By Kate Moore
Trillions of microbes make their homes inside our bodies, and the Grand Rapids Public Museum will introduce you to them! Opening May 19, Zoo in You: Microbes, allows all ages to explore this fascinating and complex world inside us that is our microbiome— a dynamic, adaptable and delicately balanced ecosystem much like any other found in nature.
At Zoo in You, learn who our constant microbial companions are, where they live, how diverse they are and in what ways scientists are discovering just how important they are to our personal health. Visitors are invited to explore this vibrant world of our inner microorganisms through engaging, interactive, and bilingual exhibits and programs.
“The Museum is excited to take our visitors to a microscopic level to have fun while learning about the organisms who live inside us,” said Kate Moore, VP of Marketing & PR. “This exhibit is a great, hands-on way for all ages to learn more about science. The community can look forward to additional science programming and events to go along with this new exhibit!”
Zoo in You has three thematic areas: Meet the Microbes, Our Complex Ecosystems and Exploring our Microbiome:
Meet the Microbes
Go on an interactive journey to learn all about the four major types of microbes that live in and on us! From bacteria to archaea, fungi to viruses, these tiny non-human organisms outnumber our human cells ten to one. Through hands-on activities, learn about “good” microbes, watch how our microbiome reacts to every day occurrences, and manipulate a marble maze to learn how a newborn baby is first colonized by microbes.
Our Complex Ecosystems
Delve deeper into the lives of microbes with green screen technology to get a “weather report” on the climate conditions of your nose, mouth, gut or skin, and a touch-screen video game that challenges guests to keep gut microbes in balance. Adults and kids alike are invited to explore the eye-opening hand “washing” station to observe just how long it takes to be free of germs.
Exploring Our Microbiome
Get up close and personal with microbes as they answer tough questions and use a microscope to examine real preserved specimens. Build your own viruses using puzzle pieces, assemble DNA strands as quickly as possible, and even try your hand at matching DNA patterns to the correct microbes. Plus, a unique photo opportunity allows you to imagine what they would look like as a microbe.
Zoo In You is free with general admission to the GRPM and runs through September 2, 2018. For more information, visit grpm.org/ZooInYou.
Museum members can be the first to see the exhibit on Saturday, May 19 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the members only preview! Members can RSVP for the member preview at grpm.org/ZooInYou.
Zoo in You was produced and is toured by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. This exhibit was made possible by a Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
