July 20, 2010 Sorry for the recent absence, everybody. Turns out that moving across the country coupled with getting the internet installed in your new home takes more time than one would imagine. But, ScienceGeist is back! Try to contain your excitement. If there’s one thing we at ScienceGeist truly respect and strive for, it is the ability to effectively communicate enthusiasm for science. I thought about this the other day as I was walking through the Museum for Natural History at the Smithsonian Institute. Truly, the collection is breathtaking. Some of the highlights included the elephant in the rotunda, the giant sloth fossils (both the fossils and the sloth were giant) and, of course, the dinosaurs.
Hanging out in museums
Image credit: Erika Hartings
But, what is truly impressive about the staff at the museum is their ability to put together exhibits that engage and educate. Thy teach in a way that is not overhanded and is always fun. For example, if you wanted to see what you would look like if you were a Neanderthal, you should check out their MEanderthal App for iPhone and Android. After you’re finished playing, stick around for their website on human evolution. The Smithsonian Institute’s interactive Ocean Portal, which seems very timely considering the continuing ecological disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.
Image credit Smithsonian Institute
So my biggest suggestion to all of you is to move to D.C. already!!! It’s where all the cool kids are living these days. That way you can enjoy everything the Smithsonian has to offer. But, if you can’t, you will find yourself easily lost in the fascinating website the Smithsonian Institute has created.
