Marian Koshland Science Museum: Set a Course for Science, and Engage!
More than just a “how things work” or a hands-on version of your old biology textbook, the Marian Koshland Science Museum is fun, new, modern, hip and most of all, relevant to its everyday visitors. Founded in 2004 by the National Academy of Sciences, the Marian Koshland Science Museum is dedicated to educating people about science issues related to current public policy and public health in the country and world.
Located near Gallery Place and Chinatown, the museum is within close proximity to the National Mall’s Smithsonian Institution museums and a great place to stop and view a modern science museum based on issues of interest. Exhibits are very hands-on and highly visual, making it fun and educational for adults and children alike.
Current exhibits include Lights at Night, a look into the night sky at light pollution and examination of changes from 1993, highlighting shifts in population, growth, development and use of energy in general. Infectious Diseases provides a background into various parasites, viruses, bacteria and germs surrounding us and the science behind identifying them, what’s considered bad and good, and how scientists handle them.
Another exhibit examines global warming trends and issues, and another educates guests about the access of safe drinking water around the world as a public health matter. Finally, the Wonders of Science gallery illustrates current scientific research taking place, and interesting phenomenon.
Activities involve playing scientist on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. They include studying hydrogen as an alternative fuel for cars, a physical comparison of energy consumption by turning a hand-crank to light different lightbulbs, and examining how diseases begin and how to stop them.
Other topics cover the science of toxicology for pets, lunchtime lectures, Family Science Days, learning about Earth from space, and other ongoing events. There’s even an open forum for local Washingtonians to congregate to discuss energy issues in the city and region. Check the museum's online calendar for details about speakers, sessions, workshops and hands-on labs.
Posted on Feb 13, 2011 by Rin-rin Yu
