Some parents are questioning the decision of Ottawa's child-friendly science museum to put on a sex-ed exhibit designed to draw in teens.

The Canadian Science and Technology Museum is borrowing "SEX: A TELL-All Exhibition" from Montreal, opening Thursday.

The subject matter has prompted about 50 complaints from parents who disagree that it's an educational tool.

"There's an animated video of a boy and girl masturbating, questions that answered by a sexologist where he says anal sex can be fun," said parent Patrick Meagher, who saw a preview of the exhibit.

The museum said it's gone a step beyond the recommended 12-and-up age limit.

"The exhibition does not promote sex at all, the exhibition promotes sexual awareness and sexual education," said Luc Fournier.

"In our case, we've decided (ages) 16 and over gain access unaccompanied but anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or adult."

Sexuality PhD student Jocelyn Wentland said she took a group of teenagers to see the exhibit and urges others to see it for themselves.

"The best thing would be as teens to walk around it with your parents, split up and then talk about what surprised you and what you liked," she said.

"It's all about having those conversations and they should be taking place at home first."

The museum said the exhibit won't be a part of summer camps or school programs.

"Sex: A Tell-All Exhibition" runs until January.

With a report from CTV Ottawa's Joanne Schnurr