Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear is a 6,000 square foot traveling exhibition developed by the California Science Center, which provides an experiential and holistic view of fear science, examining the physiological, neurobiological and sociological aspects of fear.

Engaging activities in Goose Bumps! allow visitors to experience fear in a safe and enjoyable environment, rate their response, understand the science behind the emotion and reflect upon its personal meaning.

 

Exhibit highlights include:

Fear Challenge Course

Get your heart pumping and your palms sweaty as you face some common fears, such as the Fear of Animals, the Fear of Electric Shock and the Fear of Falling.

Fear Lab

Meet Mr. Goose Bumps, a larger-than-life figure that uses playful animations to show how the brain and body work together to respond to danger. Interactive experiences help you delve deeper into the brain systems and pathways activated by fear, and graphic panels profile scientists doing cutting-edge emotion research.

Faces of Emotion

Explore the facial expressions of fear and other emotions and interact with an experimental software program that tries to analyze and identify your facial expressions.

Fear in the Wild

Play the "Freeze Game," an immersive interactive video installation,and learn how animals survive in their natural environments.

Fear Theater

Catch a live demo focusing on the process of fear conditioning, and learn how scientists measure the fear response in the lab. Then watch a brief documentary-style video about the interaction between our collective fears and entertainment, history and culture.

Coping with Fear

Explore the way fears change over a lifetime and learn how to help children deal with their fears.

Teacher's Guide

Download a teachers guide for grades K-8, to get the most out of the exhibit with your students.

Bring Goose Bumps to Your Museum

Learn about the this and other exhibits for rent from the California Science Center.