Learn how “Ka-Ching” used to be more like “Ka-Thud” at the Museum of Discovery and Science when the new Moneyville Exhibit Opens May 28, 2004

Fort Lauderdale, May 21, 2004 - Money isn’t just dollars and cents.

The ancient Aztecs used chocolate for money, and Yap islanders used 500-lb. stones! So what is money and how does it work? Take a trip to Moneyville opening May 28, 2004 at the Museum of Discovery and Science and find out. Take a tour of money’s many forms and functions, and discover how it has dramatically changed throughout history.

See samples of currency from pounds to pesos, put your face on a million dollar bill, run your own lemonade stand, and even play the stock market. You’ll start to see money in a whole new way. Moneyville is sponsored locally by Washington Mutual.

WE’RE IN THE MONEY!
Moneyville uses the fascinating subject of money to build math skills and economic expertise in a fun, immersive setting. The colorful city includes a bank, store, anti-counterfeiting lab, stock market, and international port.

Here you can create your own “money,” explore anti-counterfeiting measures, and see what a million dollars looks like. Throughout the exhibit, you’ll discover how money is made, spent, earned, and saved, and how it connects people around the world. You’ll explore the history, science and culture behind coins and currency and start to see money in a whole new way.

DOLLARS AND SENSE
In today’s world economy, building a strong foundation of math skills has never been more important. The average American carries nearly $9,000 in credit card debt, according to a 2001 report by the Consumer Federation of America, and consequently the average U.S. family is spending more than $1,000 per year in interest and fees. Obviously, everyone stands to gain from learning how to be more money-savvy, and smart money management begins with good math skills.

MATH AND MONEY
A recent study by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics reveals that many students are not learning the mathematics they need in school. That’s where Moneyville comes in. Whiz-bang computer games, a multitude of video screens, and eye-popping graphics engage kids (and adults) in a variety of hands-on activities that show them that using math is fun.

They see that the system of economics is really about making choices and learning from the consequences of those choices, and they leave the exhibit with valuable problem-solving skills they can use every day.

Moneyville was made possible by the generous support of the National Science Foundation, the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation and The NASDAQ Stock Market Educational Foundation, Inc. The exhibit was created and is toured by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. MONEYOPOLIS is a registered trademark of Ernst & Young. The MONEYVILLE trademark is used under license.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE
The mission of the Museum of Discovery and Science is to provide experiential pathways to lifelong learning in science for children and adults through exhibits, programs, and films. Founded in 1976 as The Discovery Center, the nonprofit facility serves approximately 400,000 visitors each year.

The Museum is open seven days per week, Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6:00 p.m. with extended IMAX hours on Friday and Saturday evenings. General admission prices are $14.00 for adults; $13.00 for seniors; $12.00 for children 3 to 12. Children under 3 are free. A General Admission Ticket includes admission to the Museum exhibits and one IMAX film.

The Museum of Discovery and Science is located downtown at 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, visitors should call (954) 467-MODS (6637) or visit our web site at

ABOUT THE BLOCKBUSTER IMAX THEATER
The Blockbuster IMAXTheater owned and operated by the Museum of Discovery and Science, opened in 1992. The 300-seat theater is a showcase of state-of-the-art motion picture technology. The Blockbuster IMAXTheater features a 60 ft. x 80 ft. screen and a 15,000 watt digital sound system that delivers six discrete channels of clear sound through 42 speakers.

The IMAX projector’s 15,000 watt Xenon bulb projects images of unsurpassed brilliance and clarity onto the five-story-high screen. Both 2D and 3D films are shown in the theater. 3D films are viewed using electronic headsets or our new “kid” friendly glasses. The IMAX experience is an unparalleled fusion of sight and sound. For show times, visitors should call 954-463-IMAX (4629).

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