Archive: Around Town

SciencenterITHACA, NY —Climate change is a big issue – in fact, it’s a global issue. On Saturday, February 17 at 11:00 am, Sciencenter visitors will pick up a wireless clicker and participate in the premier of “Full of Hot Air,” a new interactive family forum on global warming and polar science.

With a playful approach, Sciencenter Executive Director Charlie Trautmann, will encourage families to explore the issue of climate change. After the presentation, participants will be able to try hands-on activities that investigate the greenhouse effect and the science of ice. The program is free with museum admission.

This new program kicks off the Sciencenter’s new 10-year initiative on sustainability. “The Sciencenter has identified sustainability as one of the most important issues now facing both ourselves as an organization and our civilization as a whole,” shares Trautmann.

“As an organization, we are looking at the topic of sustainability from two angles,” Trautmann continued. “First, as an organization, we are committed to pursuing best practices in environmental, social, and economic sustainability. We will be evaluating everything from energy audits of the museum to raising endowment funds to keep our programs sustainable. Secondly, from an educational standpoint, we will be helping others to recognize the value of science and technology as important ingredients of a sustainable future.”

Through its sustainability initiative, the Sciencenter is developing programs to introduce the science behind alternative energy. The museum is creating new exhibits that focus on climate change, environmental conservation, and energy.

“Full of Hot Air,” the lead program for the public outreach component of the Sciencenter’s new sustainability initiative, was developed by Cornell University senior Stephanie Radi, working with Trautmann as her advisor. The family forum makes its debut in Ithaca before its international release by the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) in Washington, DC. “Full of Hot Air” will be promoted to science museums around the world by ASTC beginning March 1 as a key component of its new online toolkit of educational programs on global warming. Trautmann, a member of the ASTC board of directors, is secretary of the task force that has developed the online toolkit with representatives of NASA, NOAA, and science museums throughout the world.

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