There’s a special kind of appreciation that society holds for teachers – the cultivators of young minds and shapers of our future. In celebration of this, various institutions offer special perks to acknowledge the contributions of educators. One such nugget of gratitude comes from COSI, the Center of Science and Industry, which gives a generous nod to the teaching community with its teacher discount program.
Full disclosure: If you visit a link on this page and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
COSI isn’t just another museum; it’s a dynamic hands-on science center located in Columbus, Ohio, designed to inspire a passion for science and encourage learning through play. It’s a cornucopia of excitement with a plethora of exhibits ranging from a colossal dinosaur gallery to the hair-raising Electrostatic Generator Show. Whether it’s unraveling the mysteries of the ocean in the Ocean exhibit or stargazing in the Planetarium, COSI ensures that every visit is filled with discovery and fun. It’s an educational playground where science is not just observed but experienced, serving both as a community hub for science education and a resource for educators across the region.
Teachers who are eager to weave some of COSI’s magic into their curriculum can benefit from the teacher discount. The process to snag this deal is pleasantly simple; educators can sign up through the COSI website where they’ll find the requirements and verification process outlined. Once approved, teachers gain access to a treasure trove of benefits including discounts on memberships, which could mean a year’s worth of exploratory visits for you and your family, or a reduced price on a day packed full of scientific wonder for your class. By taking advantage of the COSI teacher discount, educators can enrich their own lives with ongoing learning while gifting their students with lessons that leap off the page and into the vivid reality of our world.
Q&A
**Q: Can you give a brief overview of what “Cosi” is about?**
A: Absolutely. “Cosi” is a play by Australian playwright Louis Nowra. It’s a comedic tale that follows a young, fresh-faced university graduate named Lewis who attempts to direct a group of patients at a mental institution in Melbourne to put on a performance of Mozart’s opera “Così fan tutte.” As Lewis confronts the logistical challenges of the task, he encounters a cast of quirky characters, each with their own complexities and charm. The play is set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War protests and touches on themes of love, fidelity, sanity, and art.
**Q: How does “Cosi” approach the subject of mental illness?**
A: ”Cosi” approaches mental illness with a delicate balance of humor and respect. While the play is a comedy, it does not mock the characters for their conditions. Instead, it humanizes them, giving them depth and personality beyond their illnesses. It portrays the patients as individuals with unique hopes and dreams, highlighting the therapeutic nature of theater and the cohesive bond formed amongst the cast.
**Q: What can the audience expect in terms of the play’s style and mood?**
A: Audiences can expect a mixture of light-hearted comedy, poignant drama, and moments of genuine warmth and connection. The style is somewhat eclectic, as the play within the play (Mozart’s opera) contrasts with the setting of the mental institution. The mood swings from the absurdity of the task at hand to touching encounters between the characters, providing an engaging and thought-provoking experience.
**Q: What are some key themes explored in “Cosi”?**
A: ”Cosi” explores several key themes, including the question of what is deemed ‘normal’ versus ‘insane.’ It also examines the nature of love and fidelity, as juxtaposed with the opera’s storyline, and the transformative power of theater. Themes of friendship, the search for personal value, and the often arbitrary lines defining sanity are woven throughout the narrative.
**Q: Who is the main character in “Cosi,” and how does his journey evolve throughout the play?**
A: The main character is Lewis, a young director navigating his own existential crises. Throughout the play, Lewis evolves from a hesitant and insecure novice to a more assertive and compassionate leader. His interactions with the patients challenge his preconceptions about mental illness, art, and love, ultimately shaping his personal growth and understanding of the world around him.
**Q: What role does the setting of the 1970s play in “Cosi”?**
A: The 1970s setting is crucial as it acts as a counterpoint to the play’s action. The era’s political activism and the ongoing Vietnam War form a backdrop that contrasts with the seeming insularity of the mental institution and the timeless themes in Mozart’s opera. This juxtaposition highlights the turmoil outside the institution and reflects the characters’ own battles and idiosyncrasies within.
**Q: Is ”Cosi” suitable for all audiences?**
A: “Cosi” is largely suitable for a wide audience, but it’s important to note that its adult themes and occasional strong language may not be appropriate for young children. The play deals with complex subjects that are best appreciated by those capable of handling its nuanced portrayal of mental illness and the social commentary embedded within its humor and drama.
