"ANIMAL GROSSOLOGY" takes a slightly different view of
Fluffy, Fido and the rest of the animal kingdom
Exhibit closes January 4, 2009!
Following in the footsteps of the overwhelmingly popular “GROSSOLOGY” exhibition, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center invites you to experience some of the slimiest, stinkiest and downright yuckiest creatures on earth in the all-new “ANIMAL GROSSOLOGY” exhibition here through January 4.
Oozing with disgusting science and hilarious hands-on learning games, “ANIMAL GROSSOLOGY” features sophisticated animatronics and imaginative animated characters adapted from the best-selling GROSSOLOGY children’s book series by author and science teacher Sylvia Branzei. The 5,000 square-foot exhibition engages visitors in a larger-than-life look at nature’s blood-sucking, vomit-munching, slime-making and dookie-loving creatures. Fundamental educational content is provided in the form of giant 3-D book walls throughout the exhibition.
Visitors to “ANIMAL GROSSOLOGY” will gain a unique perspective on the animal kingdom, with 16 colorful exhibits that bring to life all the gritty and gross facts about some of nature’s most disgusting critters. For example, visitors will discover that cows are one of the gassiest animals on earth, how leeches are used after some surgeries to assist in the healing process and why scientists are studying the slime produced by slugs and snails for clues in treating cystic fibrosis. Exhibits in “ANIMAL GROSSOLOGY” include:
“Dung Ball Rally”
Two animated scarab beetles are boxing atop this interactive exhibit, shaped like a giant dung ball! The ball contains four video game stations where players use large directional push buttons to guide their dung beetle through a maze, while competing against other players. It’s more fun than an Easter egg hunt!.
“The Slime Game”
Modeled after the classic game show “The Dating Game,” this colorful, animated exhibit features three of nature’s slimiest creatures answering questions about themselves and their environment. Visitors then vote for which animal is the “King of Slime.”
“Chew Chew Express”
A life-sized cow, with animated head and tail, stands peacefully chewing her cud while visitors use controls to operate a mechanical model of her digestive tract. This exhibit explains the various steps of “ruminant” digestion and why cows have four stomachs.
“Stupor Fly”
A giant animatronic fly explains to visitors why – and how – flies eat what they eat, while dispelling many myths of the fly world. Visitors may select questions from topics such as table manners, favorite foods, hygiene and more. It’s a sticky mess!
“Belch-a-Baby”
In this arcade-style game, visitors use a frog launcher to “barf” a baby frog out into a river/forest environment and try to land their frog in the safe zones. Visitors will learn how some frogs actually give birth by “belching” little froggies!
“Blood Sucker Blow-up”
This circus-themed exhibit shows how ticks, mosquitoes and leeches suck blood, what happens and where it goes. An animatronic flea emcee adds levity and three blood-pumping stations allow visitors to see how the creatures store blood anatomically.
Plus 10 other hands-on, entertaining exhibits that will delight visitors of all ages.
“ANIMAL GROSSOLOGY” will be open daily at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center from September 27, 2008 through January 4, 2009. The Fleet’s exhibition of “ANIMAL GROSSOLOGY” is funded in part by the Legler Benbough Foundation. The exhibition was created and produced by Advanced Exhibits, a division of Advanced Animations LLC, in collaboration with Sylvia Branzei, the author of the GROSSOLOGY series of books. The books are published through Price Stern Sloan, a member of Penguin (USA) Inc.
Oozing with disgusting science and hilarious hands-on learning games, “ANIMAL GROSSOLOGY” features sophisticated animatronics and imaginative animated characters adapted from the best-selling GROSSOLOGY children’s book series by author and science teacher Sylvia Branzei. The 5,000 square-foot exhibition engages visitors in a larger-than-life look at nature’s blood-sucking, vomit-munching, slime-making and dookie-loving creatures. Fundamental educational content is provided in the form of giant 3-D book walls throughout the exhibition.
