Trilobites exhibit prehistoric secrets

It's new, but it's old. "Trilobite Treasures: Arthropods of the Ancient Seas" is a walk on the wild side to prehistoric times. This temporary exhibit at the Family Museum in Bettendorf, Iowa, offers a chance to view fossils more than 320 million years old. Of particular interest are the Trilobites from the Kchodl collection, more than 200 prehistoric specimens and artifacts from all over the world. Trilobites are hard-shelled, segmented creatures that were crawling in the Earth's ancient seas by the thousands, but became extinct well before the dinosaurs roamed. They fossilized easily and so have left an extensive record of their existence.

In addition to the fossils, the exhibit, which concludes Aug. 5, features original artwork, Trilobite jewelry and other artifacts. Included in the display will be information on Trilobite discovery, history, research and preservation.

Another traveling exhibit, "Get the Message," is an interactive exhibit that explores the various means people use to communicate, from cave art to newspapers to speech and signs. It ends Sept. 2.

While at the Family Museum, take the time to look over the permanent displays, such as:

n "Busy Bodies: Healthy Choices," which features interactive stations where children 5 through 12 can learn about nutrition, health, fitness physiology and more.

n "Amazing Acres," which teaches about the weather and agriculture. Who wouldn't want to touch a 10-foot tornado, make a cloud or pump biofuel at the station? There's a tree house to climb and vegetables to plant. You can even "drive" a combine cab and pretend you're harvesting the crops.

n "Rhythm Alley." Better like music here, for there's plenty of sound to be found. Imagine making music on a clavinova or a bicycle wheel. There's all kinds of music to explore and fun things that go with it.

n "The Garden," where children younger than 5 can have a good time with Bear's Playhouse, a sand table, foam building blocks and toys. There's also a climbing maze.

n "Kingdom for Kids" outdoor playground, where children can swing, slide, climb and move around. Look here, too, for Grandpa's Fountain, where kids can get wet while playing with buckets, bowls and floating toys, weather permitting.