Explaining exhibits is part of Marlene Rodriguez's job as an interpreter at the National Science Center's Fort Discovery, but for the newest exhibit Ms. Rodriguez took on a deeper role.
"I was 10 years old when I saw my first airplane in 1907 at the Iowa State Fair. I was much more interested in hats," said Ms. Rodriguez, who portrayed aviator Amelia Earhart at the media preview of the National Geographic Maps: Tools for Adventure exhibit at Fort Discovery on Feb. 5. The event opened to the public Saturday.
How Earhart used maps on her voyages is one part of the exhibit, which will be in the Knox Gallery through April 26. Her story is told through video and artifacts, including a pair of her flying goggles. Ms. Rodriguez might put on the bomber jacket and assume the Earhart role again during the course of the exhibit's run, she said.
The exhibit focuses on the use of maps by early explorers, their use today and the future with the Mars Rover.
The Mars Rover project, said National Science Center Chief Executive Officer Rob Dennis, was supposed to last only about 90 days.
"It's still sending data" more than five years later, he said.
Maps come in various shapes and sizes. Pamela Smith, another interpreter, used a mock-up of a boat with lights simulating the Big Dipper and constellations to demonstrate how sailors used the night sky to navigate. Many cultures used the stars to find their way.
"Some Native Americans called the North Star the home fire," she said. "If they could find it, they could find home."
Children can dress up like explorers, create their own maps and build a pyramid. Adults might be more interested in the videos describing the use of maps in weather studies and the exploration of a pyramid using a remote-control camera.
Reach Charmain Brackett at charmain.brackett@augustachronicle.com.
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