New Discovery Room Coming to The Grove
BECOME A FORENSIC SCIENTIST AND INVESTIGATE BONES , SKULLS , FURS AND A LARGE COLLECTION OF LIVE ANIMALS FOR CLUES ABOUT THEIR LIVES AND HABITS AT THE NEW DISCOVERY ROOM AT THE GROVE . THE DISCOVERY ROOM WILL CONTINUE TO EDUCATE VISITORS ABOUT ILLINOIS ’ FIRST NATURALIST , ROBERT KENNICOTT . THE EXHIBIT INCLUDES NEW COMPONENTS , INCLUDING :
1 . Replica of Robert Kennicott ’ s skeleton . The skeleton has been 3D printed in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution . The case features a large portrait of Robert and details of the 2001 forensic autopsy findings .
2 . A large multi-species landform exhibit . The exhibit is reminiscent of the Interpretive Center main room ’ s Turtle Island with resin rockwork embedded fossils , vegetation and taxidermy , and tanks to house numerous reptiles , amphibians , fish and insects , as well as an accessible tunnel .
3 . Enhancement of the current scavenger hunt exhibit . This popular exhibit features seventy-five natural artifacts and oddities to identify . Casters have been added to the table so it can be moved to accommodate large program groups at the south end of the room .
4 . Interactive discovery table . Visitors can investigate animal bones , furs and skulls . The exhibit features a large acrylic tank that houses a variety of wildlife for study . The exhibit also includes a dome for children to explore and get an inside view of the surrounding habitat and animals .
5 . Welcoming kiosks . Panels are located near each door to introduce the Discovery Room and the continuing story of Robert Kennicott . Shelves with a variety of animals , fossils and natural artifacts have been added to the existing windows .
6 . Framing of existing animal exhibits . Current animal exhibits on the west wall are framed in , and new tanks and interpretive panels have been added . Signage ties in live animal adaptations with forensic anthropology .
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