Patterns of Science

Throughout the center, you'll find exhibits that focus on patterns in nature and how they can be used to help explain, understand and predict our complex, changing environment.

Scientists use patterns to create models that simulate the environment. Scientific models help solve complicated mysteries like whale migrations or the cause of El Niño. Scientific models developed by researchers help coastal towns figure out the best evacuation routes in case of a tsunami. The patterns we notice and the models researchers develop can help us make decisions about the wise use and conservation of natural resources. Very complicated models can even imitate nature's sporadic disorder.

In our Pattern Garden, look for similarities of sound, texture, color and behavior in The Pattern Garden. The sea stars and anemones in our Touch Tank, for instance, have distinct color patterns; feel their texture. Identify different whales by their patterns of sound. Time-lapse photography shows patterns of sand build up and removal by wind and ocean currents.

Follow the links below to learn more about patterns at a variety of scales, from global to microscopic.

Global scale

Global Scale

Research into patterns that cross national boundaries, including many oceanic and climate issues, is done on a global scale.

In our global scale exhibits, you can learn about research efforts to understand such large-scale topics as the migration of whales, climate change and the spread of invasive species.

Try predicting the weather based on satellite imags; watch as scientists tag whales to track their movements through the oceans, and get a look at the satellite images and equipment used to gather information on such phenomena as El Niño.

Take the controls of our ROV simulator to learn first-hand how researchers use these remotely operated vehicles to explore the ocean deeps.

For an even more interactive experience, visit our Magic Planet exhibit to manipulate actual research data about climate and geology and see the results projected as time-lapse animations on a three-dimensional model of the planet Earth.

Bird's Eye Scale

Bird's Eye Scale Patterns that can be discerned only from a regional perspective require a bird's eye view.

Tsunamis, endangered species and commercial fishing are some topics whose study requires an aerial or overview perspective.

Our birds'-eye exhibits include:

An interactive computer game that explores the consequences of decisions you make as a commercial fisher or natural resource manager
Exploration of the habitats and ranges of animals that live in the coast range
A model that demonstrates the impact a tsunami could have on Oregon's coastal bays and communities.

Eye Level Scale

Eye-Level Scale

The very first scientists, curious people like yourself, used eye-level observations to understand their world.

Tide pool animals, offshore reef exploration and fish life cycles are some of the marine subjects researchers have studied at eye-level.

Our exhibits include interactive games that let you test your survival skills as a crab or a tiny pollock (fish); lets you get eyeball to eyeball with a rockfish (and many other forms of sealife), and see maps and video of the ocean floor.

You can also learn about research going on right here at the HMSC to return native oysters to the Oregon coastal bays and estuaries where they once grew in great numbers.

Microscopic Scale

To understand the minute world of pathogens, nerve pathways and plankton, scientists work on a microscopic scale.

Marine research featured in this area focuses on plankton, diagnosing sick fish and crab, and using sea slugs to explore the neurological basis for learning. Interactive exhibits let you detect the cause of a crab disease and identify what killed a fish. You can view plankton under a microscope, and find out how sea slugs are helping us understand the process of learning.

High Sea Stowaways examines how the ballast water from giant cargo ships can transport the microscopic larvae of species from one part of the world to other places where they don't belong. In new environments, some of those stowaways out-compete the native plants and animals, causing huge problems for the economy and the environment.