Science Meets Soccer: A Hands‑On Adventure in Dallas

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is turning soccer into a science lab for everyone. From March 7 to September 7, visitors can explore “Soccer: More Than a Game,” where the sport’s secrets are revealed through interactive displays and playful experiments.

A High‑Tech Welcome

• Entry Bracelet: Upon entering the 10,000‑square‑foot space, guests receive a small bracelet that records their actions and progress. This data helps the museum track movement patterns and station popularity.

Iconic Portraits with a Twist

• Walls are adorned with large portraits of soccer icons such as David Beckham, Lauren James, and Pep Guardiola.
• Each portrait includes facts about the player’s career, linking real‑world achievements to the science behind the game.

Build Your Own Stadium

• A station lets visitors assemble a miniature stadium from block‑like pieces.
• Once built, a scanner turns the physical model into a digital version that can be shared online.

Design Team Jerseys & Mascots

• Nearby, guests design team jerseys or mascots.
• The activity teaches how colors and shapes influence fan loyalty.

Coaching Lab for Excellence in Athletics, Technology and Science (C.L.E.A.T.S.)

• Two small robots that can kick a ball are displayed in glass cases.
• One robot is fully assembled and interacts with visitors.
• The other is partially disassembled to show its inner workings.
• Donated by a local robotics lab, the robots demonstrate how engineering meets sport.

Physics‑Based Fun

• In the final area, kids can test their jumping ability by attempting heights similar to those of Cristiano Ronaldo.
• They can also play a soccer‑themed version of “floor is lava,” turning the floor into a challenge zone that blends fun with physics.

Origins and Partnerships

• The idea for this exhibition began in 2022 when Dallas was chosen to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
• The Perot has partnered with a museum in Mexico City that specializes in interactive economic displays. A sister exhibit there will examine how soccer shapes culture and business across North America.

Gem Hall Highlight

• The museum’s gem hall presents “Minerals of the World Cup.”
• Visitors can see crystals from Canada, copper minerals from Mexico, and gold from the United States—each piece representing a different World Cup country.