ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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Absolute Zero & the Conquest of Cold

ASTC is serving as a partner for Absolute Zero and the Conquest of Cold, a
2-part PBS TV special that will premiere in 2007 and demonstrate how
civilization has been profoundly affected by the mastery of cold.  The
documentaries blend science, cultural history and adventure, and will
explore key concepts, significant individuals, and events in the field of
low-temperature physics and the enormous impact that they have on
society-air conditioning, refrigeration, liquefied gases, etc.  

The project is underwritten by the National Science Foundation and the
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and based largely on Tom Shachtman's acclaimed
book by the same name.  A web site to include detailed information,
suggested student activities, etc. will be launched late next month.  ASTC
will work with other educational, scientific, and non-profit organizations
on the outreach campaign in an effort to generate excitement about the
program and the subject matter.

To help make ASTC's participation valuable to our members, we'd appreciate
any response to the questions below:

1.  Do you have experience/offer activities for middle and/or high school
students that are related to low-temperature physics?

2.  Do you know of any successful educational/outreach activities that could
be replicated on behalf of this project?

3.  Would you be interested in having your museum's web site linked with the
Absolute Zero site?

4.  Does your museum have a relationship with your local PBS stations?  If
so, what types of activities have you undertaken with them?  Would you be
interested in collaborating with stations for this project?

5.  Absolute Zero will establish a speaker's bureau featuring experts in
this field.  Do you have anyone on your staff who would be interested in
participating?  Do you want to learn more about these speakers?

Send any responses, reactions, or questions to Sean Smith at
[log in to unmask], and thank you in advance for your interest.

Sean Smith
Director, Government and Public Relations
Association of Science-Technology Centers
1025 Vermont Avenue NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005-6310
U.S.A.
202/783-7200 x113
www.astc.org

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