Think It, Build It, Test It...Engineer It!

Stimulate your child's creativity - and your own - by visiting Engineer It! , a fascinating new exhibition coming to Denver Museum of Nature & Science from Sep 29, 2006 - Jan 1, 2007. Engineer It! is presented in Denver by Xcel Energy, CH2M HILL and Lockheed Martin.

"Kids are natural engineers," said George Sparks, President & CEO of the Museum and an aeronautical engineer. "They are always observing, comparing, experimenting, testing and solving problems using the same critical thinking skills engineers use. Here in Colorado, we need to engage new generations of engineers. With our semi-arid climate, high altitude, and increasing population, we have special circumstances that require talented engineers to help us live and work comfortably and sustainably. I believe that Engineer It! will play a part in workforce development, as it motivates and fascinates our visitors."

Discover how much fun engineering and physics can be. The day will fly by inside the 10,000 square-foot exhibition as you and your kids

• design and build boats, buildings, bridges, windmills, airplanes, rockets and robots;
• test the performance of your creations in water tanks, earthquake simulators, wind tunnels, and on a rocket range;
• experiment with gears and pulleys;
• operate a cargo crane;
• learn more about engineers in the real world and about modern-day engineering advances;
• form teams to build arches and geodesic domes;
• experience the RocketWorks lab, a unique Denver addition to the traveling exhibition, where you design, build, decorate and launch your own rocket; and more.

All of these activities promote family fun and interaction. Parts of the exhibition are unique Denver additions to Engineer It! Real objects like a giant wind turbine propeller blade and sections of an Atlas V rocket, state-of-the-art engineering equipment, innovative modern applications of engineering principles, and participatory demonstrations are all part of the experience. Related exhibits around the Museum highlight how animals are natural engineers. Other exhibits provide behind-the-scenes glimpses of the way things work- such as an escalator!

The exhibition is free with general admission to the Museum. General admission is $10 for adults and $6 for juniors (3-18) and seniors (65+). Museum members are admitted free. Discounts are also available for groups of 10 or more. For more information, call (303) 322-7009 or visit <www.dmns.org>

The Museum is open seven days a week, 9 am - 5 pm (closed Dec 25). Engineer It! was made possible by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and was created and is circulated by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) in Portland, OR.

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