The story begins when an archeological team mysteriously disappears from a dig site in Palenque, Mexico. They had been investigating a long-standing rumor that a priceless jade medallion is buried in the temple there. However, something horrifying has scared them off. Luckily, in their haste to escape, they managed to leave behind a video with clues and a warning to all who come after. In addition, they have left behind valuable information in the archeology, biology and astromathematics field stations that they constructed.

Our newest exhibit opened September 15 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas in Pine Bluff and will be open until December 9. It will then travel to the University of Arkansas Center for Math & Science Education in Fayetteville, and will be open December 15 - March 9. The exhibit was created by the Network museums in collaboration with Argyle Design in New York.

Our Student Archeologists must uncover the mystery of the dig site and find the priceless treasure, revealing The Mystery of the Mayan Medallion!

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The science students in three separate classes at John Tyson Elementary in Springdale shared the fun by joining Kids' Quest together. Their science teacher, Karen Rogers, sent in their names and now they are keeping up with all the Kids' Quest happenings at school. They were very excited to receive their t-shirts and passports, and to become official members of Kids' Quest!

See the pics here

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Over the past two summers, 14 Arkansas science teachers have been sent to the Exploratorium Summer Teacher Institute in San Francisco to spend 4 weeks learning new and innovative ways to teach hands-on science. In October, these teachers gathered in Little Rock to come up with ways to keep spreading this knowledge across the state of Arkansas. The teachers are planning to develop a large workshop in the summer of 2008 to share ideas with other teachers in the state.

The plans include partnering with the Arkansas Department of Education and the Centers for Math & Science Education.

"The Institute has changed the way I teach"

Kathy Hopper
7th - 8th grade science
Cutter Morning Star High School, Hot Springs

More information on the Exploratorium Summer Teacher Institute.

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"Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body," is
touring Arkansas now!

The processes of the human body can be smelly, slimy and - thanks to this interactive exhibit - also highly educational. Grossology, based on the best-selling book, uses animatronics and imaginative exhibits to explore the good, the bad and the downright ugly about runny noses, body odor and much more.

Grossology is sliming it's way across Arkansas as it continues it's tour at the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources in Smackover - the exhibit will be there until January 6. Next stop on the tour is the Discovery Place Children's Museum in Texarkana, where it arrives January 12 and will be open until May 11, 2008.

For more disgusting fun, visit www.grossology.org.

Grossology is sponsored statewide by Arkansas Children's Hospital.

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Kids' Quest is the place to be with more than 600 members! The kids are having a great time at the Kids' Quest parties at partner museums. From enjoying a Mad Science Show at Mid-America Science Museum to creating air-fired Mayan medallions in Pine Bluff, Kids' Quest members are having a great time and learning a lot along the way.

Upcoming Kids' Quest parties:

November 9, 2007 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.	Discovery Place Children's Museum, Texarkana Night at the Museum Party
November 17, 2007 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.	Museum of Discovery, Little Rock Are You Smarter Than a ?th Grader
December 2007 TBA	University of Arkansas Center for Mathematics and Science Education, Fayetteville Mystery of the Mayan Medallion Party

Take a look at pics from past Kids' Quest events!

Kids' Quest is open to children ages 5 through 12. Sign your kids up to join the fun!

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Staff from The Arkansas Discovery Network, Planet "X", Mid-America Science Museum, Museum of Discovery and University of Arkansas Center for Math & Science Education attended this year's ASTC Conference in Los Angeles. Conference attendees learned about the latest trends in science museums, working with youth, and nanoscale science. Tiffany Rutledge, Director of Programs at the Museum of Discovery, learned that all institutions face similar challenges – despite their length in operation, size, budget, or staff resources. One of the highlights of the conference included keynote speakers Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, co-hosts of "MythBusters."

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Staff members from all of the partners of the Arkansas Discovery Network attended the Disney Institute in Fayetteville. The hone-day Disney Institute highlights the vision and ideals of Walt Disney and is a recognized leader in experiential training, leadership development, benchmarking and cultural change for business professionals across the globe.

This Disney Institute provided a unique opportunity for our partners to "experience the business behind the magic" of Disney's core business strengths: Leadership Development, Quality Service, Customer Loyalty, Organizational Creativity and Teambuilding. Now the Network partners can bring a bit of the magic to their museums!

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The mission of the Network is to bring world-class educational experiences to the children and families of Arkansas. A generous grant of $7.3 million from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation initiated the Network and made the programs possible.

Find out more about the network of museums across the state of Arkansas.

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