THE EXPERIENCE:

“Microbes” is an up close and personal look at the smallest, most abundant and oldest life on our planet, and takes the mystery out of “killer” organisms. The exhibit explores what microbes are (bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa – “germs” to most people), what they look like, the history of infectious disease, emerging diseases and how researchers and individuals fight infectious disease worldwide.

MAIN MESSAGES:

A. Microbes sustain life on earth and are the oldest life form on the planet.
B. Most microbes are beneficial to life and we cannot live without them.
C. Microbes do not stalk humans and others animals, seeking to make them sick. Illness is simply a byproduct of microbes trying to survive.
D. Through research, microbes can help us combat disease and disasters.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Stand in the Paris catacomb surrounded by human bones to learn about the Black Plague.

“Spotting Tuberculosis” Lung X-rays: compare the actual X-rays of healthy and diseased lungs. The light spots are the result of tuberculosis infection.

Electron Microscope: Visitors get a rare view of real viruses as they would appear through an electron microscope-a microscope of extremely high power.

Large-view Microscope: Exhibit-goers can peer through a large-view microscope that reflects light off an object to magnify the image-observing fungi, protozoa and bacteria as they appear 250 times larger than life.

Microbe Universe: Walk into the mysterious and beautiful black-light room of microbes. See six colorful microbe models seemingly floating in the air.

Lines of Defense: An animated castle diorama that demonstrates the body’s defensive systems.

Quiz Show: Microbe Man, the super-hero guide to the exhibit, hosts this interactive television game show. Players can test their microbial knowledge with a series of true-false questions.

Gobble De Goop: In this video game, museum-goers use a joystick to guide munching microbes as they gobble up an oil spill. The goal is to get the oil-eating microbes to the oil spill before the oil gets to the shore in this video game.

EXHIBIT SIZE: 2,500 – 3,000 square feet

LENGTH OF VENUE: Approximately four months – Spring, Summer, Fall

ENDORSEMENT: National Institutes of Health

TARGET AUDIENCE: 9-year-olds and up, families, schools

NATIONAL SPONSOR: Pfizer Inc

EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS: Teacher’s packet provided.

INSURANCE: Museum must provide a certificate of insurance for $5 million (general liability) and $1 million (property damage insurance).

SHIPPING COST: Venue pays for incoming shipping costs.

INSTALLATION/DEINSTALLATION: An Evergreen technician will be provided to assist in set-up & take-down. Evergreen requires 4 qualified individuals at the venue to help with set-up and take-down.

DOOR AND CEILING SIZE: Exhibit requires a 6’ X 8′ opening. 10’-12’ ceiling required.

ENVIRONMENT: HVAC required.

MANUALS: Maintenance and installation manuals will be provided with exhibit.

ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS: Standard electrical supply.

SECURITY LEVEL: Gallery attendants required.

For more information contact:
Christi Klingelhefer at 210-599-0045