Center mixes learning with fun

Two newer exhibits at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland are a great excuse for a family outing. The OMNIMAX film "Ring of Fire" and traveling exhibit called Robot Zoo combine entertainment and education.
Located next to the Browns stadium in downtown Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center is a place where families can spend an entire day or several hours.
"Ring of Fire" explains the forces of nature that cause volcanoes and earthquakes. Geared to adults and children over 10, the film combines larger-than-life spectacular photography and high-tech graphics to show how various populations cope with nature's explosions. Families may have to split up to let the younger set explore other exhibits throughout the museum. The sounds and sometimes dizzying photography can be overwhelming even for teens and adults.
Around the world: The film explains the geography and geology surrounding the phenomenon of volcanoes. The large-screen format gives the audience a multisensory experience as it describes cause and effects of eruptions. It demonstrates how various nations live in the shadow of continuous eruptions and how it has shaped religious rituals as well as emergency planning as a part of daily life.
Beginning at Mount St. Helens in Washington, the narration points out volcanic sites circling around the Pacific Rim to Sakurajima in Japan. This circle, known as the ring of fire, defines where more than three-fourths of the world's active volcanoes lie. This area of the Pacific Rim encompasses 30,000 miles and is home to half a billion people.
The film uses aerial photography and mixes it with computer animation to chronicle some of the geological upheavals. It shows eruptions of Mount St. Helens taken by Gary Rosenquist. The film gives viewers an appreciation of the power of Mother Nature and man's attempts to predict and live with potential destructive forces.
Robotic animals: After the movie, take the elevators to the Science Center bottom floor and move from the serious consequences of volcanoes to the whimsy of robotic animals.
Kids should have their eyes peeled for a giant chameleon, rhinoceros, squid and housefly. This mechanical menagerie is geared to the under-10 set. The purpose of the exhibit of eight huge animals is to show how real animals function.
Hands-on activities are sure to engage young ones. For example, a 9-foot-tall giraffe welcomes visitors. The head and neck lean forward and back. Eyes blink as the head turns.
Flesh and blood are replaced by metal and technology. Tech-savvy youngsters can use a joystick to trigger a chameleon's tongue toward insect targets. At the museum, houseflies are no longer a nuisance, but become a learning tool. Children can pretend to be houseflies and climb walls by wearing special pads on hands and knees. Another exhibit demonstrates how a squid uses propulsion by adjusting the flow of water.
Each activity has an explanation of animal functions. If you can get your kids to read or listen to the educational supplements, they'll learn something without realizing it.
Allow yourself time to explore the three floors of permanent exhibits at the Science Center. There are more than 349 hands-on exhibits as well as daily demonstrations.