Insects Give Insight Into Crime In New Discovery Place Exhibition

CSI: Crime Scene Insects Creeps Into Charlotte On January 30

January 26, 2010

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Warning: Discovery Place’s new experience may bug you! Guests can detect the secrets of crime-solving bugs when new exhibition CSI: Crime Scene Insects opens at Discovery Place on Saturday, January 30. The special exhibition, inspired by the hit CSI television shows, will run through April 30.

The hands-on experience explores criminal investigations through interactive components of forensic entomology. Visitors can observe real crime scene insects in action, such as carrion beetles, dermestid (flesh-eating) beetles, blowflies and their maggots, and will have the opportunity to consider real evidence and act as crime solvers while investigating recreated crime scenes.

“This exhibition is a demonstration of the scientific method in action, as it gives visitors an opportunity to learn the role insects play in providing evidence for crime scene investigations,” said John Mackay, president and CEO of Discovery Place. “Guests can use their investigative crime-solving skills through simulated, interactive examples such as recreated crime scenes, the five stages of decomposition and medical models of cadavers.”

Developed and constructed by Exhibit IQ, CSI: Crime Scene Insects is curated by Dr. Lee Goff, an entomological consultant for the FBI and other law enforcement agencies worldwide as well as for the hit CSI television shows. Dr. Goff credits the television shows’ popularity for the interest in the exhibition. However, forensic entomology has been valued as an integral part of criminal investigation dating as far back as 13th Century China.

Visitors are encouraged to get up-close and personal with live insects and use their forensic crime-solving skills via interactive demonstrations on insects, ranging from life cycles to the tools used to collect them as evidence. Sponsored nationally by Bayer Environmental Science, CSI: Crime Scene Insects also offers guests the opportunity to:

- Investigate recreated crime scenes – Collect evidence, analyze it and draw conclusions about the nature of the crimes.
- Explore the five stages of decomposition – Learn the role insects play in the natural progression from stage to stage. Discover how important it is for forensic investigators to understand both insect lifestyles and the stages of decomposition in order to successfully use insects to solve crimes.
- View morgue drawers containing medical models of cadavers – Observe insects that reside in a decomposing body shortly after death and another body in a more advanced state of decomposition. (Note: Decomposing bodies are sculpted models.)

The exhibition meets the National Science Education Standards and is acceptable for children eight years and older (third grade). Signage will inform visitors of the nature of the content in the exhibition.

CSI: Crime Scene Insects is on exhibit at Discovery Place from January 30, 2010 through April 30, 2010 and is free with Museum admission. Ticket pricing is: $10 for adults (14-59); $8 for children (2-13) and seniors (60+); and free for children younger than 2. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Museum or by calling 704-372-6261 x300. Group discounts and reservations are available.

About CSI: Crime Scene Insects
CSI: Crime Scene Insects investigates the most fascinating area of criminal investigations – forensic entomology – or the use of insects to help solve crimes. Insects are often the first continual witnesses on the scene and can provide investigators with vital information about the nature and circumstance of the crime. CSI will continue its North American Tour extended through 2012.

About Discovery Place
Discovery Place is located in uptown Charlotte at 301 N. Tryon Street. Convenient parking is available in the Museum’s parking deck - the Carol Grotnes Belk Complex - at the corner of 6th and Church Streets. For more information about Discovery Place, call 704- 372-6261 or visit discoveryplace.org.

One of the top hands-on science museums in the nation, Discovery Place provides ever-changing, entertaining facilities that foster experiences in areas that range from life science to marine biology. More than a half-million people from all over the United States visit Discovery Place, its IMAX® Dome Theatre and Charlotte Nature Museum each year. Discovery Place is supported, in part, with a Basic Operating Grant from the Arts & Science Council.

PDF