Exhibit Descriptions
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Get The Message is an exhibition that deepens familiar concepts and the scientific principles associated with communication. Methods of sending and receiving ideas, information and messages are an essential aspect of being alive. Familiar yet novel content enhance learning experiences throughout this exhibit. Components with open-ended phenomenon create the hook necessary to keep visitors wondering and hungry for more information.
Get The Message presents questions to visitors that provoke further inquiry about the scientific principles necessary in communication.
Entry
You'll "get the message" about this exhibition as soon as you enter! A digital sign displays the name of the exhibition above the entry panels. Motion sensors set off voices with differing accents and intonations saying "get the message."
Changing Faces
Rotate these face parts to explore expressions. The lift of an eyebrow or the downturn of a mouth is an unspoken language that can convey a thought or feeling.
Front Page News
Smile for the camera, then use touch screen technology to put yourself in the cover story of the newspaper. Now you're hero of the day!
Ancient Graffiti
Cave paintings may have been used as a way to convey messages and record events. Use a touch screen to pick a brush and color, then design your own picture in this simulated cave.
TV News
Become the TV news anchor! Sit at the news desk, read the news on the scrolling teleprompter, and watch yourself on TV.
Partners Challenge
Take turns listening and speaking. Test your communication skills as you describe your block pattern to a friend who tries to make the same pattern on the other side of a panel. Can your friend follow instructions? Slide open the panel and see!
Via Satellite
Aim the satellite dishes with the joysticks to transmit an image from around the world. With this model, discover how satellites send information from one side of the earth to the other.
Sign Language
Learn American Sign Language with these video demonstrations. Can you communicate using only your hands and facial expressions?
Totem Tales
The totem pole is a sequential arrangement of symbols or totems, created to tell a story. Use the totem images provided to build your own totem pole.
Create a Crest
A coat of arms is a personal design used to communicate identity. Use this rubbing table to design your own coat of arms, and take it home with you.
Instant Messaging
The telegraph was the first form of electronic communication. Use a telegraph key and Morse code to transmit a message to a friend.
Construction Instruction
You're the crane operator. Receive hand signals from your friend and make the crane lift and move a load. Switch places and signal to your friend.
What's that Sound?
Listen to a warning sound, then match it to one of the images shown in this touch screen exhibit. Was it a dog barking, an alarm clock ringing, or something else?
Stop, Look, and Listen
Motorists encounter many sounds and signs that give directions, information, and warnings. Try a looking challenge: can you choose the correct shape sign to mark a railroad crossing? Try a listening challenge: is that the sound of a fire truck?
Sentence Structures
Select word blocks to build a sentence. Flip one or two blocks to make the sentence silly. Block colors match the parts of speech, and the pattern of the words follows a language code, or grammar.
