Animal Grossology
May 23 - Sept. 7, 2009 - Pacific Science Center

In 2007, Pacific Science Center hosted Grossology, a fabulous exhibit based on the series of children's books by Sylvia Branzei. Hundreds of thousands visited under the arches to discover the impolite science of the human body. Now, we're doing it again but this time we tackle the rest of the animal world!

Oozing with disgusting science and interactive learning games, Animal Grossology contains solid science and introduces it in a way that makes kids giggle. You may think leeches are pretty gross but they're used after some surgeries to assist in the healing process. Did you know that cows are one of the gassiest animals on Earth? Learn why the dung beetle is nature's living pooper scooper and why scientists are studying slug and snail slime production for clues in treating cystic fibrosis.

Among the interactive exhibits:

• Dung ball rally: two animated beetles are boxing atop a giant dung ball. The ball contains four video game stations where players use large directional push buttons to guide their dung beetles through a maze, while competing against other players.
• The slime game: features three of natures slimiest creates who answer questions about themselves and their environment. Visitor's then vote on who 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.
• 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.
• 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.

ANIMALOPOLIS
While you're visiting Animal Grossology, be sure to catch the great IMAX film, ANIMALOPOLIS which takes you on a voyage into the magical world of animals. A bit fanciful, a bit "Seussian" perhaps, a place of good natured humor, beauty and just plain fun for kids and their parents. Whether going nose to nose with hippos as they graze upon nature's massive salad bar, or eye to eye with dancing bears, sea lions turning somersaults, an otter that prays, we are reminded that nature provides us with humor and wonder, everywhere. ANIMALOPOLIS takes a lighthearted and imaginary look at a variety of animals including cheetahs that race like a Ferrari, bears that run their own fishing school, an operatic lion, scary crabs that hold a town hostage and even attempt to cuddle with children, and much more. ANIMALOPOLIS will provide kids and their adults with a journey of smiles and chuckles.

VISIT ANIMAL GROSSOLOGY!
Entry to Animal Grossology is included with the price of general admission. FREE for Pacific Science Center members.