Science/Tech Museums

Mountain View, Calif.

http://www.computerhistory.org

ADMISSION: Free (donations welcome)

ENGINEERING JUDGES: Sue Kayton and Myron Kayton

JUNIOR JUROR: Daniel, age 18

This museum is home to some very historic whole and partial computer systems, including portions of the massive ENIAC computer, one of the world's first digital electronic computers; an 1889 Hollerith census tabulator; and a guidance computer that steered Apollo spacecraft to the moon's surface. The intended audience is middle-school age and older. Our judges were very impressed by the "incredibly knowledgeable detailed explanations from the docents," thinking "Wow! We've sure come a long way!" The junior juror's reaction: "Wow! That's what a computer used to look like?"

Canada Science and Technology Museum

PHOTO: CANADA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MUSEUM

Ottawa

http://www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca

ADMISSION: Adults: US $5; students/seniors: $4; children (4-14): $2.50; children (under 4): free; special rates for groups and families

ENGINEERING JUDGES: Damitha Ranaweera and Ravindra Kuruneru

JUNIOR JUROR: Amanda, age 9

Exhibits here focus on the broad history, principles, and applications of science and technology. The facility also has a planetarium and offers rides on a restored 1913 train. Our judges declared this museum to be a "very good place to learn fundamentals of science and Canada's contribution to technology." There are also many fun hands-on exhibits for kids, including those at the space exhibit, which was the highlight for the junior juror and featured many artifacts from Canada's space program.

—By Janet M. Six