The Koshland Science Museum will celebrate its 10th anniversary on April 24 with the opening of the Idea Lab, a space where we will experiment with new approaches in collaboration with you, our visitors.
The initial theme of the Idea Lab focuses on community resilience: our ability to come together to prepare for, absorb, recover from, and adapt to adverse events. Building a culture of resilience is a shared responsibility among citizens, the private sector, and government, and is an important priority as we face the future. What actions make our communities more resilient to the hazards we face? How can you engage with your community to become a part of this effort? How can you measure your community’s progress in becoming more resilient?
In the Idea Lab, immerse yourself in video clips, interactive games, and puzzles that will help you consider these important questions. We want your feedback about how these activities help you understand resilience and how it relates to your life and community.
In the center of the Idea Lab, create a model of a resilient coastal city with a jumbo jigsaw puzzle that was created by the Koshland Science Museum in partnership with the National Research Council’s Resilience Roundtable. While you assemble the puzzle, watch and listen to videos containing ideas about how to foster resilience nationally alongside personal stories about how people and communities have shown resilience in the face of disaster.
Three interactive stations nearby feature a wide array of digital content on the theme of resilience based on studies from the National Research Council and resources provided by government agencies, universities, and nonprofit organizations. Engage in interactive activities:
Play a disaster simulation game. Step into the role of a disaster planner. Invest in measures with the greatest potential to reduce the impacts of natural disasters.
Map risk and resilience. Use real-world data to investigate risk. See how a community’s resilience compares to other communities within the same region.
Connect with a resilience network. Get real-time data about weather alerts and other public emergencies. Find the closest shelter and investigate available resources.
- Make a plan. Create a checklist to prepare and protect yourself, your family, your home, and your pets from the impacts of disasters.
The Idea Lab is not a conventional gallery space, and the Koshland is not a conventional museum. Come experiment with us in the Idea Lab. Give your feedback. Let us know what you like most and what could be improved. We will be making changes based on your ideas. We look forward to building this space together with you.
Thank you for being a part of our community and for joining us in celebrating ten years. Learn more about our history and share an anniversary wish or your favorite memory of the museum or Marian Koshland or Dan Koshland on our Facebook page.
Please consider supporting the museum with a gift. No matter how big or small, your support helps prepare the next generation of decision makers and makes it possible for us to bring new ideas to life.