The New York Hall of Science (Queens, NY) opened the Tony Hawk | Rad Science exhibit on Saturday. It will be open from now until April, 22nd 2013 and focuses on the physics of skateboarding. We checked it out and found it pretty interesting as it focuses on 25 different experiences:

Bodacious Board Balance: Ride stationary skateboards designed to test your balance in classic tricks like “grinding” and “manuals” on the safety of a padded surface.

900 Vert Theatre: Watch a short video and see the first time Tony Hawk ever successfully completed the “900” (2.5 revolutions in mid air) in competition.

Radical Trick Breakdown: Using slow motion video frame-by-frame, break down the four most common skateboarding street tricks.

Create-a-Skate: Learn the science behind skateboards including design, engineering, wood selection, production and accessorizing.

History Bowl: Compare milestones in physics history to major accomplishments in the history of skateboarding and skateboard design. Plus, see Tony Hawk’s first skateboard.

Video Game Physics: Use your knowledge of physics to control Tony Hawk’s ride through a virtual skate park.

Loop of Centripetal Force: Using plastic balls, attempt the 360-degree “loop of death.” Watch videos of skateboarders who have succeeded and failed at this trick.

Friction Hill: Encounter three different surfaces and see how the surface affects motion.

If you would like to visit in February and March, NYSCI is open 9:30 am – 5 pm Tuesday – Friday, and 10 am – 6 pm on weekends. In April, NYSCI is open 9:30 am – 5 pm Monday – Friday, and 10 am – 6 pm on weekends. Tickets, which can be purchased at the NYSCI box office, are $11 for adults and $8 for children (ages 2-17), college students with valid ID, and seniors (62+). Photos of the exhibit and upcoming events are posted below.

Additional Events:
NYSCI’s science instructors and Explainers are developing a series of inquiry activities and pre- and post-visit materials to enhance the educational aspects of Tony Hawk | Rad Science especially for school field trips. In addition, NYSCI will present public programs that provide an introduction to skating, and skate culture:

Rad Gear: Extreme Safety and Style – February 16, 2013; noon – 4 pm
See and sample products that aid in the safety and support of skating, biking and other forms of adventure sports. Put your individual stamp on sporting gear by making your own. Free with NYSCI admission.

Radical Tricks with TORRO! SKATEBOARDS NYC – March 9, 2013; noon – 4 pm
Pro-skater and Queens native, Rodney Torres, and the TORRO skateboard team will bring to life skateboarding tricks featured in Tony Hawk | Rad Science. Free with NYSCI admission.

Skate Day – March 23, 2013; noon – 4 pm
Design your own skateboard, experiment with ramps, and learn the fundamentals of skateboarding with a Go Skate pro skateboarder. Thirty-minute, Beginner and Advanced Beginner sessions offered. Space is limited. Free with NYSCI admission.

Rad Workshop Part One – March 29, 2013; 11 am – 2 pm
Learn the basics of controllers to make a wearable, electronic turn signal for rad—and safe— biking and skating. $20 per project plus NYSCI admission; $15 NYSCI members. Space is limited; pre-registration required.

Skate Day – April 20, 2013; noon – 4 pm
Learn the fundamentals of skateboarding, including safety and stunts, with a Go Skate pro skateboarder. Thirty-minute, Beginner and Advanced Beginner sessions offered. Space is limited. Free with NYSCI admission.

Rad Workshop Part Two – April 20, 2013; noon – 3 pm
Learn the basics of 3-D modeling to design and print your own finger skateboard with a 3D printer. $20 per project, plus NYSCI admission; $15 NYSCI members. Space is limited; pre- registration required.

Additional Links:
NYSCI Official Website
NYSCI on Twitter 
NYSCI on Facebook
NYSC on Tumblr