lakes Science Center exploring aviation advancements and more with ‘Above and Beyond’