Black Creativity "Green Revolution" at Museum of Science and Industry! January 14, 2009

BLACK CREATIVITY EXHIBIT, GREEN REVOLUTION, OPENS JAN. 15
AT MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY

Annual observance of African-American achievement features contributions to environmental issues

WHAT
Green Revolution, an interactive experience that explores the contributions of African Americans to ecology, conservationism and other environmental issues, opens Jan. 15 at the Museum of Science and Industry. The exhibit is part of the Museum’s annual Black Creativity celebration, a six-week program that highlights the achievements and heritage of African Americans.

Within the exhibit, guests will:
- race a solar-powered toy car down a track;
- identify their carbon footprint by playing a computer game that measures their impact on the environment and teaches simple ways to go green;
- build a “green” playhouse using recycled and sustainable materials;
- blow air into a mini wind turbine to create electricity;
- examine a worm-composting bin to learn how these creatures turn scraps into nutrient-rich soil for plants; and
- be able to take home their own planting kit equipped with seed packet and planting instructions.

Incorporated around the interactive stations will be biographies of “green pioneers,” African-American farmers, agriculture scientists, designers and historically black colleges and universities that have had an impact on the ever-expanding green industry.

Green Revolution will be supported with programming that includes a juried art exhibition (open for the duration of the exhibit), a symposium, a family day event on Feb. 7, cultural performances and educational workshops. Chicago-area students will participate in a career bowl that will introduce them to a breadth of employment opportunities and career paths, while earning them cash prizes for their schools.

WHEN
Jan. 15 – March 1, 2009. Museum hours are 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday.

WHERE
Museum of Science and Industry
57th and Lake Shore Drive

COST
Green Revolution and most of the programming is included in Museum general admission. General admission is free Jan. 5-31. In February and March, general admission is as follows: adults $13, seniors $12 and kids $9.

SPONSORS
Black Creativity 2009 is sponsored by American Family Insurance, Citibank and Illinois Tool Works with media partners NBC5, the Chicago Defender, Clear Channel, WVON (1690 AM), WKKC (89.3 FM) and WSSD (88.1 FM).

Official Website: http://www.msichicago.org