“The Science of You” Exhibit Shows the Inner Workings of the Human Body

DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON - NC - On Saturday June 30, The Children’s Museum of Wilmington will launch one of its most ambitious projects ever with a permanent exhibit, “The Science of You.” The exhibit will include a variety of age-appropriate displays showing how the human body works.

The ribbon cutting for the new exhibit is at 9:30 a.m. and is open to the public. Regular admission pricing applies for the day. Anchoring the new exhibit is a virtual reality (VR) system that provides an immersive view of the inner workings of the body. The VR system is sponsored by Wilmington-based nCino, a software company focused on transforming the financial services industry via its cloud-based Bank Operating System. Volunteers from nCino have worked with the Children’s Museum to design the VR space.

Users of the VR system can travel through the bloodstream to see how blood cells distribute oxygen or fight deadly viruses, or they can take a trip through the inside of a heart. In addition, the VR system includes programs for artistic creation. Children can make 3D drawings that they can manipulate and even travel inside.

“Children are naturally curious about how their bodies work,” said Jim Karl, The Children’s Museum executive director. “We looked around the community and concluded that there was a lack of content for early childhood learning about the human body. "The Science of You" exhibit will enable children to see what is inside their bodies, how it differs from other mammals, and how the stuff on the inside lets us see, smell and hear everything on the outside."

Included in the “The Science of You” exhibit is a labeled disarticulated skeleton with bones that children pick up, animal skulls, and human body cut-a-ways. “At nCino, we’re committed to community service and are passionate about supporting projects and programs that improve the quality of life for those in our community,” said Davis Brannan, EVP of strategic partnerships & alliances at nCino. “As a software company, we’re really proud to have worked with the Children’s Museum on this exhibit to leverage technology and provide a fun, safe and educational experience to children in Wilmington.”

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences provided the initial funding to design and equip “The Science of You” exhibit, according to Karl. Residents of Old Wilmington, Ross Stores, Inc. and the Eshelman Foundation also provided funding to expand The Children’s Museum outreach and education activities.

For more information about the Children’s Museum and “The Science of You,” contact jkarl@playwilmington.org, or visit the museum’s website, www.playwilmington.org.