The W.O.N.D.E.R. Center
Located on Level 1
The Walton Optimal Neurological Discovery Education and Research Center at Arizona Science Center.
An exploration of the original supercomputer – the human brain – The W.O.N.D.E.R. Center is one of our permanent galleries. If you've ever wondered about the brain, here's your chance to examine its anatomy, neuroscience, development, and thought.
- Examine our touchable brain model. It simulates the size, weight and texture of a real brain!
- Compare different types of animal brains and see a human brain in the Brain Museum.
Additional resources for families and educators provided by the National Institute of Mental Health:
- A Parent's Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Student's Guide: The Brain's Inner Workings
- Teacher's Guide: The Brain's Inner Workings
TAKE A MindUP™ BRAIN BREAK
Arizona Science Center and The Hawn Foundation have partnered together to offer guests three exciting ways to explore your brain.
3 Ways to Explore Your Brain!
The Brain Show
Come interact with our giant electro-mechanical brain model and learn about three amazing pieces of the brain and how they interact with each other to make you more mindful. Get hands on in this interactive demo learning about the hippocampus, the amygdala, and the prefrontal cortex. Walk away with a new knowledge of your own brain that will empower you to learn better, be happier and get more out of your own mind!
MindUP™ Lab
Join Arizona Science Center facilitators and explore the MindUP™ brain through a fun and interactive group lab experience. Learn more about how our amygdala, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex work in our body while you interact "hands-on" with lab activities, fun games and more! Custom group experiences and teacher professional development are available by request with advance registration.
Take a Brain Break in The W.O.N.D.E.R. Center, Level 1
Climb into the Brain Break Kiosk and experience first-hand a MindUP™ Brain Break. Select any of three unique MindUP™ mindfulness exercises designed to quiet the mind, help you relax and gain focus, reduce stress and be calm. Every brain needs a break, and this neuroscience practice helps you train your brain so you can be present in the current moment and improve your concentration skills.
Visit on-site monitors for our daily show schedule or add all three of these elements onto your next Arizona Science Center field trip for FREE! Request a "Brain Break" when you contact our Reservations team at 602.716.2028 or reservations@azscience.org. Discounted tickets are available to student groups for field trips and Title One Schools are eligible for free field trips. Click HERE to book. To find out more information about MindUP™, please visit www.thehawnfoundation.org or email brainbuzz@thehawnfoundation.org.
Presented in partnership with
