For instance, once you
are in, you can attend planetarium shows about planets and stars, earthquakes,
weather, or other topics without further charge. Other exhibits about earthquakes include a shaking house
that simulates the movement of three different magnitudes of earthquakes. On that tour visitors learn about the
San Francisco earthquake, the causes of earthquakes, where fault lines run, and
about how to be prepared for an earthquake. In addition, the academy has an extensive and beautifully
designed aquarium that could by itself provide hours of viewing and learning. There is also the African hall with
a variety of dioramas, some with mounted animals, and others with live animals,
including an entire colony of African penguins. One of the most
outstanding features is the largest spherical rain forest exhibit in the world
with a spiraling walkway going up four stories from the underbrush to the
canopy. Above the entire building
is a living roof, carpeted with plants native to California, with walkways
accessible to visitors. At
the working science labs you can learn about a variety of topics from the
experts. Considering all
that is available at the California Academy of Sciences, the cost of a day’s admission
is a worthwhile bargain.
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| The Morris Planetarium at the California Academy of Sciences with surrounding water features. -- Photo by Claudia Dorsey |
