THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 4, 1996 TAG: 9610020121
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
LENGTH: 39 lines
A special exhibit featuring interactive computer programs and a planetarium show exploring the times of Christopher Columbus compared to the world of 1996 will open Oct. 15 at the Children's Museum and continue through Jan. 19.
The exhibit, ``Two Worlds of Science,'' examines the scientific basis of Columbus' bold plan and the controversy surrounding it, the technology of sailing and navigation that made his trip possible and the effect his ``discovery'' had on both the people of Europe and of the New World. The interactive computer programs will illustrate the vast changes in population and environment in the New World that were set into motion by Columbus.
The 25-minute planetarium show, ``Where on Earth Is Christopher Columbus?'' will compare the 15th century navigational technologies of Arabs, Europeans, Asians and Native Americans. The show traces the development of the compass and the use of stars as directional tools. In addition, the show will demonstrate how certain insects and birds navigate and also will discuss modern navigational systems such as LORAN and Global Positioning System satellites.
The museum, normally closed on Monday, will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 14 for Columbus Day. Regular museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $4 for non-members.
The museum also is the site of the Wonderful Wednesdays Preschool Programs for ages 3 through 5 that began Wednesday and will continue each Wednesday through Dec. 11.
Topics for this month are ``A Is for Apple,'' Oct. 9; ``We All Fall Down,'' Oct. 16; ``Harvest of Fun,'' Oct. 23; and ``Pumpkin Patch,'' Oct. 30.
The preschool classes are scheduled at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. and are open to all children ages 3 through 5 and their parents. Drop-in registration is $2 per class.
For information, call 393-8389. by CNB