A
new ocean-themed exhibit is set to open this weekend at the Clay Center, marking the maiden voyage on a fun and educational adventure.
"Wild Kratts: Ocean Adventure!," an interactive exhibit based on the popular PBS Kids series, will open on Saturday, Jan. 17. A members-only preview will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 16.
The exhibit was created by Minnesota Children’s Museum in collaboration with the Kratt Brothers Company. The interactive showcase allows kids and families to explore various animal habitats and the creatures within them.
As in the television series, visitors to the exhibit will immerse themselves in whole body explorations of ocean abodes. Using a mix of science and teamwork, children and their families will solve problems, help marine animals, and foil the villains’ nefarious plans.
“This exhibit will get kids moving and thinking while they explore ocean environments and important concepts in science and the natural world,” said Chris Kratt, executive producer of Wild Kratts and co-founder of Kratt Brothers Company.
Ocean habitats and activities
Through an inquiry-based approach, children will explore age-appropriate science concepts central to marine animals’ lives.
Along the exhibit's seashore habitat, children will miniaturize in a tidal pool, crawl through an anemone, and hunt for lunch like a lobster.
In shallow seas, visitors can create their own dolphin name and work at a shark cleaning station.
A trip to the deep sea gives attendees the chance to explore hydrothermal vents and a bioluminescent grotto. Visitors can also steer an amphisub through the ocean depths in search of rarely seen creatures of the ocean floor.
Wild Kratts: Ocean Adventure! is presented locally by West Virginia Public Broadcasting, Encova Insurance, American Water Charitable Foundation, The Daywood Foundation, Inc., Bernard H. & Blanche E. Jacobson Foundation, and Martha Gaines & Russell Wehrle Memorial Foundation.
The exhibit runs at the Clay Center through May 10.
