National Science Center brings its Mobile Discovery Van to InfoAge

INFOAGE PROMOTES ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL EVENT WITH NSC SCIENCE VAN VISIT AS WELL AS SCIENCE/ELECTRONIC PRESENTATIONS BY OCEAN-MONMOUTH AMATEUR RADIO CLUB, NJ ANTIQUE RADIO CLUB, AND INFOAGE VOLUNTEERS - FOR SCHOOL STUDENTS, MUSEUM MEMBERS, AND INTERESTED PUBLIC VISITORS ALIKE!

Tuesday, May 24, 2005 was a busy day at the InfoAge
Science-History Center at Camp Evans. This "sneak peek" event for some area students as well as general public visitors is another sign of new life on the Camp Evans/Marconi Site as development moves forward towards a museum highlighting the history of technology and the camp's important role in U.S. history and security.

So......, what went on?.......

The Camp Evans Project Diana / TIROS site hosted the National
Science Center Mobile Discovery Center (MDC). Housed in an 18-wheeler, the mobile center travels across the country, presenting programs designed to show young people that studying science and math is fun as well as essential to their future. The complete 50-minute program presented during van visits is a combination of a High Definition (HD) show and hands-on, interactive science demonstrations.

The MDC is currently offered as an outreach Program provided by the National Science Center and the U. S. Army. The Wall Township visit was arranged by Dr. Constella H. Zimmerman, who serves as Team Fort Monmouth Program Director for the Community Integrated Outreach Networks (ICON) and is Fort Monmouth’s liason to the InfoAgeScience-History Center.

But that's not all, there's even more.......

Electronic and Communications Progress tour in TIROS Control Center Building.

While 35-40 students were learning in the MDC, others were shown how communications and electronics have progressed in the last 100
years:

Students were shown wireless equipment by members of Ocean-Monmouth Amateur Radio Club.

InfoAge volunteers exhibited and lectured the students with a piece of ENIAC, the first computer, as well as 1970 core memory, early integrated circuit chips, a NASA Apollo flight computer, and how engineers keep making computers faster and less expensive. Here, Valdis Paupe of Franklin Township tells about computer progress.

Members of the NJ Antique Radio Club showed how radio developed from wireless. An air of realism was provided by actual wireless equipment and radios from 1910 to the 1930s being in display - many of them in working order! Also included was a display of the National Broadcasters Hall of Fame radio history collection.

THE DAY'S SCHEDULE...

Time: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Date: Tuesday, May 24th, 2005

Place: InfoAge Science-History Learning Center at
Marconi Station Engineer’s Cottage
and
Diana Site on Marconi Road
Wall, NJ 07719

Agenda:

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM - Students of St. Dominick's School of Bricktown visted the National Science Center Mobile Discovery Center (MDC) as well as the Electronic and Communications Progress tour in TIROS Control Center Building.

1:00 PM - 3:00 AM - InfoAge members and interested public visitors toured the National Broadcasters Hall of Fame radio history collection at the Marconi Station Engineer's Cottage.

3:00 PM - 4:30 AM - InfoAge members and interested public visitors toured the National Science Center Mobile Discovery Center (MDC)

...AND HERE ARE THE MDC PROGRAM DETAILS

Using Technology to Communicate

Technology and the need for students to use technology to become better communicators is the focus of the High Definition (HD) and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based programs. Through these high energy presentations, students are encouraged to explore effective use of the many ways that we communicate. They are challenged to use effective communication to make sure that their ideas are clearly heard and understood. These programs are exciting, entertaining, and educational for all age groups.

Science Demonstration

This 45 minute program uses numerous physical science demonstrations to actively engage the student in the learning process. Demonstrations Van De Graff generators, Plasma Ball and Tesla coils are used to create "hair raising" experiences during the demonstrations. Frequency, sound, and resonance are all covered during the exciting Electronic Glass Breaker demonstrations. Persistence of vision is demonstrated with the "I thought I saw something" Light Stick. Last but not least is the "Seeing in the Dark" demonstration where the principles of night vision are demonstrated. Throughout the demonstration program, numerous students (and occasionally, a brave teacher) will be asked to assist the demonstrators.

The complete van program is a combination of the high-energy HD and AI programs and fun, interactive science demonstrations.

The MDC is currently offered as a FREE Outreach Program provided by the National Science Center and the U. S. Army.

The National Science Center (NSC) is a unique partnership between a non-profit organization (National Science Center, Inc.) and the U.S. Army. The headquarters of the NSC is Fort Discovery, located on the Riverwalk by the Savannah River in Augusta, Georgia. Fort Discovery is a family-oriented math and science center as well as the home-base for an array of national educational outreach programs. The primary mission of the NSC is to improve technical literacy and to encourage an interest in math and science careers. This mission is met through the interactive activities at Fort Discovery and through the educational opportunities offered nationwide.

Looking Toward the Past and Future.

InfoAge volunteers are working to preserve Camp Evans as a memorial
to the pioneers of communications and as a Living Memorial to WWII. On
May 24th students and visitors will be shown exciting science and learn some history in the very same place where important science advances and WWII history were made. With gifts from the public and the help of volunteers
InfoAge plans to host more educational events on a more regular basis..