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The Marian Koshland Science Museum of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS) features exhibits that present modern science and scientific issues in an accessible way, geared for the general public. The museum, located in Washington, D.C., explores current scientific issues that are important for the nation’s and world’s public policy decisions, as presented in reports by the United States National Academies.
Exhibit development
Since it is sponsored by the NAS, the Marian Koshland Science Museum emphasizes participation of recognized scientific experts as well as the detailed information available in reports by the National Academies for both exhibit selection and development. Exhibit content is thoroughly vetted for scientific accuracy. A Museum Advisory Board acts on behalf of the National Academy of Sciences Council both in approving the exhibition topics and in reviewing and approving each exhibits overall design and content. Each of the museum’s exhibitions has as a basis, some substantial study or group of studies published by the National Academies. Expert scientists distill this work, ensuring scientific accuracy. The scientific committees and museum staff consult additional science experts on specific aspects of each exhibition. Finally, the exhibits are reviewed by focus groups from the general public to assure that they not only are scientifically correct, but also user friendly, enjoyable and effective in conveying the information correctly.
The current exhibits center on climate change and infectious disease.
Origin of the museum
Opened in April 2004, the Marian Koshland Science Museum is named for Marian Koshland, an immunologist and molecular biologist who conducted groundbreaking research in the behavior of antibodies. The museum has been developed as the result of a gift from her husband, Daniel Koshland, a molecular biologist specializing in the study of enzymes and bacteria.
Location
The museum is located at 525 E Street, NW. The museum entrance is at the corner of 6th & E Streets, NW, in the Penn Quarter neighborhood of Washington, DC. The museum can be reached from the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro stop (1 block east and 1 block south), from the Navy Memorial Metro Stop (1 block north and 1 block east) or from the Judiciary Square Metro stop (2 blocks west). It lies 3 blocks north of the National Mall.
External links
• Official site for the Marian Koshland Science Museum of the National Academy of Sciences