Reuben H. Fleet Science Center Partners with GE, National Geographic and a Network of Science Centers to Teach Students About the Future of Energy

    SAN DIEGO, CA, December 10, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center announced that it has joined a program, developed in partnership with GE, National Geographic and the Center for Science, a national network of leading science centers, to engage, enlighten and educate students in grades four through 12 about the future of energy. Through the program, teachers and students in San Diego will have access to a portfolio of multimedia energy education materials that can be used in and out of the classroom to inspire students' interest in STEM topics and careers. These resources help to expand awareness of where energy comes from and to connect students to the idea that they have the power to make choices that can transform their lives.

GE, National Geographic and the Center for Science have collaborated to create an interactive program called "Connect! Transform the Future." The program is made up of innovative and fun materials, including Electropolis, a short digital film and Plan It Green Live, an online game, both produced by National Geographic. In addition, National Geographic Education designed a collection of multimedia educational materials to help students and teachers explore the world of energy and connect the dots to a more sustainable energy future. The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center will leverage these resources to help educate and engage San Diego-area students and citizens in the conversation on energy through a combination of school programs and energy activities for visitors.

"We are excited to be part of creating and launching this new type of collaboration that gives the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center more resources and opportunities to engage the San Diego community," said Kris Mooney, director of education for the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. "San Diego as a city is recognized globally as a leader in energy efficiency, distributed electricity generation and renewable energy technology. Our participation in this program better allows us to teach our children about the significant career opportunities in this exciting industry and encourage them to learn more."

The first project element launched at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is a free online city-building game, Plan It Green Live, that enables players to design their own virtual city and build it into the most energy-efficient metropolis in the world.

"Educating youth about energy and energy solutions will be necessary if future generations are going to help solve our energy challenges and push the boundaries of energy innovation," said Lisa Truitt, president of National Geographic Cinema Ventures. "This collection of multimedia activities will give students a clear view of the benefits and challenges of energy choices in a compelling and entertaining format that they will enjoy."

The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is one of six science centers around the country that will launch the "Connect! Transform the Future" program as part of GE and National Geographic's broader partnership with the Center for Science. By sharing resources and expanding partnerships to include companies with significant science and technology research programs like GE, and international nonprofit organizations with media arms like National Geographic, science centers will have more tools at their disposal to engage their community.

"At GE, our engineers and technologists are working each day to improve the efficiency and value of our nation's energy infrastructure," said Luke Clemente, region general manager--North America, GE's Digital Energy business. "Through the 'Connect! Transform the Future' program and our partnership with organizations like the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, we are creating ways for energy consumers, particularly young people, to better understand our energy system and learn what they can do to help create strong, thriving communities."

Educators interested in program materials are encouraged to visit natgeoed.org/connect to explore the educational materials. Additionally, an archived version of the October 3rd live webcast event focused on careers in renewable energy can be viewed here. Further, educators in the San Diego area are encouraged to contact the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center at (619) 238-1233 x806 for additional information on programs for school groups and energy resources for educators.

About the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center ("the Fleet") is home to Southern California's only Giant Dome Theater and 100+ hands-on science exhibits for all ages. Watch immersive giant-screen films in the Heikoff Giant Dome Theater, featuring the world's first NanoSeam Dome screen. The Fleet is the first Giant Dome Screen Theater in the country to share a digital planetarium with an IMAX Dome theater, following the recent installation of a new, state-of-the-art, giant dome screen digital GSX system from Global Immersion, which augments the existing IMAX projector in the Heikoff Giant Dome Theater with one of the most comprehensive and powerful full-dome experiences available today. Experience eight galleries of fun, interactive exhibits, including major traveling exhibitions. A hurricane simulator thrills visitors with gusts of wind up to 80 miles per hour. Enjoy sandwiches, salads and healthy treats in Galileo's Cafe. Find unique educational toys and games, books, IMAX DVDs and more in the North Star Science Store. Located at 1875 El Prado, two blocks south of the San Diego Zoo on Park Blvd, the Fleet Science Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to furthering the public understanding and enjoyment of science and technology. For information regarding current admission prices, please call (619) 238-1233 or visit our website at www.rhfleet.org.

About National Geographic

The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Its mission is to inspire people to care about the planet. Founded in 1888, the Society is member supported and offers a community for members to get closer to explorers, connect with other members and help make a difference. The Society reaches more than 450 million people worldwide each month through National Geographic and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 10,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education division promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.

About GE

GE works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.

About the Center for Science

The Center for Science is a national, collaborative network focused on integrating and leveraging all available resources to advance science and technology understanding. The Center for Science was launched by six visionary science centers, including the Saint Louis Science Center (St. Louis, MO); the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) (Columbus, OH); the Maryland Science Center (Baltimore, MD); the Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago, IL); the Pacific Science Center (Seattle, WA); and the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center (San Diego, CA). Learn more at www.centerforscience.org

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