New Exhibit Satisfies the Animal Scientist in Young Children

What does an eagle feed its young? How do mother bats find their babies in a cave? Children ages 3 through 8 and their parents will answer these questions and many others while exploring Animal Secrets, the newest traveling exhibit to arrive at the Springfield Science Museum. The exhibit, designed by Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, begins on January 31 with a special Opening Celebration and will run through May 3, 2015.

Young children are natural scientists, curious about the world around them, and Animal Secrets was designed to encourage this curiosity and foster a sense of wonder about nature. Through dramatic play and multi-sensory hands-on activities, children will discover nature from an animal’s point of view as they explore immersive natural environments including a stream, woodland, meadow, cave, and naturalists’ tent. One of the most appealing aspects of Animal Secrets is that it is designed for both children and adults, allowing families to share in the enjoyment of learning together. Text panels and interpretive materials are provided in both English and Spanish. A special Opening Day Celebration on Saturday, January 31 will feature hands-on activities and two presentations of Live Birds of Prey by wildlife rehabilitator Tom Ricardi (11am & 1pm, Davis Auditorium, D’Amour MFA). The event begins at 10am, with Museum members allowed to enter one hour early for exclusive programs and a light breakfast. The Opening Day Celebration is part of the Museums’ Family Fun Series, which is supported by the TD Charitable Foundation. For reservations, call 413-263-6800 ext. 255, or visit www.springfieldmuseums.org.

Visitors to Animal Secrets will be able to enjoy the Science Museum’s natural sciences exhibits and collections like the Solutia Live Animal Center and Habitat Hall. Animal Secrets will also serve as the focal point for the Museums’ February school vacation programs. Dubbed “All About Animals,” the week-long program will include a host of live animal demonstrations and family shows all tied to the forest theme. Rounding out the Museums’ related programming are guided school tours of the exhibit, with interactive activities and gallery games designed to tie the exhibit to the curriculum frameworks.

Admission is $18 for adults, $12 for seniors and college students, $9.50 for children 3-17, free for children under three and museum members, and includes admission to all four museums. General admission is free for Springfield residents with proof of address. There is a $5 special exhibition fee for all visitors ages 3 and up to view Animal Secrets in addition to museum admission.

Animal Secrets was produced and toured by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Portland, OR. Exhibit made possible with funds provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Additional support provided by the Collins Foundation and Meyer Memorial Trust. The exhibit sponsor is United Bank.