What you’ll do.

CDM's natural science exhibit builds environmental literacy through real scientific tools and samples: the Dino Dig, a shake-and-wind table, an augmented-reality sandbox, a multisensory volcano walk, an AR arthropod encounter and an insect construction station.

The T. rex skeleton at the entrance
Dino Dig for young paleontologists
Shake and wind table: build a structure, test it against earthquakes and storms
Augmented-reality sandbox: shape mountains and watch water flow

UnEarthed is a natural science exhibit aimed at building environmental literacy and cultivating respect for the natural world through observation, exploration, and investigation.

UnEarthed invites visitors to embark on an adventure to understand Earth's interconnected systems. By delving into the exhibit's experiential activities and engaging with real scientific techniques, tools, and samples, children and families will develop a deeper understanding of the natural world and its intricate networks.

As guests enter UnEarthed, CDM's beloved T-Rex skeleton towers overhead, setting the scene for discoveries around the physical and biological sciences. Once inside the exhibit, guests will engage in hands-on learning through a variety of exhibit components.

Inside the exhibit

The Dino Dig, a returning guest favorite that has been refurbished and is ready for young paleontologists to uncover buried fossils.
A shake and wind table where guests can build a structure and test its strength in hurricane or tornadic force winds as well as in a simulated earthquake.
An augmented reality sandbox that invites guests to create mountains and valleys in sand and observe how water moves through the topography.
A multisensory walk through the interior of a volcano.
An augmented reality arthropod encounter where guests can virtually hold arthropods such as butterflies, scorpions, and more.
An insect construction station to build 3D insects, learn the purpose of insect body parts, and understand the importance of insects.

Digging deeper

Authentic fossils along with artwork created by local artist Jessalyn Beasley contribute to the thematic design for this natural science exhibit. In this immersive experience, children and families can explore the effect of human interactions with Earth's systems. "Digging deeper" questions are featured throughout the exhibit and encourage families to further engage with the educational content of the exhibit.

This is the final major internal exhibit renovation to happen as part of the Ignite Discovery capital campaign.

Allergen warning: the recycled rubber material used in the Dino Dig Pit and the sand in the topography table may contain materials that cause allergic reactions.

Where: First Floor
Ages: All ages
Run time: Permanent exhibit
Included: With general admission and every membership