Google teams up with COSI Science Festival to inspire Ohio's future innovators
Photo: Google
COSI Science Festival attendees got a better idea of how the internet works thanks to a unique first-hand experience with Google.
The tech company brought its new “Where the Internet Lives” exhibit to the festival on May 4th in Columbus, explaining the role of data centers in processing, storing, and protecting vast amounts of information. The exhibit tells the story of how data centers and the internet work to support our daily lives. It also showcased topics like AI for Good, Sustainability, and online safety through Google's Be Internet Awesome curriculum.
The COSI Science Festival plays a crucial role in developing a diverse STEAM workforce and bridging the STEAM skills gap. By bringing science and technology into everyday environments where people live, learn, and relax, the festival provides invaluable exposure and learning opportunities for individuals of all ages.
The Festival is an annual celebration and this year included four days of hands-on science. Three of the days were community events hosted across Central Ohio and the final day was the Big Science Celebration held at COSI.
About Be Internet Awesome
Google’s Be Internet Awesome program is designed to help kids be safe, confident, explores of the online world. The curriculum teaches kids the fundamentals of digital citizenship and safety so they can explore the online world with confidence.
It focuses on five key pillars of internet safety:
1. Be Internet Smart
Share with care
Good (and bad) news travels fast online. Encourage thoughtful sharing by treating online communication like face-to-face communication; if it isn’t right to say, it isn’t right to post.
2. Be Internet Alert
Don’t fall for fake
It’s important to help kids become aware that people and situations online aren’t always as they seem.
3. Be Internet Strong
Secure your stuff
Personal privacy and security are just as important online as they are offline. This means being smart about passwords, the information you share, and understanding your options for privacy online.
4. Be Internet Brave
When in doubt, talk it out
When kids come across something questionable, they should feel comfortable talking to a trusted adult.
5. Be Internet Kind
Use your power for good
Kids can take the high road by applying the concept of “treat others as you would like to be treated” to their actions online, creating positive impact for others and disempowering bullying behavior.
What it Means to Ohio
Google has made a significant investment into Ohio. The company announced last year it would spend $1.7 billion to expand data centers in Columbus, New Albany, and Lancaster, on top of the $2 billion it had already spent at the three facilities.
COSI Science Festival attendees were able to engage with employees from Google's local data center teams and see cutting edge technology like servers and TPUs to learn the inner workings of daily tools like Google Chrome and Gmail.
What They’re Saying
"The new 'Where the Internet Lives' roadshow is an exciting new addition to Google's community outreach efforts. We were delighted to bring the exhibit to Central Ohio and showcase the innovative technology and infrastructure powering the internet right here in the state. It was inspiring to see so many budding scientists, engineers, and future leaders at the COSI Big Science Celebration!"
- Amber Tillman, Head of Data Center Economic and Community Development for Google
