A Year of Adventure at Fernbank Museum
As we put the finishing touches on our eye patches and faux jeweled crowns for our first Pirate & Princess Weekend of 2012, we thought it’d be the perfect time to share a few other upcoming events with you. So grab those calendars and pencil us in for a stunning line-up of events in 2012.
And, these are not all!
We are still working on adding more events to the schedule, so be sure to sign up for our e-news and “like” us on Facebook to stay in touch.
Dinosaur Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 7
Fernbank’s Dinosaur Egg Hunt is returning with expanded egg hunt times, additional giveaways, games, and more. Presented in partnership with Radio Disney.
Scoop on Poop Opening Day Celebration
Saturday, May 26
Join us for a celebration of Fernbank’s special exhibition Scoop on Poop. This fun and fascinating exhibition illustrates what we can learn about an animal by what it leaves behind.
97 Days of Play
May 29 – September 2
We’ve got the cure for the summertime blues! Join us for a summer-long celebration of great activities, events and ways to keep families entertained and inspired while school’s out.
Superhero Day
Sunday, June 17
Come dressed as your favorite superhero and enjoy a day of games, hands-on activities and more.
Reptile Day
Saturday, July 28
Get up-close and personal with a variety of live reptiles. Don’t miss this opportunity interact with and learn more about these unique and ecologically-important creatures.
Dinosaur Birthday Bash
Saturday, August 25
You’re invited for a day of dinosaur-themed activities including a giant-sized birthday party celebrating the world’s LARGEST dinosaurs.
Out of this World Weekend
Saturday, September 22 and Sunday, September 23
Join our mission to learn more about space, astronomy and how scientists learn about our universe through hands-on activities and demonstrations.
Fernbank BOO-seum Weekend
Saturday, October 27 and Sunday, October 28
Ghosts, goblins, princesses and pirates are invited to join us for a safe and not scary trick-or-treating event featuring costumed characters, music, games and more. Special treats for kids in costumes.
Science at Hand Day
Saturday, November 2
Biology, astronomy, ecology—oh my! Which of the sciences will you try? This is a unique chance to learn what it’s like to be a scientist and explore different scientific fields.
Caroling & Cookies Weekend
Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2
Enjoy the sounds of the season and free holiday delights including performances, ornament-making crafts and more.
Be sure to visit our online calendar of events to details on these and other Museum programs.
See you soon!
—Deanna Smith, Director of Marketing
New Year, New Opportunities to Get Involved at Fernbank
New Year’s Resolutions
Did you make a resolution this year? Come on, you can tell us. Better yet, let us help you keep those resolutions with a variety of unique opportunities for adults at Fernbank Museum in 2012.
I resolve to…get out more often.
Join us every Friday starting at 6:30pm for Martinis & IMAX®. It’s more than dinner and a movie, it’s the most unique way to spend a Friday night in Atlanta and it won’t break the bank.
I resolve to…make a difference in my community.
Fernbank’s largest volunteer group, the Polaris Guild, is currently recruiting new members. Polaris is a dynamic group of adults filling a valuable role in the success of Fernbank Museum. A variety of roles are available, based on your interests—from greeting guests, to assisting during special events
I resolve to…travel, but on a budget.
Well, we can’t fly you to the rainforest of Borneo or the rugged savannah of Kenya, but we can take you to these places in the comfort of our IMAX® Theatre. It’s armchair traveling at its finest as you sit back and enjoy Born to be Wild and The Greatest Places, both now showing.
I resolve to…do more and see more without spending a lot of money.
We understand. Everyone is looking for ways to cut back on expenses, while still having a good time. Why not buy a Museum membership? Museum members receive free Museum admission, save up to 40% off IMAX® tickets and enjoy other great discounts. Individual levels start at $75.
Do you have resolutions not covered here? Share them on our Facebook page and automatically be entered to win 4 Value Passes (valid for Museum and IMAX® admission)!
Here’s to a happy and prosperous 2012!
—Deanna Smith, Director of Marketing
2011: A Year in Pictures
As we put the finishing touches on this year, we’d like to take this opportunity to look back over the many wonderful highlights of 2011, told through photos.
January
Fan favorite "Journey into Amazing Caves" returned to Fernbank's IMAX Theatre, scheduled to open January 10.
However, "Journey into Amazing Caves" was delayed slightly when Fernbank, like most of Atlanta, experienced a rare "snow day" and was closed to the public January 10 and 11.
Baby, it was cold outside!
February
As the snow melted, buzz was building in anticipation of "Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids," opening February 19.
"Mythic Creatures" opening day, February 19. Many kids (and adults) came in costume to this festive event.
Juliana (3), daughter of Fernbank staffer Teresa McKelvey, takes one of the "Fernbank NatureQuest" activities for a test run on February 26, before the grand opening.
March
My, what little teeth they had. On March 3, Fernbank's newest residents, three baby alligators, moved into their new home in "Fernbank NatureQuest."
At long last, "Fernbank NatureQuest" opened to the public on March 19.
An inflatable alligator slide was one of the many activities featured during the opening celebration of "Fernbank NatureQuest," March 19 and 20.
April
Filmmaker and storm chaser Sean Casey and the TIV (tornado intercept vehicle) visited Fernbank on April 3 as part of the run of "Tornado Alley" in IMAX.
An egg-celent, egg-traordinary egg hunt egg-stravangaza! Fernbank's 2nd annual "Dinosaur Egg Hunt" on April 23 featured more eggs, more hunts and more fun!
May
Surf's up, dude! "Ultimate Wave" crashed into IMAX on May 6.
Princesses (and pirates) invaded Fernbank on May 14 for a day of family fun!
June
Nearly 400 mambo-chic guests attended the 17th Annual "Lost Oasis: Mythic Mambo" benefit on June 11.
It was a bird! It was a plane! It was Fernbank's inaugural "Superhero Day," on June 19.
July
More pirate and princess fun you say? Okay! (July 9)
August
Well shiver me timbers! More pirates and princesses on August 6.
Fernbank's annual "Dinosaur Birthday Bash" was extended to 2 days (August 20 and 21) in recognition of the "Giants of the Mesozoic's" 20th anniversary.
September
Checking in on our "Fernbank NatureQuest" alligators on September 7. OH BOY, have they grown!
"Darwin" opened September 24 with a family day celebration that included a "Dress Like Darwin" opportunity.
Say hello to Iggy, the live green iguana featured in "Darwin." (September 24)
October
Fernbank's annual fundraising gala, "A Timeless Affair" on October 1.
Fernbank's traveling Darwin started popping up all over town. He even made a quick stop at the Mellow Mushroom (October 21) in Decatur for a slice.
Who said Halloween is just for kids? Adults enjoyed the annual Martinis & IMAX Fright Night party on Ocotober 28.
A new tradition! The Museum's inagural "Fernbank BOO-seum" Halloween event (October 29).
November
Fantastic fall foliage in Fernbank Forest on November 5.
Another photo from Fernbank Forest on November 5.
Fernbank’s 2nd annual "Winter Wonderland: Celebrations & Traditions Around the World" opened November 16.
December
Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker Kids performed during the "Caroling & Cupcakes Weekend," December 3 and 4.
A couple enjoying a "Winter Wonderland Celebration Weekend" started dancing, much to the delight of their son watching nearby. (December 17)
Turkish Student Organization Folk Dance Group performing at a "Winter Wonderland Celebration Weekend." (December 17)
Of course, this is only a small sampling of the exhibitions, films, events and memorable moments from this year. And what a wonderful year we had, thanks in large part to all of you.
Here’s to a happy and prosperous 2012!
—Deanna Smith, Director of Marketing
Our Favorite Holiday Traditions, 2011 Edition
Last year on this blog we shared a few of our staff’s favorite holiday traditions in honor of the holiday-inspired exhibition and programming series Winter Wonderland: Celebrations & Traditions Around the World.
Just as Winter Wonderland has returned for a triumphant 2nd year, we are happy to give you another round of some of our favorite holiday traditions. Enjoy!
Every Christmas Eve my family watches National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. We used to beg to open one gift before we went to bed when we were little so it has become a must. On Christmas Day there’s an unwritten rule among my brothers, cousins and I: we try to eat the most food, drink the most spiked punch, and win the most brownie points with my Grandparents as humanly possible. It’s always a treat to have everyone together in Pennsylvania as we live all over the country.
Natalie Keen, Assistant Manager of Member Relations
Thanksgiving is now a costume event with my family. It stems from my resentment towards my mother from when I was 10 and she made me wear a pilgrim costume to her friend’s thanksgiving dinner. About 10 years ago, she and I were laughing about it and she said, “okay make me a pilgrim costume and I will wear it.” So I did. Now every year, she comes as a pilgrim. Also when my niece was born, I made her a costume so that she was the can of cranberry sauce and another year she came as the sweet potato casserole.
Dorothy Love, Assistant Manager of Development
Growing up my mother would play guitar and sing to us. Having been sung to all his life, my older brother John developed an affinity for the guitar and country music early on. When he was very little, he would sing and strum his plastic bat as if it were a guitar. Eventually he graduated to a toy guitar and then a real guitar. Today he lives in Nashville and is a computer programmer by day and a country musician by night. Now my brother plays the guitar each year at Christmas when we all sing Christmas carols.
Marisa Crissey, Communications Design Director
I don’t recall a winter season without my favorite holiday treat, Cheese Daisies. My mother made Cheese Daisies every December from a recipe in one of her favorite cookbooks, the “Charleston Receipts” collected by the Junior League of Charleston 1950. Faithful to the tradition today, I am delighted to share the recipe with you.
- 1 stick of butter
- 1 ½ cups of sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese
- 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper (a dash more if you want more kick!)
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 ½ cups of flour
- Pecan halves
Cream butter and cheese together. Sift red pepper and salt with flour, then slowly add to the butter and cheese mixture. Knead until creamed together and smooth. Chill for ½ hour. Roll out and cut with a small biscuit cutter or simply pinch a coin size of dough and roll in your hand. Gently press with a pecan half. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes. Yields 24 biscuits.
Leslie Rutkowski, Vice President of Development
My favorite holiday tradition is the gathering of my family. As long as I can remember, we have gathered Christmas Eve for a dual celebration—Christmas and my grandpa’s birthday. My grandpa is one of double-digit siblings and he has passed along the commitment to gather the entire family to his 9 children and all the grandchildren. Though some of my aunts & uncles thought we’d have to split into our immediate family groups, they have passed along the commitment to their children. Now, there are over 50 of us to gather… and for most holidays we can all make it. I’m looking forward to Christmas with my family this year and hopeful for Wisconsin snow while we’re there!
Lynn Anders, Education Programs Manager—Animal Programs
If you have a tradition you’d like to share, please e-mail it along with your full name to marketing@fernbankmuseum.org and if we get enough responses, we’ll share those in a future blog post.
—Deanna Smith, Director of Marketing
Smells Like Indigo Spirit
The Eastern Indigo Snake is the largest nonvenomous snake native to the United States. It is an endangered, majestic creature that uses brute force rather than constriction or venom to subdue its prey. What happens after the prey is digested, however, is not something most people get to experience. Indigo snake excrement, with its unmistakable aroma and sheer size, is one of many unique and fascinating experiences I have had an Animal Programs Volunteer at Fernbank Museum.
Animal populations, worldwide, are declining due to habitat destruction, pollution, over-harvesting and fear killings. The animal programs at Fernbank help work against these problems by educating people about the grandeur and importance of our planet’s other residents, and it has been rewarding playing a part in that effort. By providing Museum guests the opportunity to have real-life encounters with local and exotic animals, Fernbank Museum connects individual people with animals and creates awe and respect for wildlife. As a programs volunteer, part of my job has been encouraging that connection by hosting animal encounters. Hosting an animal encounter is a fun and dynamic experience because it requires one to fill the roles of educator, animal handler, and performer. It’s an exhilarating experience standing on-stage with a bearded dragon in front of a room full of museum guests, ranging from two to ninety-eight, who are looking for some concept of what to think about the peculiar, prickly lizard in your hands. We take tests throughout our lives, but there is nothing like being quizzed by a room of five-year-olds to make you appreciate every one of those hours spent studying the material.
Of course, it’s not all spotlights and curtain calls for an Animal Programs Volunteer, as much of my time has been spent working behind the scenes performing daily animal care tasks. Animal caretaking can be a rather humbling experience, as you’re sanitizing an enclosure for a couple dozen hissing cockroaches or sifting mealworms out of their own wastes. However, these tasks often turn out more exciting than hosting the animal encounters. One of the most important skills I have learned is how to feed the various animals. Whether it’s mice for the snakes or crickets for the geckos, there is something inherently cool about feeding animals. Doing enclosure maintenance, such as cleaning and replacing bedding or changing the water in the alligator tank is another rewarding activity because I know my quality of work will have a direct impact on the health and well-being of another living thing. Also, the animals usually need to be out of the enclosure during maintenance, and moving alligators never gets boring! My tenure as an Animal Programs Volunteer has been educational as well as exciting, and I look forward to the smell of Indigo snake as I continue with the volunteer team.
—Sean D’aigle, Animal Programs Volunteer
Thankful for Fernbank Museum
The latter part of the calendar year is a time of reflection and appreciation in many cultures and religions. Among the things my family is thankful for is Fernbank Museum of Natural History.
I have been involved with the Museum since 2000, initially as member of its Artemis young professional group, and increasingly so thereafter as my wife and children have embraced Fernbank as well. Stepping into Fernbank is like walking into another world. Its diverse exhibits and programs have opened our minds to history, science and cultures from across the seas. Our lives have been enriched by exhibitions on such broad-ranging subjects as Rome, Syria, pearls, chocolate, frogs, water, Charles Darwin and more. IMAX® films have also been among the many wonderful discoveries we have made at the Museum. I recall somewhat reluctantly going to see the film Pulse: A STOMP Odyssey. The film turned out to be an entrancing journey of rhythms and music from around the world—all in less than one hour. My family has since watched that IMAX® film (in its DVD version) over and over again.
Chile's Winter Wonderland display.
Speaking of world cultures, Fernbank currently offers its second annual Winter Wonderland. The exhibition shows us how twenty-five other cultures celebrate their holiday traditions, through beautifully decorated trees and other displays, unique crafts, and special performances.
While many of us visit Fernbank primarily on weekends, it is heartening to see busloads of children enjoying the Museum during the week, and to know that their schools value the educational experience that only Fernbank can offer. Opened just this year, Fernbank NatureQuest epitomizes the very best in educational content and technology. NatureQuest was designed to deliver dynamic, changing content and a different experience every time we visit. It is no surprise that NatureQuest has been so well received by our community, and by the most important critics of all—our children.
Fernbank Museum has brought us so much this year. With the beautiful new dinosaur plaza welcoming guests, NatureQuest, hands-on experiences, and exciting new IMAX® films, the Museum has accomplished a great deal to make us proud. My family considers itself fortunate enough to be able to support the Museum financially every year through The Annual Fund. We see how hard the Fernbank Museum staff and its volunteer leadership work, not only to ensure that the Museum operates productively on a day-to-day basis, but also to plan new exhibits and educational experiences for the future. We see that our trust is well placed. Year after year, Fernbank has fascinated us, amused us, and educated us about our world and its diversity of culture and thought.
Close-up of Chile display.
—Kevin Maxim, Fernbank Museum Board of Trustees Member
Interview with the Dinosaur
Henry and Giggy, December 2010
When our adventurous social media mascot Giggy A. Dino first started tweeting a year ago (November 17, 2010 to be exact), we weren’t sure what to expect. Would anyone want to follow a tweeting stuffed dinosaur? The overwhelming answer was yes! In fact, Giggy has made a few new friends through Twitter and through Facebook. His most memorable meeting was Henry A. at a Winter Wonderland Celebration Weekend event in December 2010. Henry was the first friend Giggy was able to meet in person. Because of that designation (and the many return visits to see Giggy and the Museum that he and his family have made), Henry recently gave Giggy is first interview. (Note: Giggy’s handler helped type the answers.)
Henry: Why are you so tiny?
Giggy: I was made that way. I don’t mind, being small has its advantages: I still qualify for a kids’ ticket price at the movies; I fit easily into a purse or backpack (hello, travel adventures); and I can sneak up on unsuspecting Stegosaurus and yell “GOTCHA” (they hate that).
Henry: What do you like to eat? Do you like chicken or are you a vegetarian?
Giggy: Like all Giganotosaurus, I like meat! Especially a good Pterodactyl burger. YUM! And pizza.
Henry: Where do you live in Fernbank? Do you have a room?
Giggy: I live in my handler’s office. It’s full of lots of posters from past exhibits (like Geckos) and toys. I get to play as much as I want. As long as I don’t get too loud—there’s a lot of work going on!
Henry and Giggy, October 2011
Henry: Is Fernbank really AWESOME?!?!?!
Giggy: YES! There are other dinosaurs for me to chase and play with. And lots of things to learn (did you know Charles Darwin once rode a Galapagos tortoise?). And most of all, I get to meet lots of cool kids, just like you!
Henry: Do you chase squirrels in Fernbank Forest?
Giggy: Sometimes. And sometimes, they chase me.
Henry: Do you like to dance and sing?
Giggy: La la laaaaaaaa! Just kidding. As you can tell, I’m not much of a singer, but I do like to dance! I can’t wait to see the performances during Winter Wonderland. I hear the Atlanta Ballet will be here.
Henry: What’s your favorite holiday?
Giggy: Halloween. I like to dress up as a human.
Henry: My favorite dinosaur is the Triceratops. Who is your favorite human?
Giggy: Humans are delicious….DELIGHTFUL. I mean, delightful. It’d be hard to pick just one.
Henry: Do you use a computer?
Giggy: Well (stretches arms), with these short arms, it’s rather difficult. Thankfully, my handler helps me out.
If you have a question you’d like Giggy to answer, send it to marketing@fernbankmuseum.org.
—Deanna Smith, Director of Marketing (and “Giggy’s “human)
What it’s Like to Be a Museum Curator
Gwinnett Daily Post’s Kidsville News has a special section titled “What It’s Like To Be…” Recently, the paper’s mascot, Truman, interviewed Fernbank’s McClatchey Curator, Bobbi Hohmann, Ph.D., to talk about her work at the Museum. Here is a transcript of that interview:
TRUMAN: What does it take to become a museum curator at Fernbank Museum?
BOBBI: Of course you first have to love museums! Museum curators also typically have advanced degrees (Ph.D. or higher). In a natural history museum, degrees in fields such as anthropology, geology, paleontology or biology would be most helpful. I am an anthropologist with a specialization in archaeology.
TRUMAN: When and why did you first become interested in being a museum curator?
BOBBI: I worked in the Collections Department of an anthropology museum while I was in graduate school. That was my first job in a museum setting and I loved everything about it, from researching collections to helping install exhibitions.
Bobbi Hohmann, pictured in the “Reflections of Culture” gallery. Hats are an important way to display a person’s status in Kuba society. On ceremonial occasions, male and female title-holders or members of the royal family wear elaborately beaded hats to display their rank. The shape and decorations of a hat announces the individual’s status.
TRUMAN: What do you do every day? What’s a typical day on the job?
BOBBI: Every day is a bit different. I work on a wide variety of projects, many that involve working with other museum staff. On any given day I might teach a school program, research objects in the collection, work on a grant proposal, or help develop or install an exhibition.
TRUMAN: Your job sounds really fun. What’s the hardest part of your job?
BOBBI: I find that the most challenging part of my job is exhibit development. There are so many elements that must come together to create a great exhibit and so many different people involved in the process, that it takes a lot of effort to keep everything on track.
TRUMAN: What’s the best part of the job?
BOBBI: What I enjoy most is the fact that no two days are the same. I enjoy working on many different projects and learning something new every day.
TRUMAN: How has being a museum curator changed since you first started?
BOBBI: The role of a curator varies from museum to museum, so no two positions are exactly the same. Since coming to Fernbank my position has remained much the same, although I have taken on additional responsibilities.
TRUMAN: Would you do any other job if you could?
BOBBI: I love my job and would find it hard to do anything else.
TRUMAN: What is your favorite hobby or thing to do when you are not working?
BOBBI: I enjoy spending time with my family.
TRUMAN: What advice would you give to kids who are interested in becoming a museum curator?
BOBBI: I would urge anyone interested in working as a museum curator to volunteer their time working at a local museum. Fernbank Museum’s F.U.N. program (Fernbank’s Ultimate Naturalist) provides 12-17 year olds with hands-on experience working in a museum setting and engaging with the public. I’d also encourage kids to visit many different types of museums to explore what subject matter interests them so they can select the right course of study when they graduate and head to college.
If you are interested in learning more about careers in science, join us Saturday, November 12 for Fernbank’s Science at Hand Day. Explore different scientific fields, talk to real scientists and enjoy hands-on science activities during this special event. Learn more.
Why Darwin?
Evolution has been presented at Fernbank since our doors first opened in 1992 through a variety of programs, including the permanent exhibition A Walk Through Time in Georgia. However, the Museum’s newest special exhibition, Darwin, highlights the many elements of this subject in some new, different and exciting ways.
Visitors will peer into Darwin’s world as they join his voyage of discovery to encounter diverse species from the Galapagos, fascinating fossils, scientific tools, and the incredible discoveries of Charles Darwin (1809-1882). The exhibition offers an engaging and enlightening glimpse into the extraordinary life and mind of this incredible scientist, whose curiosity, observations and discoveries over 150 years ago about natural selection and evolution forever changed the perception of many species on Earth.
Ultimately, it is important to understand the science, including the observations and evidence, behind the theory, as the concepts apply far beyond one person’s research. Even today, evolutionary theory continues to drive scientific discovery in medicine, the environment and other fields, and these scientific advances have direct relevance to our lives and well-being.
Based on evidence from multiple scientific disciplines, evolution is regarded as the major unifying concept in science, and Fernbank remains committed to presenting the facts of natural history as they are currently understood and accepted by a consensus of the scientific community.
For those visitors whose favorite elements of natural history are found in our other exhibitions, we welcome you to continue visiting our live animals and hands-on exploration in Fernbank NatureQuest, the interactive exploration of science in Sensing Nature, the incredible cultural objects and belief systems explored in Reflections of Culture, the world of dinosaurs and prehistory in Giants of the Mesozoic, the archaeological investigation of Native American culture upon the arrival of Europeans in DeSoto’s Footsteps, and even the incredible realm of the moon, stars and beyond in the IMAX® film Hubble.
However, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the newest special exhibition because ultimately, Darwin reveals all that’s fascinating about discovering the world around you and ignites the curiosity to explore regardless of anyone’s initial reaction to the science of evolution. Come explore for yourself, even the savviest science buffs are bound to learn something new.
—James Hays, Vice President of Exhibitions
Kids Say the Darndest Things… Museum Edition
Working with young children is constantly entertaining. The things that come out of their mouths are interesting, to say the least! 
Because of this, I’ve written down some of my favorite comments to share with you, hoping you’ll get a laugh out of them, too.
- While taking a nature walk during the after-school program, one of the students spotted a deer: “Hey look—it’s a cow!!”
- A young girl on a different nature hike: “You can tell the difference between a girl spider web and a boy spider web. Girls have the messy webs, and boys’ webs are neat and pretty… you know, like the opposite of people.”
- In the exhibit A Walk through Time in Georgia, there is a display case of unfortunate accidents that have happened to the taxidermy animals when touched too often. With birds, this usually means that the head comes off the body. I point this case out to students to let them know why we don’t touch the taxidermy and what may happen. One student approaches me to tattle on another: “Ms. Becky, he touched the animals!!” Suddenly, the boy’s eyes got huge, he became extremely panicked, and he started whispering. “Oh, no…. you know what’s going to happen now??!!” Drawing a line across his throat with his finger: “His head is going to fall off!!!”
- A family was eating lunch underneath the dinosaur skeletons in the Great Hall. The little girl stopped eating, looked up at the Giganotosaurus, and held up the rest of her sandwich on an open palm. Her mom: “Hun, what are you doing?” Little girl: “He’s too skinny. I thought he would be hungry.”
- While walking around with a snake and interacting with guests, I asked a young girl what she thought the snake would eat. “I’ll give you a hint- I’m too big to be her food. What do you think she would like to eat?” The girl stared up at me with very concerned eyes and mouth open. Unable to even speak, she just pointed at herself and mouthed the word, “Me??”
- And my favorite story… we offer live animal encounters during the summer and on weekends, bringing out animals from our teaching collection for the public to see. Encounters typically have three animals. We pull them out one at a time to talk about them, and anyone four or older has the opportunity to touch the last animal. After finishing an animal encounter one day, I packed up the animals then headed to the room next door to help with the activities in there. Several people who had been in the animal encounter were already in the next room exploring. One little boy, around 3 years old, was in the back corner of the room surrounded by puppets. He picked out three of the puppets and held them one at a time in front of his mother, telling her to touch them gently with two fingers. When his mom noticed me watching, she smiled at me and said, “He’s pretending to be you.”
–Becky Facer, Environmental Education Programs Manager
