News Room | Biogen Idec Foundation grant awarded
Grant received from Biogen Idec Foundation
to support hands-on science learning
Durham, NC – January 2013
The Biogen Idec Foundation has selected the Museum of Life and Science in Durham, NC as a recipient of a $64,500 grant to fund the Investigate Health Lab. The Lab is a hands-on exhibit where visitors participate in guided science experiments in a fun and engaging atmosphere, exploring topics in chemistry, biology, physics, and more. Through daily activities, "Meet a Scientist" programs, and science shows, Museum educators engage visitors in inquiry-based learning.
“The Biogen Idec Foundation is an ideal sponsor because we share the common belief that fostering curiosity and providing hands-on science-learning experiences help young people understand how the world works,” said Barry Van Deman, President and CEO of the Museum of Life and Science. Biogen Idec has been a long-time corporate member; this is the first grant the Museum has received from the Biogen Idec Foundation.
“The Museum of Life and Science and the Investigate Health Lab embody the values of the Biogen Idec Foundation because they do more than make science opportunities available to young people, they make science fun,” said Machelle Sanders, member of the Board of Directors of the Biogen Idec Foundation. “We want to support the kinds of learning opportunities that spark curiosity and ignite passion for scientific discovery. The hands-on programs provided through the Investigate Health Lab have proven to do just that.”
Members of the community are invited to visit The Lab Tuesday through Saturday, 10:30am-2:30pm. During “Forensic February,” The Lab will feature activities that use the same forensic tools as real crime scene investigators. Each week a different area of forensics will be explored, from dusting for fingerprints with magnetic powder to examining exoskeletons under the dermascope. All lab activities are free with paid Museum admission, thanks to the Biogen Idec Foundation grant.