Support MOSI on Give Day Tampa Bay

Your donation can help send 400 kids to camp this summer, donate to Give Day Tampa Bay by clicking here.

 

Here's one family's MOSI story.

 

Dear MOSI supporter,

My name is John Olmstead, and I'm asking you to give to MOSI on Give Day Tampa Bay. MOSI has meant so much to me and my family, here's our story.

I became a member around the time my little girl was 5. MOSI was a constant place to visit, walk around, talk, enjoy science, ask questions, buy toys, get lunch. MOSI was that fun place my little girl loved to go to. When she got old enough to go to camps, what good friends she made there. She still has many of those friends today. We still are friends with the families of the kids. MOSI families are the best and all are science and knowledge oriented with curious kids, involved moms and dads who have interesting lives apart from school and work.  

My son followed in his sister's footsteps at MOSI. Joe and I would go to MOSI and spend hours together roaming, reading, discovering, experiencing and making a MOSI day of it just like I had done with his sister. He's loved the camps so much over these years, that he started volunteering this past summer. He's so enthused that he's putting in 8-9 hour days as a volunteer. He enjoys explaining and showing the younger kids all the cool things MOSI has to offer. 

Now my daughter is 26 and she has her own family. Her little boy comes and enjoys looking at all the MOSI kids at kids in charge. I am sure when he's old enough, he'll be going to camps at MOSI. If MOSI hadn't been there to create heroes and stars of mathematicians and scientists, I think my daughter's life would be wholly different.

The Tampa Bay area is enriched with all the science and math exhibits and interactions MOSI provides, the environment where intelligent kids are encouraged to be nerds and not only feel rewarded and accepted, they are rewarded and accepted.  MOSI provides families the backdrop and milieu for raising intelligent, happy, well-adjusted kids who know about our big world and understand the discoveries human kind has made in our world. MOSI gives those kids the social rewards to be intellectual and encourages them to make their own discoveries in this amazing world. 

Thanks to you, MOSI people in the past, all the donors and volunteers that make MOSI the treasure of this area. It has been the place where I can see hope for our future.

J. Steele Olmstead

 

 

MythBusters Exhibition Is Now Open at MOSI!

Today, the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa is proud to debut our new exhibition; Mythbusters: The Explosive Exposition to the public. Based on the popular Discovery show MythBusters, this exhibit is set up to appear as the workshop portrayed on the show. 

Once inside the workshop, you will be able to experience hands-on experiments, and live demonstrations seen on the TV show. The Airplane on the Conveyor Belt section allows visitors to determine if a remote-controlled airplane will take off; while sitting on a moving surface going the opposite direction. Guests can race a friend through the rain in a 20-foot rain shed for the Running in the Rain demonstration. Also, the Dodge a Bullet challenge presents the ultimate test for reaction time against a motion sensor. These myth busting activities incorporate fun and scientific exploration that engages people of all ages.

On Friday, February 6, MOSI hosted an exclusive preview of Mythbusters:The Explosive Exposition, and a meet-and-greet with Kari Bryon. Excited fans patiently waited in line to take pictures and get autographs from their favorite host. During the preview of the exhibition, Bryon interacted with visitors as they viewed MythBusters artifacts such as, the rhino poop in the jar that was on displayed in the workshop.The night was filled with entertainment and experimentation.

So grab some friends and head out to MOSI to experience #MOSIMythBusters. Visit our website and Facebook page to learn more details about the exhibition. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and share some of your cool shots of the workshop.

For ticket information, click on the link below.

 http://www.museumtix.com/program/program.aspxvid=880&cgid=13747439&pvt=mosi

- Janine Fils (Marketing Intern, University of South Florida)

Approaching Science like Art

On February 7, The Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa will be hosting the exclusive Florida premiere of Mythbusters: The Explosive Exposition. MOSI is also offering a once in a lifetime opportunity for fans to meet Kari Byron, star of MythBusters and Head Rush. This meet and greet will take place on February 6 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Kari Byron graduated from San Francisco State University with a B.A. in film and sculpture. She began her career as a sculptor, and art is still an important aspect of her everyday life. Kari started her career in television through an internship at M5 with Jamie Hyneman. Due to her background in sculpting, Kari was able to combine art with science. “For me, having a background in art, I think, helped me immensely to become someone who really likes science because I started to approach it in a very MythBusters way,” says Kari.  “I really like just getting my hands dirty, and that’s the kind of science that I like to do, and I never realized how much I was going to like science until I started approaching it like art.”

Here at MOSI, we also understand the importance of art and science when educating children. Our exhibitions will challenge, excite and inspire children of all ages. To learn more about MOSI and the Mythbusters: The Explosive Exposition visit our website  or our facebook page. 

- Jordan Hicks (Marketing Intern, University of South Florida)

Cupid MOSI

This year on Valentine’s Day, MOSI will take you and your love to an enchanting dinner date under the stars of MOSI’s planetarium. Taste the delightful cuisine from famous cities like Paris, Buenos Aires and Fiji, while enjoying the cities’ starry night. It doesn’t stop here! Why not make a love potion? You and your sweetheart can explore the chemistry of love by creating your own signature fragrance. Let the love potion sink in to your hearts as you both enjoy a romantic dance to the world’s treasured love songs under the stars.

Hurry up as these love seats are limited. Reservation in advance is required. It will be an unforgettable night.

For more information about “Total Eclipse of the Heart”, please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/214388992078694/ 

To register for “Total Eclipse of the Heart” click the link below

http://www.campfun.org/toecofhef14o.html

Parents Night Out!

Drop your kids off at MOSI’s IMAX Dome Theatre for pizza and the showing of the “Night of the Museum”, while you enjoy “Total Eclipse of the Heart” or other Valentine’s date you have already planned. The MOSI Education Department will help provide fun to your kids and a worry-free night for you. Your kids will also enjoy joining in on creative age-appropriate play.

The showing of the “Night of the Museum” starts on February 14 at 6pm and 8pm, and on February 15. For more information about the showing dates and times, please visit

http://www.mosi.org/imax-dome/whats-showing.aspx

Program Information:

Ages: 5 and up

Drop off at 6pm; Pick-up at 10pm

$25 per child

One week advance registration is required

To register, click here

http://www.campfun.org/panioutj.html

-Jean Davis ( Marketing Intern, University of South Florida) 

A Busy Week At MOSI!

As the holidays draw near, the elves at MOSI are busy putting together a ton of fun events to fill your December calendars! This week in particular is packed with exciting events that are sure to keep you and your family busy. Let me tell you about what we have coming up this week…

A New Throwback Thursday Film:

Journey into Amazing Caves is back at MOSI this coming Thursday! This film takes you into some exciting and dangerous caves with two scientists who are risking their lives all in the name of research. Watch them as they make thrilling discoveries in different caves all over the world! This IMAX film will run from Dec. 5- Dec. 11.

https://www.facebook.com/events/616395355069103/?ref=5

Food Truck Madness:

Food Truck Madness is back at MOSI this Friday, December 6! Come see the new food trucks we have this month, or grab something to eat from one of your favorites! The lineup we have for this Friday is: Lizziecakes, LLC, Hot Box’d Steamed Cheesburgers, Kind Grinds, Roaming Gourmand, T-Bones Famous BBQ, The Cheesesteak Truck, I Wanna Wok, Dipstix, and more! Come get your food truck fix before the year ends!

https://www.facebook.com/events/432641510168715/?ref=5

Santa’s $5 Day

$5 Day at MOSI is holiday themed this week! Come enjoy some holiday-themed crafts and games, or catch up with Santa on the Sky Trail© Ropes Course! We will have photos with Santa on the ropes course included with admission to the ropes course!

 https://www.facebook.com/events/259146910906285/?ref=5

LEGO® Build-a-Thon:

Love LEGOS®??? Join us for an exciting LEGO® building competition on Sunday, December 8! We will have age-appropriate building competitions, a LEGO® carnival for the whole family to enjoy, and a LEGO® showcase of LEGO® projects! What do you want to build?

https://www.facebook.com/events/457540541025258/?ref=5

To learn more about our upcoming events and keep up with MOSI happenings, you can follow us on Twitter @mositampa, like “MOSI” on Facebook, follow us on Instagram @mosi_tampa, or add us on Google+ “MOSITampa”.

For ticket prices and additional information, please visit MOSI.org

-Leah Bebey, Marketing Intern (University of South Florida)

Santa’s Little Helpers

For those of you who have had the opportunity to experience MOSI’s Idea Zone, you are aware of the exciting and creative ways we allow children to learn, build, and create in this “do-it-yourself” laboratory. This holiday season, Santa will be taking over Idea Zone. The innovative design studio has been transformed by Santa into what is now a Christmas workshop. The space will be an opportunity for visitors to give back to their family this holiday season with gifts that come from the heart. Idea Zone will allow Children to use the creative technology lab as a place to make stocking stuffers for everyone on their list. MOSI’s favorite technology playground is Santa’s workshop for all of his little helpers to spread the Christmas spirit.

            Personally, I can’t wait to head down to Santa’s work shop and create a gift for my brother using this 3-D printer. Since my brother loves to fish so much, I will design a fish on the computer and when I press print, the printer in the picture will create a 3-D plastic fish!

 I am most excited for this event because I get to see children giving back. Kids tend to get caught up in their own Christmas lists and they often forget about Mom, Dad, Grandparents, or anyone else that deserves some holiday cheer. Santa’s Workshop in Idea Zone will remind kids about the important people in their lives and allow them to create something special for the ones they love. I can’t wait to see all of the creations coming out of Idea Zone this holiday season. Santa’s Workshop will be available with the purchase of a regular admission ticket and will last from now until December 31^st. Although it is only November, Christmas will be here before you know it!

For More information about the event visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/events/426778257424091/ or our website MOSI.org

-Kiersten Flint (Communications Intern)

Santa’s Little Helpers

For those of you who have had the opportunity to experience MOSI’s Idea Zone, you are aware of the exciting and creative ways we allow children to learn, build, and create in this “do-it-yourself” laboratory. This holiday season, Santa will be taking over Idea Zone. The innovative design studio has been transformed by Santa into what is now a Christmas workshop. The space will be an opportunity for visitors to give back to their family this holiday season with gifts that come from the heart. Idea Zone will allow Children to use the creative technology lab as a place to make stocking stuffers for everyone on their list. MOSI’s favorite technology playground is Santa’s workshop for all of his little helpers to spread the Christmas spirit.

            Personally, I can’t wait to head down to Santa’s work shop and create a gift for my brother using this 3-D printer. Since my brother loves to fish so much, I will design a fish on the computer and when I press print, the printer in the picture will create a 3-D plastic fish!

 I am most excited for this event because I get to see children giving back. Kids tend to get caught up in their own Christmas lists and they often forget about Mom, Dad, Grandparents, or anyone else that deserves some holiday cheer. Santa’s Workshop in Idea Zone will remind kids about the important people in their lives and allow them to create something special for the ones they love. I can’t wait to see all of the creations coming out of Idea Zone this holiday season. Santa’s Workshop will be available with the purchase of a regular admission ticket and will last from now until December 31^st. Although it is only November, Christmas will be here before you know it!

*For More information about the event visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/events/426778257424091/ or our website MOSI.org

-Kiersten Flint (Communications Intern)

MOSI Celebrates Throwback Thursday

Who doesn't enjoy a nice blast from the past? Starting this week, MOSI will be celebrating the popular social media trend “Throwback Thursday” (#TBT) with a different IMAX movie beginning every Thursday. These IMAX movies will be classic favorites from the past.

Throughout this celebration of Throwback Thursday, you can enjoy different IMAX films that are sure to get your adrenaline rushing. The first four in the lineup are Everest, Top Speed, Journey Into Amazing Caves and Coral Reef Adventure. Which film is sure to make your adventurous side come out? Since scuba diving is one of my hobbies, I think I’d definitely have to see Coral Reef Adventure.

Everest is the first Throwback Thursday film, which will run this week from Nov.21-Nov. 27. Everest takes you through a tragic and inspiring journey to the top of Mount Everest. This film shows a team of climbers who have to continue their climb even after several fellow climbers die during the ascent.

To learn more about our Throwback Thursday celebration, watch the IMAX movie trailers (follow the link below), or to keep up with MOSI happenings, you can follow us on Twitter @mositampa, like “MOSI” on Facebook, follow us on Instagram @mosi_tampa, or add us on Google+ “MOSI Tampa”.

  

For additional info, directions and ticket prices, visit MOSI.org

IMAX Trailers: http://www.mosi.org/imax-dome/throwback-thursdays.aspx

--Leah Bebey (MOSI’s Marketing Intern, University of South Florida)

MOSI Takes a Stand against Drug Abuse

Brittany Vaill

Communications Intern

MOSI is celebrating Red Ribbon Week this Wednesday, Oct. 23 to Oct 31. Join MOSI in saying no to drugs and receive discounts to the museum in the process. Anyone who signs a pledge to abstain from illegal use of drugs in honor of Red Ribbon Week receives $5 off MOSI general admission.

Drug abuse is a serious issue amongst teens and adults today. All drugs can be harmful, even prescription drugs when they are abused. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, young adults are the biggest abusers of prescription pain relievers, ADHD stimulants, and anti-anxiety drugs. The best way to stop children and teens from going down this path is to educate them, and MOSI is doing just that.

MOSI is also hosting a safety disposal site for prescription drugs. The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative is Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. People in the community can safely dispose of their unused, unnecessary or expired prescription medication. There are 4 sites total, with MOSI being one of them.

Be sure to check out MOSI on Facebook, sign the pledge to say no to drugs and receive a $5 off general admission coupon. Excludes special engagement films, events and Sky Trail Ropes Course and Zip Line. Must present physical pledge or the shared pledge on Facebook at the time of purchase. Other restrictions may apply. 

MOSI’s Food Truck Madness is Back

MOSI’s Food Truck Madness is Back!

MOSI’s Food Truck Madness is the place for adventure! As a part of our MOSI After Dark event series, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry presents guests the opportunity to experience a variety of tasty cuisine from food trucks from all around the Tampa area, all while discovering science at night.

What better way to get home classics without actually having to spend time to recreate these delicious, gourmet recipes at home? Not only can guests satisfy the different food desires of the whole family in one place, but MOSI will also have various exhibits open for guests to experience at night for only $5. For an additional fee, guests can also conquer the Sky Trail Ropes Course and Zip Line after dark. 

Next weekend on Friday November 1^st from 6-10pm, come out to MOSI – leave the fun to us and the cooking to the food truck masters. This month’s food trucks include Shark Bites, Disco Donuts, A Taste of Chicago, Der Wurstwagen, Whatever Pops, Nico’s Arepas Grill, Hott Mess, Betty Rocker, I Wanna Wok and many more. As always, entrance to Food Truck Madness events and parking is free. 

You can even share your experience with us and your friends if you use the hashtag #foodtruckmadness on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more information about MOSI, any questions or directions follow us on Twitter @mositampa, Instagram @mosi_tampa, like “MOSI” on Facebook, read our Blogger blog at http://mositampa.blogspot.com/ or simply visit our website at www.mosi.org. 

Come out to MOSI After Dark and enjoy great games, music, and fun at MOSI’s Food Truck Madness.

MOSI Digs Up a Little Piece of History

MOSI Digs Up a Little Piece of History

Brittany Vaill, MOSI Communications Intern

                                                                                

            Reduce, reuse, recycle. It’s a saying that kids are taught, that has been made into songs, and that fuels our knowledge on how to save the planet. If we follow those three steps, we can live on a better, healthier, Earth. MOSI decided 20 years ago to bury a time capsule that is all about the evolution of recycling, and we’re getting ready to open it and show the world.

MOSI sealed and buried a time capsule full of recyclables in 1993 to examine and teach the future generation how technology has advanced in the world of recycled materials. The time capsule will be unveiled at 12 p.m. Saturday, September 21. The capsule can be found at the base of Recyclosaurus Rex, the huge dinosaur standing guard at the front of MOSI. The artist who built this environmentally terrifying creature, Terry Klaaren, will be visiting MOSI for the unveiling.

Here at MOSI we strive to make education fun, and this recycling lesson will be one the kids enjoy. “(The time capsule) is a symbol of everything MOSI is and has been to the community for the past 20 years – as science, technology and the world of recycling has evolved, MOSI has been there, helping to facilitate and educate, while keeping it fun and interesting,” said MOSI’s President and CEO, Wit Ostrenko.

The Expo will have games, music, and feature companies and organizations that are environmentally friendly. Going Green Tampa, an organization that brings awareness to the Bay area community about local eco-friendly businesses, events, and sustainable living, will be a vendor. Whole Foods Market, City of Tampa Recycling, Truck Farm Tampa, and The Mosaic Express will also be here.

            PNC Grow Up Great – Mobile Learning Adventure, a traveling exhibit that provides caregivers and parents information on the importance of early childhood education, will also be in attendance. The “When I Grow Up” station lets kids pick their make believe career and dress up as little professionals. Kids can take a picture and superimpose an appropriate background for the outfit. Parents can also take home activity books and learning kits that can make everyday activities an educational experience.

 If you want your child to understand the importance of recycling or want a community-based event to spend your Saturday, visit our Environmental Expo.

             

Scientifically Delicious!

     As an intern here at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), I could not be more thrilled for my first event. This evening, MOSI will be hosting the popular Food Truck Madness event featuring,“Monsters After Dark” from 6p.m. until 10p.m. This event will allow foodies to combine their love for science and food all in one event.

     I must say, I am most excited for the food trucks attending this event. In my experience, food truck cuisine has always been some of the most delicious food that fits my college student budget. I plan on getting a little something from a few different trucks, so that I can enjoy a variety of the delectable options.

You can expect to see some of Tampa’s best food trucks at this event including: Rollin Zoinks, which is known for its awesome wraps, Maggie on the Move,which offers mouth watering Mediterranean cuisine, Renny’s Oki Doki, will bringing some Asian fusion flare to the mix, and Monsta Lobsta, for all of you fresh seafood lovers out there. Be sure to click on the food trucks’ Facebook links to get your appetite going. Pictured are just a few of the dishes I plan on trying. Some of the other popular food trucks to look out for tonight include, Jimmy Meatballs, Sarge’s BBQ, Ain’t no thing, Lizzie cakes, Pasta Bowl and more.

     After filling up on the most scrumptious eats in Tampa, take advantage of the last weekend of MOSI’s Sea Monsters Revealed exhibition. The exhibit exposes some of the most mysterious creatures of the ocean.

My personal favorite is the preserved giant squid which is deemed the largest in North America. The exhibit also allows people to take pictures from inside the jaws of a giant Megalodon, touch live creatures, and view a pregnant silky shark and her babies. This will be one of the last chances to visit the exhibit before it leaves MOSI forever.  

    This fun filled night has something for everyone. Be sure to plot out your night by visiting our website at MOSI.org to see all of the available exhibits, as well as checking out the Food Truck Madness Facebook page to learn more about the event. Admission and parking for Food Truck Madness are free, additional fees for Sky Trail® and Sea Monsters revealed apply. MOSI’s general exhibits will be available for only $5. Call 813-987-6000 to order your Sea Monsters Revealed tickets in advance.

For additional information visit MOSI.org

-Kiersten Flint (MOSI’s Communications Intern, Florida Gulf Coast University)

MOSI is going to need a bigger museum as it kicks off Shark Week 2013

MOSI kicks off Shark Week with a big chomp on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The celebration will continue throughout the week as the first 50 people of each day, Aug. 3 – 9, will receive free MOSI admission when they buy a ticket to Sea Monsters Revealed.

On Saturday and throughout the week, guests will be able to view real shark dissections in MOSI’s grand lobby. Additionally, Dr. Daniel Huber, shark expert, consultant for Discovery Channel, and University of Tampa professor, will be at MOSI to speak about some of the myths and mysteries associated with these fascinating creatures. Guests will be able to view the night sky over some of the world’s most active Great White Shark feeding grounds inside The Saunders Planetarium, and build their own Lego® sharks inside MOSI’s inventor’s studio, Idea Zone. For an additional fee, guests can experience Sea Monsters Revealed, where they will see not only the outside, but also the inside of the most elusive aquatic life ever discovered, including a 15-foot-long mako shark, a pregnant silky shark, and an 18-foot-long, 3,000-pound whale shark.

Shark Week is included with MOSI admission and is free for members. Tickets for Sea Monsters Revealed are $18.95 for adults, $16.95 for seniors (60+) and $12.95 for children (2-12). The first 50 people of each day during Shark Week, Aug. 3 – 9, will receive free MOSI admission when they buy a ticket to Sea Monsters Revealed.

For more information, visit mosi.org.

Dexter's Lab - Day one as an intern at MOSI

Today marks my first day as an intern at MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry) and so far it has been a day of nostalgia. Growing up in the area, I spent a lot of time here with school field trips and summer programs. Some of my interests are because of MOSI. When I tell my friends that I wouldn't mind being a storm chaser, they stare at me with a look that says "What is wrong with you?" Then they ask why and I tell them that MOSI showed me the informative and interesting side to tornadoes and hurricanes. As destructive and dangerous as they are, there is something beautiful about them.

During my trip down memory lane, I was taken to a new area (well, new to me) called Kids in Charge. This area is for kids 12 and under, and in my opinion, for anyone who is still a kid at heart. The most interesting thing to me was Mission Moonbase. You start in a room that makes you seem like you are on a spaceship launching from Tampa, FL to the moon. Then you exit the room and enter into "The Moonbase" which is an informative/interactive area. Is it possible that adults will enjoy this more than their kids? Next to Kids in Charge there is a ropes course and zip line and one day I will find time (not a work day) to go out there and enjoy. I could see myself spending several hours on the ropes course, the zip line and in the Kids in Charge area.

MOSI currently has an exhibit called Sea Monsters Revealed, that shows the internal structure of sea creatures throughout the oceans. The term "Sea Monsters" is used because when we do not fully understand a creature, we refer to it as a monster. The exhibit is designed to help us understand these marine creatures and shows various types of sharks, squids and fish, some that I have never heard of.

As this was my first day, I was thinking I would do a quick tour, get acquainted with various staff members and be given something to work on as my first project. While all of those things did happen, I was also able to witness and be a part of the filming of a commercial. Luckily I did not have any speaking roles or things could have been really bad. I was able to get a few pictures from behind the scenes before it was time for my "close-up."

I know the rest of my internship will not be as simple as today, but just because I have to do actual work not mean that I cannot have fun doing my job. I am looking forward to the rest of my summer here at MOSI. 

-Dexter (Marketing intern, Florida Atlantic University)

MOSI Summer Science Camps Registration Now Open

S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) camps made fun

Registration for the Museum of Science & Industry’s 2013 Summer Science Camps are now open. MOSI’s Summer Science Camps begin Monday, June 10, and registration is available at MOSI.org.

Whether it’s rocks or rockets that interest your child, MOSI’s Summer Science Camps offer something for everyone. Through hands-on experiments and projects, children will learn the wonder of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (S.T.E.M.). Attendees will have the opportunity to build roller coasters, create art with lasers, participate in a battle at Hogwarts, decipher DNA to solve crimes or cook up edible slime, depending on their age group and the week they attend.

For teens, MOSI’s S.T.E.M. Career Camps provide students plenty of opportunities to explore careers that utilize S.T.E.M. skills through active, project-based experiences with the support of field experts and scientists. Through real-world experiences in a fun, thought-provoking environment, students will make discoveries about S.T.E.M. careers in addition to discoveries about their own interests. Receive a S.T.E.M. Certificate of Achievement for successful completion of each of these camps.

Summer camp sessions are available to children in preschool through high school. Multiple week and multiple child discounts are available. Extended care and hot lunches are offered for an additional fee. For more information, class descriptions and prices, visit www.mosi.org.

MOSI opens world premiere exhibition - Sea Monsters Revealed

Sea Monsters Revealed, an exhibition of the world’s largest plastinated sea creatures, makes its world premiere debut at the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) on Saturday, March 9.

“MOSI is thrilled to host the world premiere of Sea Monsters Revealed. We believe that it will set a new standard for traveling exhibitions and has the potential to match the tremendous impact created by the world premiere of Bodies… The Exhibition,” said MOSI President Wit Ostrenko.

Like the human anatomy exhibits that now circle the globe, Sea Monsters Revealed uses the revolutionary polymer preservation technique commonly known as plastination to bring real sea animals onto dry land for an up-close and personal look at the most mysterious creatures the deep sea has to offer. Visitors will not only see the outside, but also the inside of the most elusive aquatic life ever discovered, including a 6-foot-wide manta ray, a 15-foot-long mako shark, a giant squid, and an 18-foot-long, 3,000 pound whale shark. All specimens in the exhibition are authentic, stunning examples of the mysteries that lie beyond our shores and have been carefully recovered in accordance with the highest animal protection standards.

“The oceans are Earth’s last frontier. Scientists have explored only 5 percent of its mysteries, leaving the remaining 95 percent to the imagination. Sea Monsters Revealed takes visitors on a journey of exploration in search of the elusive sea monster,” said the exhibition’s creator, John Zaller. “The creatures in this exhibition are so massive, so impressive, and so magical, that you truly have to experience it to grasp its impact and importance.”

More than 18 full-body sea creatures will be on display, along with more than 150 individual organs and smaller specimens that define the life of the sea.

While these impressive sea creatures truly are the stars of the show, they are set in a multi-sensory environment unlike any other traveling exhibition. The exhibition’s theatrical and scenic elements take visitors back in time to an 18^th century oceanographer’s study to learn about humanity’s fascination with the ocean throughout history via an interactive map table and lessons from the earliest natural scientists and explorers, demonstrating that logic and adventure are important elements in the pursuit of science. Moving forward, visitors will then enter a specially-built submersible, where they will descend to the depths to explore the sea floor and meet renowned ocean explorers such as Fabian Cousteau and Sylvia Earle. They will then have the opportunity to walk on the ocean floor among the giants of the deep. At the end of the exhibition, visitors will be able to engage with live sea creatures in a specially constructed touch pool – a first for a traveling exhibition.

Sea Monsters Revealed explorers will re-emerge from the depths of the exhibit with a greater understanding of the world’s oceans and our relationship to them as humans. Additionally, they will learn that the health of the oceans and preservation of these beautiful species is within our control through conservation initiatives around the globe. Guests will be given the opportunity to participate in these initiatives through follow-up conversations with programs such as the NOAA Marine Sanctuaries Program.

An immersive and interactive experience, Sea Monsters Revealed is the most comprehensive exhibition on the deep sea ever created. The exhibition’s passionate expression of the oceans is the result of a robust partnership between MOSI, BASE Entertainment, KRE8 360, Mote Marine Laboratory, MacGillivray Freeman Films, and The Cascade Game Foundry. Each of these groups has brought their expertise and experience to this project to deliver an exhibition that is rich in science, technology, history and interactive elements. Sea Monsters Revealed is funded, in part, by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners/Tourist Development Council.

Sea Monsters Revealed makes a splash with its world premiere on Saturday, March 9 and will be on display at MOSI through Monday, Sept. 2, 2013. Museum hours are Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tickets are on sale now, and reservations are highly recommended. Tickets can be purchased by calling 813-987-6000 or visiting mosi.org. 

Tickets for Sea Monsters Revealed are $18.95 for adults, $16.95 for seniors (60+) and $12.95 for children (2-12). Guests can add MOSI general exhibits or a documentary IMAX film to their Sea Monsters Revealed ticket for $5 each.

For more information, visit mosi.org.

Food Truck Rally at MOSI

Mummies at night? Zipping in the dark? Gobs of food? What's not to like??

MOSI is hosting a Food Truck Rally, featuring ‘Mummies After Dark’ on Friday, Aug. 31, 2012 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. This event will provide Tampa area residents and visitors a last chance to see the groundbreaking exhibition Mummies of the World before it closes on Sept. 9, 2012.

Attendees will have the opportunity to try food from the area's coolest food trucks, enjoy great games and music, and experience Mummies of the World at night like never before. Guests can conquer MOSI’s Sky Trail® Ropes Course and Zip Line in the dark, and check out The Dark Knight Rises on Florida’s largest and only IMAX DOME Theatre. MOSI’s standard exhibit galleries also will be open.

Admission to the Food Truck Rally is free! Additional fees apply for Mummies of the World, Sky Trail attractions, IMAX movies and MOSI general exhibits. Advance reservations are recommended. Tickets can be purchased by calling 813-987-6000.

Birthday Bash and Zip Line Launch Party on Saturday!

Join us as we celebrate the 7th birthday of our Kids in Charge! science center and the launch of our new Sky Trail® Zip Line. With mummy-themed activities, games and birthday cake, along with the opportunity to coast more than 700 feet on the new Zip Line, this celebration is guaranteed to have something for everyone. So bring your sweet tooth and get ready to defy gravity!

Kids in Charge! is the nation’s largest science center and is designed for children 12 and under. Kids in Charge! emphasizes the value of learning through play by bringing together science, creative thinking and the imagination. With the addition of our new Zip Line, children of all ages are sure to take fun to new heights!

This event will be held Saturday, July 14, from 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. The birthday party and cake are included with MOSI admission (while supplies last). Additional fees apply for Zip Line rides.

MOSI’s Sky Trail Zip Line will be open every day, weather permitting.  Mondays – Thursdays: noon – 5 p.m.; Fridays: noon – 8 p.m.; Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; and Sundays: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.  Group rates, team building and exclusive birthday party packages are available.  Please visit www.mosi.org or call 813-987-6000 for more information and ticket prices. 

Height and weight restrictions apply. Secured, closed-toe shoes are required and available for purchase. Tickets are per person and valid for one adventure only. The Ropes Course and Zip Line are separate adventures and each needs its own ticket. Waiver required. Availability subject to change. Guests should call prior to their visit.

Mummies of the World Geocaching Challenge

Aspiring treasure hunters and explorers can embrace their inner archeologist with the new Mummies of the World Geocaching Challenge, where modern-day GPS equipment and smartphones can double as treasure maps. The Geocaching Challenge will take place from June 17 – 30 in the Back Woods preserve behind MOSI.

Using a handheld GPS or the Opencaching phone app, explorers can hunt down geocaches (different types of hidden containers) containing special prizes and coordinates to other geocaches on MOSI property. There are four Geocaches hidden in the Back Woods area of MOSI. The first three stages all have free prizes, as well as the coordinates to the next Geocache. For the bravest and quickest Geocachers, the very last prize in the expedition will be a raffle for an 8GB Apple iPod.

Other prizes inside the geocaches include MOSI tickets and IMAX Dome passes, travel tags and geocoins. The “treasure” will be available starting Sunday, June 17.

All prizes are first come, first served. Though the contest doesn't officially end until June 30, the treasure may have all been taken by that time. Because of the nature of this game, MOSI cannot guarantee any prizes to Geocachers even if the Geocache is found within the contest dates.

Here’s the first clue. You must find this Geocache to get the coordinates to the second, third and fourth Geocache. Inside the fourth Geocache is the real treasure – a chance to win an 8GB Apple iPod!


Cache #1  (Coordinates to the second cache are inside this cache!)

Howler Monkey Cache

This howler monkey is from the site of Grand Chaco, in Argentina, South America. It has not been radiocarbon dated, but it is likely that the monkey was naturally preserved in the warm, dry environment of the area and prepared for display, with a rhea feather skirt and feather wreath around its head and neck. To learn more about the Howler Monkey, visit Mummies of the World – the Exhibition here at MOSI.


Hint to help you find it:

See a side of KIC rarely viewed (the back side).


Coordinates:

N 028°03.185
W 082°24.361


Prizes:

We are stashing 20 pairs of IMAX Dome Theatre tickets in this Geocache! The first few participants who make it to the Howler Monkey Cache get to see our IMAX film, Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs!