Wednesday, February 23, 2011
An Eye on the Weather
Snow is expected, but for the moment the sun is shining on the Outdoor Discovery Center.
We open at 10 am today, so come down and play in our exhibits!
If you can't make it, look ahead at all the fun we have planned
(or download the newsletter to see the next three months at a glance).
If you can't make it, look ahead at all the fun we have planned
(or download the newsletter to see the next three months at a glance).
Monday, February 21, 2011
Check out some Sizzlin' Science acitivities today!




Step into the Gilbert Chemistry Lab and make "glowing goo," "instant snow" and more. Dave Stewart-Smith from the American Chemical Society will be at the Amphitheater until 4:00 p.m. demonstrating how to make green eggs and ham and some intense green slime.
Scavenger Hunt forms are due today by 5:00 p.m. So come by and drop off your form then experience experiments with science that sizzles.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Celebrating A. C. Gilbert's Birthday today!
Sizzlin' Science Scavenger Hunt: Clue #15
It's Elemental!
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!

I give the "Open" sign its flash.
I'm a Noble Gas, meaning I don't react much with other elements.
It's what enables me to be used inside a glass tube. My bright red color is created when an electric current is sent through the tube.
Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!
Clue #15

I give the "Open" sign its flash.
I'm a Noble Gas, meaning I don't react much with other elements.
It's what enables me to be used inside a glass tube. My bright red color is created when an electric current is sent through the tube.
Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Sizzlin' Science Scavenger Hunt: Clue #14
It's Elemental!
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!

Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!
Clue #14

Look around you! As the most abundant element in the earth's crust,
you can find me just about anywhere: in the minerals making up the rocks in
the Cascade Mountains, in the bricks and glass of the Carousel,
and even in the polymer plastic of the fake gems you see in the horses' bridles.
Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!you can find me just about anywhere: in the minerals making up the rocks in
the Cascade Mountains, in the bricks and glass of the Carousel,
and even in the polymer plastic of the fake gems you see in the horses' bridles.
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Sizzlin' Science Scavenger Hunt: Clue # 13
It's Elemental!
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!

Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!
Clue #13

I'm the most abundant metal in the earth's crust.
It's a good thing, because modern society has a lot of uses for me. You can find me in baseball bats, foil, pots and pans, CDs and bicycles to name a few.
Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Sizzlin' Science Scavenger Hunt: Clue #12
It's Elemental!
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!
Got this essential element?
Drink your milk, eat your leafy greens and take your vitamins.
You need me to be healthy. A primary component of your bones and teeth,
I can also be found in your body's fluids and tissues.
Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!
Clue #12
Got this essential element?
Drink your milk, eat your leafy greens and take your vitamins.
You need me to be healthy. A primary component of your bones and teeth,
I can also be found in your body's fluids and tissues.
Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Sizzlin' Science Scavenger Hunt: Clue #11
It's Elemental!
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!
A common component of antiseptics, I'm also an essential mineral.
I'm often added to table salt to ensure that you get enough of me to be healthy.
When heated, I form a beautiful violet vapor.
Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!
Clue #11
A common component of antiseptics, I'm also an essential mineral.
I'm often added to table salt to ensure that you get enough of me to be healthy.
When heated, I form a beautiful violet vapor.
Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Sizzlin' Science Scavenger Hunt: Clue #10
It's Elemental!
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!

Plentiful in the atmosphere, I can also form compounds that are considered pollution. I'm a component of window cleaners and fertilizers used for plants. Most plants just can't get enough of me!
Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!
Clue #10

Plentiful in the atmosphere, I can also form compounds that are considered pollution. I'm a component of window cleaners and fertilizers used for plants. Most plants just can't get enough of me!
Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Sizzlin' Science Scavenger Hunt: Clue#9
It's Elemental!
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!

I am a superhero element with a down-to-earth side.
I'm the most common element
on the planet and form much of the Earth's outer and inner core.
Find me in the nails and screws that hold houses together
and the locks that keep you safe.
Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!
Clue #9

I am a superhero element with a down-to-earth side.
I'm the most common element
on the planet and form much of the Earth's outer and inner core.
Find me in the nails and screws that hold houses together
and the locks that keep you safe.
Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Sizzlin' Science Scavenger Hunt: Clue #8
It's Elemental!
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!

I'm a bright and shiny precious metal,
one of the best conductors of electricity and heat around.
Because of my sensitivity to light,
I've been used in photographic films and prints.
Since antiquity, I've been used in coins.
Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!
Clue #8

I'm a bright and shiny precious metal,
one of the best conductors of electricity and heat around.
Because of my sensitivity to light,
I've been used in photographic films and prints.
Since antiquity, I've been used in coins.
Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Sizzlin' Science Scavenger Hunt: Clue #7
It's Elemental!
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!

Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!
Clue #7

I'm dense - heavy for my size and with a low melting point.
Because of my poisonous qualities I'm no longer used in paint pigment,
pewter dishes or plumbing pipes.
But you can still find me in wheel balancing weights and car batteries.
Because of my poisonous qualities I'm no longer used in paint pigment,
pewter dishes or plumbing pipes.
But you can still find me in wheel balancing weights and car batteries.
Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Sizzlin' Science Scavenger Hunt: Clue#6
It's Elemental!
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!

Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!
Clue #6

The Tin Man didn't have a heart, but he had me.
I'm shiny, malleable and used to coat other metals to prevent corrosion.
I'm most commonly used as the solder in electronics and plumbing.
I'm shiny, malleable and used to coat other metals to prevent corrosion.
I'm most commonly used as the solder in electronics and plumbing.
Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Sizzlin' Science Scavenger Hunt: Clue #5
It's Elemental!
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!
I'm a naturally occurring poison, commonly used as a pesticide. I'm one component of some semi-conductors in high speed circuits for superconductors and cell phones.
In the early 19th century, many fabric dyes contained me,
which was quite dangerous to mill workers.
Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!
Clue #5
I'm a naturally occurring poison, commonly used as a pesticide. I'm one component of some semi-conductors in high speed circuits for superconductors and cell phones.
In the early 19th century, many fabric dyes contained me,
which was quite dangerous to mill workers.
Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Chinese New Year Celebration
Chinese New Year Celebration
Saturay, February 5, 1 - 4 pm
free with admission
• Make a tissue paper dragon and Chinese lantern
• Visit our Chopstick Station to learn how to use chopsticks
• Participate in a traditional Chinese New Year dance
The first 75 kids will receive the traditional red envelopes with a tasty treat inside. For more information, call the museum at 503-371-3631.
Sizzlin' Science Scavenger Hunt: Clue #4
It's Elemental!
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!
Smell rotten eggs? Yeah, that's me.
I'm one of the few pure elements found in nature,
but I'm known most for my pure stink.
I'm used in gunpowder and pesticides.
On a sweeter note, I'm also used in winemaking.
Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!
Clue #4
Smell rotten eggs? Yeah, that's me.
I'm one of the few pure elements found in nature,
but I'm known most for my pure stink.
I'm used in gunpowder and pesticides.
On a sweeter note, I'm also used in winemaking.
Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Sizzlin' Science Scavenger Hunt: Clue #3
It's Elemental!
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!

Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster - if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!
Clue #3

Called the Element of Life, I'm abundant and able to form diverse bonds.
A diamond is forever-it's one of the hardest substances around. When found in graphite-widely used in pencils-I'm soft enough to leave a dark mark on paper.
A diamond is forever-it's one of the hardest substances around. When found in graphite-widely used in pencils-I'm soft enough to leave a dark mark on paper.
Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Sizzlin' Science Scavenger Hunt: Clue #2
It's Elemental!
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster-if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!
Too much or too little of me causes problems.
I'm extremely reactive and form compounds with other elements by giving up one electron.
I'm best known for my relationship with chloride. Together, we make table salt.
Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster-if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!
Clue #2
Too much or too little of me causes problems.I'm extremely reactive and form compounds with other elements by giving up one electron.
I'm best known for my relationship with chloride. Together, we make table salt.
Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Sizzlin' Science Scavenger Hunt: Clue #1
It's Elemental!
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster-if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!

Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Fifteen elements have been hidden in Salem's downtown core. Can you spot them all?
Use the photo clue below to find the location. Use the description to decipher the element. Look for the Sizzlin' Science poster-if you see a magnifying glass and an element in the bottom left-hand corner, you're in the right place!
Clue #1

I keep things simple—one proton, one electron.
You can find me throughout the universe,
but on Earth I’m most often in compounds, as in H2O (water).
Add water to soap and you get … bubbles!
Record the business name where you found the element and the full name of the element you found there. Then complete the form and send it in for a chance to win one of several sizzlin' prizes!
Click here to download all 15 clues and the entry form.
Sizzlin' Science is a three day, community-wide science festival taking place at the museum and at select locations in downtown Salem. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
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