OMSI Media Contact John Farmer | jfarmer@omsi.edu | 503.797.4517

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OMSI CELEBRATES SCIENCE ON EARTH DAY 2017 IN A BIG WAY! Speedy Pecha Kucha presentations, real scientists, and award-winning movies open up new ways for science

lovers to learn about the environment PORTLAND, Ore. (April 19, 2017) – With fast-paced lectures and hands-on activities, visitors to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) will join local experts, museum educators, and the Nature Conservancy in celebration of Earth Day on April 22. Earth Day is a widely recognized day that focuses on building awareness for environmental issues, and OMSI is inviting Oregonians to celebrate with them. “Earth Day is a wonderful way to draw attention to the practices and habits that people can build every day to make a difference,” said Nancy Stueber, president and CEO of OMSI. “There is a scientist in all of us, and we are grateful to have partners like the Nature Conservancy and members of OMSI’s Science Communications Fellowship program show visitors what they can do to help.” In addition to OMSI’s regularly scheduled attractions, special Earth Day experiences include: “What’s Your Nature?” With The Nature Conservancy 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – OMSI Auditorium From Musical Tesla Coils to Elephant’s Toothpaste, electric stage shows and hands-on activities will let nature lovers share what world means to them and understand why it is important in our lives. Meet a Scientist 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Featured Exhibit Hallway Ever wondered how the St. John’s Bridge was built? Curious about comets? Why do chemists study molecules? Come ask the experts yourself! Meet a Scientist features local scientists who come to OMSI to discuss their career, share knowledge, and explain their research through engaging hands-on activities and educational conversations. Go to omsi.edu/events to learn more. Pecha Kucha Science Talks 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. – OMSI Auditorium OMSI will host a series of Pecha Kucha-style ‘lightning’ talks in the auditorium with local scientists to find out what nature means to them. Go to omsi.edu/events to learn more. OMSI Camps and Classes 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Planetarium Hallway From Earth Science to Astronomy, we offer camps and classes every week this summer that explore the nature of science, indoors and out. Come meet with our team, who can to help you figure out the best way for your kids to explore the science of the great outdoors. Go to omsi.edu/camps-and-classes to learn more. Enhanced Exhibit Experiences 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. – Turbine Hall and Life Hall All of OMSI’s exhibits come with instructions, but the OMSI Teen Science Alliance will be on hand to assist guests in their quest for educational fun by enhancing the exhibit experience with guided questions, tips, tricks and educational insight. The teen volunteers will be facilitating these experiences throughout the museum at exhibits like the FLIR thermal imaging camera, and Designing Our World, which was developed in partnership with the Portland Water Bureau where guests learn how to hold back the tides of a tsunami or design a sailboat.

About OMSI Founded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation’s leading science museums, a world-class tourist attraction, and an award-winning educational resource for the kid in each of us. OMSI operates the largest museum-based outdoor science education program in the country and provides traveling and community outreach programs that bring science learning opportunities to schools and community organizations in nearly every county in Oregon. OMSI is located at 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214. For general information, call 503.797.4000 or visit omsi.edu.

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