by Ellen Parker
The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is inviting audiences young and old to take part in an interactive experience exploring the yucky, slimy side of our bodies. The traveling exhibit, Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body, is presented together by Advanced Exhibits and Science World British Columbia. Through Sept. 3, visitors will be able to look at oversized versions of their nose, digestive system and much more. The exhibit is based on the bestselling children's book series by Sylvia Branzei, Grossology. Through her experiences as a teacher, writer, curriculum designer and microbiologist, Branzei gives children the opportunity to understand why their bodies do gross things by translating it into their language.
Initially greeted by an animated character, her Grossness, guests are immediately transported into a world where belching and snot are not only accepted, but expected. The "Tour du Nose" introduces the guests to 10 nasal features through an interactive oversized nose, complete with nose hair and a view down to the throat. Once guests walk to the back of the nose, however, a gust of wind will come as a surprise as the nose lets out a large sneeze. Adding to the realistic features of the exhibit, there is a Skin Climbing Wall, which has everything from moles to pimples, as well as a 3-D model of the digestive system at the GI Slide.
To creatively teach the young audience which foods cause gas, there is a "Gas Attack" pinball machine that includes an animated pig who talks to the players before and after the game. As visitors make their way through Grossology, they will also meet a "Burp Machine" and a section that helps further their understanding on how the kidney works to remove waste from the blood at "Urine: The Game." To conclude the tour, guests are allowed the opportunity to test their new knowledge of Grossology at "Let's Play Grossology," which is a multiple choice trivia game.
Open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon-5 p.m. on Sunday, Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body offers a unique experience for children to learn more about the complexities of their growing bodies. Tickets are $14 for adults and $10 for children 2-12 and seniors 60 plus. They can be purchased online (fwmuseum.com), on the phone (817.255.9540) or in person. The gift shop also contains items of Grossology that can be brought home as a souvenir from the exhibit, consisting of merchandise like board games, books and more.
