Math Science, Engineering & Technology (MSET) - Now & Then

Reaching around the world and traveling in time to the past, the present, and the future, dramatic and informative exhibits illustrate women at work in a variety of settings.   Photographs, exhibits and engaging activities introduce visitors to the fun and excitement of math, science, engineering and technology (MSET), present practices that support learning MSET skills, illustrate that women have been successful in the area of MSET throughout history, and demonstrate how MSET skills expand career options and are essential for daily life in a technological society.

Exhibit Highlights

The Antarctic Search for Meteorites Program (ANSMET)
The United States has been collecting meteorites in Antarctica for over 25 years. The rocks are located and collected by a small team of scientists who establish a tent camp in a chosen location on the East Antarctic Ice Sheet. The meteorites are handled carefully to prevent contamination and are then shipped to NASA Johnson  Space Center for analysis and classification. Scientists world-wide are then notified of the collection and can request small samples for further research.    Currently there are more than 12,000 meteorites in the US Antarctic Meteorite Collection. This exhibit explains why scientist look for meteorites in Antarctica, the process by which they are handled, and what can be learned by studying them. Photographs from a recent expedition will be displayed. ANSMET is a joint venture of the National Science Foundation, NASA, and the Smithsonian Institute. Developed by Dr. Diane DiMassa, Professor of Engineering, Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Dr. DiMassa has been to Antarctica on two separate ANSMET expeditions.