Author of Grossology series at Discovery Center Nov. 20

From press release

Sylvia Branzei-Velasquez, science teacher and author of the popular Grossology books, is coming to Rockford. The popular children’s author will give two interactive presentations Saturday, Nov. 20, at Discovery Center and Burpee Museum.

Branzei-Velasquez will entertain visitors with oozing gross stuff and amaze people with a potpourri of grossness during two 30-minute interactive presentations. Following the presentations, she will also autograph books.

At 11 a.m., visitors can learn about the science of snot and other oozy, body stuff. Demonstrations include how to make fake blood and wounds. At the 2 p.m. presentation, visitors will explore the many facets of the disgusting world of human bodies. Demonstrations include how to make fake poo and edible fake barf.

Cost includes admission to Grossology and either Discovery Center or Burpee Museum: $3 for members; $12 for the public.

Branzei-Velasquez is the originator of Grossology, or the idea of teaching science through gross things. She is the author of Grossology, Animal Grossology, Grossology Begins at Home, Hands On Grossology and Grossology and You. She has been interviewed and featured by national and international TV, radio, magazines and newspapers.

Discovery Center Museum is a non-profit children’s science museum with more than 200 hands-on exhibits, planetarium, special area for children 6 and younger , and an award winning outdoor Science Park.

Discovery Center is inside Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. General admission to the museum is $7 adults, $7 children (ages 2-17) and free to children younger than 2 and museum members. Hours of operation are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m., Sunday.

For information, call (815) 963-6769 or visit discoverycentermuseum.org.

From the Nov. 17-23, 2010 issue