On July 1, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will open its new innovation wing, with interactive exhibits and programs focused on the theme of U.S. enterprise, business, and invention. The centerpiece of the 45,000-square-foot space is the studio of Ralph Baer, inventor of the home video game.

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Filed under: K-12 Outreach Programs, Special Features, Web Resources | Comments Off on Smithsonian Opens New Innovation Hall

Tags: American history, Engineering, enterprise, Exhibition, Innovation, Internet Resources, Resources for Teachers, Smithsonian, Technology, Web Resources

Da Vinci – The Genius is a traveling exhibition on display at the National Geographic Museum in Washington, D.C., from June 18 to Sept. 12, that demonstrates the full scope of Leonardo da Vinci’s remarkable innovations as an inventor, artist, anatomist, sculptor, engineer, musician, and architect. The exhibition includes Da Vinci’s visions for the glider, parachute, precursor to the modern helicopter, forerunner of the modern military tank, automobile, submarine, ball bearing and gear systems, and other inventions that were far ahead of their time.

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Filed under: For Teachers, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12, Grades K-5, K-12 Outreach Programs | Comments Off on Exhibit: Da Vinci at National Geographic, Washington, DC

Tags: Da Vinci, Exhibition

The Cooper Hewitt Museum’s online exhibit, “Design for the Other 90%,” highlights the efforts of engineers and others from all over the globe to devise cost-effective ways to increase access to food and water, energy, education, healthcare, revenue-generating activities, and affordable transportation for those who most need them. The Website serves as an excellent resource for teachers and students, and links to several related lesson plans and a teacher forum. A free traveling exhibit is visiting Washington, D.C. through September 6, 2010 at the National Geographic.