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Event at the National Academy of Science - The External Experience

Friday, February 28, 2020
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
2101 Constitution Ave NW

Join us for the grand unveiling of ETERNAL, a 60-foot-long jellyfish made of plastic grocery bags floating above the NAS West Court. This sculpture by Maris Polanco points toward the issue of plastic in the ocean and the dangers it presents for ocean wildlife. Floating in ocean tides, these not-so-ephemeral wisps of plastic resemble a favorite snack of many large sea creatures—jellyfish. The consequences are dire. What can we do about the problem collectively and as individuals?


At this evening event:

  • Learn more about the plastics we use every day;
  • Play plastic bingo + trivia to test your knowledge;
    See what microplastic looks like under a microscope;
    Race against the clock in a plastics-themed escape room;
    Learn about plastic bag legislation locally and around the globe;
    Vote about whether a plastic bag tax or a plastic bag ban is better;
  • Have your caricature drawn with ETERNAL the jellyfish; and more!

Meet NAS President Marcia K. McNutt, and mix and mingle with experts from the National Academy of Sciences, the D.C. Department of Public Works, and the Alice Ferguson Foundation.

Doors open at 6 p.m.; event begins at 6:45 p.m.
Admission includes a drink ticket and snacks.
Appropriate for ages 21+.