Museum of Science and Industry

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY’S 2012 BLACK CREATIVITY EXHIBIT FOCUSES ON ENERGY FUTURE

Explore the pros and cons of various energy sources through an interactive, miniature golf course

Chicago, Ill. (Jan. 25, 2012)—Tee off and choose your energy future in a unique, hands-on miniature golf experience in this year’s Black Creativity featured exhibit, Powerful: African Americans in Energy, at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) from January 25 to April 15, 2012.

As part of MSI’s 2012 Black Creativity program, this year’s exhibit explores various forms of energy: oil, natural gas, wind, solar, hydropower and nuclear power, just to name a few. Grab a putter, ball and energy scorecard, and as you maneuver through the twists and turns of this diverse "energy landscape," learn how each resource works and discover the impact it has on our planet. At each of the energy lands, "score" the pros and cons and come to your own conclusions. At the final hole, "putt the vote" and choose your energy future.

The exhibit also recognizes the achievements of African Americans in the energy field and the inspiring stories of these professionals. Along the way, read the biographies of men and women, CEOs and scientists, playing a powerful role in our energy future—from innovative companies and organizations such as ComEd, the U.S. Department of Energy, Green for ALL and FermiLab.

"This year’s Black Creativity exhibit is a great way for families and students to learn about energy—something we use every day—in a fun way that engages all ages," said Angela Williams, exhibit designer. "It’s a topic that we hear a lot about lately, and it’s important that kids really understand how we produce the energy we consume and become a part of the discussion."

On the course, each land’s design, inspired by the energy resource it represents, includes important information that will help you decide between three future energy scenarios. Should the world "go green," keep a balance of energy resources or continue with coal? You decide! Just drop the ball into a tube connected to one of the following energy resource groups:

• Goodness, Greenness! This “green” path includes wind, solar and hydropower—it’s very clean, but there are still a few kinks. Depending on the weather, wind and solar power may not always be available, so scientists are testing ways to store large amounts of energy produced by these natural resources; in fact, this is a great invention opportunity. How would you collect the spare energy?
• A Balanced Diet. This group of nuclear, wind, natural gas and solar energy is a combination of big energy and environmentally-friendly options with fewer carbon side effects. Nuclear power is strong and potent; wind and solar energy is natural and free; and natural gas is a common and flexible resource.
• You Know the Drill. This combination of coal, oil and natural gas is the “business as usual” group: digging up the rest of the fossil fuels and continuing with current energy resource methods. These carbon-spewing forms of energy tend to not be the best for our longevity, and since the fossil fuel supply is limited, we can’t rely on these resources to power homes and run cars in the long-term. Are there some more modern, eco-conscious methods for energy you can think of?

Being aware of the energy we use is important, but another vital part of the energy landscape is how we save. Towards the end of the course, the conservation hole teaches how much energy can be preserved by making a few, eco-conscious choices: turn off the air conditioning or heat when you’re not home; replace old light bulbs with more energy-efficient bulbs; take public transportation or walk as opposed to driving. You’ll save more energy than you realize by making a few, simple adjustments.

Powerful: African Americans in Energy is also supported by a series of lectures, panel discussions, workshops and family days—for all age groups—that relate to our energy future. A juried art exhibition of African-American artwork is held in conjunction with the exhibit from Jan. 25 to Feb. 29, and the Black Creativity gala, to be held at the Museum on Jan. 28, 2012, helps raise money for programming. Visit the Museum’s website at msichicago.org for a full list of events.

About the Black Creativity Program
The Museum’s Black Creativity program began in order to present exhibits that recognize the achievements of African Americans in various industries and fields. Since its founding, exhibits have focused on topics such as medicine, music, engineering, film, justice, architecture and science from an African-American perspective. As a departure from previous years, Black Creativity programming now runs throughout the entire year, rather than during the month of February, though a concentration of events do occur in February in recognition of Black History Month. This year’s programming theme, events and activities focus on how various forms of energy are used in daily life; energy awareness and conservation; as well as alternative energy research, and breakthroughs; and influential African Americans working in this career field.

The 2012 Black Creativity program runs through April 15; the exhibit is included in general admission, but requires a free, timed-entry ticket available at the exhibit entrance only; related events are also included in Museum general admission. General admission is $15 for adults, $14 for seniors and $11 for children 3-11. City of Chicago residents receive a discount as follows: $13 for adults, $12 for seniors and $9 for children 3-11.

Illinois FREE DAYS in January and February
The Museum will offer free general admission to Illinois residents on Jan. 25, 26, 27, 30 and 31; Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29.

Black Creativity 2012 is sponsored by Allstate, ComEd, Fifth Third Bank, ITW, Peoples Gas and US Cellular with media partners NBC5, the Chicago Defender, Clear Channel, WGCI (107.5 FM), WVAZ (103 FM) and WGRB (1390 AM).

The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) offers thousands of fun and interactive exhibits and one-of-a-kind, world-class experiences to inspire the inventive genius in everyone. Through its Center for the Advancement of Science Education, MSI also aspires to a larger vision: to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in science, technology, medicine and engineering. Come visit and find your inspiration! MSI is open every day except December 25, and regular hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Museum is supported in part through the generosity of the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, find MSI online at msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414 or (800) GO-TO-MSI outside of the Chicago area.

Press Materials

• Powerful: African Americans in Energy Press Release (PDF)
• Powerful: African Americans in Energy Fact Sheet (PDF)
• Powerful: African Americans in Energy Exhibit Walkthrough (PDF)
• Black Creativity 2012 Juried Art Exhibition (PDF)
• Black Creativity 2012 Gala Release (PDF) 

Schedule

See a schedule of Black Creativity program events on the exhibit website.

Images

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