Hands-On Science
  Experience new hands-on science activities at the Koshland Science Museum.
Would you like to:
- Learn why some light bulbs are more efficient than others?
- Investigate how hydrogen can be used as an every day fuel?
- Get infected with an imaginary disease and try to stop its spread?
Then come to the Koshland, where we'll conduct these hands-on science activities with you! Hands on activities are offered from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm on most Saturdays and Sundays*.
Detailed Description:
Feel the Energy :
Did you know that the lifestyle of an average American produces 20 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year? That's equal to the weight of more than 5 African elephants! Of the 20 metric tons, 8 metric tons are as a result of electricity consumption. One way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is by increasing electrical efficiency. In this hands-on activity, learn what makes some light bulbs more energy efficient than others. Crank a simple generator to feel first-hand the amount of physical energy it takes to light an incandescent versus LED bulb.
Investigate how hydrogen can be used as an every day fuel:
To meet future energy challenges, the world is expanding the use of renewable energy, such as wind and solar. Governments are also conducting research on alternative fuels such as hydrogen. In this experiment, we will use hydrogen to fuel a car. This will be done with a hydrogen fuel cell. Such cells are essentially powerful batteries that generate electricity by converting hydrogen and oxygen into water, producing no pollution. How can this kind of car help combat global warming? CO 2 is a greenhouse gas: it traps heat, warming the atmosphere. Most cars in the road today run on fossil fuels, which release CO 2 into the atmosphere. The hydrogen fuel cell car emits water vapor, but little to no CO 2 . Water is a major greenhouse gas too, but excess water vapor rains out in days. By contrast, CO 2 remains in the atmosphere for about 100 years.
Get infected with an imaginary disease and try to stop its spread:
From bubonic plague to AIDS to H1N1 influenza, scientists and public health officials have struggled to understand and contain the spread of infectious diseases. Using simple reagents, you and fellow visitors will simulate the spread of a simple imaginary disease in order to explore some factors, which can help prevent the spread of disease.
* Call the museum at 202-334-1201 to check on availability and timing of each activity. Activities are not offered every day.
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