PHILADELPHIA -- The Franklin Institute Science Museum,much visited by Philadelphia area school children, has recently become a destination for visitors across the globe through Internet2, a high-speed network designed for research and education. The connection was made possible by the University of Pennsylvania, a founding member of the Internet2 consortium and operator of the regional Internet2 connector, or GigaPoP, known as MAGPI, the Mid-Atlantic GigaPoP in Philadelphia for Internet2.

At 10 megabytes per second, the high-speed connections allow member organizations to send and receive vast amounts of data that would cripple or slow a regular Internet connection. In particular, the Franklin Institute can use the network for video conferencing at clarity comparable to television, enabling the institute to host interactive educational programming.  Such programming will allow students to travel the globe and talk to scientists, all without leaving the classroom.

"Originally conceived as a high-speed research network, Internet2 is quickly becoming a tool for broader education initiatives, connecting schools with universities and great institutions like the Franklin Institute Science Museum," said Robin Beck, vice president of information systems and computing at Penn.  "Penn has long enjoyed the benefits and reliability of Internet2 and it is a continuing goal to bring this connection to other educational organizations in the region."

The MAGPI organization has already made it possible for both public schools and local universities to take advantage of the benefits of Internet2, from New Jersey to the Lehigh Valley.   

"The Franklin Institute has a long tradition of charting the course for innovative science education," said Carol Parssinen, Senior Vice-President and head of the Institute Center for Innovation. "Now, Internet2 points us in exciting new directions. The opportunity it presents for student learning and exploration is tremendous."

Internet2 educational activities exist within the Institute Center for Innovation in Science Learning, which develops and implements model programs in science and technology teaching and learning for children and adults.  The Center programs concentrate on school partnerships, youth leadership (with a focus on under-served populations), gender and family learning, and technology in education. In particular, the Institute Internet2 activities will build upon proven expertise as a provider of science inquiry learning supported by online educational content.  

In April, the Franklin Institute and Penn Video Network collaborated on a pilot project called the Brain Research and Rewards. The results of which are viewable at: http://www.fi.edu/webcast/

Additional informaiton on MAGPI is available at http://www.magpi.org or http://www.upenn.edu/computing/penngetsit/academic/internet2.html

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About The Franklin Institute

Currently undergoing a major renaissance, the all-new Franklin Institute initiated a Capital Campaign in 1998 and successfully raised $62 million to launch eight new, interactive, theme-based, state-of-the-art exhibits through 2006, as well as to renovate its museum theaters, retail store, and public areas. New and renovated exhibits include The Franklin Air Show, The Sports Challenge, Space Command, The Train Factory, the Fels Planetarium, and The Giant Heart.

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is a nationally respected pioneer in the development of interactive science exhibits. The Franklin Institute is Pennsylvania's most visited museum. In 2004, The Franklin Institute experienced its second best attendance year in history, with a total of 933,779 visitors.

The Center for Innovation in Science Learning (CISL) at The Franklin Institute is a premier center for science learning research, program development, and educational services. Founded in 1995, CISL has sustained cumulative research and programs in four areas of national focus in science education: teacher development, educational technology, gender and family learning, and youth leadership. In keeping with the mission of The Franklin Institute, the core philosophy of all Center for Innovation programs is the commitment to inquiry learning in science.