David Ucko, president of Science City at Union Station in Kansas City, MO, and MIT alumnus (PhD in chemistry, 1972), will speak on "Science City -- A New Model for Recreational Learning" on Thursday, June 1 at 4pm in the Norris Room (18-490). His talk is hosted by Professor Stephen Lippard, chair of the Department of Chemistry.
Dr. Ucko's presentation will describe the development of Science City at Union Station, a $250 million project that opened in November 1999, with emphasis on the new model for recreational learning on which it's based. Rather than view a collection of traditional exhibits, Science City visitors explore a themed city that incorporates hands-on adventures and costumed characters. The project also includes three theaters, restaurants and other amenities, all within historic Union Station, the second-largest train station in North America.
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on May 17, 2000.