Take a Deeper Look at Earth’s Most Precious Resource

3.2.2012 (Columbus) – WATER. It nourishes every living thing on Earth. It makes our planet livable. It is both wasted and treasured, and is the subject of a thought-provoking and engaging new exhibition for the whole family coming to COSI. WATER is a timely, in-depth, and interactive exhibition that puts our planet’s most precious resource in a new light. WATER illuminates the many challenges related to humanity’s sustainable management and use of this life-giving, yet finite, resource. This exciting new exhibition explores the ways water shapes life on Earth and the actions you can take to help preserve it.

“WATER is a unique exhibition that will give guests a deeper understanding of our most precious resource using the engaging qualities and experiences COSI is known for,” said David E. Chesebrough, Ed. D., President and CEO of COSI. “Throughout the world, there are places where water is a scarcity and others that possess it in abundance, and we are connected to all of them by necessity. This exhibition addresses the most compelling water-related issues facing societies and ecosystems around the globe, challenging you to learn how personal choices and actions can help sustain this precious resource for our children and generations to come.”

In the Exhibition:

• Imaginative presentation techniques, including a 68-inch globe displaying composite satellite images of Earth that give visitors a firsthand experience of the power and importance of water.
• More than 90 artifacts and models highlight diverse cultural and spiritual aspects of water, including the role water has played in the rise of civilizations around the world. Throughout the exhibition, visitors are challenged to reconsider the way they view water—to see it not as a limitless resource to be taken for granted, but as the finite and precious resource it truly is.
• Interactive components illustrate how water has shaped our planet – such as a towering walk-through reconstruction of a water-carved slot canyon, giving visitors a deeper appreciation of water’s ability to physically sculpt our surroundings.
• Contemplative space displaying examples of the role water has played in art and culture around the world allows visitors to reflect on water’s unique ability to enrich our human experience.
• Experience WATER – a limited-engagement exhibition—at COSI from March 17 – September 3, 2012. Entry to WATER is included with COSI Membership or general admission.

This exhibition is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (www.amnh.org) and Science Museum of Minnesota (www.smm.org) in collaboration with Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland; The Field Museum, Chicago; Instituto Sangari, Sao Paulo, Brazil; National Museum of Australia, Canberra; Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada; San Diego Natural History Museum; and Science Centre Singapore and PUB Singapore.

COSI will be open seven days a week March 19 – through Labor Day. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10am – 5pm and Sundays, noon – 6pm. For more information, call 614.228.2674 or visit cosi.org.

COSI, the Center of Science and Industry located in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the most respected science centers in the nation — serving nearly 30 million visitors since 1964. Parents Magazine recently named COSI the #1 Science Center in the Country. COSI’s programs and world-class experiences inspire an interest in science and encourage people to want to learn more about their world. Read more at cosi.org.

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