Working in collaboration with biomedical researchers from universities in the San Francisco area, across the nation, and abroad, the Exploratorium proposes to develop a high- quality microscopic imaging station for use by museum visitors, students, teachers and Internet visitors. This facility will utilize the highest quality optics and state-of-the-art microscopic techniques including biological staining and sophisticated digital recording. A variety of living specimens fundamental to basic biology, human development, the human genome and health-related research will be displayed. The station will be the lively center of the life sciences' area at the Exploratorium, providing educational content, dramatic imagery and regular demonstrations to reach an audience which ranges from the mildly curious to research scientists. In addition, the Exploratorium will be the first public institution, outside of a few research laboratories, to present live microscopic specimens via video and the Internet in real time. (To date, remote microscopes have generally presented inanimate objects or fixed tissue.) In order to increase student accessibility, subject matter for the Imaging Station will be integrated into the ongoing middle and high school teacher professional development at the museum. Teachers will be able to use the Imaging Station to conduct their own experiments, develop classroom explorations, take away images, access the Web site in their classrooms, or share materials with other teachers.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Center for Research Resources (NCRR)
Type
Education Projects (R25)
Project #
5R25RR015627-03
Application #
6529911
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRR1-SEPA-8 (01))
Program Officer
Beck, Lawrence A
Project Start
2000-09-30
Project End
2003-08-31
Budget Start
2002-09-01
Budget End
2003-08-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$313,492
Indirect Cost
Name
Exploratorium
Department
Type
DUNS #
074626185
City
San Francisco
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94123