The world’s largest science celeBration. Science Chicago Sep 2008—Aug 2009 FINAL REPORT
Spearheaded by the Museum of Science and Science is essential for our Industry and in partnership with Chicago’s leading civic, academic, scientific, corporate collective health and well-being, and nonprofit institutions, Science Chicago began as a year-long collaborative initiative to: economic viability and our > Highlight science and technology achievements > Increase access to science learning future. As Chicagoans, we each experiences > Promote dialogue about the importance of have a stake in ensuring that science and technology in the Chicago region. our region continues to respect, From September 2008 — August 2009, citizens enjoyed unparalleled access to more than 1,200 support and value science. dynamic in-person science experiences and countless ways to explore and share science on the web.
This report presents highlights of the Science Chicago initiative; for more detailed highlights please refer to the website.
We are grateful to the following donors for their generous support of The John D. and Catherine Abbott Science Chicago: T. MacArthur Foundation The Boeing Company The Searle Funds at The Chicago Illinois Tool Works Inc. Community Trust Motorola Table of Contents > 1
About Science Chicago 3 Letters 4 Executive Director letter Board of Advisor Co-Chair letters Board of Advisors Vice-Chair letter Science Council Chair letter Leadership and Staff 8 Board of Advisors Science Council Leadership Committee Honorary Committee Staff Project Overiew 14 Overview Vision Mission Goals Evaluation and Impact Funders
Timeline 20
Science Chicago Final Report Table of Contents > 2
Partners 31
Media 35 Public Relations 36 Social Media 38 Advertising and Marketing 40
Online 42 Blog Overview and Highlights 43 Blogger Bios Website 47
Contact 49
Science Chicago Final Report About Science Chicago > 3 About Science Chicago Letters Leadership and Staff Project Overiew Funders
Science Chicago Final Report Letters About Science Chicago > 4
Executive Director
Dear Friends,
On behalf of our community and dedicated supporters and partners, Science Chicago thanks everyone for taking part in this extraordinary yearlong science celebration. More than 300,000 citizen scientists—students, teachers, families and individuals—have participated in thousands of in-person science programming and online experiences. As you will see in the timeline section of this final report, science happened every day and everywhere; each experience contributing to the world’s largest science celebration.
Science Chicago came together because of the commitment and collaboration of more than 140 public and private institutions. The initiative boasted a diverse and talented group of individuals—including professional scientists, engineers, under- graduate and graduate students and educators—as well as the best of Chicago’s universities, national laboratories, research facilities, industries, corporations, museums, cultural institutions and community organizations. Science Chicago partners helped connect the city and regions’ resources and talent to the public and encourage us all to embrace the scientist within and experience life as a lab. Please visit the partner section of this report to connect with the ongoing efforts of these outstanding organizations.
Science Chicago would not have been possible without the generous support of our foundation and corporate partners – The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust, Abbott, The Boeing Company, Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Motorola – and the Museum of Science and Industry. Their involvement acknowledges the critical role science and math play in the success and well-being of our region, as well as the importance of inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. The crowd waits for a chemical reaction to occur at LabFest! Millennium Park. Thank you for joining us on this phenomenal adventure. We hope you keep science in your life every day.
Cheryl R. Hughes Executive Director, Science Chicago
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Board of Advisors Co-Chairs
Dear Friends,
I have devoted my life to the pursuit of science and education, so it is particularly special for me to have been part of Science Chicago an ambitious program to raise awareness about the importance of science in everyday life in the minds of students, their parents and teachers. As a physicist by training, I am excited at the prospect of more young people understanding the rewarding benefits of a career in science. As an academic, I am amazed to see the incredible things young people can achieve when they have confidence in themselves.
One of the most important civic contributions of Science Chicago was to inspire citizens of the region to explore the wonders of our science heritage and to encourage the next generation of scientists and engineers. Everyone involved in Science Chicago was a leader in this effort. I have often said that leadership is defined by developing a vision and a goal and using strength and conviction to share them with others. And it is no more important to lead than when faced with a challenge that could change the fate of our region.
What Science Chicago aimed to do was not easy. Our leadership in science and technology and the quality of our future workforce are complex issues that require thoughtful planning. Science Chicago aimed to ignite our interest in science and technology, and more importantly, to energize a generation to consider science careers. As a result, our community can take pride in our collective efforts to foster the young minds who will lead us to the next great innovation.
Walter E. Massey, Ph.D. Co-Chair, Science Chicago Board of Advisors
Young scientists tackling a colorful DNA puzzle on Dear Friends, Science Saturday! AGTCs of Identity
The MacArthur Foundation is proud of its support for Science Chicago and how the past year of activities across our region spurred discussions among all age groups about the importance of science in all our lives. Science Chicago educated, inspired, and hopefully changed lives, and we believe its effects will continue to be felt.
If Chicago is to remain at the forefront of research and invention, we must continue to inspire a next generation of researchers. We must also continue the public dialogue generated by Science Chicago about how science works and about the impact of science on how we live.
The MacArthur Foundation has a long tradition of supporting originality and creativity, of nurturing ground-breaking research, and being oriented toward the future. In supporting Science Chicago, MacArthur continued its mission to help individuals reach their full potential, build the institutions that enrich our lives, and look for solutions to persistent problems. Most importantly, through Science Chicago, our city and region have celebrated the power and potential of science.
Arthur M. Sussman Vice President, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Co-Chair, Science Chicago Board of Advisors
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Science Council Chair
Dear Friends,
Science is key to solving many of the most complex issues that are critical to our nation’s economic well-being, such as renewable energy, climate change and health care reform, just to name a few. To me, the question is not so much about what needs to be done for today, but whether we are ready for tomorrow. We must do everything possible to encourage young girls and boys to feel that a career in science is not only available, but also valuable.
Through Science Chicago, our community accepted this responsibility with spirit and energy. More than 140 of Chicago’s finest municipal, cultural, corporate and academic institutions collaborated to make science accessible. With thousands of daily events hosted throughout the region, Science Chicago provided hands-on learning, provoked thoughtful debate and built enthusiasm among youth for the pursuit of cutting-edge science.
If we continue to place a high value on science, keep driving it forward and make it accessible to all, we will be well positioned to permanently rebuild our national scientific infrastructure – a process that will lead to better jobs, a globally competitive workforce, and a modern, vibrant economy. Science Chicago has positioned us to do just that.
Leon M. Lederman, Ph.D. Nobel Laureate Pritzker Professor of Science, Illinois Institute of Technology Resident Scholar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Chair, Science Chicago Science Council Bubbleology 101, a LabFest! activity offered by Knowledge Learning Corp., allowed kids of all ages to learn about surface tension through play with bubbles.
Science Chicago Final Report Letters About Science Chicago > 7
Board of Advisors Vice-Chair
Dear Friends,
Science Chicago succeeded in showing us that science isn’t just learned in a class or a lab – it’s something that happens all around us, and has real impact on our lives. Through this yearlong celebration, students, parents, teachers and all of us had the opportunity to discover, explore and experiment.
We explored science behind the scenes at our leading universities, laboratories, industries and environmental areas. We interacted with innovators, scientists and engineers through seminars, films and panel discussions on timely scientific issues. We tried our hand at fun science activities at traveling LabFest! science carnivals. And we connected to science through Science Chicago’s digital and social media tools.
The Museum of Science and Industry is proud to have led this initiative. In a city with a strong culture of collaboration, Science Chicago yielded an unprecedented level of partnerships that will continue to inspire Chicagoans to explore the inspir- ing world of science in our community. We encourage everyone–young and old–to continue to embrace the credo that Life’s a Lab!
David R. Mosena President and CEO, Museum of Science and Industry Vice-Chair, Science Chicago Board of Advisors
All ages explored the natural wonders found in our City during the Windy City Bird Watching Science Saturday in April 2009.
Science Chicago Final Report Leadership and Staff About Science Chicago > 8
Board of Advisors
Walter E. Massey, Ph.D., Co-Chair Donald R. Hopkins, M.D., M.P.H. John Nichols President-Emeritus Vice President for Health Programs The Pritzker Organization Morehouse College The Carter Center Chaka Patterson Arthur M. Sussman, Co-Chair Chandra James Vice President, Investor Relations Vice President Director, Office of Math and Science Exelon Corporation The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Chicago Public Schools Foundation Elspeth Revere Tawa Jogunosimi Vice President, General Program David R. Mosena, Vice-Chair Assistant to Mayor for Education The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur President and CEO City of Chicago Foundation Museum of Science and Industry Sadhu Johnston Roche Schulfer Frank Beal Former Chief Environmental Officer Chair Executive Director City of Chicago League of Chicago Theatres Chicago Metropolis 2020 Executive Director Paul H. Knappenberger, Ph.D. Goodman Theatre Michael J. Birck President Chairman of the Board of Directors Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Nancy Searle Tellabs, Inc. Museum Searle Consultant to Chicago Community Trust Alison Chung Christopher A. Koch, Ed.D. President State Superintendent Brian Spear, Ph.D. TeamWerks, Inc. Illinois State Board of Education Director, Scientific Affairs Abbott Laboratories Maggie Daley Michael Lach Chair of the Board of Directors Officer, Department of High School John J. Tracy, Ph.D. After School Matters Teaching and Learning Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice Chicago Public Schools President of Engineering Operations Mary Dempsey and Technology Commissioner Donna LaPietra The Boeing Company Chicago Public Library Vice President Kurtis Productions Shawn VanDerziel Michael DeSantiago Vice President, Human Resources, President and Co-Founder Terry Mazany IT and Library Department Primera Engineers President and CEO The Field Museum The Chicago Community Trust Arne Duncan United States Secretary of Education Meg McDonald Chicago Public Schools Executive Director Office for Research Planning, Finance Carol Forsyte and Communications Corporate Vice President, Securities, Northwestern University Motorola, Inc. Glenn “Max” McGee David Greene President Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Illinois Mathematics and Science The University of Chicago Academy
Science Chicago Final Report Leadership and Staff About Science Chicago > 9
Science Council
Leon M. Lederman, Ph.D., Chair Chad Mirkin, Ph.D. Nobel Laureate Professor of Chemistry, Medicine, Pritzker Professor of Science Materials Science & Engineering Illinois Institute of Technology Director of the International Institute for Nanotechnology James Bower, Ph.D. Northwestern University Professor of Radiology and Biology University of Texas, San Antonio Hassan Nagib, Ph.D. Professor of Mechanical & Aerospace Rex Chisholm, Ph.D. Engineering Professor and Dean for Research Illinois Institute of Technology The Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University Carla Pugh, M.D., Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Surgery and Holly Falk-Krzesinski, Ph.D. Associate Director of Center for Director of the Office for Research Advanced Surgical Education Development Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University Northwestern University
Robert Fefferman, Ph.D. Funmi Olopade, M.D. Dean, Physical Sciences Division Professor in Medicine and Human The University of Chicago Genetics Director, Center for Clinical Cancer Lucy Fortson, Ph.D. Genetics Vice President for Research The University of Chicago Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum Seth Shostak, Ph.D. Senior Astronomer Lawrence R. Heaney, Ph.D. SETI Institute Sr. Curator and Head of the Division of Mammals Patricia Ward, Ph.D. Department of Zoology Director of Science and Technology The Field Museum Museum of Science and Industry
Edward (Rocky) Kolb, Ph.D. Professor and Chair of the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics The University of Chicago
James Madara, M.D. Sara and Harold Lincoln Thompson Distinguished Service Professor The University of Chicago Medical Center
Rabiah Mayas, Ph.D. Science Director, Science Chicago Museum of Science and Industry
Science Chicago Final Report Leadership and Staff About Science Chicago > 10
Leadership Committee
David Baker Jonathan Fanton Sylvia Manning Vice President of External Affairs Former President Chancellor Illinois Institute of Technology MacArthur Foundation The University of Illinois at Chicago
Frank Beal David Greene Karmin Maritato Executive Director Vice President, Strategic Initiatives Director, Corporate Relations Chicago Metropolis 2020 The University of Chicago Abbott Laboratories
Scott Bernstein Donald Hopkins Terry Mazany President Associate Executive Director, President and CEO Center for Neighborhood Technology Health Programs The Chicago Community Trust The Carter Center Henry Bienen V.J. McAleer President Bob Howard Senior Vice President of Production Northwestern University President and CEO WTTW 11 Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago Martin Castro John McCarter Chairman Ron Huberman President and CEO National Museum of Mexican Art Chief Executive Officer The Field Museum Chicago Public Schools Lew Collens Brad Moore President Cheryle Jackson Vice President for Research Illinois Institute of Technology President and CEO Northwestern University Chicago Urban League Christopher Comer David Mosena Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Paul Knappenberger, Ph.D. President and CEO The University of Illinois at Chicago President Museum of Science and Industry Adler Planetarium David Daskal Paul O’Connor Director, Mayor’s Office Michael Lach Executive Director City of Chicago, Mayor’s Office Officer, Department of High School World Business Chicago Teaching and Learning Craig Davis Chicago Public Schools Stephanie Pace Marshall Director of Adult Services Founding President Chicago Public Library Martha Lavey Illinois Math and Science Academy Artistic Director Mary Dempsey Steppenwolf Theatre Daniel Schmidt Commissioner President and CEO Chicago Public Library Leon Lederman, Ph.D. WTTW 11 Nobel Laureate, Resident Scholar Arne Duncan Illinois Math and Science Academy Alan Schriesheim, Ph.D. United States Secretary Executive Director of Education John Leonard Chicago Council on Science and Vice President, Global Pharmaceutical Technology Holly Falk-Krzesinski, Ph.D. Research and Development Director, Office of Research Abbott Laboratories Development Northwestern University
Science Chicago Final Report Leadership and Staff About Science Chicago > 11
Leadership Committee (Cont’d)
Arthur Sussman Vice President MacArthur Foundation
David Thigpen Vice President for Policy Chicago Urban League
Shawn VanDerziel Vice President of Administration Field Museum
Padmasree Warrior Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Motorola, Inc.
Mark Watson Chairman Dusable Museum of African American History
Miles White Chairman and CEO Abbott
Kenneth Zdunek Vice President, Technology Networks Each year citizen scientists can help harvest seeds on Research the Fermilab prairie to help scientists better understand Motorola, Inc. the prairie and to share with others.
Robert Zimmer, Ph.D. President The University of Chicago
Science Chicago Final Report Leadership and Staff About Science Chicago > 12
Honorary Committee
Mayor Richard M. Daley, Co-Chair Anthony Jones City of Chicago Chancellor The School of the Art Institute Jonathan F. Fanton, Co-Chair Former President Paul H. Knappenberger, Ph.D. The John D. and Catherine T. President MacArthur Foundation Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum John L. Anderson, Ph.D. President Sylvia Manning, Ph.D. Illinois Institute of Technology Chancellor The University of Illinois at Chicago Ted A. Beattie President and CEO Stephanie Pace Marshall, Ph.D. Shedd Aquarium Founding President and President Emerita Kevin Bell Illinois Mathematics and Science President and CEO Academy Lincoln Park Zoo John W. McCarter, Jr. Henry S. Bienen, Ph.D. President and CEO President The Field Museum Northwestern University Charles R. Middleton, Ph.D. Warrick L. Carter, Ph.D. President During a Science Saturday at Hi-Cone, we learned about President Roosevelt University Chicago the research and development, manufacturing process, Columbia College and science behind innovations in photodegradable and Piermaria J. Oddone, Ph.D. environmentally responsible packaging. James Cuno, Ph.D. Director President and Director Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory The Art Institute of Chicago Wayne D. Watson, Ph.D. Desiree Glapion Rogers President Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, S.J. Former President Chicago State University President Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas Loyola University Chicago Miles White Sophia Siskel Chairman and CEO Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M., President and CEO Abbott Ed.D. Chicago Botanic Garden President Antoinette Wright DePaul University Stuart Strahl, Ph.D. President and CEO President and CEO DuSable Museum of African American Gary T. Johnson Brookfield Zoo History President Chicago History Museum Carlos Tortolero Robert J. Zimmer, Ph.D. President President National Museum of Mexican Art The University of Chicago
Science Chicago Final Report Leadership and Staff About Science Chicago >13
Staff
Andrea Ingram Vice President, Education and Guest Services Museum of Science and Industry
Cheryl R. Hughes Executive Director
Alison M. Gross Director
Rabiah Mayas, Ph.D. Science Director
Jean Westrick Manager
Chenika Veal Coordinator
Maria Ambriz Administrative Assistant
Tiffany Goodman Marketing Associate
Heather Selby Scientific Associate At LabFest! Colemon Academy, SciTech Hands On Museum challenged aspiring young scientists to discover more about Tim Boutelle magnetic properties, through the exploration of ferrofluids. Scientific Intern
Science Chicago Final Report Project Overview About Science Chicago > 14
Overview
Spearheaded by the Museum of Science and Industry, Science Chicago was a collaboration of more than 140 public and private institutions that came together from September 2008 through August 2009 to present the world’s largest science celebration.
Designed to awaken the inner scientist in each and every one of us, thousands of dynamic activities provided hands-on learning, spurred thoughtful debate, enhanced classroom learning, and built enthusiasm for the pursuit of cutting- edge science while establishing the critical value of science and math education.
Since its launch, Science Chicago served over 300,000 teachers, families, children and individuals through real-life science programming and online experiences on multiple platforms including sciencechicago.com, sciencechicagoblog.com and social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube). Through diverse and engaging programming; partnerships with universities, national laboratories, research facilities, industries, corporations, museums, cultural institutions and community organizations; a comprehensive marketing campaign; and robust Web 2.0 components, the impact of Science Chicago was positive and far-reaching.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of this initiative is the unprecedented reach of its programming. The Science Chicago timeline provides highlights of exciting behind-the-scenes tours, programs that explored the intersection of art and science, provocative and inspiring conversations with researchers, scientists The AGTCs of Identity Science Saturday, held at and engineers, and the traveling science festival called LabFest! Northwestern University’s Center for Genetic Medicine, gave aspiring scientists the opportunity to work alongside scientists and explore components of our DNA.
Science Chicago Final Report Project Overview About Science Chicago > 15
Vision
To awaken Chicagoans to the wonders of our region’s scientific resources and the importance of science to our future.
Students got a pilot’s view of an airplane cockpit during Science Chicago’s ‘Aviation Up Close’ tour of the Chicago Executive Airport (formerly Palwaukee Airport).
Science Chicago Final Report Project Overview About Science Chicago > 16
Mission
To create a strategic framework connecting people, organizations, and opportunities to Chicago’s wealth of science and technology resources.
The Science Saturday at The University of Illinois at Chicago’s Electronic Visualization Laboratory combined art, networking technologies and computer science for interactive modeling, imaging capabilities and the creation of virtual realities.
Science Chicago Final Report Project Overview About Science Chicago > 17
Goals
To achieve five overarching goals:
> Engage young people in the fun, excitement and awe of science and inspire them to consider careers in science and technology fields.
> Raise awareness of the importance of science in everyday life in the minds of students, their parents and teachers–and thereby, the public at large.
> Enlighten Chicagoans to the region’s vast science and technology assets.
> Encourage partnership and collaboration between and among the science and technology community and our target audience.
> Raise Chicago’s profile as a national leader in science and technology, and promote the message that our city and region can and will continue to prosper because we are committed to supporting science and technology.
The University of Illinois Physics Van team performs some bang-up demonstrations using Sprite and liquid nitrogen during LabFest! at Mayor Daley’s 9th Annual Holiday Sports Festival in December 2008.
Science Chicago Final Report Project Overview About Science Chicago > 18
Evaluation and Impact
An evaluation of the initiative found that Science Chicago was successful in awakening Chicagoans to the wonders of our region’s scientific resources and the importance of science to our future.
Over the course of 12 months, approximately 300,000 people of all ages across the region celebrated science through online and in-person science experiences.
In all, Science Chicago and its partners produced 1,200 engaging events, programs, and other opportunities to explore science in and around Chicago – three-quarters of these opportunities were either free or under $10 and almost 35% were identified as interactive programs.
In a survey of participants, the number one reason people attended a program over the year was to enjoy science as a family or with their child. Science Chicago and its partners sought to meet this need: nearly 45% of the programs produced through the initiative were appropriate for all ages.
The year-long celebration was successful in raising awareness and in creating opportunities to engage in science. According to a survey of participants: 62% strongly agreed or agreed that they had attended more science programs than in previous years and 85% strongly agreed or agreed that Science Chicago raised their awareness of science in the Chicago region.
Throughout the past year, Chicagoans have enjoyed participating in the World’s Largest Science Celebration, exploring science throughout our region, and The Museum of Science and Industry offered LabFest! learning about science together through dynamic programs. And, the good attendees the opportunity to explore a variety of Live news is they want to continue. Science Experiences. Here, a young girl dives into the microscopic world.
Science Chicago Final Report Funders About Science Chicago > 19
Science Chicago would not have been possible without the generous support of our foundation and corporate funders and the Museum of Science and Industry. Their involvement in this initiative acknowledges the critical role science, math, engineering and technology play in the success and well-being of our region, as well as the importance of inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.
We thank the following donors for making Science Chicago a reality:
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation The Searle Funds at the Chicago Community Trust Abbott The Boeing Company Illinois Tool Works Inc. Motorola
Adam and Jamie from the Discovery Channel’s MythBuster program joined Science Chicago for discussion, laughter and science at a sold-out event at the Harris Theater.
Science Chicago Final Report > 20 Timeline Timeline
Science Chicago Final Report October ‘06-July’08 Timeline > 21
October 2006
Leadership Committee Formed to Create Science Chicago Plan
June 2007
Leadership Committee Issues Strategic Plan
November 2007
First Science Chicago Partner Meeting
JULY 2008
Science Chicago Announcement
Science Chicago Final Report September’08 Timeline > 22
September 2008 Project Launch
September Science Saturdays
Neil Degrasse Tyson
Science Chicago Keynote science saturdays Epic Of Creation
Labfest! Museum of Science and Industry
Brian Greene Book Signing & Lecture EPic of creation The Atom Smashers World Premiere
Polar-Palooza
American Maker cience fair naturally S cience fair Science Fair Naturally
Out of School Time Conference
Labfest MSI-Brian Greene
Science Chicago Final Report October’08 Timeline > 23
OCTObER 2008 October Science Saturdays
Astronomy in the New Millennium
Great Conversations: The Beauty of Science Series
One Book, One Chicago: S cience aturdays The Right Stuff
Think Big! The Chicago Humanities Festival
Great conversations: One Book, One Northwestern: the beauty of science The Reluctant Mr. Darwin lecture series
WIRED NextFest THINK BIG! Solar Photography THE CHICAGO HUMANITIES FESTIVAL
Chicago Science in the City: The Science of Sports
Mummies Night
solar photography T he science of s p orts chica g o science in the city:
Science Chicago Final Report October’08-November’08 Timeline > 24
OCTObER 2008 CONT. Chemistry Day 2008
Finding Clear Views of Blurry Lenses Chemistry Day
2008
Reducing Maternal Mortality reducing maternal
mortality NASA Future Forum Chicago
November 2008 November Science Saturdays
Shirley Ann Jackson: Beyond the Price at the Pump
11th Annual Roderick S. Webster Memorial Lecture
FIRST Tech Challenge Championship Tournament
science Henry Chandler Cowles, Pioneer Ecologist saturdays
Mad Science: HENRY CHANDLER COWLES, Fire and Ice PIONEER ECOLOGIST
MAD SCIENCE: FIRE AND ICE
Science Chicago Final Report December’08-January’09 Timeline > 25
DECEMbER 2008 First Fridays
Family Science Nights
The Next Generation of Biomedical Research THE NEXT GENERATION OF BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH
Physics with a Bang!
Science Exploration Day SCIENCE EXPLORATION DAY LabFest! Mayor Daley’s 9th Annual Holiday Sports Festival
Cold Blooded Weekend LABFEST!
MAYOR DALEY’S 9TH ANNUAL JANUARY 2009 HOLIDAY SPORTS FESTIVAL
January Science Saturdays ARS SCIENTIA
Ars/Scientia
Science on Film
Voices for Science BIOTERRORISM, Bioterrorism, Pandemics and Vaccines PANDEMICS,
Fermilab Open House AND VACCINES
Science Chicago Final Report February’09-March’09 Timeline > 26
FEbRUARY 2009
February Science Saturdays NATIONAL ENGINEERS WEEK
Our Planet and Its Life: AAAS Annual Meeting and Family Science Days
Trees of Life
MINI-MEDICAL National Engineers Week SCHOOL Mini-Medical School
So You Want to Be an Astronomer SO YOU WANT TO BE AN ASTRONOMER MARCH 2009
MythBusters
Earth Hour
March Science Saturdays MYTHBUSTERS
People of the Green Sahara
Tournament Season: DYMAxION FAMILY DAY Science Olympiad & Destination ImagiNation
Chicago Public Schools Student Science Fair
DESTINATION IMAGINATION
Science Chicago Final Report March’09-May’09 Timeline > 27
MARCH 2009 CONT.
Mike Offut’s Ultimate Science Show
Dymaxion Family Day MIKE OFFUTT’S ULTIMATE SCIENCE SHOW APRIL 2009
April Science Saturdays
Neighborhood Science
science City Science Television saturdays
Girls Scientific Salon
Anteater: Wild Wednesdays of Winter ANTEATER:
WILD WEDNESDAYS Grow a Peapod in a Snap OF WINTER MAY 2009
LabFest! Chicago Public Schools
GEORGE CHURCH:
A Conversation with George Church: PERSONAL GENOMES AND WEB 2.0 VOLUNTEERISM Personal Genomes and Web 2.0 Volunteerism WATER:
SUSTAINING OUR BLUE PLANET FEATURING JEFFREY SACHS Water: AND PETER ANNIN Sustaining Our Blue Planet Featuring Jeffrey Sachs and Peter Annin
Science Chicago Final Report May‘09-June’09 Timeline > 28
MAY 2009 CONT.
Science Works! Cool Jobs and Hot Careers
SCIENCE WORKS! Indiana Dunes Bioblitz 2009 COOL JOBS AND HOT CAREERS School’s Out: Discover Your Summer Online Summer Resource Guide
Carl Safina: MacArthur Fellows Science Series
From Earth to the Universe DISCOVER YOUR SUMMER RESOURCE GUIDE JUNE 2009
June Science Saturdays
Science on Stage:
Exploring Science, Technology and Ethics science saturdays Benjamin Carson Sr.: Think Big
Illinois Artists and Scientists Collaboration
The Energy Show THE ENERGY SHOW BENJAMIN CARSON, SR.: THINK BIG
Science Chicago Final Report June’09-July”09 Timeline > 29
JUNE 2009 CONT.
Festival of Trees
Science Chicago Blog Challenge FESTIVAL OF TREES Albert Schweitzer’s Legacy: From Individual Service to a World Free from Nuclear Arms
Explore the White City: WORLD World’s Fair Simulation OF ROBOTS World of Robots JULY 2009
July Science Saturdays
Bridging the Gap BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE Behind the Scenes at the Field Museum and Jardine FIELD MUSEUM Water Plant AND JARDINE WATER PLANT Buzz on Bees
Summer LabFests! BUZZ on bees Unscientific America Author Talk with Chris Mooney
Lights in the Night
Science Chicago Final Report August ‘09 Timeline > 30
AUGUST 2009
Masterpiece Under the Microscope
LabFest! Millennium Park Masterpiece under the
Argonne microscope Open House
ARGONNE
OPEN HOUSE
Science Chicago Final Report > 31 Partners Partner list
Science Chicago Final Report Partner List Partners > 32
137 Films Chicago Council on Science & Clear Channel Radio Chicago Technology (C2ST) Abbott Columbia College Cedar Concepts Corporation Adler Planetarium Community Media Workshop Center for Neighborhood Technology After School Matters CPS Student Science Fair, Inc. Centre East Alberto Culver Cryogenic Society of America Cernan Earth and Space Center American Association for the Cubic Vision, Inc. Advancement of Science (AAAS) Challenger Learning Center for Science DePaul University and Technology American Association of Physics Douglas Park Youth Services Teachers (AAPT) Chicago Amplified from Chicago Public Radio Dunes Learning Center American Chemical Society – Chicago Section Chicago Audubon Society DuSable Museum of African American History American Indian Center Chicago Botanic Garden Ela Area Public Library American Society of Civil Engineers – Chicago Children’s Museum Illinois Section Elgin Public Museum Chicago Conservation Corps American Society of Safety Engineers Environmental Protection Agency Chicago Department of Aviation American Veterinary Medical Association Evanston Public Library Chicago Executive Airport Archdiocese of Chicago Experiencia Chicago History Museum Argonne National Laboratory Exponent, Inc. Chicago Humanities Festival Arlington Heights Memorial Library Facets Multi-media, Inc. Chicago Park District Art Institute of Chicago Federal Bureau of Investigation, Chicago Chicago Public Library Division ASM International – Chicago Chapter Chicago Public Schools Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory Association for Women in Science Chicago Section, American Association Chicago Chapter (AWIS) Field Museum of Physics Teachers (CSAAPT) Audobon Chicago Region FIRST Robotics (Illinois) Chicago State University Baxter International Forest City Science and Technology The Chicago Temple Group Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lake County Chicago Wilderness Forest Preserve District of Cook County The Boeing Company Chicago Youth Programs Francis W. Parker School Boys & Girls Club of Chicago City of Chicago, Department of Cultural Friends of the Chicago River Bret Harte School Affairs Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance Brookfield Zoo (Chicago Zoological City of Chicago, Department of Society) Environment Gary Comer Youth Center
By the Hand Club for Kids City of Chicago, Mayor’s Office of Gas Technology Institute Special Events
Science Chicago Final Report Partner List (Cont’d) Partners > 33
Gateway Traveler Information System IEEE Electromagnetic Compatibility National Weather Service Society Geocachers of Northeastern Illinois The Nature Conservancy in Illinois IEEE Magnetics Society Germano-Millgate Community Center Newberry Library Institute of Food Technologists Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northeast Illinois Council, Boys Scouts Northwest Indiana Instituto Cervantes of Chicago of America
Glen Ellyn Public Library International Museum of Surgical Northeastern Illinois University Science Goodman Theatre Northrop Grumman Corporation Juan Diego Community Center Harold Washington College Northwestern University Kartemquin Educational Films Hu-Friedy Manufacturing Co, Inc. Oak Lawn Public Library KIDSCOM.com iBIO Institute Openlands Project Knowledge Learning Corporation Illinois Department of Transportation, Oriental Institute Museum District 1 Lake Bluff Public Library Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Illinois Computes Lake County Forest Preserves Portland Cement Association (PCA) and Illinois Destination ImagiNation Lincoln Park Zoo CTL Group
Illinois Engineering Council Loyola University Chicago Project Exploration
Illinois Humanities Council Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA) Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Illinois Institute of Technology The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Resolution Digital Studios Foundation Illinois Mathematics and Science Rickover Jr. High School Academy MAKE Magazine Rolling Meadows High School, FIRST Illinois Science Council Marcus Garvey School Robotics Team
Illinois Science Olympiad Meyer Tool & Manufacturing Inc. Roosevelt University
Illinois Science Teachers Association Microsoft Corporation Roosevelt University GEAR UP
Illinois State Board of Education Miles Davis Magnet Academy Rush University Medical Center / SAME Network Illinois State Museum Chicago Gallery Millennium Park – Lurie Garden Sawyer School Illinois State Physics Project (ISPP) Morton Arboretum School of the Art Institute Illinois Tool Works Inc. Morton Grove Public Library Science Chicago Illinois Wing, Civil Air Patrol Motorola, Inc. Science Fair Central Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Museum of Contemporary Art Science Olympiad Institute of Electrical and Electronics Museum of Science & Industry Engineers, Chicago Section SciTech Hands-On Museum National Geographic Society IEEE Communications Society The Searle Funds and the Chicago National Museum of Mexican Art Community Trust
Science Chicago Final Report Partner List (Cont’d) Partners > 34
Shedd Aquarium
Shure Incorporated
Sigma Xi Chapter 22, Northwestern University
Skokie Public Library
Society of Cosmetic Chemists
Society of Technical Communication, Chicago Chapter
Society of Women Engineers – Chicago Regional Section
South Chicago YMCA
Spring Valley Nature Center (Schaumburg Park District)
Structural Engineers Association of Illinois
Swedish Covenant Hospital
Uncommon Ground
The University of Chicago
The University of Chicago, WHPK
University of Illinois at Chicago, UIC
University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign
Vernon Area Public Library
Virtual Surfaces, Inc.
Western Illinois University
Wired Magazine
Wonder Works, A Children’s Museum in Oak Park
Working Bikes Cooperative
Young Chicago Authors
YWCA TechGYRLS
Zygon Center for Religion and Science
Science Chicago Final Report > 35 Media Public Relations Social Media Advertising and Marketing
Science Chicago Final Report Public Relations Media > 36
Science Chicago was one of the most exciting public/private Placements initiatives in Chicago during 2008—2009 and demonstrated why World’s Biggest Science Celebration Launches Chicago is considered a world-class city. With innovative programs on Pedal Power and ideas from Chicago’s most successful corporations, cultural WBEZ Chicago Public Radio institutions, academics and scientists, Science Chicago appealed In the name of science to the hearts and minds of all Chicagoans. Chicago Tribune: Redeye Edition
Tap into your inner scientist Local media responded to the excitement and uniqueness from Chicago Sun-Times the start, and through nearly 10 million media impressions, Eight-Forty Eight with Dr. Rabiah Mayas covered the initiative’s bicycle-powered launch event, the amazing WBEZ Chicago Public Radio final LabFest! in Millennium Park and nearly everything in between. American Maker: The Winner “Airheads Air Drums” Stories about Science Chicago appeared in outlets such as the American Maker [blog] Chicago Tribune, the Daily Herald and Chicago Parent. Opinion Geocaching pieces by Science Chicago advisers advocating for increased public Time Out Chicago engagement with science ran in the Sun-Times, Crain’s Chicago Area Scientific Scene to be Magnified Business and Science magazine. Chicagoans were kept up-to- Chicago Tribune date on Science Chicago events through calendar listings in local Series explores art in science, and vice versa newspapers, magazines and websites. Chicago Sun-Times
Dr. Rabiah Mayas Interview WGN Radio
Science Chicago and Mythbusters About.com
Life’s a Lab Chicago Parent
Science is a Key Element in Recharging US Economy Chicago Sun-Times
Science Chicago Science Works! day May 1st Chicago Homeschool Habitat
Key to progress: science Crain’s Chicago Business
Society’s Intersection with Science Science Magazine
100 Best Science Twitterers Onlinecourses.org
Program Introduces Children to Green Tech ABC-7 Chicago
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Television producers were drawn to the inspiring images of Science Chicago young people discovering their inner scientist at Science Chicago What to do, Poopsy-woo? [blog] events. Every news station covered some aspect of the initiative, Bridging the Gap and some – including ABC-7’s 190 North and WYCC’s City Science Gapers Block with Mike Davis – went even deeper with feature stories and Science Chicago’s LabFest! Millennium Park interviews of Science Chicago leaders. ABC-7 Chicago Bubbleology, oobleck, more fun than fruit flies Parents and kids also heard about Science Chicago on the radio, Chicago Sun-Times as Science Director Dr. Rabiah Mayas was interviewed several All Kids Need Better Access to Science times on WGN Radio, WBEZ Chicago Public Radio’s show 848 Huffington Post and Radio Disney. Science Chicago: Halloween Slime and Ooze ABC-7 Chicago The bulk of coverage came where the majority of today’s media Aviation Up Close Science Saturday consumers live: online. Websites including Gaper’s Block, 190 North ABC-7 Chicago Chi-Town Daily News, Windy Citizen and the online versions of Chicago Amplified: Science Chicago Time Out Chicago, The Reader and Chicago Magazine all helped WBEZ Chicago Public Radio to spread the word and tell the story of Science Chicago. Science Chicago The University of Chicago
Science Chicago Final Report Social Media Media > 38
Science Chicago implemented a broad-reaching social media Join us on strategy to help drive attendance to the thousands of dynamic Facebook Science Chicago and partner events and elevate Chicago’s profile as a science-rich city. YouTube Flickr
The goal was to give Science Chicago a recognizable online Twitter identity and create opportunities for discussions with science enthusiasts across the globe in which they could share their real- life science experiences. Science Chicago’s online community included a popular blog at sciencechicagoblog.com, a robust Facebook presence with hundreds of fans, a dedicated Flickr group where science enthusiasts shared their photos, a Twitter account that streamed the latest happenings and a YouTube channel that featured videos from a range of Science Chicago events.
By diversifying its online presence across a variety of social media networks, Science Chicago engaged multiple target audiences within the community, including students, parents, science experts, journalists and bloggers.
Through this comprehensive and viral social media presence, Science Chicago was able to augment traditional earned media coverage, generate significant buzz about events and drive traffic to the Science Chicago website. In fact, the blog, Facebook page, Twitter account and YouTube channel were all among the top 20 key referrers to sciencechicago.com.
Under the guidance of Science Chicago’s public relations firm, Carolyn Grisko & Associates, social media efforts resulted in scores of Science Chicago placements in influential science, education, news and culture blogs.
Social media efforts also included the following highlights:
> Science Chicago was listed among the 100 Top Science Education Twitterers on Onlinecourses.org, an educational website providing information for students completing online degree or online coursework.
Science Chicago Final Report Social Media (Cont’d) Media > 39
> The Science Chicago Flickr group engaged nearly 200 photography and science enthusiasts in the U.S. and overseas. They contributed more than 1,300 photos capturing the science happening around them, including glimpses of thriving backyard wildlife, hands-on science experiments conducted at home, science museum exhibits and the world under the microscope lens. Compelling photos from this group were regularly featured on the Science Chicago Twitter and Facebook pages, as well as used in some printed marketing materials.
> The Science Chicago YouTube channel features a wide array of videos highlighting LabFest!, Bioblitz, various Science Conversations and scientist interviews, and kids talking about and doing science. Science Chicago YouTube subscribers and friends include WGN, PBS, the Discovery Channel, NASA and the World Wildlife Fund.
Science Chicago Final Report Advertising and Marketing Media > 40
Science Chicago partners demonstrated that science is not just Placements something learned in a classroom or studied in a lab, but rather Program Brochures it is all around us, vital to our daily lives, communities, and future. The Science Chicago integrated marketing strategy complemented CTA Bus and Rail Ads the initiative’s programmatic goals by reaching people where they CTA Exterior Bus Ads live, work, learn and play through a diversity of media vehicles – CTA Interior Bus Ads online, in print, on the radio, and through out-of-home advertising Science Chicago: LabFest! Museum of on the CTA and in movie theatres. Science & Industry Chicago Tribune At Play For 13 months, the Science Chicago advertising campaign, Science Saturday; Wendy Freedman, Ph.D.; website and bimonthly program brochures delivered a consistent, Explore the Universe recognizable look and message to engage, inspire and excite both Chicago Tribune At Play young and old in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs and region. Science Chicago: September Science Saturdays Chicago Tribune Sunday Magazine The successful yearlong advertising campaign yielded a total of Science Chicago: LabFest! Museum of 775 million gross impressions. Science & Industry Hoy
MythBusters Chicago Sun Times
Art & Science Time Out Chicago
Science Chicago Spectrum
You’re Invited: Bioterrorism, Pandemics & Vaccines Chicago Reader
Science Saturdays February Time Out Chicago
Science Chicago Online The Mash
Global Warming Crain’s Chicago Business
You’re Invited: Benjamin Carson Chicago Reader
LabFest! Time Out Chicago Kids
LabFest! Vernon Area Public Library Pioneer Press
Science Chicago Final Report Advertising and Marketing (Cont’d) Media > 41
More than 600,000 bimonthly brochures were distributed LabFest! throughout the region through libraries, museums, businesses, Chicago Reader community groups, at events and programs and mailed directly January Admail to teachers. Chicago Tribune Labfest Admail The Science Chicago website was integral to communicating about Chicago Tribune the initiative. From September 2008 through August 2009, more Slide Billboard for Project Launch than 90,000 unique visitors connected to the science all around Chicago Tribune via sciencechicago.com, the Science Chicago website. Now, the Animated Leaderboard for Project Launch website is an ongoing legacy of the initiative. With a generous grant Chicago Tribune from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Ben Carson Tile website will continue to be a one-stop, robust resource of science WBEZ Homepage programs in Chicago. Movie Theatre Screen Advertising
Science Saturday WGN
Science Works WGN
Science Saturday Launch WGN
Ars Scientia WBEZ
Bioblitz 2009 WBEZ
George Church Personal Genomes WBEZ
LabFest! WBBM
Science Chicago Final Report > 42 Online Blog Website
Science Chicago Final Report Blog Overview and Highlights Online > 43
Science Chicago Blog
Designed as a major online interactive program of Science Chicago, the Science Chicago Blog launched July 29, 2008, in conjunction with the public announcement of the Science Chicago initiative. Written primarily by our Science Director, Rabiah Mayas, Ph.D., and a team of scientific associates and interns, the blog featured fun science news, discussion of current scientific issues and explanations of the science of everyday things and experiences, all aimed at the target audience of 9-18 year-olds.
The blog also featured occasional guest bloggers and regular writings from high school students in the Young Chicago Authors Science as Metaphor class, in which the students wrote poems and prose related to science, engineering and technology. With the variety of voices and perspectives on the blog came diversity in subject matter, from stem cell legislation and the relationship between Einstein’s formulas and society, to the science of weather patterns and the reasons why cars hydroplane.
The Science Chicago blog is part of the ongoing legacy of the initiative and remains a vibrant and active place for science information and discussion. Check out current posts at www.sciencechicagoblog.com sciencechicagoblog.com.
Blog Strategy
From the start, the blog was viewed as a place to experiment – Is there an audience for a science blog aimed at teens? Which topics will be most popular? What kinds of questions will readers ask? How will the blog complement social media efforts and in-person programming?
Initially, the blog was housed on sciencechicagoblog.com. By the end of 2008, it became clear that the blog needed to move into the “blogosphere” where it would be more easily found and our bloggers could strengthen the Science Chicago social network by connecting with other bloggers. While still accessible from the
Science Chicago Final Report Blog Overview and Highlights Online > 44 (Cont’d)
Science Chicago website, the move to a new blog-specific platform increased daily visits significantly. The Science Chicago blog now averages about 2,500 visits a month, which is on par with other educational websites.
Blog Highlights
We continue to experiment with ways to increase visitors and comments on the Science Chicago blog. Some of these tactics were relatively easy, such as adding videos to select posts and writing about irresistible topics such as the science of farts and wind chill during a week’s long cold spell.
Some tactics took a bit more coordination and three are highlighted here.
Bust a Myth Contest In conjunction with the promotion of the March 2009 “Afternoon with Adam and Jamie of the MythBusters,” the Science Chicago Blog presented a “Bust a Myth” contest to promote science inquiry. Students were invited to bust one of two Chicago myths, selected by Science Chicago and focusing on two Chicago icons: baseball and architecture. The interest and excitement generated by the contest and event drove blog visits to record highs for the year. More than 35 students participated in the contest, and the five lucky winners received free tickets to the event and enjoyed a special VIP visit with TV stars Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman before the show.
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore BioBlitz 2009 The blog was also an opportunity for young people to post about their own science interests and explorations for their friends, families and other science enthusiasts around the world to see. At BioBlitz Indiana Dunes Lakeshore (May 2009), we gave student attendees the opportunity to blog live from the event site about their experiences exploring the park and identifying species.
Science Chicago Final Report Blog Overview and Highlights Online > 45 (Cont’d)
Summer Science 2009 In 2009, we ran a weekly Life’s a Lab summer challenge and provided an opportunity for students to try science at home and send in their findings to be posted on the blog. This series of challenges generated a dramatic increase in responses over 2008, and students from 7 to 18 had their ideas and experiments featured on the blog.
Science Chicago Final Report Blogger Bios Online > 46
Rabiah Mayas, Ph.D. Rabiah has been the Science Director for Science Chicago. Rabiah holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of Chicago and, effective November 1, 2009, will become the Science Director for the Center for the Advancement of Science Education at the Museum of Science and Industry.
Heather Selby Heather is a recent graduate in biomedical engineering and literature from the Illinois Institute of Technology and is interested in combining her two passions in the future. She is currently doing research in bioinformatics at the University of Colorado.
Timothy Boutelle Tim is a senior at The University of Chicago, majoring in the history of science. His interests include evolutionary biology and its history from pre-Darwin times until today. He is interested in science writing and scientific museum work in the future.
Justin Daniels Justin was an aspiring college freshman and a member of the Museum of Science and Industry’s Science Achievers program. He was passionate about nature and the environment and planned to become an ecologist or veterinarian.
Young Chicago Authors www.sciencechicagoblog.com Science Chicago developed a relationship with a creative writing instructor at Young Chicago Authors to have students write guest blogs. High school students enrolled in the new Science as Metaphor course submitted nearly 20 writings throughout the year, interpreting science in poetry and prose.
Science Chicago Final Report Website Online > 47
Science Chicago Website
Designed by award-winning Domani Studios, the website was a critical communication and engagement component of the initiative, which featured many ways for the public to connect to thousands of science programs and the organizations who offered them.
In addition to the website, many digital and social media tools were employed to extend the project’s reach beyond real- world programs and beyond Chicago. Online efforts averaged 25,000 unique visitors per month to sciencechicago.com, sciencechicagoblog.com, Virtual Science Chicago on Whyville.net, and our pages on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr. www.sciencechicago.com
Website Highlights
Web 2.0
The website leveraged Web 2.0 technology including flash animation, RSS fees, audio downloads, embedded video of events, and interviews with program participants to engage and connect visitors to real-life events. Audio and video downloads were the central feature of the Media Center where visitors could enjoy entertaining and educational media from past programs, interviews with scientists and program participants – including “Kids Talk Science” – as well as some of the amazing science experiments that happened throughout the year. Media programs were also available on YouTube.com and Chicago Public Radio’s Chicago Amplified, a web-based audio.
Connecting to Science
Another important goal of the website was to enhance science learning and connection both inside and outside of the classroom. Students were able to do this through links to cool websites and Virtual Science Chicago on Whyville.net. Educators choose from multiple resources in the Teachers Lounge, including useful
Science Chicago Final Report Website (Cont’d) Online > 48
websites, professional development opportunities, and field trip curriculum. Plus, educators and students alike used the Find- A-Scientist database which was developed to help educators connect with scientists who could provide high-quality, interactive experiences for their students.
Whyville.net
Through a partnership with Whyville.net, an educational and social networking site for 8-12 year olds, kids around the glove visited Virtual Science Chicago. More than 55,000 Whyvillians engaged in Science Chicago activities and games, met and interacted with Dr. Rabiah Mayas’ avatar and read articles from the Science Chicago blog which were published in the weekly online Whyville Times.
Science Chicago Final Report Contact > 49
Media Relations Members of the press should contact:
Julie Parente Education Communications Manager Center for the Advancement of Science Education Museum of Science and Industry [email protected] 773-753-6249
Science Information and Science Chicago Blog
Rabiah Mayas, Ph.D. Science Director Center for the Advancement of Science Education Museum of Science and Industry [email protected] 773-947-3141
General Information [email protected]
Science Chicago Final Report