Koshland Science Museum Announces Winter Events

WASHINGTON – The Marian Koshland Science Museum of the National Academy of Sciences has lined up an exciting new slate of events to engage the public in some of today’s most fascinating science. Programs beginning in January 2008 will include an illustrated tour of the fundamental concepts of science by award-winning writers Natalie Angier and Rick Weiss, an examination of the state of the world’s coral reefs, and a discussion with the hosts and producer of Radio Lab, the popular National Public Radio show. The schedule of public events follows:



See What’s “Cool” at the Koshland

Saturday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.



Explore the Nikon Coolscope at the Koshland Science Museum’s “Microbe Lab” during a day of fun activities for the entire family. Visitors can solve a medical mystery as they use the Microbe Lab and the museum’s exhibit Infectious Disease: Evolving Challenges to Human Health to determine the cause of a mysterious illness. Admission is free.



Natalie Angier and Rick Weiss: A Whirligig Tour of Science

Thursday, Jan. 24, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.



Join author and Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times science columnist Natalie Angier and her husband, esteemed Washington Post science reporter Rick Weiss, for an illustrated discussion of Angier’s critically acclaimed book The Canon: A Whirligig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science. Admission is $8; $5 for students.



HIV/AIDS in D.C. and the World: Educator Forum

Monday, Feb. 11, 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.



In conjunction with Darwin Day, the Koshland Science Museum will host an interactive forum for educators and high school teachers to speak with researchers about current scientific research and the teaching of microbial evolution through the lens of HIV/AIDS. Panelists include Shannon Lee Hader, HIV/AIDS Administration for Washington; Elizabeth Reed-Connole, National Institutes of Health; and Anila Ashgar, Johns Hopkins University. Free for educators.



What’s Killing the Coral Reefs?

Wednesday, Feb. 20, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.



Kiho Kim, director of the environmental studies program at American University, Ove Hoegh-Guldburg, chair of marine studies at the University of Queensland, and Tundi Agardi, founder and executive director of Sound Seas, will discuss the reasons for the disappearance of coral reefs and examine potential solutions. The program will be moderated by National Geographic Channel’s Chad Cohen. Admission is $8; $5 for students.



Transportation and the Spread of Disease

Wednesday, March 5, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.



Stephen Eubank from the Bioinformatics Institute at Virginia Tech and Daniel Lucey from the department of microbiology and immunology at Georgetown University will discuss the role of transportation and global travel in the spread of disease and examine the effectiveness of various measures to curb transmission. Admission is $8; $5 for students.



Radio Lab: An Evening with the Hosts

Thursday, March 13, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.



Radio Lab hosts Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, along with producer Ellen Horne, will discuss and demonstrate their approach to melding complex scientific ideas into a show that is high-tech, surreal, and ultimately philosophical. Admission is $15; $7 for students.



World Water Day: Safe Drinking Water Is Essential

Thursday, March 27, 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.



On World Water Day, Roland Steiner, regional water and wastewater manager at the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, and other experts will discuss the status of the local water supply and the effects on regional water demand, as well as water distribution issues around the world. Admission is $8; $5 for students.



The Marian Koshland Science Museum engages the general public in an exploration of the current scientific issues that affect their lives. The museum’s state-of-the-art exhibits, public events, and educational programs provide information that stimulates discussion and provides insight into how science supports decision-making. Located at 6th and E streets, N.W., the museum is easily accessible by metro at the Gallery Place/Chinatown and Judiciary Square stops.



Tickets and additional information are available through the museum at 202-334-1201 or www.koshland-science-museum.org; advance registration is suggested for all events. Reporters who wish to cover these programs should pre-register.