Over the past month more than 39,389 people of all ages have visited Explora. Following the successful grand opening of its new facility located at 1701 Mountain Road NW near Old Town, Explora is receiving rave reviews.

�Each time I come to Explora, I�m so excited because I am having fun and I�m learning so much,� said 12-year-old Evan Moulson. Eighteen-year old Georgina Garcia agrees, � I like Explora because the exhibits are great. I created my own cartoon film and I figured out the electricity circuit boards, but my personal favorite, was seeing a million of me in the mirror room. Explora is such a fascinating place.�

With over 250 interactive exhibits designed to excite and challenge the whole family, Explora is full of interesting things to discover. Explora�s Executive Director, Paul Tatter says, �There is always something new at Explora.� NASA is not the only one with a mission to Mars. Visitors to Explora get the chance to design, program and test �LEGO Mindstorms� type robots in a simulated Mars environment. The new Explora program, �Mission Mars� is taking place inside the RoboLab for several weeks. This staff guided program is a robot rescue adventure and is available to Explora visitors (8 years and older) by simply signing-up for these 45-minute compelling hands-on robotic challenges.

�We�re off to a great start, and appreciate the tremendous support we have received from the community,� says Tatter, �Mission Mars is a great example of how Explora can offer relevant and timely educational programs. Because our programs and exhibits are continually changing, we look forward to visitors coming several times a year.� Call 224-8300 for more information on �Mission Mars� and other Explora programs.