Washington -- This fall the Marian Koshland Science Museum invites you to explore the connection between brain health and staying sharp, admire the beauty of phenomena revealed by microscopes, and discover lost crops of ancient communities. The museum is located at 6th and E streets, N.W., and is eaily accessible by Metro.
For more information visit www.koshland-science-museum.org, e-mail ksm@nas.edu, or call 202-334-1201. A list of programs follows.
Arts on Foot
Saturday, Sept. 16
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Join the fun at the 14th Annual Penn Quarter Arts on Foot Festival. Be sure to stop by the Koshland Science Museum's tent at 8th and F streets for hands-on science. Extract DNA from a strawberry and take part in an activity from the new exhibit, "Infectious Disease: Evolving Challenges to Human Health," coming to the museum in 2007. Admission is free.
Staying Sharp: Brain Health
Tuesday, Sept. 19
noon to 1 p.m.
What happens to the brain as it ages? How can we stay sharp? Find out how recent scientific advances may affect memory, language, and sensation at a program led by Dr. Gene Cohen of the National Institutes of Aging. The program is presented in collaboration with NRTA: AARP's Educator Community. Admission is free.
Extreme Life Under the Seafloor
Thursday, Sept. 28
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Get close up with extremophiles that live under the ocean floor. Dive deep to explore the ways we are just beginning to understand how these ancient communities co-exist with other life on Earth. This program is presented in collaboration with the Joint Oceanographic Institutions. Admission is $5.
It's a Small World: A Microscopic View of Art + Science
Wednesday, Oct. 4
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. or 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
From September through January, the Koshland Science Museum will feature the photographs from Nikon's 2006 Small World Photomicrography Competition. At this public program, Dr. Jennifer Waters of Harvard Medical School will demonstrate how light microscopes can capture scientific phenomena invisible to the naked eye. Admission is free.
Communicating Science Through Film and Television With Tom Levenson
Thursday, Oct. 12
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
What do Einstein, Darwin, and the U.S. Capitol have in common? They have all been the subject of documentaries produced by National Academies Communication Award winner Tom Levenson, who will discuss how to turn good science into good television and illustrate the challenges of science reporting. Admission is $5.
Staying Sharp: Food for Thought
Wednesday, Oct. 18
noon to 1 p.m.
Trans fat, saturated fat, cholesterol…what does all this mean? How can the food choices you make now affect your health throughout life? Get the facts from leading scientists on how nutrition can impact brain health. This program is presented in collaboration with NRTA: AARP's Educator Community. Admission is free.
The Lincoln Connection
Tuesday, Oct. 24
6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Explore the connection between Lincoln, the National Academies, and the local community. View history through a portal that will take you back to powerful events associated with our 16th president and what was happening in downtown Washington, D.C. Admission is $5.
Staying Sharp: Walking Adventure
Tuesday, Nov. 7
noon to 1 p.m.
Thinking of taking a walking tour or hiking vacation? Before you do, get the latest facts on walking, and explore opportunities to enjoy active getaways with experts. Hosted by experts in walking and travel, this program is presented in collaboration with NRTA: AARP's Educator Community. Admission is free.
Positive Exposure: Genetic Differences, Redefining Beauty
Wednesday, Nov. 8
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Experience the beauty of genetic difference and diverse cultural perspectives around the world. Using stunning photography and powerful video interviews, fashion photographer Rick Guidotti and Dr. Diane McLean investigate the social and psychological experiences of people living with genetic, physical, and mental health conditions. Admission is $5.
Family: Discover Lost Crops of Ancient Cultures
Saturday, Nov. 11
1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
What happened to the lost crops of the Incas, Mayans, and Egyptians? Unearth the mystery with crop expert Dr. Noel Vietmeyer. Examine and explore crops that could expand food supplies worldwide. Admission is free.
Discussion with NPR's Moira Gunn
Thursday, Dec, 7
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Dr. Moira Gunn of NPR's Tech Nation will guide you on a biotech adventure as she talks about her experiences in science and technology reporting. She also will share her perspective on how science and policy come together on radio. Admission is free.
Gas Prices Got You Down? Revving Up Innovations in Fuel Technology
Thursday, Dec. 7
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
While fuel prices are skyrocketing and concern over global warming continues to heat up, what's being done to create more efficient fuels and engines? Join NPR's Dr. Moira Gunn for a discussion of what the future holds in fuel innovation. This program is presented in collaboration with the Smithsonian's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation. Admission is $5.