Living in Space: New children’s exhibition is out of this world

Living in Space: New children’s exhibition is out of this world

Living in Space, presented from February 2 until April 27, 2008 in the Kaleidoscope Gallery, is inspired by the International Space Station (ISS), the largest international aerospace project ever undertaken by humankind. Visitors become ISS “crewmembers” and engage in astronaut activities to discover how people live, work and play together in a weightless environment.

“Living in Space gives children a sense both of the mystery of outer space and of the tremendous technical accomplishments that have allowed humans to adapt to such a harsh and dangerous environment,” says Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation. “This exhibition is a fun and interactive way for children to learn about space, science and survival in extreme conditions.”

Visitors step through an entry portal that introduces them to the exhibition and leads to three separate areas: “Living in Space,” “Working in Space” and “Playing in Space.” Interactive displays and creative activities encourage children to imagine and explore the uniquely challenging, but also fun, life of an astronaut.

Children discover what it’s like to eat, sleep, get dressed and exercise in microgravity, engaging in cooperative tasks such as docking with the Space Shuttle, using special onboard equipment, and performing important science experiments. Stories and videos from real ISS crewmembers, including Canadian astronaut Julie Payette, enhance the experience.

The ISS, the most powerful spacecraft ever built in orbit, is a multicultural partnership between 16 countries, including Canada, whose best-known contribution is the Canadarm robotic system. With three full-time crewmembers and frequent visitors, the spacecraft proves that with the right technology, humans can survive for long periods in a weightless and airless environment.

The spacecraft is simultaneously a marvel of engineering, an important space laboratory and an unprecedented human experiment – a place where humans from many different cultures are learning how to live and work alongside each other in outer space, achieving amazing technical feats, pursuing important scientific research and paving the way for further breakthroughs that will benefit all of humankind.

Living in Space, much like the space station itself, not only broadens our knowledge, but also highlights the importance of teamwork, good communication, education and scientific achievement in overcoming great challenges and attaining important common goals.

The travelling exhibition was created by the Children’s Museum of Memphis (CMOM) in Tennessee for the Youth Museum Exhibit Collaborative (YMEC), of which the Canadian Children’s Museum is a member. This is the only Canadian venue for Living in Space, which is geared toward children aged five to twelve and their families.

Media Information:

Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: 819 776-7167

Media Relations Officer
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: 819 776-7169

Fax: 819 776-7187

2008-02-04 00:00:00.000
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