Biologically speaking, humans have more similarities than any other species. But long-held social beliefs often cause us to view other races as completely different from our own.
This is one of the myths to be tackled by the new exhibit at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus titled, RACE: Are We So Different? Starting Jan. 28, students will have the opportunity to tour the exhibit and then take what they’ve learned and use it as a starting point for discussions about race and culture in their schools and homes, says Kim Khiel, chief strategy and operations officer for COSI.
The exhibit examines race issues from three perspectives - biology, sociology and history.
“Race is a social construct,” says Khiel. “There is no biological basis for the differences we perceive in other people. Socially and culturally there are differences, however. This exhibit examines the myths versus the realities.”
RACE is the first nationally traveling exhibition to tell the story of race from the biological, cultural and historical points of view. It includes photos, multi-media presentations, artifacts and interactive exhibits to draw guests into the topic. The exhibit was developed by the American Anthropological Association in collaboration with the Science Museum of Minnesota.
“Whether you are a STEM student or an art student, this exhibit gives you a place to begin a conversation about race,” says Khiel. “This is still a very divisive issue in our society. We want kids to go back to school, or even to go home, and talk about it.”
COSI will offer numerous special programs in conjunction with the exhibit, including:
Workshops
[A1] targeted at different age levels;
—Diversity in Science Day on Jan. 28, which explores scientists of different races and what they do;
—Sciencemakers, a panel discussion on March 30 of four African American geneticists who will talk to children about their careers and their role models;
—Girls Discover, on March 31, which shows girls the career possibilities in genetics;
—And a book discussion on April 18 covering Race Matters, a book authored by Dr. Cornell West.
For information about admission to the exhibit and hours, go the
COSI website.