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Traits of Life

Traits of Life: Exploratory Exhibits in Life Sciences

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A major Life Sciences exhibit collection at the Exploratorium that focuses on the fundamental characteristics or traits of all life through four different sections: All Life Shares Common Materials, Life Uses Energy, Life Creates More Life, and Life Changes Over Time. Each section is designed to help visitors see past the diversity of living things to the underlying unity connecting us all. The Microscope Imaging Station contains high power research-quality microscopes that provide visitors with beautiful detailed images of the cellular world. Staff create spectacular still images and timelapse videos, and facilitate visitors’ remote use of the scopes.

(photos © Exploratorium)

Date: 2002
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
Funders: National Science Foundation #9814646, National Endowment for the Arts
Footprint: 8,000 square feet
Venue: Exploratorium
Collaborators: Charles Carlson, Mark McGowan
LinksMicroscope Imaging StationTraits of Life