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Tellus North Georgia Science Museum

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weeblewobble46
weeblewobble46
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Monsters, Mining and More

  • August 4, 2009
  • Rated 5 of 5 by weeblewobble46 from Marietta, Georgia
Monsters, Mining and More

The Tellus North Georgia Science Museum is a combination effort by some of the smaller museums in the North Georgia area. Inside is enough variety to satisfy almost every family member.

As we entered the building, the grands were automatically drawn to the huge pendulum to the right. We were lucky to actually see one of the blocks knocked down by the swinging orb. The kids were so-o-o excited! While Pop paid the entrance fees, the grands checked out the windows of the gift shop.

Entering into the main hall, we encountered an Apatosaurus skeleton model (life sized), Straight ahead were more "skeletons" and the "monsters" enchanted the kids. Their favorite room was the one where the models of the "Ice Age" critters were housed. They clearly identified with the ones that they "knew" more than the larger, but less cuddly dinosaurs. The one thing that they were disappointed in was the fact that they could not touch the models. It would have been really nice to be able to get photos of them beside one or two of the models. There is a jaw bone from the "Mega" type of shark that would have been a perfect photo-op since the jaw was about 6 ft, in height and the grands barely top 3 ft.

There is also a section dedicated to motorized vehicles. The variety ranges from the first open buckboard with a motor attached to rocket models. They even have a re-creation of a cockpit from an airplane. The gauges and levers used by the pilots are visible since one of the seats has been removed. Makes one wonder how the pilots memorize the functions of all those displays.

Behind the automotive display is a children's center where each child is able to "pan" for gems (small chips of assorted agates and quartz stones are scattered in sand and the kids get to sift through them and let water carry off the sand). The grands finally decided that panning took too long and they just started to poke around in the sand for their stones. They had more fun splashing in the water than actually panning. In the next area is a "dinosaur dig" where the kids get to "dig" for fossils. Some of the fossils are small enough for the kids to pick out of the kitty litter sized granules. Others are moulded into the base of the display and can only be discovered by brushing the granules off (brushes are kept in the display area for the children to use). Each child is able to keep one fossil and as many gems as they can find (plastic bags are provided in each area for the treasure hunters).

Another section is dedicated to Hands-On exploration by the children. They can bang, sort, connect and explore to their heart's content. There are not too many places for the parents to sit while the kids play, so be prepared to stay beside your young-un for the duration. We had to finally promise food to get the attention of the grands - they were having so much fun.

The last area is the Weiman Mineral museum, This is the section for the budding geologist. There are displays that portray the earth and how the different rocks were formed. A huge model gives a very good visual of the earth's construction and another display lets each person start an "earthquake" on a monitor. A 6 year old can create quite a good earthquake by pounding on the sensor. Also in the area are displays of the semi-precious gems found worldwide. Each stone is labeled with it's name and country of origin. Here is one of the displays where it is OK to touch. Back in the corner, next to the "glowing rocks room" is part of a geode that has beautiful amethyst crystals inside. It is the touchable display that attracts young and old alike. The "glowing rocks" are irridescent rocks that glow in black light. When entering the area, the stones look like any other in the surrounding displays. Push the button to the left and a pre-recorded explanation of the wonderful changes comes on timed to the changing lights.

Food is available in the cafe and the restrooms are clean and neat.

Items available in the gift shop range from toys and baubles to true treasures. The jewelry display is especially beautiful and quite reasonably priced.

Take a day and enjoy this hidden gem off of US Interstate 75 (exit 293).

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