We communicate to share information. Early humans left evocative drawings on cave walls. Today we can reach around the world with the tap of a button. Communication investigates all the ways we express ourselves: written, spoken, gestural, symbolic, electronic, digital and more, from totem poles to texts.

Explore the origins and history of human language and learn about the physics behind some of the technology we use today. See how our brains respond to words and sounds, learn some basic sign language, try writing Chinese calligraphy, share your thoughts at social media stations, and discover how photos are transmitted at the speed of light.

Exhibition Highlights

Graffiti is a form of expression dating back millennia, found in Italy’s Pompeii and other ancient cities. Today, it’s considered part nuisance, part art form. On our 10-foot-long Graffiti Wall, you can use digital “spray paint” to leave your mark. Your tag is welcome here!

Try learning a few words in Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin Chinese or a special British lingo called “Cockney Rhyming Slang” at the Language Karaoke station.

Young Learners

Babies learn by mimicking what they see and hear around them. Find out how speech, visual acuity and manual dexterity develop in young children; and how to foster their development. Toddlers can enjoy “stroll-up stations” offering activities such as experiments with gears, shapes, sounds and patterns.communicate to share information. Early humans left evocative drawings on cave walls. Today we can reach around the world with the tap of a button. Communication investigates all the ways we express ourselves: written, spoken, gestural, symbolic, electronic, digital and more, from totem poles to texts.

Explore the origins and history of human language and learn about the physics behind some of the technology we use today. See how our brains respond to words and sounds, learn some basic sign language, try writing Chinese calligraphy, share your thoughts at social media stations, and discover how photos are transmitted at the speed of light.

Exhibition Highlights

Graffiti is a form of expression dating back millennia, found in Italy’s Pompeii and other ancient cities. Today, it’s considered part nuisance, part art form. On our 10-foot-long Graffiti Wall, you can use digital “spray paint” to leave your mark. Your tag is welcome here!

Try learning a few words in Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin Chinese or a special British lingo called “Cockney Rhyming Slang” at the Language Karaoke station.

Young Learners

Babies learn by mimicking what they see and hear around them. Find out how speech, visual acuity and manual dexterity develop in young children; and how to foster their development. Toddlers can enjoy “stroll-up stations” offering activities such as experiments with gears, shapes, sounds and patterns.

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For Educators - Discovery Challenge!

Create a Space Time Capsule – Grades 3-5

Language and the ability to communicate abstract ideas may be the single most important trait that separates humans from other animals. Learn about how human communication has evolved from handprints on cave walls to the digital tools that link us today. In this Discovery Challenge based on our Communication exhibition, students explore different forms of communication and create a space time capsule!

Our Sponsors

Communication is made possible by the generosity of Verizon New Jersey and the National Science Foundation.