Summary of Exhibit Components

Sentence Structures
Select word blocks to build a sentence.  Flip one or two blocks to make the sentence silly. Word block colors match parts of speech. The pattern of the words follows a language code, or grammar.

Changing Faces
Rotate these face parts to explore expressions. The lift of an eyebrow or the downturn of a mouth is an unspoken language that can convey a thought or feeling.

Front Page News
Use touch screen technology to put yourself in the cover story of the newspaper.

Ancient Graffiti
Cave Paintings were used as a way to record messages.  Use a touch screen to pick a
brush and color, then design your own picture in this simulated cave.

TV News
Become the TV news anchor! Sit at the news desk, read the news, and watch yourself on TV.

Partners
Taking turns listening and speaking is part of communicating well. Test your communications skills as you describe to a friend how to arrange hidden blocks. Switch places and try again.

Via Satellite
Use the joysticks to transmit an image from North America to China with this model of how satellites send information from one side of the earth to the other.

Sign Language
Learn American Sign Language with these video demonstrations.

Totems
The Totem Pole is a sequential arrangement of symbols or totems, created to tell a story. Use the totem images provided to build your own totem pole.

Create a Crest
A coat of arms is a personal design used to communicate one’s identity. Use this rubbing table to design your own coat of arms.

Instant Messaging
The telegraph was the first form of electronic communication. Use a telegraph key and Morse code to transmit a message to a friend

Leno Video
Watch this sending/receiving contest between a cell phone text messaging team and a Morse code team.

Crane
Receive hand signals from your friend so you can make the crane lift a load you cannot see. Switch places and signal to your friend.

What’s that Sound?
Match the images shown to the warning sounds made in this touch screen exhibit.

Stop, Look, and Listen
Motorists encounter many sounds and signs that give direction, information, and warnings. Use a touch screen to click on sights and sounds that communicate information to people on the road.