Take a Risk for fun!
Now through September 7, 2009

Looking for some adventure? Fasten your seatbelt and strap on your helmet for an exciting look into the science behind some risky behavior with Risk!, the new interactive traveling exhibit at the Virginia Air & Space Center. Risk! presents some extraordinary, eye-opening realizations that emphasize our perception, or misperception, of risk. Come face-to-face with a few risky situations that will help you better understand the science of risk and how it can affect the quality and nature of our lives.

The Beam Walk introduces you to Risk! where you will experience your first taste of excitement. Imagine walking on a seven-inch-wide steel beam, 17 stories above the ground faced with challenges like wind, construction and a flock of birds. Will you move forward or stay behind?

Math, science and probability play a significant role in risk assessment. The Bed of Nails is a spine-tickling interaction that illustrates how lying on thousands of nails may not be the sticky situation that you would expect. Lying on a Plexiglas bed, a geared system slowly raises nails through the bed lifting you into the air. Will you escape harm or become a human pincushion?

Learn about the concepts behind probability and non-quantitative factors in the Gambling and Probability Area. The hands-on exhibit Ball of Danger displays two containers of red and white balls that represent poison. Each container has a set number of each color for you to decide which is more dangerous. Other hands-on activities in the Gambling and Probability Area include coin flipping, dice tossing and playing the odds.

Do you exercise or eat fatty foods? Discover how these lifestyle choices can affect your quality of life in How Old Are You Really? The computer program asks a series of questions to show how certain behaviors influence our true health age.

Switches is an interactive exhibit that puts you in the hot seat. The classic game show-style component assesses how far you would be willing to go to be a winner! The fun begins when you pull a series of eight switches to earn points. Flashing lights and cheering represent a good switch choice, but be aware if you pull the wrong switch - you could end up with nothing.

The element of risk is present in everything we do. The Extreme Gallery focuses on how certain protective objects were created in response to risky behavior. Learn about the creation of the bicycle helmet, bulletproof vest and steel mesh shark tunic.

Thanks to Exhibit Sponsors: