First Friday: Game On! The Science of Sports

Philly is a sports city, and tonight we are looking at the science behind your favorite games!

Stop by our handling collection to learn about the curious history of turf, dirt, and gear, or complete one of our special themed scavenger hunts in honor of the FIFA World Cup. Learn how material science has shaped performance and safety over the decades. 

Celebrate the contributions of LGBTQIA+ scientists with our library team through a curated selection of biographies, archival photographs, and oral histories, as well as materials of past and present perspectives on physical wellness. 

Looking Ahead: Swing by on July  1 for the launch of our brand‑new ExhibitLab, Take Me Out to the Lab, where we will dive even deeper into the history and science of baseball. Mark your calendars for another round of interactive fun! 

We can’t wait to explore the science of sport with you—see you there! 

Othmer Library Tours

Did you know? We are giving public tours of our research library every First Friday! Come by at 5:15pm to get a behind-the-scenes look upstairs at the resources and archives available to all scientifically curious minds. Registration is not required, but space is limited. Learn more here.

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: “Plate No. 9: Medicinal Plants” from The Book of Health, by Henry M. Lyman, 1898.