Chabot Space & Science Center's Climate Exhibition Receives Prominent Award from National Science Center Organization

OAKLAND, Calif., Oct. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Chabot Space & Science Center's exhibition Bill Nye's Climate Lab was awarded The Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Award for Visitor Experience from the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC). The award is presented in recognition of extraordinary accomplishments that not only enhance the performance of the awarded institution, but that significantly advances the mission of science-technology centers and museums worldwide.

Chabot Space & Science Center Executive Director/CEO Alexander Zwissler accepted the award at the ASTC annual conference in Baltimore, Maryland.  "Bill Nye's Climate Lab is a groundbreaking exhibition focused on the planet's most urgent scientific challenge. It engages visitors to take action to reduce greenhouse gasses and create energy solutions that can lead us to a sustainable future. We are honored to receive this award and the recognition coming from our peers at science-technology centers around the world," said Zwissler.

A seven member jury of professionals, knowledgeable about the science center field, representing a broad spectrum of ASTC's worldwide membership reviewed the eligible nominees to select the award. Founded in 1973, ASTC numbers nearly 600 member institutions in over 40 countries. Members include not only science centers and museums, but also nature centers, aquariums, planetariums, zoos, botanical gardens, and natural history and children's museums, as well as companies, consultants, and other organizations that share an interest in informal science education. For more information, visit www.ASTC.org.

Opened in November of 2010, Bill Nye's Climate Lab at Chabot Space & Science Center is an innovative, hands-on exhibition educating visitors about the science of climate change cultivating positive, workable solutions to the challenge of energy production on the planet. The exhibition's Webby Award nominated website, BillsClimateLab.org continues the visitor experience at home or in the classroom. For complete press release, click here.

Chabot Space & Science Center, a Smithsonian affiliate, and Bay Area Certified Green Business, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit interactive science center whose mission is to inspire and educate students of all ages about Planet Earth and the Universe. Founded in 1883, the Center is located at 10000 Skyline Blvd. just off Highway 13 in the Oakland hills. For more information, visit www.chabotspace.org.

SOURCE Chabot Space & Science Center