Face Your Fears at COSI! C'mon What Are You Afraid of?
Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear opens on February 9, 2008
For Immediate Release:
Kelli Gaza Nowinsky, COSI PR Manager, 614-629-3114, knowinsky@mail.cosi.org
(Columbus) January 18, 2008 - Why do our hearts race, our knees shake, and our bodies sweat when we are scared? Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear, a new traveling exhibit, explores this universal emotion that can save our lives. Through fun, interactive challenges, visitors can experience fear in a safe environment and discover the science behind their physical and emotional responses. The exhibit opens at COSI Columbus on Saturday, February 9, 2008 and runs though May 4, 2008. Goosebumps is included with the price of COSI admission.
The 6,000 square-foot exhibit includes immersive environments and full-body, interactive experiences that allow visitors to test their own fears and rate their physiological responses. Leading scientists and their current research on the neurobiology, physiology and psychology of fear are also featured throughout the exhibit.
“We all experience fear, but many people do not understand why”, said Dr. David Bibas, California Science Center Curator of Technology Programs and exhibit organizer for Goose Bumps! “This is the first comprehensive exhibit on fear that engages visitors with fun experiences that trigger an authentic fear response and then motivates them to learn how the brain and body work together in response to danger. “
Goose Bumps! begins with the Fear Challenge Course, where you face four common fears in a safe environment. The first challenge, Fear of Animals, dares visitors to reach into concealed terrariums that might be the home of creepy-crawly creatures. In the next room, Fear of Electric Shock, visitors may feel their heart pounding as they anticipate getting zapped by a jolt of electricity. In Fear of Loud Noises visitors test this innate fear that helps keep us out of harm’s way. Finally, the Fear of Falling challenge allows you to experience a sudden loss of support and then watch a video recording of their reaction to the backwards drop.
Another exhibit highlight is the Fear Lab, a section which explores the brain’s structures and pathways that drive the fear response. Visitors will meet Mr. Goose Bumps, a larger-than-life figure that illustrates, through animation, how the brain and body work together in response to danger. Real brains and brain slices preserved through the process of plastination are on display showing similarities in a key fear structure in the brains of humans and animals.
You can also learn about common fears we have as we age and how to help kids cope with their own fears. View compelling interviews with people suffering from anxiety disorders, and get a view of their struggle with these fear diseases as well as their hopes for the future.
Media support provided by WBNS 10TV. Exhibit was developed by the California Science Center and supported in part by the Informal Science Education program of the National Science Foundation under grant ESI-0515470.
Admission is as follows: $12.50 for adults, $7.50 for youth (2 - 12 years old), $10.50 for senior citizens and free to children under 24 months and COSI Members. For more information, and current hours of operation visit cosi.org or call 614.228.COSI.
