Insects represent the majority of animals on the planet with six to ten million living species that occupy croplands, forests, homes, water and other habitats. They are different from most animals as they have hard exoskeletons, three-part bodies, three pairs of legs, a pair of antenna, and compound eyes.
Baltimore families can visit the newest exhibit that explores insects at the Maryland Science Center this weekend. On Saturday, February 4, 2012, in partnership with Terminix, a national company dedicated to pest control, the Maryland Science Center hosts Harry’s Big Adventure: My Bug World!
Meet Harry, a Chinese praying mantis, as he introduces Baltimore families to his insect friends through this interactive exhibit that will stimulate your senses.
The exhibit will be open Tuesdays through Sundays during regular museum hours, and is free with regular paid admission. Museum hours are 10am-5pm Tuesday through Thursday, 10am-8pm Friday, 10am-6pm Saturday, and 11am-5pm Sunday. The exhibit runs from Saturday, February 4, 2012 through Sunday, April 29, 2012.
Baltimore families can discover insects from watery worlds through a “half-bubble sphere”; meet ants, millipedes and termites from woodland places. A special projection screen will create “virtual butterflies” in the meadows that flutter around you. Learn about unwanted insect invaders that swarm the croplands and infest our homes.
Check out Bug Art; draw your favorite insect characters from Harry’s Big Adventure, build your own bug, or create an insect rubbings located throughout the exhibit.
“We are so excited to host Harry’s Big Adventure,” said Van Reiner, president and CEO of the Maryland Science Center. “The hands-on nature of the exhibition, coupled with thousands of live bugs, makes this engrossing experience both thrilling and educational for all our visitors.”
Entomologists from the Audubon Insectarium host weekend programming, when Baltimore families can get personal with the insects. You will get the chance to touch some Harry’s friends, or eat insects prepared by the Bug Chef. Other family activities on the weekends include cricket spitting, the Roach Race, and the Bug Petting Zoo.
According to Chuck Fallon, Terminix president, “As a company, Terminix has always worked to advance the awareness and understanding of insects. Given our knowledge and expertise of the insect world, it was only fitting that we develop this one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates insects in their natural environment and educates people about the complex role they play in our ecosystem.”
Although we refer to insects as bugs, true bugs are actually a separate insect species. All bugs are insects, but not all insects are bugs. If your family is into bugs, check out Harry’s Big Adventure: My Bug World! at the Maryland Science Center from Saturday, February 4, 2012 through Sunday, April 29, 2012 (See museum hours above). Have a great day!
Maryland Science Center
601 Light Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
410-685-2370
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