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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OMSI CELEBRATES NATIONAL ENGINEERS WEEK (February 19-25)

The opening of “Dream Big” shows visitors what makes engineering so important in our daily lives

Portland, Ore. (February 17, 2017) – OMSI is offering visitors the opportunity to learn what makes engineering such an integral part of our daily lives. With engaging exhibits, educational movies and the chance to meet an actual engineer, OMSI guests can dive deeper into the fascinating world of engineering not only during Engineering Week, but also year round.

Founded by the National Society of Professional Engineers in 1951, National Engineers Weekis dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers.

Empirical Theater – Dream Big: Engineering Our World

Narrated by Academy Award® winner Jeff Bridges, Dream Big: Engineering our World is a first film of its kind for IMAX® and giant screen theaters that will transform how we think about engineering. From the Great Wall of China and the world’s tallest buildings to underwater robots, solar cars and smart, sustainable cities, Dream Big celebrates the human ingenuity behind engineering marvels big and small, and shows how engineers push the limits of innovation in unexpected and amazing ways. With its inspiring stories of human grit and aspiration, and extraordinary visuals for the world’s largest screens, Dream Big reveals the compassion and creativity that drive engineers to create better lives for people and a more sustainable future for us all.

Featured Exhibit – The Art of the Brick

The Art of the Brick is a captivating exhibition of intriguing works of art made exclusively from one of the most recognizable toys in the world, the LEGO® brick. The critically acclaimed collection of creative and inspiring pieces constructed using only LEGO bricks is created by renowned contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya. The groundbreaking, 12,000 square-foot exhibit will feature a specially-designed LEGO and DUPLO® play area, along with a variety of hands-on activities, demonstrations and challenges.

Turbine Hall - Designing our World

Designing Our World uses basic design principles like iteration and collaboration to strengthen critical thinking skills, teamwork and leadership. Guests can test their mettle with design challenges, which require them to build a structure to withstand an earthquake, resist the strength of the sea in our tsunami simulator or learn how to harness the power of the wind. Most importantly, the exhibit is fun for boys and girls of all ages and illustrates one of the many ways in which guests can experience the fascinating world of engineering.

Meet a Scientist – Saturday, Feb 25

Held on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, Meet a Scientist features local scientists who share their research and knowledge through hands-on activities and conversations. It’s a great opportunity for OMSI guests to interact with local experts like scientists, engineers, technicians, and designers, who are prepared to discuss their career and current work with engaging hands-on activities.

On Saturday, February 25 OMSI is hosting several engineers as part of the Meet a Scientist program.

From 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. guests can learn about several engineering-related topics directly from the experts themselves such as:

- Dams and how they redirect water

- How to design new tools for microscopic detection of disease

- Creating surgical tools designed for specific tasks

- How to design a carrier for a stranded hiker to take down a mountain

- Creating a wheelchair-friendly trail to access a viewpoint on a mountain

About National Engineers Week

According to the NSPE, “EWeek is a formal coalition of more than 70 engineering, education, and cultural societies, and more than 50 corporations and government agencies. Dedicated to raising public awareness of engineers' positive contributions to quality of life, EWeek promotes recognition among parents, teachers, and students of the importance of a technical education and a high level of math, science, and technology literacy, and motivates youth, to pursue engineering careers in order to provide a diverse and vigorous engineering workforce. Each year, EWeek reaches thousands of schools, businesses, and community groups across the U.S.”

About OMSI

Founded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation’s leading science museums, a world-class tourist attraction, and an award-winning educational resource for the kid in each of us. OMSI operates the largest museum-based outdoor science education program in the country and provides traveling and community outreach programs that bring science learning opportunities to schools and community organizations in nearly every county in Oregon. OMSI is located at 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214. For general information, call 503.797.4000 or visit omsi.edu.

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