by Rachael Alaimo-Monson
Daily Lobo
The weekend plans of UNM students aren't likely to include a visit to the local children's museum.
However, Albuquerque's newly relocated Explora Science Center and Children's Museum is hoping to change that attitude with its approach to learning regardless of age or level of education, Explora's Executive Director Paul Tatter said.
"Explora is about giving people of all ages an opportunity to experience the unexpected wonders of our world and to make connections to their own lives," Tatter said.
Explora's new home, a $10 million facility located next door to Downtown's Natural History Museum, has 250 interactive exhibits varying from a play area for toddlers to an animation exhibit that lets visitors create their own animated film as well as a high-wire bike that takes its rider 17 feet in the air.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
More than 39,000 people have visited Explora since its opening on Dec. 13, said Maria Franco Tapia, Explora's public relations manager. One of the center's ultimate goals is to reach student and adult populations who might think they aren't welcome at the museum without children in tow.
"People have the perception that we are a children's museum, but we're not. We're a science center," Tapia said. "We're going to offer programs aimed at adults such as adult birthday parties and theater programs."
Many people don't know that UNM faculty members and students play an important role in the workings of the organization on a daily basis.
Opportunities for students include volunteer positions that give students valuable experience in interacting with visitors and helping with the educational process, Tapia said.
Members of the UNM community Mark Price, of the Physics and Astronomy Department; Nick Estes, University Counsel; and Viola Florez, dean of the College of Education also serve on Explora's board.
The board's responsibilities include maintaining relations with the city and state governments as well as fundraising and monitoring the nonprofit organization's financial health, Estes said.
Estes, who is a former president of the board has been a member for about 20 year, said one of the most interesting things about Explora is its vast array of exhibits.
"Ninety percent of the exhibits are for people from mid-school age to senior citizens," Estes said. "If Explora can draw those observers who aren't accustomed to engaging their hands or intellects on a cultural outing, people to whom the word museum signifies 'look but don't touch'- it will have succeeded in its mission."
