Expedition Health- Sneak Peak

Last night my wonderful boyfriend and two middle children came with me to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for a sneak peak at the new Expedition Health exhibit.

Exhibit facts:

• This exhibit took two years to design, one year to build and cost $8.7 million dollars.
• 10,000 square foot gallery and has five areas to view within it.
• 400 museum volunteers have been trained to work within Expedition Health- including three of the buddies who are featured throughout the exhibition.
• There are more than 20 read anatomical specimens on display

Visitors to the Expedition Health will experience highly interactive, highly personalized activities, immerse themselves in a theater experience that will engage all of their senses, look at microscopic cells from their own bodies in a laboratory, participate in live demonstrations and programs, meet new “buddies” who will help them learn about their health, and more.

You start off your “expedition” by picking up a Peak Pass. It is like a credit card that houses all of your information, age, height and progress you make on the stations as you move through the exhibit.

You will chose an expedition Buddy and meet them through out your journey through the exhibit, getting tips and hearing more about their trip up Mount Evans in August of 2008.

Then you will venture through five areas of the gallery.

The Core Exhibition: These activities offer insights int human biology and health.

BodyTrek Theater: This was my favorite part a 12 minute video that allowed you an engaging look at how the body reacts during a trek up Mt. Evans.

Biology Base Camp: You will don lab coats, gloves and goggles and move you way through a handful of scientific experiments such as: testing anti-bacterial soaps or measuring the amount of sugar in your favorite cereal.

Summit Science Stage: Designed to give visitors opportunities to participate in health demonstrations and programs.

Tykes Peak: This area is expressly designed for young learners ages one to five, it is a mix of body activity, dramatic play and multisensory experiences. GREAT place for the little ones.

When you complete your journey that also includes a rock climbing wall, Mind control and a gait measuring system, you will check out, and get a print out to take home with you of your progress. How tall are you? How do you walk? How is your heart rate?

It is a hands on event that my high school kids have already asked to return to.

This exhibit will be open to the public April 3rd.
Exhibition Health is included in the cost of general museum admission

I would like to extend a HUGE thank you to DMNS for offering us this opportunity and to Tara Hubner for always keeping us bloggers/media updated on upcoming events!