MOBILE, Ala. — As state lawmakers and local officials debate the lack of funding for education, the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center is stepping in to help fill the void this year with three new exhibits. They include a state-of-the-art engineering and technology center, exotic reptiles from around the world and a sea lion exploration and adventure.

The Explore TEC exhibit will open May 1. TEC stands for “technology and engineering careers.” Melissa Dean, Exploreum education program director, said students will be able to come to downtown Mobile and learn more about the growing fields of robotics, 3-D design, engineering and architecture.

Explore TEC was made possible by a $500,000 grant received from NASA in August 2009. It features two dozen laptop computers loaded with CAD Academy software, robotic instruction kits and a uPrint 3-D printer, which can produce 3-D prototypes of any design using ABSplus — a durable plastic.

“We’re really excited to have the 3-D printer and laptops with engineering software,” Dean said. “We not only get to have the equipment, we can bring it to students. And if someone wanted to design an advanced part, they could send the file to us and we could print it.”

The Exploreum has set up a fee schedule for classes in various design disciplines that will be offered to students, industry and the general public. The information will soon be available on their Web site, www.exploreum.com, or can be obtained by calling (251) 208-6816.

“No other science center in the country offers the same level of engineering and technology programming,” said Hela Sheth, Exploreum director of marketing and public relations. She noted the NASA funding will go a long way in helping the nonprofit science center fulfill its educational mission.

Also coming to the Exploreum is the traveling exhibit Reptile Planet. Running July 5 through Oct. 24, the exhibit will showcase live reptiles from 20 countries, including the American alligator and crocodile, veiled chameleon, gila monster, leaf-tail gecko, cobra, diamond-back rattlesnake, tortoise, soft-shelled turtle, mangrove snake, bearded dragon and many more. Tickets go on sale June 1, and will include 18 interactive zoological components that will challenge misconceptions about these diverse creatures.

“If you liked Dinosaurs Downtown, you’ll love Reptile Planet,” Sheth said.

Next up, from Nov. 10 through Nov. 21, is Sea Lion Splash, an exhibit featuring live shows that should not only entertain audiences of all ages, but also teach them a thing or two. It will be set up on the Mobile County Annex lot, across Royal Street from the Exploreum.

The sea lions will balance balls, shoot hoops and dance. The animals can dive to depths of around 1,000 feet and can hold their breath for 10-20 minutes, depending on the species. There are 17 known species of sea lions and fur seals.

Their life span in a zoological setting is 25-35 years, but only 10-15 years in the wild. They have a number of natural predators, including man.

Sheth said, “All the sea lions involved in the shows were rescued from the effects of human carelessness. There are great lessons in the show.”

To encourage folks to join the Exploreum and take advantage of all the center has to offer, they are offering a one-week, 10 percent discount off of the Standard Family Memberships, which are available for purchase at the Box Office or online at Exploreum.com. They include free admission for a calendar year to the center’s permanent exhibits and reduced rates on all traveling exhibits.

“The Exploreum is thrilled to bring more top-notch educational and entertaining programs to Mobile,” said Assistant Director Caroline Etherton. “We’re offering this one-week membership special so that families can save money as they make plans to attend these upcoming exhibits.”

The current traveling exhibit, Dinosaurs Downtown, is in the Exploreum courtyard through April 25. Sheth said Exploreum staff are currently looking at ways to maximize available space as they plan traveling exhibits for 2011.