For San Jose’s Tech Interactive Museum, this summer will be especially exciting–and interactive.

That’s because Summer 2022 marks the first summer their “Solve for Earth” exhibit is open!

“The Tech” has always been highly interactive.

Visitors can assemble robots, get hands-on in maker workshops and conduct chemistry experiments. And these are just three features of the museum with the mission of “inspiring the innovator in everyone”.

But “Solve for Earth” takes that interactivity and innovation several steps further.

The exhibit encompasses 5,000 square feet, took five years to build–and will be constantly evolving. That’s because “Solve for Earth” challenges visitors to problem solve a current issue: climate change.

In other words, it asks each visitor to take action after going through the various displays.

But don’t expect to be lectured. This exhibit is designed to be fun! And it’s going to spark a lot of new ideas.

“Solve for Earth” opened to the public in November 2021. Shortly thereafter, we had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Michelle Maranowski, Lead Exhibit and Content Developer of “Solve for Earth”

Michelle, who is both an electrical engineer and a creative professional, shared the story of this unique exhibit offered a mini-tour of what people will see and explained how everyone, on-site or virtually, can continue the conversation as a community working to combat climate change.

• How Michelle first came up with the concept of “Solve for Earth”;
  

• Her journey, from there, in creating this landmark exhibit;
  

• Michelle’s recommendations on sharing information about climate change;
  

• What you’ll see, as you experience “Solve for Earth”;
  

• An Easter egg to look for (and there are others!;
  

• Some exciting new technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions;
  

• How the Eco Challenge encourages attendees to continue to take action after they’ve left The Tech;
  

• A look at the virtual resources included in “Solve for Earth”;
  

• The core concept at the heart of the exhibit;
  

• One of the best creative challenges which Michelle experienced, while designing the exhibits;
  

• The ways in which she’d like to see “Solve for Earth” evolve, in the future.