G.WIZ Museum

G.WIZ, the Gulf Coast Wonder and Imagination Zone, is a hands-on science museum located at the Blivas Science & Technology Center, right off the bay in Sarasota.  The stated mission of G.WIZ is "to make science relevant, technology understandable, and learning an interactive adventure for people of all ages."  G.WIZ offers 85 fun and educational exhibits for visitors to enjoy.

G.WIZ exhibits are divided into "Zones," each offering visitors the opportunity to explore different aspects of science and nature.  EcoZone, for example, teaches about animal species native to Florida.  EcoZone features snakes, box turtles, and other creatures in the Sutton´s Garden.

EnergyZone explores electricity, light, magnetism, and sound.  Activities at EnergyZone include the Harmonograph, a giant Spirograph which allows visitors to create a one-of-a-kind design by using pendulum motion; and the Bernoulli Blower, which causes a beach ball to float in midair.  Also at EnergyZone, the Frozen Shadows exhibit lets participants make a special shadow image, the Plasma Ball lets them make a safe bolt of lightning, and Simple Circuits lets them track electricity.  The science of sound is explored in Echo Tube, which lets guests speak or clap their hands and hear the sound of the echo; Speaking Tubes, which "bends" voices; and Whisper Dishes, presenting the power of a whisper.  A magnetism exhibit allows guests to build bridges and other structures with magnets.

The TechZone focuses on technology.  One of G.WIZ´s most popular exhibits allows visitors to build their own robots, then connect them to motors and watch as they move.  The Machine Village teaches about screws, levers, pulleys, gears, and hydraulics.  Other TechZone activities include the opportunity to make an animated video and add sound to each scene, and the chance to design and launch a paper airplane.

The WaveZone has exhibits that experiment with light and sound waves.  Visitors can play a laser harp and a laser guitar, and see different vibrations associated with sound by plucking the strings of the Oscylinder Scope.  The WaveZone also has a Sound Studio, a Strobe Fan, and a special LEGO platform that allows guests to see how 3-D works.

The BodyZone has numerous exhibits associated with the human body.  Visitors can test their bodies´ capabilities at the Sprint Station, which measures speed, the Grip Strength Station, the Height Station, the Leap Station, the Heart Rate Station, and the Hang Tuff Exhibit. 

G.WIZ also features a special Kids Lab Zone, geared specifically toward young people.  A wall of music, a levers and gears exhibit, and other activities let children experience the joy of science.

Traveling exhibits change regularly at G.WIZ, and offer even more opportunities for educational experience.  In addition, the museum offers various programs for everyone, from preschool age through adult, to learn more about science. 

The exhibit galleries at G.WIZ are open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 6:00 p.m.  The G.WIZ administration suggests allowing at least one and one-half to two hours to enjoy all available exhibits and activities.

Admission prices are $9.00 for adults, $6.00 for young people under age 18, and $8 for seniors over age 65.  Children under age 3 and G.WIZ Members are entitled to free admission.  The museum also offers discounted rates for groups of 15 or more.