Sometimes, I like to quiz my grandson, Beckett. He’s six and pretty sharp. When I ask him, “What’s the closest star to Earth?” he grins and says, “It’s the sun, Papa Troy. Duh.” He’s also curious about the stars and wonders if there are little aliens chatting with their “grandaliens” about faraway worlds. If they even have noses, that is.
We’ve talked a lot about science. Beckett is interested in gravity, supernovas, ecology, and pollution. He dreams of being an astronaut one day. He knows he needs to study math and science first. Maybe even learn to fly. I get it—many astronauts aren’t pilots, but flying skills could be handy!
But I can’t help but worry. What happens when Beckett gets older? What if he asks me tough questions, like “What are onions made of?” I’m not sure I could answer that. Those kinds of questions might stump me!
That’s why I’m glad there’s the Pensacola MESS Hall. It’s a cool nonprofit science museum that offers hands-on learning for all ages. It’s designed for kids but has plenty for adults, too. Learning doesn’t have to stop at any age!
The MESS Hall brings in about 8,000 to 9,000 visitors a year, plus thousands of students for field trips. They focus on math, science, engineering, and technology, making it fun and engaging.
They recently announced “Science Night Live,” a series of events for adults. Each month, there’s a new topic to explore. This is a great chance for me—someone who feels like they’re not much smarter than a fifth grader—to learn alongside others.
Here are some upcoming events:
- Extreme Precipitation Workshop
January 30, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free admission. Learn about the effects of severe rain and which communities are at risk. - Singles Science Night
February 13, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $30. An interactive night for singles to tackle science challenges together, with drinks and snacks included. - Pi Day Celebration
March 14, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are $30. Celebrate the magic of pi with pizza and fascinating discussions about this irrational number.
Learning is a lifelong adventure. I’m excited to explore it with Beckett and maybe even go to some of these events myself. If you’re ready to reignite your curiosity, join us at the Pensacola MESS Hall!
The MESS Hall is located at 418 E. Wright St. For more information, visit www.pensacolamesshall.org.
Check out this related article: Exploring Plate Tectonics: Is Earth the Sole Planet in Our Solar System with This Unique Feature?
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