Harsco Science Center Exhibits
Environment and Ecology
Environment and Ecology shines on Pennsylvania as a perfect place to focus on the natural world with its beautiful landscapes, magnificent rivers and abundant natural resources. The Galleries of Environment and Ecology explore the world around us, from global environmental issues to the environment that starts in our own backyards.

Global Environment explores the forces that shape our planet, the structure of our planet and its atmosphere, the scientific explanation for the seasons and for climate differences around the world, and the global systems that create our weather. Visitors experiment with a planetary puzzle that shows why the continents are where they are, and explains the forces that make mountains and cause earthquakes, make the Earth orbit around the Sun and see why it's winter in Harrisburg when it's summer in New Zealand. Guests also find out about the layers of atmosphere between the surface of the Earth and the vacuum of space, and get the big picture of life on earth and the relationships between living things.

Watersheds emphasize one of the most conspicuous features of the local landscape: the magnificent Susquehanna River that runs a few short blocks from Whitaker Center. The Susquehanna plays an important role in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, and is the source of half the water in the Bay. Watersheds includes a large model of the watershed, experiments with erosion and flood control, and information on the surprising sources of pollution and the important role of wetlands.

Pennsylvania Environments focuses on the richness of the natural world in Central Pennsylvania. Its centerpiece is a walk-through, wheelchair-accessible Limestone Cave. Interactive exhibits reveal the geological stratigraphy of Pennsylvania and the tectonic forces that create mountains. A Field Station outside the Cave displays natural scientists' notebooks and labeled samples of local rock, insects and vegetation. It includes a water lab where visitors test water from the River, local lakes and streams, rainwater, and other sources, and carry out investigations of biodiversity and acidity.