Brookhaven National Laboratory
Science Tour
Brookhaven National Laboratory
Upton, NY 11973
(631) 344-2400 Group Tours • 344-4458 Summer Sundays
www.bnl.gov/

Groups Only, except during summer

Brookhaven is one of the nation's leading scientific research laboratories. With an initial mission to carry out research on the peaceful aspects of nuclear science, BNL has since broadened its scope to seek new knowledge in such fields as physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, medicine, oceanography, atmospheric sciences, and energy technology. Three Nobel Prize-winning discoveries have been made at the Alternating Gradient Synchrotron, BNL's high energy proton accelerator.

The Lab's Science Museum, housed in the world's first peacetime atomic research reactor, offers three floors of exciting exhibits that explore BNL's scientific advancements through past decades. Clear and colorful displays, interactive exhibits, historical collections, and media shows acquaint visitors with science and with Brookhaven's missions and accomplishments.

BNL is intended primarily for groups of 15 or more. Guided tours are geared to the age level of the group, ages 9 through adult.

Science Tours are provided for students from grade 4 through college, each tour geared to the specific age group. School Programs available for grades K through 3 are called Discovery Tours. Each tour consists of three 20-minute sessions centered around particular scientific themes. A few of the half dozen or so themes available are Mirror Magic: fascinating demonstration of the focusing of light and sound using concave mirrors; Sounds Around: investigates how sound is produced and travels; and Seeing the Light: explores the properties of light and color. A Discovery Program for 5th graders is: Magnets To Go: students discover the principles of magnetism and are introduced to electromagnets.

Teachers and students alike have great things to say about Brookhaven. Tours are very popular, so be sure to plan ahead.

Individuals and Families are welcome on "Summer Sundays" in July and/or August (except the 4th of July weekend), without reservations, between 10am and 3pm for a 2-hour guided tour. Visit the official website linked above for the current schedule.