Please note our museum hours while we undergo renovations.
Museum HoursWed–Fri: 12:30pm–5pm | Sat: 10am–5pm

This First Friday, join us for an immersive journey into the heart of our oceans as we explore the urgent challenges of water pollution, microplastics, and the incredible creatures that call the deep sea home. Plunge into the world of citizen science by testing out some of the instruments scientists use to monitor the health of our oceans, and learn what we can all do to combat this global issue.

How well do you know the creatures of the deep? Test your knowledge by diving into an interactive digital guessing game, “dissecting” a sculptural model of a shark from our collection, and playing a very special game of Go Fish.

Celebrate Citizen Science Month

This event is a part of Citizen Science Month! Explore how everyday people like YOU can participate in science. Our partners at Drexel University will be here to talk about what science projects they’re currently working on and how you can help! Discover the science taking place in the high-altitude ocean of the atmosphere to the ocean of the Antarctic, deep below the icy surface.

About First Fridays

Spark your curiosity while exploring the exhibits after hours! First Fridays bring together a myriad of activities covering everyday science, historical oddities, and everything in between. Grab your friends, and kick off an evening of discovery, surprise, and a little nerdy fun.

First Fridays at the Institute are always free and open to the public. Attendees will receive a 10% discount to National Mechanics restaurant.


Featured image: Detail of America’s Unlimited Source of Magnesium, Dow Chemical Company ad, April 1942.

More events

frontispiece plate of illustrations of the blood spectra
March 29, 2025
For Families

Stories of Science

Join us in our museum EVERY SATURDAY for a family-friendly program that highlights strange and surprising stories from the history of science!

Women in lab coat using a spectrophotometer
March 29, 2025
Drop-In Tours

Women in Chemistry Tour

Drop in for a tour highlighting the central role of women in shaping chemistry and the material sciences throughout history.

Ad for L’Insectoline
April 5, 2025
Free

Science & Activism Tour

From Rachel Carson to ACT UP, explore how scientists and activists have shaped discovery and created change.

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