Emma Choe

30 March 2023

STEM Level 1: Exploratorium Field Trip

a. Name: Emma Choe

b. Activity Title: Exploratorium Field Trip

c. Activity Summary:

Recently, I attended a field trip to the esteemed San Francisco Exploratorium. I learned more

about STEAM notions throughout the trip thanks to a variety of interesting activities and

exhibits. The Exploratorium provided an incredible educational experience through hands-on

involvement and interactive learning. The room appears strangely devoid of color because it is

illuminated solely by light of a single color. Typically, the world around us is illuminated by light

of diverse colors. When this multi-colored light interacts with objects, some colors are absorbed

while others are reflected. It is the reflected light that gives objects their perceived color. For

instance, a sweater appears red because it reflects red light into our eyes. However, in this room,

there is no red, blue, or green light present to bounce off objects and give them their respective

hues. With only one color of light to absorb or reflect, objects appear relatively uniform in color.

The yellowish illumination in the room stems from low-pressure sodium lamps, which are used

to minimize light pollution in astronomical observatories because it is easier to filter out light of

a single color. Sodium lamps of various types are commonly employed in streetlights due to their

energy efficiency. The sodium vapor lamps, like the ones illuminating the room, emit

monochromatic light, specifically at a wavelength of 589 nanometers. Another thing that

intrigued me was an image on the wall titled “Marilyn Einstein.” From far away, it appeared that

the image is Marilyn Monroe. However, it looks like Albert Einstein up close. The "Marilyn
Einstein" exhibit at the San Francisco Exploratorium presents a captivating visual illusion that

explores the concept of perception. By combining images of Marilyn Monroe and Albert

Einstein using a technique called ambiguous imaging or hybrid imaging, the exhibit

demonstrates how our brains interpret visual information. The exhibit overlays a low-frequency

image of Marilyn Monroe with a high-frequency image of Albert Einstein. The low-frequency

components represent the overall contours and features of Marilyn Monroe, while the

high-frequency components capture the finer details associated with Albert Einstein. When

viewed from a distance, our brain processes the low-frequency components and perceives the

image as Marilyn Monroe. However, as we move closer to the image, our brain starts focusing

on the high-frequency components, resulting in a shift in perception to Albert Einstein. The

Marilyn Einstein exhibit at the San Francisco Exploratorium provides an engaging exploration of

visual perception, emphasizing the influence of context, selective attention, and spatial

frequencies on how we perceive objects. It showcases the fascinating ways in which our brain

processes and makes sense of visual information. In conclusion, my field trip to the San

Francisco Exploratorium was an educational adventure that exposed me to a wealth of

knowledge and hands-on experiences. The trip deepened my understanding of STEAM-related

ideas and concepts. Through interactive exhibits, new vocabulary, and intriguing equipment, the

Exploratorium provided a transformative experience that nurtured my passion for learning and

inspired me to explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics

further.

d. Reflection: Please write your impressions of this activity/experience. Write at least the

equivalent of ½ of a typed page.

 i. Write about why any part of it was interesting or important. Why? Are there any

aspects of the experience that were inspiring or made you think about a possible

career opportunity?

ii. Please pose at least 3 important questions that you now have that were not

addressed or answered during your activity.

My recent visit to the San Francisco Exploratorium for a field trip was an enlightening and

captivating experience. The array of activities and exhibits offered a deeper understanding of

STEAM concepts and the interconnectedness of science, technology, engineering, art, and

mathematics. Engaging in hands-on learning made the experience both enjoyable and

educational. One intriguing aspect was the monochromatic room that was illuminated solely by a

single color, resulting in a lack of vibrant hues. It made me appreciate the significance of

different colors in our perception of the world. Exploring how objects absorb and reflect light of

varying colors provided insights into why objects appear in specific shades. Additionally, the use

of low-pressure sodium lamps to reduce light pollution and their energy efficiency showcased

practical applications of scientific principles. The "Marilyn Einstein" exhibit captured my

attention and stimulated thoughts about perception. Combining images of Marilyn Monroe and

Albert Einstein, it created a visual illusion that highlighted how our brains interpret visual

information based on context and spatial frequencies. This experience sparked my curiosity

about the field of visual perception and its potential career opportunities. The field trip as a

whole inspired me to consider various career paths related to STEAM fields. The interactive

nature of the exhibits, combined with clear explanations and demonstrations, revealed the

practical applications of science and technology in our everyday lives. It broadened my

perspective on the diverse range of opportunities available in these fields and ignited a desire for

further exploration. Reflecting on the experience, it led me to contemplate important questions:

1. How does the brain process and interpret visual information to perceive colors?

2. What other real-world applications can stem from understanding light absorption and

reflection?

3. Are there specific professions or disciplines dedicated to visual perception and its

implications?

In conclusion, the field trip to the San Francisco Exploratorium provided a captivating and

educational adventure. It offered hands-on experiences, deepened my understanding of STEAM

concepts, and sparked a passion for exploring the wonders of science, technology, engineering,

art, and mathematics. I left with a renewed enthusiasm for learning and a greater appreciation for

the diverse opportunities within these fields.

e. Current Article analysis:

I. Author: Jeff Ward-Bailey

II. Date: 3 April 2015

III. Title: “Einstein or Marilyn? How this optical illusion hides two faces in one portrait”

IV. URL Link:

https://www.csmonitor.com/Science/Science-Notebook/2015/0403/Einstein-or-Marilyn-H

ow-this-optical-illusion-hides-two-faces-in-one-portrait

V. A research team from MIT has developed an optical illusion called "Marilyn Einstein"

that provides insights into the way our brains process visual information. Unlike

traditional optical illusions, this one goes a step further, demonstrating how the brain

prioritizes certain details. The illusion begins with a small and blurry image of Marilyn
Monroe, but as it zooms in, it seemingly transforms into a clear picture of Albert

Einstein. The reason behind this transformation lies in the fine details becoming

discernible only when the image is viewed up close or for a longer duration. This

phenomenon not only highlights potential vision problems but also reveals an intriguing

aspect of how our brains handle visual information. In experiments conducted by the MIT

team, participants were shown the hybrid image for varying durations. In a quick flash of

30 milliseconds, individuals could only perceive Monroe, as the brain did not have

sufficient time to process the finer features of Einstein's face. However, with a longer

exposure of 150 milliseconds, they were able to perceive Einstein but not Monroe. These

experiments suggest that our brains prioritize different aspects within an image or scene.

Brief exposures result in low spatial resolution information, providing a general

understanding of the overall shape. Longer exposures allow us to capture finer details,

indicating that the brain processes low spatial resolution information before moving on to

specifics. This research holds potential implications for companies seeking to optimize

the appearance of their advertisements or logos at different distances or sizes. By

understanding how the brain processes visual stimuli, they can design visuals that are

visually appealing from a distance while revealing more intricate details as viewers

approach. Likewise, manufacturers could apply this research to conceal text or

information on their devices, ensuring it is only visible when observed up close.