Face Your Fears at Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear at Arizona Science Center

Feb. 4, 2010 - PRLog -- The 6,000 square-foot exhibit, developed by the California Science Center and sponsored locally by J.P. Morgan and Chase, includes immersive environments and full-body, interactive experiences that allow guests to test their own fears and rate their physiological responses. Leading scientists and their current research on the neurobiology, physiology and psychology of fear are also featured throughout the exhibit.

In addition to exhibit elements, Arizona Science Center will engage guests through live demonstrations that further explore the science behind fear. Taking a deeper look into the concept of Fear Conditioning guests will experience an innate fear and track their own physical response changes as they are ‘conditioned’ to their fear. A Brain Cart will familiarize guests with the fear response and its effect on the body and brain using interactive neuron models that identify and track how the fear message is transmitted through the body.  

“Fear is a critical survival instinct. Goose Bumps! offers a safe, fun and educational approach for guests of all ages to delve into the body’s innate physical and emotional response to fear,” says Chevy Humphrey, President & CEO of Arizona Science Center. “Fear is not always logical, but it is universal.”

Goose Bumps! begins with the Fear Challenge Course, where visitors can face four common fears in a safe environment. The first challenge, Fear of Animals, dares guests to reach into concealed terrariums that might be the home of creepy-crawly creatures. In the next room, Fear of Electric Shock, visitors may feel their heart pounding as they anticipate getting zapped by a jolt of electricity.  In Fear of Loud Noises visitors test this innate fear that helps keep us out of harm’s way. Finally, the Fear of Falling challenge allows guests to experience a sudden loss of support and then watch a video recording of their reaction to the backwards drop.

Another exhibit highlight is the Fear Lab, a section which explores the brain’s structures and pathways that drive the fear response. Visitors will meet Mr. Goose Bumps, a larger-than-life figure that illustrates, through animation, how the brain and body work together in response to danger.  Real brains and brain slices preserved through the process of plastination are on display showing similarities in a key fear structure in the brains of humans and animals.

Other thematic areas in the exhibit include:

• Faces of Emotion – Visitors can explore the facial expressions of fear and other emotions that may be universal in humans. Cutting edge software is used to analyze and identify guests’ facial expressions.
• Fear in the Wild – A put-yourself-in-the-picture immersive video game allows guests to explore common responses to danger, including freeze, flight and fight. Visitors will discover how fear helps all animals, including humans, stay alive.
• Fear and Society – Some fears spread beyond the individual and become stronger as more people become afraid. A short film and exhibit displays how our collective fears are represented and transmitted through media and pop culture.
• Coping with Fear – While a certain amount of fear is normal, some anxieties can get out of control. Visitors can find out what fears are common at different stages in life and learn about ways to help children move past their fears. They can also watch interviews with patients suffering from anxiety disorders to understand what happens when the fear system goes awry.

Cost of Admission:
- FREE for members of Arizona Science Center
- Non-Member Pricing (includes general admission to the Center): $17 for Adults, $15 for Children/Seniors

High resolution exhibition images are available upon request.

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The mission of Arizona Science Center is to inspire, educate and entertain people of all ages about science. With over 300 hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, IMAX Theater, planetarium and programs to fit all ages Arizona Science Center has it all!