This First Friday, join us for an immersive journey into the heart of our oceans as we explore the urgent challenges of water pollution, microplastics, and the incredible creatures that call the deep sea home. Plunge into the world of citizen science by testing out some of the instruments scientists use to monitor the health of our oceans, and learn what we can all do to combat this global issue.

How well do you know the creatures of the deep? Test your knowledge by diving into an interactive digital guessing game, “dissecting” a sculptural model of a shark from our collection, and playing a very special game of Go Fish.

Celebrate Citizen Science Month

This event is a part of Citizen Science Month! Explore how everyday people like YOU can participate in science. Our partners at Drexel University will be here to talk about what science projects they’re currently working on and how you can help! Discover the science taking place in the high-altitude ocean of the atmosphere to the ocean of the Antarctic, deep below the icy surface.

About First Fridays

Spark your curiosity while exploring the exhibits after hours! First Fridays bring together a myriad of activities covering everyday science, historical oddities, and everything in between. Grab your friends, and kick off an evening of discovery, surprise, and a little nerdy fun.

First Fridays at the Institute are always free and open to the public. Attendees will receive a 10% discount to National Mechanics restaurant.


Featured image: Detail of America’s Unlimited Source of Magnesium, Dow Chemical Company ad, April 1942.

More events

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For Families

Stories of Science: Color and Light

Join us in our museum EVERY SATURDAY for a family-friendly program that highlights strange and surprising stories from the history of science!

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Drop-In Tours

Stuff from Your House Highlights Tour

Join our museum educators at 11:30am or 2pm as we explore the scientific principles and history behind everyday household objects.

August Kekule, Catalyst of the Chemical Revolution. Jerry Allison, oil on canvas, ca. 1981.
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Science on Tap

Science on Tap, Untapped: Scientific Revolutions

At this semiquincentennial special edition of our science café, we explore revolutions in science. Come eat, drink, and learn about revolutionary moments in scientific advancements, from the study of diatoms to our understanding of dinosaurs.

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