Creation of the universe, by whatever process you believe, established Earth, the planet that provides our home in the universe. People have been able to explore and discover the resources of the planet. We use these resources to extend our capacities providing us with an unparalleled standard of living, so sufficiently that now we are able to visually explore incredible reaches of previously unknown areas of outer space and to consider travel to other planets.

All of this is possible through the resources of the earth and the ingenuity of people seeking ways to increase our capacities to discover, experience, learn and innovate to improve our lives.  Technological inventions and subsequent innovations through this exploration have led us to a deeper appreciation and understanding of the mysterious and fragile planet that we share with countless other living things.

Experiences at the Innovation, Technology and Exploration Center, through exhibits, demonstrations and activities will define parts of the Earth System: Land, Air, Water and Life and describe how these parts of the Earth System are connected, how the combination of these components must work together for the planet to function as a whole, and how human interaction with this system can produce lasting change. Our quality of life depends on our understanding of the intricate interactions between the parts of Earth’s System and how we can live without altering the natural functioning of the planet.  The continued progression of civilization requires us to recognize our responsibility to maintain the tenuous, but vital, balance within this system.

With all of our exploration, discovery, science and engineering, we have achieved some marvelous things like antibiotics, space travel and microsurgery.  We have also made some errors, such as excessive habitat destruction, pollution of ground water and generation of fossil fuel emissions that cloud our atmosphere. 

Our use of technology can be beneficial or destructive. It is increasingly important that we consider the social, environmental and economic consequences of our advances in technology. With technology allowing us to extend our reach past the 'thin blue line' of Earth's atmosphere, we are compelled to carry on our mission of exploration linked to a sense of respect for all that we encounter and consequently 'touch' within our solar system and beyond. 

ITEC is dedicated to providing an exceptional learning environment where visitors can:
* learn about the earth and the universe
* observe why and how discoveries and innovations came into being
* begin to wonder what else could be accomplished through discovery and innovation
* gain a new level of appreciation for our planet which is unlike any other and irreplaceable.

ITEC is designed to be different from other museums, and experiences here should awaken increased recognition of the impacts its inhabitants have upon the Earth, as we continue to explore, discover, learn and innovate. 

 

For more information, please visit our website: www.dasef.org