Three of the nation's foremost leaders in science research and education-the University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory-will host dozens of exciting, science-based programs for children and adults as part of Science Chicago. The world's largest science celebration, the yearlong program aims to highlight science and technology achievements, increase access to science learning experiences and promote dialogue about science and technology.

Science Chicago runs from September 2008 through August 2009 and includes thousands of programs hosted by more than 100 of the Chicago area's leading academic, scientific, corporate and non-profit institutions. Programs include behind-the-scenes tours of laboratories and research facilities, conversations with real-life scientists and exciting opportunities for hands-on science exploration and discovery.

"We are proud to be a partner in Science Chicago," said David Greene, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at the University. "Educating and inspiring the next generation of scientists, researchers and medical professionals is a big part of what we do. Science Chicago will enable us to reach out to young people, as well as adults throughout the Chicagoland area, with a number of exciting and hands-on learning opportunities."

Following are some program highlights planned at the University, Argonne and Fermilab:

  • University professors Heinrich Jaeger and Sidney Nagel will give a holiday lecture, "Physics with a Bang," which will include a series of loud and exciting physics experiments designed to entertain and inform. Kids and adults can visit science laboratories inside the Gordon Center for Integrative Science, talk to researchers and participate in a number of hands-on activities.
  • Through the fall and winter, the University's Graham School of General Studies will host a lecture series on the strangeness and beauty found at the cutting edge of contemporary science. Discussions will range from cosmological explorations of the beginnings of the universe to the work of environmental scientists concerned with Earth's future, in an attempt to unite the "two cultures" of the sciences and the humanities.
  • Argonne will host a series of rare, behind-the-scenes tours of facilities such as The Structural Biology Center and ATLAS, the world's first superconducting ion accelerator facility.
  • Fermilab will host a Family Open House featuring Mr. Freeze's fabulous cryogenics show, along with opportunities to explore physics concepts with hands-on activities and talk to scientists.

For more information about University, Argonne and Fermilab science events throughout the year, visit sciencechicago.uchicago.edu. For the complete calendar of Science Chicago events, go to www.sciencechicago.com.