Follow the Clues, Join the Fun
McGovern Museum Exhibit Focuses on the Science of Solving Crime

Attention all Hercule Poiroit and Agatha Christie wannabes. Now through Sept. 7, the John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science is featuring a hands-on exhibit where would-be sleuths may try their hands at blood typing, fingerprint identification and handwriting analysis.

“Whodunit? The Science of Solving Crime,” is a nationally acclaimed forensic mystery exhibit that presents an in-depth look at scientific principles, methods and technologies used by criminal investigators.

A robbery has occurred at the “Memory Diner” located in the McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science. The diner has been robbed at gunpoint. When the police respond, they discover a body in the alley behind the diner. Are the crimes related? Did the suspect leave evidence in the diner? There are clues throughout the crime scene and the area has been secured. Visitors can gather evidence at the scene, then visit hands-on stations to solve the crime.

With six, interactive crime-fighting stations, museum-goers will explore the scientific methods and technologies used to solve crimes, including DNA typing, fingerprint and ballistics analysis, forensic anthropology, pathology, entomology and odontology. Children and adults can test their art skills by sketching a composite drawing of the suspect to match a witness’ description. Exhibit visitors can collect, analyze and synthesize data to deduce the various suspects’ innocence or guilt.

Produced by the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History with funding from the National Science Foundation, local support for Whodunit? is provided by John P. McGovern, M.D., The Houston Chronicle and KPRC – Channel 2.

The museum will host a “Family Day” showcasing the summer exhibit and the permanent exhibit, the Amazing Body Pavilion Saturday, June 7 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Activities will include face painting, balloon art, make-and-take arts and crafts, theater presentations, and public programming created for Whodunit?. Follow the clues and join in the fun at the John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science.

The Museum of Health & Medical Science is located at 1515 Hermann Drive, in the heart of Houston’s Museum District. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Free admission from 4 to 7 p.m. on Free Family Thursdays. General admission is $5 for adults (ages 13-64), $3 for children (ages 4-12), and $2 for seniors (ages 65+). All programs are free with paid admission, unless otherwise specified. Group discount rates are available by calling (713) 521-1515, ext. 121. For information about programs, call (713) 521-1515 or visit http://www.museumofhealth.org.

E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/06_01_03/page_17.html