Director of Communications
Amanda.Murphy@tn.gov
615-741-9010
Senior Communications Manager
Jill.Kilgore@tn.gov
615-927-1320
Communications Manager
Chelsea.Trott@tn.gov
629-395-8941
June 2, 2021 - PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. - WonderWorks Pigeon Forge has an array of exhibits that help educate people about science. The latest science exhibit to open is on earthquakes, called Good Vibrations, is set to open June 3, 2021. Good Vibrations will spotlight Tuckaleechee Caverns, and how they document seismic activity around the world. The new exhibit was a topic request from educators, so it seemed appropriate that they also name the exhibit.
“Teachers asked us to provide more learning experiences on earthquakes and we listened,” explains Ed Shaffer, general manager for WonderWorks in Pigeon Forge. “This new exhibit will allow everyone to gain a better understanding of seismic activity, as well as the important work done at the Tuckaleechee Caverns.”
The Tuckaleechee Caverns are home to the most sensitive seismic station on Earth. It detects any and all tectonic movement anywhere in the world. If a country is testing a nuclear weapon or there is an earthquake, it has that information within seconds. Once it does, within 300ths of a millisecond, it relays that important information directly to the U.S. Military; Vienna, Austria and Geneva, Switzerland. The information is collected 24/7 and is crucial to national security, as well as being able to provide earthquake information.
The exhibit, Good Vibrations will help share the importance of the Tuckaleechee Caverns and what they are doing in monitoring seismic activity. The information in the exhibit meets the educational standards on earthquake and seismic activity, and is one of WonderWorks’ many STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) related learning exhibits. The exhibit name was suggested by teachers.
“We provide a place where families can come and have fun, but they also learn while they are at it,” added Shaffer. “We look forward to helping many people learn about earthquakes this summer through our new exhibit. This is an exciting time to be learning about STEAM-related topics.”
Guests are encouraged to review all safety rules prior to their visit on the web page devoted to COVID-19: https://www.wonderworksonline.com/pigeon-forge/covid-19.
WonderWorks in Pigeon Forge offers 35,000 square feet of “edu-tainment” opportunities, billing itself as an amusement park for the mind. It offers over 100 hands-on exhibits covering natural disasters and space discovery, an imagination lab, a physical challenge zone, a far out art gallery and a light and sound zone. WonderWorks is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. For more information, visit: https://www.wonderworksonline.com/pigeon-forge/.
About WonderWorks
WonderWorks, a science-focused indoor amusement park, combines education and entertainment. With over 100 hands-on exhibits, there is something unique and challenging for all ages. Feel the power of 71 mph hurricane-force winds in the Hurricane Shack. Make huge, life-sized bubbles in the Bubble Lab. Get the NASA treatment in our Astronaut Training Gyro and experience zero gravity. Nail it by lying on the death-defying Bed of Nails. Conquer your fear of heights on our indoor Glow-In-The-Dark Ropes Course. WonderWorks also hosts birthday parties and special events seasonally. https://www.wonderworksonline.com/pigeon-forge.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Cher Murphy
Director of Communications
Amanda.Murphy@tn.gov
615-741-9010
Senior Communications Manager
Jill.Kilgore@tn.gov
615-927-1320
Communications Manager
Chelsea.Trott@tn.gov
629-395-8941