Outtake Chapter 8 - Permafrost

The interpretation of life on the tundra included a touchable cross-section Arctic landscape, showing layers below a snow-covered surface down to the permafrost. Hidden cooling coils kept the permafrost cold to the touch. It was not so cold that a mischievous kid could stick his tongue to it, ala Ralphie's classmate in A Christmas Story. It was effective, though; people often called to others in their party, "Hey, come feel this." The diorama was not without issues, however. The icy surfaces soon got grimy and discolored from the desired tactile behavior, requiring frequent touch-ups. In the first summer, the permafrost wept onto the carpet, requiring a retro-fitted trough and drain on the floor. Barely a year after the exhibit opened, it was pulled from service entirely. Good idea; didn't work. It happens!