Adventure Science Center Explores Genetics with New Interactive Exhibit

‘Your Genes & Your Choices,’ Traveling Genetics Exhibit, Opens this Spring

Contact:

Amy Y. Davidson
(615) 327-7999
adavidson@seig-pr.com

Virginia Crowe
(615) 401-5059
vcrowe@adventuresci.com

Nashville, TN (March 11, 2008) - Adventure Science Center announces “Your Genes & Your Choices,” a temporary genetics exhibit from Hall of Health, Children's Hospital & Research Center at Oakland, opening March 15 and running through June 14. This exhibit is designed to help visitors look at genes from a biological, global, historical, and medical perspective.

Visitors can experiment with interactive stations that explore the concepts of genetic makeup; skin color and solar radiation; genetic disease; and the role that lifestyle choices play in overall health. The exhibit will be located adjacent to BodyQuest on the second floor of the Center. BodyQuest is a permanent exhibit that invites visitors to discover the complexities of the body systems, make healthy choices and consider careers in healthcare.

“It’s important for children and families to understand the role of genes in our lives and human evolution, but also the way in which healthy lifestyle choices can work against genetic propensity to disease,” said Adventure Science Center educator, Sharon Mendonsa. “Your Genes & Your Choices” is a great addition to our permanent BodyQuest exhibit and reinforces the emphasis Adventure Science Center places on education and healthy lifestyle choices.”

The ”Your Genes & Your Choices” exhibit will feature four interactive stations:

• Our Genes Make Us the Same/Our Genes Make Us Different - This section of the exhibit helps kids understand that genes are what make us similar to all other living things and that genetic variation in a very small number of our genes is what makes us different from plants, animals, and other humans. Visitors can enter their eye color, hair color, and other physical characteristics into a computer and see how many previous visitors have the same genetic traits.
• We’re All from Africa - Did you know that the human species originated in Africa over 200,000 years ago? This exhibit area explores human migration patterns and skin color. Visitors will put together a large world map jigsaw puzzle that reveals, upon completion, the relationship between skin color and solar radiation.
• Genetic Disease - Viruses and bacteria cause many of the common illnesses, but sometimes genetic mutations are to blame. Visitors will investigate a variety of diseases and identify the source. It’s Not Just Your Genes - While in some cases genetic mutations are responsible for diseases, individuals can improve their overall health by making smart choices everyday. Interactive activities help visitors learn how a well-balanced diet, frequent exercise and stress management can combat genetic predisposition to heart disease.

“Your Genes & Your Choices” was developed and organized by the Hall of Health, Children's Hospital & Research Center at Oakland. Funding was provided by a Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) from the National Center for Research Resources, a component of the National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services.

For more information, please visit www.adventuresci.com or call (615) 862-5160.

About Adventure Science Center
For 60 years, Adventure Science Center has brought science to life for children in Middle Tennessee, Southern Kentucky, Northern Alabama and beyond. The Center offers hands-on, interactive exhibits and engaging programs that encourage children of all ages to explore how science, invention and innovation affect their lives. Adventure Science Center encourages imagination and curiosity, and engages the senses in the fascinating world of science.

Adventure Science Center is located at 800 Fort Negley Boulevard. Its regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $9 for adults; and $7 for children ages 3 to 12, and seniors 60 and older. For more information, call (615) 862-5160 or visit our web site at www.adventuresci.com.