Explore our galleries for eye-opening exhibits that reveal the psychology and sociology behind elections, voting, and collective decision-making. How do we reach consensus, and how do we influence each other in the process? Make the best decision of your week by joining us at the Exploratorium this Thursday night.

The Tactile Dome Gets Spooky

Every Thursday night this October The Tactile Dome invites you to embrace your fears and immerse yourself in total darkness by walking, crawling, climbing, and sliding your way through this interactive sculpture—but there’s more. Explore the mysterious textures all around you, listen closely to the creepy noises thumping around the corner, and take your Halloween to the next level with this thrilling yet not-too-scary experience.

This Is What Democracy Looks Like! Understanding How Voters Decide

7:00 p.m.

Kanbar Forum

With Dr. Melinda Jackson

This interactive talk will address how political identities, issue preferences, and candidate personalities affect our vote, and how the US electoral system structures the outcomes. Hear from SJSU's Dr. Jackson on topics including the roles of party identification and political socialization, political knowledge and engagement, emotional responses, and information processing. 

Dr. Melinda Jackson is a professor of political science and dean of undergraduate education at San José State University. She is a political psychologist and survey research expert who studies American public opinion and voting, and frequently appears as a political analyst in Bay Area media.

When Elections Get Personal: Navigating Political Conflict in Relationships

8:00 p.m.

Kanbar Forum

With Dr. Heike Winterheld

From family to coworkers to friends, election season can spark painful and divisive disagreements in our social circles.

Using recent insights from behavioral and relationship sciences, Exploratorium staff social psychologist Heike Winterheld will discuss how election stress and political anxiety affect our relationships. She’ll dive into how political conflict with significant others poses unique challenges—and opportunities—for personal growth, and the ways we can negotiate ideological differences to not only save but also strengthen our social ties.

Dr. Heike Winterheld is a social psychologist and relationship scientist, and Program Director of Social Sciences at the Exploratorium. A former professor of psychology studying the dynamics of romantic relationships, she currently promotes public engagement with the social and behavioral sciences and develops experiences on how we influence and relate to each other.

The Polarizing Effects of Social Media on Society

9:00 p.m.

Kanbar Forum

With Jonathan Stray

Is social media dividing people? Are you in an information echo chamber? Can what you see on your social media feed have a negative impact on your life?

Join Jonathan Stray from the UC Berkeley Center for Human-Compatible AI, as he discusses the latest research on the ways AI selects what we see, and the effects those decisions have on all of us.

Jonathan Stray works on the design of AI-driven media with a particular interest in well-being and conflict. Previously, he taught computer science and journalism at Columbia University, worked as an editor at the Associated Press, and built software for investigative journalism.

Science Trivia

7:30 p.m.

Fisher Bay Observatory Gallery 6

With Zeke Kossover

Do you know your electrons from your protons, your serotonin from your oxytocin, and all the letters in E=mc2? If so, come play pub quiz—Exploratorium style—where your science knowledge can win you prizes. Teams up to six are encouraged, and we'll find you teammates if coming alone.

Now an educator at the Exploratorium, Zeke Kossover was an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow at the National Science Foundation working in the Office of the Director. 

Where Do You Sit?

6:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.

Osher Gallery 1: Human Phenomenon

With the Explainers

"Should we always tell the truth?"—have thoughtful discussions on philosophical questions that don't have right answers.

DJ Dance Party

6:30–9:30 p.m.

Bechtel Gallery 3

With DJ RIETA

Join a dance party hosted by a local DJ!

Hailing from San Francisco, RIETA has a distinctive style that blends hip-hop and R and B-influenced selections with up-tempo house beats. He has a keen ear for rhythm and beats, offering a unique and cross-genre sound that resonates with audiences.

URL:

Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/2691781-0?pid=91

Price:

After Dark 18+: USD 22.95