"Bone Zone" Opening at Discovery Science Museum and Space Center

January 17, 2009

What’s under your skin and beneath your muscles? Bones! Bones are the fabulous structures that are the foundation for animal bodies and which provide each with distinctive shapes and features.  You can bone up on skeletal structures at “Bone Zone,” a major interactive, hands-on exhibit opening January 17 at the Discovery Museum Science & Space Center. Here are just a few of the exhibit highlights:

  • “Lion and tiger and bear – skulls – oh, my!”
    “Please touch” these skulls and others to discover the similarities and differences of the big bones that help give animals their unique facial features. What about other bones? We have a roomful of skulls and skeletons! Compare a huge giraffe vertebra with that of a tiny wren, and see how different animals’ teeth are adapted to their diets. “Bone Zone” includes many hands-on and interactive opportunities to learn fascinating facts about bones of all shapes and sizes. (Age-appropriate guide sheets and directed learning aids adhering to California Science Education Guidelines are available for all visitors.)
  •  “The Doctor’s Office”
    This office is always fun to visit because the “doctors” are our young guests! Children are invited to dress up in lab coats and stethoscopes and explore some of the tools and equipment found in real medical offices. They can even examine x-rays of different bones and write prescriptions!
  • “The Healthy Diner”

Play and learn! Our youngest visitors are welcome to “drive through” the diner – where only healthy foods that help to grow strong bodies and bones are on the menu. Or, visitors may choose to “work” in the diner, and recommend good food choices to others. The Healthy Diner is a lively, fun place to learn that good nutrition is as easy as child’s play.

“Bone Zone” will debut on Saturday, January 17, at a members-only reception, followed by a grand opening to the public at 10 am. “Bone Zone” features many hands-on displays that teach concepts ranging from comparative anatomy and paleontology to the benefits of healthy eating and dental habits. Younger children can role-play in the Drive-Thru Healthy Diner or the Doctor’s Office, while older visitors can take a self-paced tour through the exhibits using age-appropriate guide sheets and directed learning aids. Bring your camera!

“Bone Zone” will be ongoing at the Discovery Science & Space Center through August 2009.
Museum admission is required to participate in all activities. The Discovery Museum Science & Space Center, 3615 Auburn Boulevard, Sacramento, is open Tuesday -Friday noon to 4:30, and Saturday – Sunday 10am-4:30pm.  For more information, please call (916)575-3942.