Animal Grossology lives up to its name

Inside the new exhibit at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, which officially opens Saturday though some got a look today, there's the game where you match the pile of poop to the animal. Or the video of a tapeworm. There's the cow loudly burbing and the giant fly talking about how poop helps his pregnant wife.

The exhibit is adapted from the best-selling Grossology children’s book series by author and science teacher Sylvia Branzei. And it explores the innards of animals and what comes out of them.

And while the subject matter is certainly unsavory, it's all generally portrayed with cute or funny animated characters that help to make it all a bit more palatable. (In other words, I had no problem eating lunch shortly after seeing the exhibit).

Kids in grade three and up will probably understand the most from the exhibit, but there is plenty for younger kids to do. My kindergartner loved learning how the cow digests her food. There are lots of interactive games and activities for kids, including a tunnel and slide, that will keep most age groups captivated.

I spoke to a handful of eighth graders from Exploris Middle School and they gave the thumbs up. Lots to do, they told me, for all ages.

The exhibit runs through April 24. Tickets to Animal Grossology are $8 for adults; $5 for students and seniors; $4 for children (5–11); and free to Members. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Museum Box Office at 919-733-7450, ext. 212.

Take a look at the exhibit in the video.