New exhibit coming to science museum

By The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

HOT SPRINGS — Visitors to Mid-America Science Museum can now transport themselves into imaginary future times where several generations of humans have been living and working in outer space. "The Race for Planet X," which will be at the museum through Thursday, May 10, is a mobile "museum on wheels" that is sure to stimulate curious minds while providing a true hands-on learning experience.

Designed as a Mobile Outreach Vehicle for the sevenmembers of the statewide Arkansas Discovery Network, the 40-foot exhibit vehicle represents the state-of-the-art in mobile museum outreach. The interior resembles a spaceship where visitors can explore the mysterious Planet X using robots, lasers, sensors and various other high-tech gadgets.

The $750,000 vehicle can hold up to 20 simultaneous visitors and incorporates a dozen full-scale, heavy-duty interactives.

The mobile museum will beavailable to schools, libraries and community centers beginning in the fall, thanks to a generous grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation.

The Race for Planet X is free to the public and will be located on the museum's main parking area from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Mid-America Science Museum is located at 500 Mid-America Blvd. in Hot Springs, next to National Park Community College. For more information, call (501) 767-3461.

Tri-Lakes, Pages 64 on 05/03/2007