Interactive exhibit asks visitors to figure out Whodunit?

Opens January 21 through May 15, 2005

December 7, 2004, Fort Lauderdale – As a young reader, you probably dreamed of working alongside Sherlock Holmes, the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew as they followed a series of puzzling clues on the trail of a murderer. For years you’ve matched wits with Columbo, Jessica Fletcher, and Ben Matlock in TV and movie mysteries. Now you can join thousands of amateur detectives using their own powers of observation and skills of deduction to solve a simulated robbery-murder in Whodunit? The Science of Solving Crime an exhibit opening at the Museum of discovery and Science on January 21, 2005.

Visitors to Whodunit? walk into a crime scene at the Memory Diner. The diner has been robbed at gun point, and there’s a cold body in the alley. The short-order cook is the only witness. How reliable is he? Are the crimes related? Did the suspect leave clues in the diner? Visitors become the detectives for a day. They gather evidence at the scene and work at hands-on stations throughout Whodunit?, which have activities for all ages, including “Kids only” activities.

The interactive exhibit explores scientific methods and technologies used to solve crimes including DNA profiling, fingerprinting, firearm identification, forensic anthropology, Pathology, entomology, odontology, evidence collection and trace evidence. Case studies of several “historic” crimes are also featured, as are profiles of real forensic professionals. Visitors collect, analyze and synthesize data to deduce various suspects’ innocence or guilt at crime lab stations.

“Most of us are intrigued by the thought of solving a mystery,” said Kim Cavendish, President/CEO of the Museum. “Whodunit? gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the work of forensic science professionals. The exhibit provides a better understanding of the specialized skills and technologies employed in solving crimes.”

This nationally acclaimed exhibit was produced by the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and was funded in part by the National Science Foundation.

Opening Weekend Events January 22-23

Dive into the world of Crime Scene Investigation

January 22 and 23, 2005

Learn more about CSI with special guests from the Broward County Sheriff Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit and International Forensic Research Institute at Florida International University.

•      Dust for fingerprints, and find out how real crime scenes are investigated.
   

•      Tour the BSO CSI Mobile Crime Laboratory.
   

•      See how they develop finger prints in the superglue chamber.
   

•      Check out the digital imaging systems used to inspect footwear and tire tracks.
   

•      Take a look at the high-tech chemistry lab and other tools used to investigate crime.

The Whodunit? Museum Mystery

January 21 – 23, February 5, 26 at 2:30 p.m.

An average day at the Museum becomes an all-out forensic hunt for the truth when a body is found facedown in front of the Museum’s Science Café. Assist our detectives as they search the scene and try to solve this bizarre mystery.

Chromatography Fun

January 21 – 23, February 5, 12 at 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

The science of chromatography can be used to do a chemical analysis at a crime scene. Join us and use real chromatography paper to do your own chemical analysis, and make a chromatography butterfly to keep.

Thumbs Up for Fingerprint Art

January 21 – 23, February 5, 12 at 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Nobody has the same fingerprints, not even identical twins. Police use fingerprints to identify criminals by matching their fingerprints to prints taken from a crime scene. They are also used in finding missing people. During this craft activity, you will get a chance to use your fingerprint to create a truly “one of a kind” piece of art.

Be a Forensic Pathologist

January 21 – 23, February 5, 12 at 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Forensic scientists sometimes perform autopsies on victims to help solve crimes. After visiting the Whodunit? exhibit, meet with a Museum scientist and participate in a forensics lab examination. Learn about animals’ insides, and see how different or similar these animals are to you. 

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.  Major operational support for the Museum is provided through generous support by Leadership Guild members including: American Express, City Furniture, JM Family Enterprises, Inc., Sun-Sentinel and Wachovia.

The Museum is open seven days per week (including Thanksgiving and Christmas); Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. with extended IMAX hours on Friday and Saturday evenings.  General admission prices are $14 for adults; $13 for seniors; $12 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 www.mods.org

ABOUT THE BLOCKBUSTER® IMAX® THEATER

The Blockbuster® IMAX® Theater 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® IMAX® Theater 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.  The IMAX® experience is an unparalleled fusion of sight and sound.  For show times, visitors should call 954-463-IMAX (4629).

Media Contact: Theresa Waldron 954.713.0901 email: twaldron@mods.net

Laura Nipe 954.713.0904 email: lnipe@mods.net

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