Human Life

Split into three zones, Human Life explores Our Origins, Our World and Our Future.

Our Origins

Our Origins explores what it means to be human, the way culture evolved and the influences which make North-easterners what they are today. The exhibition is composed of hands-on exhibits which enable students to explore the main lines of evidence of human evolution.

The exhibition starts by looking at the differences and similarities between a whole host of different organisms, giving an insight into the Variety of Life. The differences between humans and the great apes are explored with special attention paid to upright walking, brain size, communication, culture and empathy.

Activities include opportunities to dig for archaeological evidence, manipulate computer models of skeletons to enable upright walking, tests to discover how good people are at knowing what other people are thinking and a chance to be creative with some modern cave art.Our Origins is relevant to any groups which need to consider the evidence that humans and apes evolved from a common ancestor.

Our World

Our World explores the diversity of human life in the world today and shows how people have the same basic needs but are able to live in dramatically different environments.

Where can you find shelter in the desert? What would you have to wear to survive in the Arctic? How do people live in different cities around the world?

From the frozen arctic to the scorching desert and life in a busy, modern city, the exhibition demonstrates how people cope with extreme climates and habitats and through more than 20 interactive displays explores the things that we all need to survive.

Our Future

Our Future is an interactive zone which provides information on cutting edge science, encourages thought and discussion and allows students to comment on ethical issues. Both the content and approach are in line with the approach of the New Orders for GCSE exemplified by 21st Century Science. The three topic areas covered are all areas of excellence from the North-East of England: Stem Cells and Reproductive Medicine, Ageing and Climate Change.

At the heart of Our Future lies three large touch screen tables. These control a complex multi-media package which enables students to explore each topic. There are lots of short, talking head quotes from scientists at the cutting edge of each field.

Our Future is suitable for students from the top end of KS3 and above who are old enough to have opinions that they want to share with others. It is designed to ensure that these opinions are informed.