Museum of Science and Industry

December is one of the nicest times of the year at the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) in Chicago. Beginning on 1 December, each year since 1942, the museum celebrates the winter holidays with “Christmas Around the World.” A 45-foot tall tree with more than 30,000 lights and 1,000 ornaments is the focal point of the holiday exhibit. In 1942, a single tree was dedicated to the Allies of World War II to start this museum tradition. Surrounding the center tree this year are 50 smaller trees. The smaller trees are decorated by volunteers from Chicago ethnic communities representing cultures and holiday traditions around the world. When you arrive for the Summit in May of 2012, MSI will be hosting a special exhibit—MythBusters, The Explosive Exhibition. Whether you’re familiar with this hit show on the Discovery Channel or your first introduction is this article, your scientific curiosity will be piqued. The exhibit covers myths such as, why does toast always land butter-side down … or does it? Do you stay drier walking or running through rain? And, that’s just a small part of the exhibit. You’ll get a chance to see a boat created by the show hosts that is made entirely out of duct tape. What do you think, would it keep you afloat or would you sink like a rock? Check out this upcoming exhibit as well as others at the Museum of Science and Industry website, www.msichicago.org. Take some time to learn what everyone enjoys at the Museum of Science and Industry. Elizabeth Burke is a member of the STC Chicago 2012 Host Committee and currently serves as the President of the STC Chicago chapter.