On the corner of Fifth and Washington streets, the Arizona Science Center welcomed customers for the debut of their new science exhibit, National Geographic Presents: Earth Explorers, on Sunday.
Through the use of simulation machines and hands-on attractions, the exhibit mimics five different biomes: polar regions, rain forests, savannas, oceans and mountains/caves. Light and sound effects distinguish each biome, as well as different activities and varying displays which highlight the botanical life, animal biodiversity and climate characteristics of the five ecosystems.
Children of all ages had the opportunity Sunday to dive 30 feet down into the ocean or soar 60 feet above the African savanna. They could solve puzzles, see real equipment used by explorers and watch videos featuring various animals one might see in the biomes.
“I’m so excited for the grand opening of this exhibit,” said Summer Roth, director of advertising and communications at the Arizona Science Center. “It’s like an educational Disneyland.”
The many activities featured in the exhibit were designed to facilitate fun yet educational skills that allowed visitors to increase their knowledge about various ecosystems on Earth.
The exhibit has attractions such as a three-dimensional submarine, a hot air balloon simulation and a display of what a typical polar explorer might live in during his or her duration of exploration. The exhibit was designed to allow hands-on, interactive learning to help teach children of all ages about the different ecosystems that compose the planet.
Michele Meyer, the director of public relations at the science center, said the goal of the exhibit is play.
“Toddlers will probably have the most fun with the interactive activities,” Meyer said. “And teenagers who read the National Geographic Magazines or who might actually want to pursue becoming an explorer would be more engaged in the reading and the learning aspects of the exhibit.”
Scat displays, diving suits and even a life-sized shark, which Meyers named Brucey, facilitate the children’s understanding of the various biodiversity and climate patterns that distinguish the biomes from one another.
When the exhibit opened, employees remarked that the day had been rather slow. Customers filtered in lightly for the majority of the day. However, many who visited the science center on Sunday didn’t know about the newest exhibit.
Steven Burleson, 19, said as he was leaving the science center that he and his friends “didn’t even know about the new exhibit.”
This seemed to be the case with many of the visitors who came to the science center on Sunday; while they looked in interest at the new exhibition, very few knew about its existence prior to visiting. Parents and children often displayed brief signs of confusion when regarding the new exhibit. Although it was the exhibit’s first day open, many people did not even know of its debut.
The exhibition will be open until January.
Contact the reporter at Jadenicole.Yeban@asu.edu
