Hands-on Science

• By CHAD HEBERT
• Advocate Marketing Staff
• Published: Apr 27, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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Whether it’s viewing the anatomy of the human body, taking a trip through space or viewing state-of-the-art virtual exhibits, the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center in Mobile, Ala., has something for everyone.

Nestled in downtown Mobile, the center is a hot destination for visitors throughout the Gulf South, including Louisiana.

“Baton Rouge draws better than New Orleans,” said Brett Berg, director of marketing and public relations for the Exploreum.

Berg said even groups of schoolchildren from the area take the three-hour ride to Mobile to see what it has to offer. That’s why Louisiana plays an important role in the planning the Exploreum’s exhibits.

To make up for its somewhat small location, the Exploreum reaches out to other parts of Alabama and Gulf states such as Louisiana and Mississippi. Berg said 70 percent of the Exploreum’s visitors come from outside the Mobile/Baldwin County area.

For example, “Our Body” has drawn more than 3,200 visitors from Louisiana since its opening Jan. 11. Berg said this is a good number for being on exhibit just seven weeks.

“Our Body” is scheduled to leave soon, but Exploreum staff are already awaiting the next traveling exhibit “FROGS!”, set to begin June 13.

The Exploreum also features a handful of permanent exhibits:

Hands On Hall: More than 20 exhibits allow visitors to unravel the secrets of electricity and simple mechanics.

Wharf of Wonder: Infants, toddlers and preschoolers can learn without having to compete with older children.

Minds On Hall: State-of-the-art virtual exhibits teach about energy, animals and the water cycle.

CIBA Lab: Visitors can get an up-close look at experiments. Berg said the person conducting the experiments in the lab is a scientist.

Virtual Journeys Digital Theater: Take a virtual journey through time and space.