What’s The Big Ore-Deal?
Powered by Teck, The Big Ore-Deal is the newest geology exhibit at Science World’s Search: Sara Stern Gallery! It’s where you’ll discover the surprising answer to how electric cars, smart homes, and wearable tech are made. Hint: it’s the Earth itself!
Explore how raw materials like copper and silicon are mined from ores, refined, and transformed into essential components like microchips on circuit boards. Match everyday green tech to its natural origins. See technology through a whole new lens—and how it’s rooted in nature.
Come visit The Big Ore-Deal at Science World today!
Watch the Video for a Chance to Win The Big Ore-Deal Contest!
Curious about the incredible journey from ores to innovation? Watch the video as Jesse at Science World explains how everyday tech traces back to the Earth—or visit The Big Ore-Deal exhibit in person! Pay close attention during either experience and you might discover the answer to the contest question.
2 Ways to Enter The Big Ore-Deal Contest
Submit your entry one of two ways between January 10 to 19, 2025 for your chance to win one of two prizes: National Geographic Rock Tumbler: Hobby Edition (valued at $184.99) and a National Geographic Microscope: Explorer Series (valued at $139.99).
- Visit the Big Ore-Deal exhibit in person or watch the video closely, then submit your answer to the multiple-choice question via a paper entry form or QR code.
- Watch the video above and submit your entry to The Big Ore-Deal Contest online.
Two winners will be drawn at random. See the full Contest Rules for The Big Ore-Deal.
More Discoveries in Search Await!
When you visit The Big Ore-Deal, check out the rest of the Search: Sara Stern Gallery!
Slow down and learn about our natural environment in Search. You’ll get lost in the many things to see and do here. Reward your curiosity with the calm marvels of nature, big and small.
Crawl through a beaver lodge, touch and feel animal skulls, and meet STAN the T. rex™! Observe, learn and appreciate our critters, and become a nature ambassador.
Delve deeper and head to the Discovery Spot where you can explore Discovery Boxes. Ooh and ahh over a stick insect, touch a thousand-year-old tree, or learn more about the Earth in the Geology exhibit.
The Geology exhibit, presented by TECK, is the newest section in the gallery. Learn about the rocks beneath our feet and discover the properties of minerals and metals in our everyday lives. Become a geologist and use tools like our polarizing microscope, or play a tune on our stone lithophone.
Explore More Geology
Can metals kill bacteria?
Yes! Many metals have antimicrobial properties—they release ions or charge particles that can kill bacteria. Copper can kill up to 99.9% of microbes on high-touch areas to prevent disease from spreading.
Are metals ductile?
Yes! Ductility means that metals can be pulled into a long string. Metals can be drawn out into wires or cables for electronics.
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