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Celebrate Black History Month at Adventure Science Center

Presented by Adventure Science Center at Adventure Science Center

February 1-February 28, 2011

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This February, Adventure Science Center invites Middle Tennesseans to celebrate Black History Month by recognizing the contributions of African-Americans to the field of science both past and present. During the month, Skywatchers of Africa in the Turner Theatre of the Sudekum Planetarium and BioMedical Faces of Science, a temporary exhibit, will explore the ways science shapes culture and introduce visitors to scientists whose work and lives serve as role models for today’s young scientists.

“We’re proud to honor African-Americans in the field of science in February and year-round,” said Susan Duvenhage, CEO of Adventure Science Center. “Science continually shapes our cultures and the world in which we live. Today’s scientists can be men or women, any color and come from all backgrounds. The common denominator is they love science and new discoveries. We would not be where we are today without the extraordinary scientific contributions from the African-American community.”

In Skywatchers of Africa, viewers journey east and explore thousand-year-old African traditions and uses of the sky. The show examines how African culture has used astronomy to build societies, shape spiritual lives and meet the physical needs of its people. Skywatchers of Africa is an original production of Chicago’s Adler Planetarium and was adapted for full-dome screening by the Sudekum Planetarium at Adventure Science Center.

In partnership with Meharry Medical College, The Biomedical Faces of Science temporary exhibit presents twelve mentor scientists whose work and lives serve as role models for today’s young scientists. A project of Dr. James Perkins and internationally re­nowned portrait photographer and author, Jay Fletcher, the exhibit features successful researchers and clinicians who came from underrepresented communities. These remarkable individuals send the message to today’s youth that their futures truly can be anything that they choose. Using touch-screen panels, guests can ask questions to the scientists and learn more about biomedical fields such as Cardiology, Cell Biology, Genomics, Immunology, Nephrology and infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS.

BioMedical Faces of Science is supported by the Science Educa­tion Partnership Award (SEPA) from the National Center for Research Resources, which is a component of the National Insti­tutes of Health (NIH), National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) and Jackson State University. The exhibit is part of the larger BioMedical Faces of Science project, the mission of which is to create innovative educational programs that will increase both the number and the quality of students from underrepresented groups entering the educational pipeline to become biomedical researchers and clinicians.

 

For more information about Skywatchers of Africa, BioMedical Faces of Science and other exhibits, visit www.adventuresci.com.