When visitors first enter the Tellus: Northwest Georgia Science Museum, My Big Backyard, at first glance they are pleasantly surprised at the feeling of being in someone's backyard.  With a large tree house, a garage, a pond and beautiful garden complete with a greenhouse, this picture perfect scene soon gives way to the hustle and bustle of science!  The Big Backyard Gallery takes a typical backyard and breaks it down into five interactive and educational areas.  Designed to create a transferable curiosity that will go home with the children, everyday species, concepts and ideas are studied from a scientific viewpoint that is relatable to children ages 4-12.  From the garden gallery, children can take a peek at native species in The Pond exhibit and other scientific discoveries found in a typical backyard garden.  The greenhouse explores how light passes through color and other phenomenon.  The tree house features a weathers station.  The children can maniupulate the weather and learn about climate change, respect for the environment and alternate energy sources.  Our Backyard gives children the opportunity to get up-close and personal with animals and insects in their habitats and environments, allowing them to explore the science that inhabits their own backyard.  With over thirty-six interactive exhibits designed specifcally to attract children of a variety of ages and educational levels, My Big Backyard gives children and student groups the opportunity to take the ordinary and make it extraordinary.  From creating electricity to seeing animals in their burrows, this innovative and interpretive gallery is an educational environment designed to excite children and encourage future exploration and discovery. 

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