Portal To Current Research
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The Portal to Current Research space showcases local scientists' advances in current research through a combination of digital media, graphics, objects and interactive displays and programs. Content and themes change several times throughout the year.
Very few opportunities exist for the public to learn about current scientific research and its impacts. This program is one more way Pacific Science Center is working to help people of all ages understand and appreciate some of the current research being done in our own region.
Pacific Science Center's monthly Scientist Spotlight program, featuring local scientists who share their work with guests through hands-on activities and conversation, is included within the space when relevant.
Currently Showing
Now open in the Portal to Current Research space is the new exhibit "Investigating Arctic Ice Melt" featuring UW's Polar Science Center researchers Axel Schweiger, Bonnie Light and Ignatius Rigor. The exhibit features an interactive Sea Ice table where guests can affect ice flow through changing wind direction, and a sensor activity where guests can build different variations of a seascape and test their reflectivity. Guests will also be able to interact with the multitouch table to flip through different ice extent maps and view videos and artifacts from the scientists' research on the ice.
Meet the Scientists!
Axel Schweiger - "Among other things, I track changes in sea ice volume. This helps us track down the energy that is involved in melting the ice and helps us improve models to predict future climate change."
Bonnie Light - "I study how solar radiation (sunlight) interacts with Earth's cryosphere--the portions of Earth where water is frozen. What characteristics of ice increase or decrease its reflectivity? This is important because reflectivity affects how fast the ice melts."
Ignatius Rigor - "I study sea ice and how it interacts with the atmosphere and ocean. I focus on the role of wind in redistributing sea ice. Understanding the effects of warmer temperatures and wind will help us predict the future of Arctic sea ice."
Previous Portal Exhibits
Life in Extreme Environments
May 27, 2011 - October 4,2011
The first exhibit focuses on "Life in the Extreme Environments," an exhibit and program experience based on Dr. Kelley's research on hydrothermal vents.
According to University of Washington Oceanographer Dr. Deborah Kelley, 70% of the volcanism on Earth occurs beneath the surface of the ocean along a 70,000 km (roughly 43,500 miles) mountain chain that stretches around the planet like the seam of a baseball. As these rocks in the mountains cool and crack, seawater migrates miles down into the oceanic crust, forming the largest fractured aquifer system on Earth, creating hydrothermal vents.
Learn more about Dr. Kelley's research in hydrothermal vents at Pacific Science Center's newest exhibit and presentation space, Portal to Current Research, bringing guests up close and personal with Dr. Kelley's work and other fascinating research happening in our region.
Chemists: Catalysts for Change
October 23, 2011 - February 11, 2012
Seattle researchers are doing something really big. The "holy grail" of big in the chemistry realm. And that's very desirable to most of us since creating less waste, fewer toxins and more energy efficiency in chemicals and fuels is high priority in this savvy, environmentally conscious community.
Looking at more efficient, inexpensive and environmentally friendly ways to make chemicals and fuels, this national network of scientists is headquartered at the University of Washington's Center for Enabling New Technologies through Catalysis (CENTC).
What exactly is catalysis? Simply put, it changes how a chemical reaction happens. This process can speed up a reaction, it can make new reactions possible and can allow different starting materials to be used. The chemical that causes these changes is called a catalyst, which can be organic, synthetic or metal. The catalyst is not used up in a reaction (and thus can be used again and again).
Catalysis is extremely important to our economy. Nearly all industrial production of fuels, plastics, drugs and other chemicals relies on catalysis to be possible. Development of new catalysts is critical for the development of more efficient, economic and greener technologies.
Funding
Funded through a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, the Portal space is the newest platform created as part of Pacific Science Center's commitment to connecting our public with current research in relevant, engaging and inspiring ways. In 2010, the Portal to the Public program also received an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) National Leadership Grant for $576,000 to develop an updatable exhibit and program space that will feature changing regional health-related research. The exhibit space will be located within the Science Center's new exhibit, Professor Wellbody's Academy of Health and Wellness, an innovative and highly immersive exhibit scheduled to open in 2012. Projects funded by the National Leadership grants must have national impact and generate results that can be widely replicated, extending the benefit of this federal support.
