Skyline Frequently Asked Questions

We've lost our building permit/permit code. Is there any way the museum can help us retrieve our story?

When I enter in my building permit code, the website returns a "passcode not valid" error message.

When I click on the "Get Your Story" graphic, my browser tells me the website's security certificate is invalid (PC users).

Where can we get/buy the building materials used in the exhibit?

I use Firefox. When I click on the “Get Your Story” button, my browser displays “Peer’s Certificate has been revoked (Error code: sec_error_revoked_certificate).”

We've lost our building permit/permit code. Is there any way the museum can help us retrieve our story?
If you lose your permit code CCM may be able to help retrieve your story. Contact us with as much information as possible regarding your museum visit. Details that are especially helpful include:

• What day and date did your family visit CCM?
• What time of day (early morning, mid-day, late afternoon) did your family participate in the Skyscraper Challenge?
• Which building station did you use (the one near the entrance, in the center, or at the far end of the exhibit)?
• How many people (adults and children) participated in the building activity? Specifically, who appears in the photos taken by the exhibit's camera?
• What does each participant look like (i.e., ethnicity, approximate ages, hair color/style, clothes you were wearing—the more details you can remember, the better)?
• Did you answer the first question in the story sequence ("Who are the authors…")? What names did you use?

Please allow museum staff 2-3 days to locate your story. If found, your building permit code will be sent to you.

When I enter in my building permit code, the website returns a "passcode not valid" error message. What's going on?
The most common cause for this error message is that your family did not complete the entire story sequence. However, if this is not the case, please Contact Us and send us your permit code. We will research any technical issues with the exhibit, and let you know if we're able to retrieve your story.

When I click on the "Get Your Story" graphic, my browser tells me the website's security certificate is invalid (PC users). Huh?!?
There are two likely causes for this occurrence:
1. Your computer system's calendar is set with the wrong date.
2. You're using Internet Explorer (version 7) with the Windows VISTA operating system.

The fix for #1 is fairly straight forward. Double-check your computer's calendar to make sure it's set to the correct date (especially the year). You can do this by double-clicking the clock in the lower-right corner of your computer screen.

To fix #2 you ll need to turn OFF Internet Explorer's security certificate resolution function. Don t worry…this won t compromise your computer system s security. This function is handled, by default, by the VISTA operating system, and probably again by your antivirus/firewall software. To turn off certificate resolution:

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Go to Tools in the top menu.
3. Select Internet Options.
4. Select the Advanced tab.
5. Scroll down to the last section, Security.
6. The two settings you need to turn off (uncheck) are:

• Check for publisher's revocation of certificate.
• Check for server certificate revocation.

7. Click OK and restart your computer.

Please note that if you re using a Norton firewall software, you may still receive the error, even after you ve done the steps above. Symantec (the makers of Norton) is aware of this problem and software patches are available for download at their web site. They can be accessed via the following links:

If you are a Norton 360 user, click here.
If you are a Norton Internet Security user, click here.

Other CCM visitors using a Norton product have reported that turning off Transaction Security (under Advance in the Options menu) is also helpful.

My family really enjoyed the Skyline exhibit. Where can we get/buy the building materials used in the exhibit?
Unfortunately, there aren't many "off-the-shelf" equivalents to the building systems used in Skyline (both of which are custom made). Below is a list of commercial systems that closely replicate the function of those at CCM (Note: This list is provided for informational purposes only. It is NOT a guarantee and/or recommendation by CCM as to the quality and/or value of these products):

Toobeez:
In terms of life-size construction sets, Toobeez comes the closest to replicating the experience at CCM. Toobeez is a set of plastic tubes (thus, the name) that mimic the lengths of our wooden system (i.e., the tube lengths are 1-foot, 2-, 3- and 4-feet long). The system even comes with fabric "curtain walls" similar to ours. Each set contains 60 pieces.

YooDo Large Scale Construction Toy:
YooDo is a life-size system comprised of flat, heavy-weight cardboard panels. The panels have slits that attach to one another. The manufacturer doesn't sell them directly. You'll have to search YooDo and purchase it through a retail website.

Qubits:
Qubits is a small-scale building system similar to the plastic pieces used in the Skyscraper Challenge. The system is open-ended and the pieces are flexible and bendable.

Bendaroos:
Bendaroos are really more of a "crafts" product. They are strings covered in high-density wax. The strings can be bent and twisted into any shape. They retain their shape until straightened out by the user. The strings are also sticky and attach to one another with a little pressure.

Erector Sets:
Both of the building systems at CCM were modeled (to some extent) on Erector Sets. While Amazon offers the largest selection of closed-ended erectors (i.e., the pieces only build a motorcycle, helicopter, etc.), erectors "by the bucket" can still be found via a web search.

Fat Brain Toys:
The "Building and Construction" section of Fat Brain Toys contains a variety of educational construction activities and toys. You can narrow your search based on your child's age or developmental level.

I use Firefox. When I click on the "Get Your Story" button, my browser displays "Peer's Certificate has been revoked (Error code: sec_error_revoked_certificate)." How do I resolve this (PC & Mac users)?

When the Firefox web browser checks a security certificate, it verifies that the certificate itself is valid, and also checks with the issuing authority if the certificate is valid. However, near a certificate's expiration date, the issuing authority may release a new certificate. The conflict in two certificates' expiration dates causes the error message above. To resolve this, complete the following:

For PC Users:

1. Open Firefox.
2. Go to Tools the top menu and select Options.
3. Click the Advance tab.
4. Click the following button:
1. Encryption, then
2. Certificates, then
3. Validation
5. Check "Do not use OCSP for certificate validation."
6. Click OK and restart Firefox.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Firefox.
2. Go to Firefox in the top menu and select Preferences.
3. Click the Advance button.
4. Click the following buttons:
1. Encryption, then
2. Validation
5. Un-check "Use the OCSP to confirm the validity of certificates."
6. Click OK and restart Firefox.

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