PRESS RELEASE

June 4, 2011

Media Contact: Stephanie Lowe, (513) 373-3242 mobile, slowe@cincymuseum.org.

Learning. Innovation. Technology. Education. New science lab opens at Cincinnati Museum Center
New LITE lab makes its debut today during BugFest

CINCINNATI-- It’s time for a change. That’s why Cincinnati Museum Center is introducing a brand new addition to our Museum of Natural History & Science: the LITE lab. The acronym LITE stands for learning, innovation, technology and education—and that’s exactly what the new laboratory is all about!

The new lab is replacing the All About You exhibit, our kid-friendly healthy living exhibit that closed last winter to make room for the new space. The goal was to revamp and update the space, and provide more opportunities for exploration and discovery for our visitors.

To help with the deconstruction of the exhibit, Museum Center welcomed Building Value, a local nonprofit reuse center dedicated to removing barriers to work for people with disabilities and disadvantages. Over 8 tons of material was saved from the landfill to be reused by local businesses and other facilities. Local churches and nonprofits benefited from the materials, which included interior doors, light fixtures and even a replica heart stimulator.

The new lab may have a purple floor, but this space is all about the green. With a focus on sustainability and recyclability, the lab is comprised of recycled materials and other environmentally-friendly attributes. The new flooring was created from recycled tires, the lighting is provided by highly efficient LED bulbs, and the graphic panels contain 100% recycled materials.

The LITE lab provides hands-on learning opportunities for guests, with a large focus on open-ended learning and independent discovery. Visitors can conduct their own science experiments and even test new prototype exhibits for the museum. New technologies have also been installed, including microscopes and laboratory equipment, to complement these activities.

Guided programming will also be available. Upcoming programs focus on topics such as solar and wind power, forensics, dissection, microscopy and physics. See below for a list of upcoming programs.

The lab makes its debut today during our annual BugFest celebration, where our hissing cockroaches and Cricket, our tarantula, will test out the lab during various demonstrations.
For more information, visit www.cincymuseum.org.

LITE Lab Programming: Free with museum admission or for Members

Black Box Physics
Join us in the new LITE Lab to test your skills as a research scientist. Learn how scientists use models to solve complex problems in this hands-on activity.
June 9, 18, 22
August 26
September 1, 3, 22
October 1, 22
2 to 3 p.m.

Crystals
Crystals come in many shapes and sizes. Some take decades to form and others form right before your eyes! Check out a variety of crystals and see how they form.
June 11, 28
July 26
11 to Noon

Paper Aviation
Aviation has become a cornerstone of modern society that influences travel, commerce and more.  Explore the forces behind flight and learn about the Wright brothers.
July 23, 24
2 to 3 p.m.

Solar and Wind Power
Learn about clean alternative energy solutions including their advantages and disadvantages.
June 10, 30
July 8
August 12, 18
September 2, 7, 21
October 15, 28
2 to 3 p.m.

Water Tasting to Stop Wasting
Test your tastebuds by comparing bottled, tap, and filtered water while discussing ways to conserve water in your home and garden.
June 15
July 19
August 22
September 14, 17
1 to 2 p.m.

What Are The Chances?
Help us create a work of art and learn some math while you’re at it!
July 22
September 29
October 9, 12, 26
1 to 2 p.m.

Earth Tuesday
Starting in September, join us for environmental sustainability themed activities.
Tuesdays
2 to 3 p.m.

Forensics
Learn the science of forensics and see if you have what it takes to solve a crime.
August 23
September 18
2 to 3 p.m.

Game Show Theory
It may seem like just fun and games, but there’s a lot of math that goes in to winning big.  Learn some of the theory behind your favorite game shows.
September 15
October 5, 13, 21
2 to 3 p.m.

Laser Challenge
Test your understanding of optics and angles.
September 9, 24
2 to 3 p.m.

Non-Newtonian Fluids
Learn about viscosity, Newtonian/Non-Newtonian fluids, Sir Isaac Newton and fluid mechanics.
September 25
October 19, 30
2 to 3 p.m.

Parachute Challenge
Take the plunge while testing weight. Build a parachute and make it great!
September 30
October 20
2 to 3 p.m.

The Science of Magic
Discover the magic of science, and the science behind magic!
October 6, 16
2 to 3 p.m.

Stranded: Innovation Challenge
Escaping a dessert island takes innovation. See if you have what it takes with your own creation.
September 8
October 14
2 to 3 p.m.

Additional Paid Programming:

Explorers University: Forensics
Learn the techniques used by detectives and anthropologists to identify bodies and solve mysteries during this in-depth, interactive adventure.
Fee: $5 for members; $7 for nonmembers
June 19
2 to 3 p.m.

Explorers University: Dissection
You’ll have a chance to dissect a number of animals yourself in this unique, hands-on opportunity.
Fee: $5 for members; $7 for nonmembers
July 16
2 to 3

Explorers University:  Medieval Siege Warfare
Learn how medieval engineers used simple machines to build devastating weapons like catapults and trebuchets.  Then test what you’ve learned by building your own table-top catapult.
Fee: $5 for members; $7 for nonmembers
August 13
2 to 3 p.m.

Explorers University: Dissection – Frog
Learn the basics of vertebrate anatomy by studying the inner workings of a frog.
Fee: $5 for members; $7 for nonmembers
September 4
2 to 3 p.m.

Explorers University:  Microscopy
There are living things all around us, but many of them are too small to see.  Join us in the lab to explore some of earth’s tiniest creatures and take home your own microscopic pet.
Fee: $5 for members; $7 for nonmembers
October 8
2 to 3

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About Cincinnati Museum Center
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is a nationally recognized institution dedicated to sparking community dialogue, insight and inspiration. As one of the top cultural attractions in the Midwest, Cincinnati Museum Center has served as an educational, research and entertainment resource to millions of visitors from around the world. Organizations within Museum Center include the Cincinnati History Museum, Duke Energy Children's Museum, the Museum of Natural History & Science, the Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX® Theater, and the Cincinnati Historical Society Library. These organizations combine to serve more than one million visitors annually, reaching out to nearly 400,000 young people through hands-on exhibits and programs. Originally built in 1933 as a train station, Union Terminal stands as one of the last remaining grand-scale Art Deco style railroad terminals. The building is a National Historic Landmark and was renovated and reopened as Cincinnati Museum Center in 1990. For information, call 1-800-733-2077 or visit www.cincymuseum.org.