Social Science: Goes Mental (Health)

Free your mind by learning how it works. Explore psychedelic therapy, hold a human brain in your hands, feel a rush of endorphins, manifest your worries in a doll, experience the Mental Health: Mind Matters exhibition, and more. It’s gonna be a trip!

Labs, lectures and experiences at this Social Science will include:

Brains! Take the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hold a human brain in your hands and discuss the physical parts of the brain where mental disorders can occur. Presented in partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno Institute for Neuroscience.

Calm Your A** Down De-stress with miniature donkeys, Hoku and Walter from LEAD with Horses, and learn more about how the social, emotional, and physical experience of equine assisted services impacts mental health.

**Nurtured by Nature Sensory Bar **Invigorate your five senses (smell, taste, touch, sight, and hearing) with Headwaters Science Institute and explore the mood-boosting power of nature that positively affects physical health and emotional well-being.

Psychedelic Therapy Join Dr. Diana Wright from Mind and Body Counseling Associates for a brain-boggling trip as you explore the latest breakthroughs and contested legality in the treatment of mental illnesses using psychedelics.

The Chocolate Bar Endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin are all released when you eat chocolate. Get your fix at the ultimate chocolate bar while learning interesting facts about one of the most popular indulgences on the planet.

Living Ideation Join Dr. Steve Nicholas in a guided lecture on the exploration of pain and how it is directly tied to our mental health.

Shocking Scientific Therapy Have your heart rate elevated and be ready to have the shock of a lifetime when you and a large group of attendees create a human circuit using a Leyden jar. Get a bonus shock or two from The Discovery’s hair raising Van De Graaff generator.

The Grounding Doodle This proven anxiety reducing art activity is both fun and calming. Learn the technique while playing metal sound bowls and experience the healing properties of sound wellness.

Take Your Pills Take on this lighthearted challenge and launch “pills” across the museum with The Discovery’s oversized slingshot. A prize awaits for those who swallow their pills.

Scavenger Hunt Find bottles of “medication” hidden around the museum and claim various prizes hidden including a fabulous staycation, all while learning about medications used to treat mental disorders. Don’t forget to check the Cloud Climber!

Worry Dolls Create your very own worry doll or worry monster to help soothe your anxieties while learning about the history of the Mayan culture and their creation and use of worry dolls.

Due to the popularity of the Social Science event series, we strongly recommend that you purchase tickets in advance as capacity is limited and may sell out.

Social Science is The Discovery’s wildly popular adults-only, brain building event series featuring science demonstrations, hands-on labs, expert presentations, music, libations, and tasty bites.