Museum of Natural Science

We had a field trip today.  We went to the Museum of Natural Science.  We saw the Grossology exhibit. On the way we were listening to classical music making up stories as they sang.  It was very entertaining.  I had to stop it once I got closer to Raleigh because it's difficult to navigate to the museum.  Last time we went we got "misplaced." 

Ever wonder why dogs sniff each other’s rear ends, why cows need four stomachs to digest their food or why cats spit up hair balls? We had our chance to find out! Animal Grossology, took us on an adventure that was unique and scientific.  We saw nature’s slime-making, vomit-munching and dookie-loving creatures.

The grossology exhibit was adapted from the best-selling Grossology children’s book series by author and science teacher Sylvia Branze.  It was oozing with disgusting science and entertaining hands-on learning games such as Blood Sucker Blow-Up.  We saw what happens when ticks and mosquitoes have too much to drink, and Chew Chew Express, a detailed look at the various steps of digestion in cows, one of the gassiest animals on Earth. We also learned how leeches are sometimes used after surgeries to assist in the healing process and why scientists are studying the slime produced by slugs and snails for clues in treating cystic fibrosis. Safety tips were dispersed throughout the exhibit, such as what to do if a jellyfish stings you and how to protect your food at the next family picnic. By the way, do you know what honey really is? How do you feel about bee barf on your biscuit?

The exhibit featured five thematic areas:

Blood Slurpers – Blood is very nutritious (high in protein) and many animals slurp blood for their meals. Sometimes, blood slurpers transmit infectious diseases. This exhibit helped identify those that can be a health hazard while providing information that may keep you safe from Lyme Disease, West Nile Virus and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Dookie Lovers – Dookie comes in all shapes, sizes and textures, providing scientists with useful answers to many animal mysteries. We learned how some animals depend on poo for survival, and how others, such as the Scarab Beetle, prevent the spread of disease produced from rotting piles of dung.

Slime Makers – Slime is essential to some animals, serving important functions such as facilitating motion, aiding in digestion and acting as a defense mechanism. We explored a plethora of strange underwater creatures and their unique characteristics and we voted for the “King of Slime.”

Vomit Munchers – What has four stomachs, four legs and produces 200 liters of saliva daily? Ruminants, which also produce methane gas, making them belch and toot a lot. Some animals have to barf to eat, while others have to spew after they eat. We discovered how regurgitation is crucial for some animals’ survival.

Other Gross Stuff – We discovered some not-so-familiar animals, including one that lives in an intestine (a 60 foot tape worm.) We explored how animals use common scents for recognition, attraction and defense.

We missed you lots today Grammy.  The butterfly garden just wasn't the same without you.