Thursday, December 8, 2011

Fall Break Day 6: Museum of Natural History

We forgot to take the camera inside, but we managed to remember to take a picture on the way out!


We got to see some pretty good exhibits.
From their website:

Ends of the Earth: From Polar Bears to Penguins
Discover the unique nature of the Earth’s polar regions, the science undertaken there, and how these regions are indicators of climate change on Earth. Visitors will relive polar expeditions though the eyes of great explorers, learn about the formation and size of icebergs, and conduct experiments. Discover polar bears and penguins and the impact that global warming is having on their icy homes in the Ice Cave Theater.

The kids really like the interactive, play against each other games, that quizzed you on the things you learned about in the exhibit.
 
All That Glitters
The Splendor and Science of Gems and Minerals

Gems seduce us with their sparkle. But did you know that every glittering ruby, sapphire, diamond, and opal has a history as old as the Earth itself? A gem isn’t just a pretty bauble—it’s a rare and wonderful by-product of the tremendous forces that have shaped our planet. Discover how the same Earth processes that build landscapes produce dazzling gemstones and precious metals—even right here in San Diego County, one of the most famous gem-producing regions in the world. The exhibition features a stunning selection of spectacular natural mineral crystals, exquisite jewelry, and works of art.
This exhibit was amazing. I couldn't believe some of the gems and jewelery they had. Gorgeous!

Fossil Mysteries
From dinosaurs to mastodons, discover the rich fossil history of our region. In this major exhibition, created by the Museum, ponder a mystery, examine the strong fossil evidence from the Museum's collection, and use scientific tools to discover answers. Traveling through a 75-million-year timeline, from the age of dinosaurs to the Ice Ages, experience an unfolding of the prehistory of southern California and Baja California, Mexico.

There was lots of hands on activities in this section. Fossils you could touch, things you could move to make the bones animated. There were lots of simulations of what has happened to the earth since the dinosaur ages. 
Water: A California Story
Through photos, maps, video, and hands-on activities, learn about current, local issues on land and in the ocean. Examine the infrastructure of the regional water system, and discover how we import the majority of our water and the costs associated with this practice. Water: A California Story also looks at effects of a changing climate on our region’s water supply and reveals how southern Californians can help protect water for future generations. Natural history specimens and live animals will serve as reminders that the natural environment and its inhabitants are also legitimate users of water resources. 

A whole exhibit on the importance of conservation. California and Arizona are a lot alike in this respect. It was an interesting exhibit.

We also got to watch some interesting movies. There was a 3D dinosaur one that was neat. Owen wasn't too keen on keeping on the glasses....I think he might have been a little scared. There was an Ocean movie that was neat and another movie that I can't remember. Maybe I will revamp the post when I get the details.
Afterward we headed home. The kids entertained themselves with movies. They are their own traveling exhibit!

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