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K-State Today

February 7, 2014

'Football' season continues at the Discovery Center

Submitted by Communications and Marketing

The Super Bowl is over, but there’s still plenty of football to enjoy at the Flint Hills Discovery Center.

Wildcat fans can show their school pride at a special Kansas State University football-themed event at the Discovery Center Saturday, Feb. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. including a meet and greet with K-State alumnus Veryl Switzer, the first African American to play for the Green Bay Packers. Willie the Wildcat, K-State Cheerleaders, members of K-State football program, former K-State reserve field goal kicker, Brandon Klimek and other local football celebrities will be in attendance. In addition to special guest appearances, Jordy Nelson memorabilia will be on display in the Football exhibition on Feb. 8 only.

Football, a popular traveling exhibit developed by the Museum of Discovery, is a 3,000 sq. ft. exhibition that introduces visitors to the science, mathematics and technology behind the game and how they relate to everyday life. The highly interactive exhibition provides hands-on learning, covering a wide array of science topics through football-themed areas such as Forward Pass and Game at the Line of Scrimmage.

“The game of football is a uniquely American sport that millions of Americans have embraced and participated in for more than a century,” said Fred Goss, FHDC director. “The Football exhibition at FHDC provides a unique view of the sport with the visitor gaining a greater understanding of the game in a way not seen from the stadium seat or living room.”

Goss also said the exhibition is a new way to look at and experience the unseen forces that impact the outcome on the field of play in every game.

Football is composed of nine different zones, each addressing a different aspect of the game, from the physics of tackling to the balance needed for cheerleading. Each zone features a mixture of artifacts, text, videos and hands-on activities.

While the exhibition enables visitors to relive all the excitement and experience of playing football, it also teaches about the science that makes it all possible. Test your throwing skills in the Passing Cage area and learn what people truly mean when they say someone has a “rifle arm.” Try and match the speed of an NFL running back and learn the ideal trajectory for kicking a field goal. Football covers everything from the history of the game to the science of catching a pass.

“Visitors will enjoy football-related activities during the cold months of the year as they anticipate national letter of intent signing day, the NFL draft and the arrival of annual collegiate spring football games in 2014,” said Goss.

Football is available to visitors through June 1 in the temporary gallery at the Discovery Center. So what are you waiting for? Put your helmet on, get in there and score a touchdown at Football!

To learn more about the Flint Hills Discovery Center’s exhibitions, programs and special events, visit www.flinthillsdiscovery.org, call 785-587-2726 or visit 315 S. Third St. in Manhattan.

Saturday programs: Show your school pride by joining the Flint Hills Discovery Center for several special football-themed Saturdays, including meet-and-greets with local football celebrities. Discounted admission is available with current student ID. Adults $9; military, college students and seniors — age 65 up — and professional educators, $7 with ID; youth, age 2 to 17, $4.