A new feature is coming to the Museum of Discovery this Independence Day and it is sure to shock and amaze. In fact, the Tesla coil that will debut at the museum on July 4 can produce 250,000 volts of electricity!

The impressive coil creates high-voltage electricity that visitors can actually see--even more impressive, the coil at the Museum of Discovery will emit electrical discharges to a variety of songs. Here's a (very brief) explanation of how it works: The coil uses electricity to charge gas between the two poles at the top, which creates miniature bolts of lightning. Just like the lightning we see in nature, the Tesla coil's lightning heats up the air around it, which creates sound waves--or small thunder claps!

(Side note: Parents proceed with caution if you have a child who is frightened by loud noises. Ear protective headphones are supplied, but the sounds might still be too loud for some.)

Visitors will learn all about the science behind the coil, as well as the history of the invention. The Tesla coil is named after the inventor Nikola Tesla, who developed the alternating current system of electricity that we use today. Built by Goodchild Engineering in Arizona, the Museum of Discovery's device will share the Guinness Record for the world's largest bi-polar Tesla coil. The other record-holding device is housed at the Hands On Regional Museum in Tennessee.

The new Tesla Coil Theater in the museum's Discovery Hall will house the device, which will remain as a permanent attraction. Visitors can experience the theater show for a $2 fee in addition to museum admission. Museum members will be able to see the exhibit for free through the month of July; after the first month, they will receive a discounted admission of $1 per person.

For more info, visit MuseumOfDiscovery.org. You can also see a video of Little Rock Family's sneak peek visit on Instagram here or on Facebook here.