Sometimes the human body is just … gross.
“Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body,” an exhibit that teaches children about all the things your mother told you not to talk about, opens Saturday at the Creative Discovery Museum. The traveling exhibit is based on the book “Grossology” by science teacher Sylvia Branzei.
“The fun thing about ‘Grossology’ is that it’s very science based, but it’s the science behind body functions using kids’ language,” said Shannon Johnson, exhibits development manager at CDM. “What do kids talk about? What about their body do they want to know? So (bodily noises and functions) are a natural connection.”
The staff of CDM thought “Grossology” would be a good complement to its previous exhibit, “Good for You: Kids Fun on the Run,” which featured healthy eating and exercise habits.
“Part of our mission is that we like to start with the child, what are children interested in, and sparking that. ‘Grossology’ just seems like a great fit for that.”
IF YOU GO* What: “Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body.”* When: Saturday through Sept. 6. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sundays.* Where: Creative Discovery Museum, 321 Chestnut St.* Admission: $10.95.* Phone: 756-2738.* Website: www.cdmfun.org.
So what is the grossest part of “Grossology”?
“There’s a snot part I think is just gross,” said Johnson, of the section Nigel Nose-It-All, where curious kids can learn about what causes sneezes, runny noses and allergies.
According to a news release from CDM, “kids will be thrilled to dodge Nigel’s snot ball as it drops out of his faucet nose.”
She said many of her colleagues are turning a bit green at the Know Your Blemish climbing wall, where young visitors can traverse their way up warts, pimples, blisters and scabs.
Some other aspects of the exhibit include Burp Man, a belching cartoon character; Urine: The Game, in which kids take on the role of kidneys; and Y U Stink, where children can identify bodily smells, including armpits and feet.
“That’s not high on my list of things I want to smell either,” Johnson said.