It's mind-boggling fun: Puzzles at the Science Center

Stretch your imagination in the special exhibition Puzzles at the St. Louis Science Center, 5050 Oakland Ave., May 25-Sept. 5, 2002. The exhibition is full of puzzles, mazes, math games, and mind benders - something for everyone who loves a fun challenge. 

A variety of hands-on activities and demonstrations show visitors how they use their mind, and math related skills, to solve puzzles and mazes. A special part of the exhibition is a collection of unique puzzles - old and new - by California puzzle collector, Jerry Slocum. His collection includes a variety of 3-D puzzles, wooden puzzles, the "vanishing egg puzzle" and "up and down dovetail" puzzle. 

Visitors are enthralled with giant floor puzzles such as the Stonehenge Maze, inspired by the ancient monument in Southern England. Visitors roll tall Standing Stones into positions to try and recreate Stonehenge. A giant Math Maze uses addition and subtraction skills while moving through the maze. The goal is to achieve a score of zero and end in the central square of the maze 

Participants clip themselves to one end of a colored rope in the giant Rope Puzzle. The goal is to see how quickly they can reach the other end of their colored rope, while weaving in and out between the other ropes and other people. 

A young learners area challenges children ages 5 and younger with block puzzles, visual puzzles and a variety of stimulating and confidence building activities. Sensory Tubes allow children to observe phenomena associated with static electricity that is produced when the tubes are shaken and rubbed. 

The puzzle lounge with computer games, crossword, cryptogram and table puzzles, is divided into different levels to accommodate activities for pre-schoolers through adults. Interactive puzzles such as a "log stacker", mind benders, math teasers, and finger-twisting manipulative puzzles challenge visitors to use their minds as well as manual dexterity skills. 

A "make-and-take" area lets visitors create a variety of 2-and 3-D paper puzzles to take home. A special demonstration area entices visitors to join in on a group experience "people" puzzle such as "human pretzel" and "jumping frogs." Special math-related mind reading tricks are explained. 

A 4,000-square-foot maze lets visitors walk through a giant puzzle filled with optical illusions and visual puzzles. Puzzles appeals to a broad range of ages and abilities. 

Tickets are $6 adults, $5 youth/seniors. For information, 314/289-4400, toll-free 800/456-SLSC, or visit the web site at www.slsc.org.