news MARCH / APRIL 2018 VOLUME 23, NUMBER 2 w w w. h m n s . o r g
OPEN TO MEMBERS ONLY MARCH 9 - 11
OPENS TO PUBLIC MARCH 12
MEMBER ONLY EVENTS Make the most of your Museum membership and enjoy these exclusive Members-only opportunities!
2ND SATURDAYS
H M N S M E M B E R S O N LY
March 10 & April 14, 8 a.m. - noon
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Beat the crowds—2nd Saturdays are for Members! Explore our permanent exhibition halls and get exclusive discounts to special exhibitions, enjoy arts and crafts and more. Join your Museum family on 2nd Saturdays. An exclusive benefit for Members only! The Museum’s permanent exhibit halls are always FREE for Members! Each 2nd Saturday now features family programming from 9 a.m. to noon.
2ND SATURDAYS AT SUGAR LAND March 10 & April 14 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Members enjoy a special activity during each 2nd Saturday at HMNS at Sugar Land. Don’t forget your Kid’s Pass to get a special prize! 2nd Saturday at Sugar Land features family programming from 10 to 11 a.m.
EXTRA KID'S PASS PERK! New benefit with 2nd Saturday Kid's Pass!
Show your Kid's Pass at the Museum gift shop during each Museum visit to HMNS in Hermann Park to receive a free prize! Don't have a Kid's Pass? Pick one up ONLY during 2nd Saturday!
MEMBERS EVENT HMNS AT SUGAR LAND Collection of History, Mystery and Wonder Friday, March 2, 6 - 10 p.m. The modern museum has its origins in privately-owned collections of extraordinary objects during the Renaissance. These collections, called
wonder chambers or wunderkammern in German-speaking Europe, were gathered by noblemen and scholars, warriors and explorers, who were fueled by a burgeoning interest in human and natural history. Join us in welcoming the Collection of History, Mystery and Wonder in Sugar Land with complimentary drinks and light bites. Tickets are $3.
MEMBERS EVENT Death by Natural Causes Friday, March 9 6 - 10 p.m. Members will enjoy a collection of specimens, text and interactives, visitors can see what can cause a death, either directly or indirectly, from the natural world. Old wives tales and urban myths will be debunked, as Members travel through five general areas of rich graphics, compelling visuals and surprising specimens. Complimentary drinks, light bites, crafts and more. Reserve early. Admission requires a $12 ticket purchase.
MEMBERS NIGHT AT THE GEORGE OBSERVATORY Friday, April 20 7:30 - 10 p.m.
Enjoy an evening under the stars at the George Observatory inside Brazos Bend State Park. Expert astronomers are available to let Members look at a variety of celestial objects through the Observatory telescopes, as well as privately owned telescopes. Viewing is always weather dependent. State Park entrance fees apply. Free for Members with paid park admission.
MEMBERS FIRST FILM SCREENINGS HMNS offers Members First viewings of many major films opening in the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre before the films open to the public. Beat the crowds and enjoy Friday afternoon film viewings of new films at HMNS with Members First! Hurricane 3D Friday, March 9 Members-only show times: 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Oceans Friday, March 30 Members-only show times: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 p.m.
MEMBERS DECIDE FILM SCREENING Backyard Wilderness Saturday, April 14, 10 a.m. Help us decide! Watch a Membersonly exclusive screening of Backyard Wilderness in the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre and fill out a short survey afterwards to tell us what you think. Backyard Wilderness will surprise and entertain viewers with the unexpected wonders of nature that are right under our noses—in our own backyards. Spanning a seasonal year around a suburban home, the film displays a stunning array of unique wildlife images and behavior, all captured by cameras mounted inside dens and nests, and moving along the forest floor and pond bottom, to reveal its inhabitants in rare and breathtaking intimacy. FREE for Members!
NEW MEMBERSHIP LEVELS! HMNS CATALYSTS FAMILY - Looking for the perfect date night away from the kids? Upgrade to HMNS Catalysts Family level to enjoy all the benefits of a Family Level Membership for two adults and four children, plus quarterly adults-only events with other young professionals. Two Memberships in one! FAMILY PLUS includes member benefits for two adults and four children, PLUS one additional adult or child. Voyager level is now called Family Flex and allows membership benefits for ten people. If you are a Voyager member, you will automatically be upgraded from a Voyager to a Family Flex membership. DISCOVERER and BENEFACTOR level memberships now allow member benefits for ten people.
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$45
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$150
$195
$275
$550
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2 adults + 4 kids
2 adults + 4 kids + 1 adult or kid
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10 H M N S M E M B E R S O N LY
Unlimited free admission to permanent exhibit halls
Discount admission to all ticketed special exhibitions, Cockrell Butter�ly Center, Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, and Burke Baker Planetarium Reduced rates for lectures, classes, travel and special events Discount at the Museum Store
Subscription to MuseumNews magazine Invitations to Members-only events
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Members-only ticket line
Early and discounted registration for Xplorations Summer Camps for children and grandchildren Two FREE tickets for admission to special exhibitions
Invitation for two to one President’s Circle event per year
HMNS Catalysts Young Professionals
$100
$125
$150 *Discoverer benefits value $72. Benefactor benefits value $152
HMNS IN THIS ISSUE • G HM E N ES RCAALT IANLFYOS RT M S A• T M I OI XN E R S & E L I X I R S • W O R L D T R E K K E R S w w w. h m n s . o r g / i n t e r a c t
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GENERAL INFORMATION
In 2 Member Only Events 3 Membership Benefits 4 General Information 5 Gala 2018: Jewel of the Nile HMNS Catalysts 6-7 Death by Natural Causes 8-9 Knights
HMNS MEMBERSHIP
HMNS AT SUGAR LAND
MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS www.hmns.org/member Student, Senior, Individual, Dual, Family, Family Plus, Family Flex, Discoverer, Benefactor, President’s Circle HMNS Catalysts Individual, Dual and Family
13016 University Blvd. Sugar Land, Texas 77479 (281) 313-2277 www.hmns.org/sugarland
10-11 Message in a Bottle
MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT (713) 639-4616, membership@hmns.org
12-13 Wiess Energy Hall
HMNS MAIN CAMPUS
14-15 Fabergé: Royal Gifts 16-17 Wortham Giant Screen Theatre 18-19 Burke Baker Planetarium 20 George Observatory 21 Mixers & Elixirs Astronomy at HMNS 22-23 HMNS @ Sugar Land 24 Adult Education 25 Cockrell Butterfly Center 26-27 Just For Kids 28-29 For Teachers 30-31 Events Calendar HMNS After Dark Sensory Friendly Event GET CONNECTED TO HMNS
WWW.HMNS.ORG Natural.Science
@hmns
@hmns
naturalscience1
hmns
hmns_museum
hmns
blog.hmns.org
5555 Hermann Park Drive Houston, Texas 77030 (713) 639-4629 Monday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Special Closure: Saturday, March 3 - Museum Gala Spring Break Hours: March 10 - 15: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 16 - 17: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, March 18: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Easter Weekend Hours: March 30 - 31: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 1: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Check our website for film schedules and special closures. Permanent Exhibit Halls FREE after 2 p.m. on Thursdays and after 3 p.m. on March 15. SPECIAL SERVICES Wheelchairs are provided at no cost and subject to availability. Closed Captioning is available at box office for most giant screen films. Visit www.hmns.org/accessibility for information for visitors with autism spectrum disorders. TTY (713) 639-4687. PARKING GARAGE Members received discounted rate.
FIELD TRIPS For all HMNS locations. www.hmns.org/fieldtrips fieldtrips@hmns.org (713) 639-4659
Thursday and Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday: noon to 5 p.m. Monday - Wednesday: field trips only Spring Break Hours: March 10 - 18: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 18: noon to 5 p.m. Easter Weekend Hours: Friday, March 30: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 1: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. SPECIAL EVENT RENTALS www.hmns.org/sugarlandrentals sugarlandprograms@hmns.org (281) 313-2277, ext. 101
GEORGE OBSERVATORY Located in Brazos Bend State Park 21901 FM 762 Needville, Texas 77461 (281) 242-3055 www.hmns.org/observatory State park entrance fee is $7, kids 12 and under are free. Entrance to park is not permitted after 9:30 p.m. Private groups can schedule scout troop experiences, Friday night star parties, Discovery Dome planetarium shows, tours, Expedition Center missions, astronomy classes and birthday parties. Current observatory weather conditions can be accessed at www.weatherbug. com, zip code 77461.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES www.hmns.org/birthdays birthdays@hmns.org (713) 639-4646
SPECIAL EVENT RENTALS www.rentthemuseum.com specialevents@hmns.org (713) 639-4749
with friends. Our royal guests will enjoy drinks, dancing, a one of a kind gem and minerals auction that would leave Nefertiti speechless, and dine on a feast fit for a Pharaoh.
Gala 2018 Jewel of the Nile Saturday, March 3 We are honored to have Jenna and Harris Junell, and Kay and Brandon Lobb co-chairing the annual HMNS Gala: Jewel of the Nile.
Please set your sundials for Saturday, March 3, 2018. This year’s Gala pays homage to the HMNS Hall of Ancient Egypt, and the rich culture and history of the fertile Nile River. We welcome you to walk like an Egyptian through the halls of HMNS and enjoy this unique and fun night
For sponsorship and ticket inquiries, contact Emily Brents at (713) 639-4729 or ebrents@hmns.org. Unable to attend? Attend online! The Gems and Minerals auction will go live online one week before the event. To gaze and bid on our mesmerizing auction items, please visit www.HMNS18.Gesture.com.
H M N S G A L A 2 0 1 8 : J E W E L O F T H E N I L E • H M N S C ATA LY S T
By supporting the 2018 Gala, Jewel of the Nile, you help educate and inspire the next generation of explorers. Tickets start at $500 and tables start at $5,000.
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HMNS Catalysts enjoy basic Museum Member benefits, plus invitations to exclusive HMNS Catalysts social events and discounted tickets for a friend, and a free ticket to all HMNS Mixers & Elixirs—including the galactic May The Fourth Mixer (page 21). See page 3 for Catalysts membership options or visit www.hmns.org/ catalysts for more information. HMNS Catalysts: Death by Natural Causes YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Thursday, April 26, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Discover a range of “animal, vegetable and mineral” dangers that lurk in our everyday lives. Catalysts Members
will see what can cause a death, either directly or indirectly, through a collection of specimens. Debunk urban myths and keep an eye out for a special symbol denoting Texas hazards to avoid in your own backyard. Complimentary drinks, light bites, crafts and more. Strictly for adults ages 21 and up! FREE for HMNS Catalysts Members! Museum Members (all other levels and HMNS Catalysts guests) $15, general public $25. For advance reservations or visit www.hmns.org/catalysts or call (713) 639-4629. 2018 Steering Committee Brynn Bossart Autumn Breese Celeste Byrom Anna Caudle Ben Clemenceau
Cary Corral Anna Domning Christine Dubbert Allison Flick Emalie Vann Ghonima Sam Li Hunter Lockhart Brooke McCallum Will McCallum Maggie McDaniel Cassie Reid McGarvey Vanessa Neutzler Christa Clarke Owolabi Jacob Owolabi Sahil Patel Julia Russell Katherine Sermas Patrick Sermas Chase E. Simpson Kate McLarney Speck Charley Tauer Eugene Terry Kelley Trier
www.HMNS18.Gesture.com • www.hmns.org/catalysts
HMNS Catalysts are HMNS Members in their 20s and 30s committed to the idea that science is an action that causes a reaction!
H M N S D E AT H B Y N AT U R A L C A U S E S
SPECIAL MEMBER PRICING
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Open to Members Only March 9 - 11 Opens to Public March 12 The things you fear the most are the least of your worries! Death by Natural Causes introduces patrons to the real animal, vegetable and mineral dangers that lurk in our everyday lives, while dispelling myths about some of our greatest fears. It may sound morbid, however the exhibit is equal parts informative and entertaining. Inside Death by Natural Causes, visitors will experience surprising specimens, rich graphics and compelling interactives—all against a backdrop of Victorian elegance. Here you will explore the statistical improbabilities of dying by some of your biggest fears.
Finally, address the mysteries of toxic plants, animals and minerals and how humans have evolved and adapted to include these toxins in our lives. Death by Natural Causes allows you to delve into those items most deleterious to your life and encounter beauty so deadly your heart may really stop. Death by Natural Causes was organized by the Houston Museum of Natural Science. It is on display from March 9 through September 3 on the third floor of the Dan L Duncan Wing. Local support for the exhibition is provided by the John P. McGovern
MEMBERS EVENT Friday, March 9, 2018 See page 2 for details.
BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS www.hmns.org/bts Wednesday, March 28, 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, 6 p.m.
SHELL EDUCATORS' PREVIEW www.hmns.org/educatorpreview, Death by Natural Causes March 27, 4 - 7 p.m. Snakes. Spiders. Sharks. The things you fear are the least of your worries! Preview this exhibition packed with fun science facts. Enjoy a reception and evening in this new special exhibition. Registration opens February 27: www.hmns. org/educatorpreview or (713) 639-4659.
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Enter a magnificent Victorian greenhouse featuring poisonous vegetation. Dedicated to more than just venomous vipers, the fourth gallery investigates a surprising range of deadly species from the animal kingdom. Live animals, large photo ops, and a look at the dozen deadliest animals on the plant round out this gallery.
Foundation. Members receive reduced admission. Due to the content of the exhibition, it is recommended for visitors aged ten and up.
H M N S D E AT H B Y N AT U R A L C A U S E S
First encounter a variety of live and potentially deadly creatures, while learning the difference between venomous and poisonous. Continue on to study toxic elements and minerals where dosage often determines if they are helpful or harmful.
HMNS KNIGHTS
NOW ON EXHIBITION One of the sections in the Knights exhibit is dedicated to jousting. A full set of armor with a lance, a scale model of two knights jousting, an enlarged image of a medieval manuscript and text panels all address and illustrate the topic.
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Jousting, while potentially resulting in bruises and broken bones, was not intended to end with the death of a joust’s participants. To that end, a knight’s jousting armor was much more rigid than that worn into battle. Extra care was taken to protect the neck and head of a knight. Several layers of armor also protected the left shoulder, as that was where the opponent would aim his lance. Another serious concern for a jouster was to avoid splinters from a broken lance hitting his eyes. Thus evolved a special helmet with a single eye slit, with a lower portion protruding from the upper portion. It is known as a frog helmet. Those among us who enjoy Kermit the Frog might recall the face he makes when peeved. Kermit’s facial expression looks a lot like the helmet. Discoveries like these await you at the Knights exhibition, open until May 13 at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Knights was organized by Contemporanea Progetti in collaboration with the Museo Stibbert, Florence, Italy. Local support is provided by The Hamill Foundation. It is on display through May 13, 2018 on the 3rd floor of the Dan L Duncan Wing. Members receive reduced admission. DISTINGUISHED LECTURES www.hmns.org/lectures “Jousting – The Sport of Kings” Tuesday, April 10, 6:30 p.m. Jousting tournaments were held as grand sporting and social events in medieval times. These events sealed the mystique of the knight into modern times. In full knight armor, historian and historical jousting competitor Steve Hemphill will the take us through the various events of a grand tournament. “Medieval Arms—and Armor—Race ” Tuesday, April 24, 6:30 p.m. A constant stream of innovation and evolution resulted in the magnificent suits of armor and gracefully proportioned weapons on display in the current collection. Historian David Wise will explore the science behind the arms race including the methods
of improvement, the evolution in design for ever improving defensive capabilities, and the changing role of armor as the middle ages transitioned through the Renaissance and beyond. “The Story of the Sword ” Tuesday, May 1, 6:30 p.m. Warfare changes with the technology of the day. Historian and historical bladesmith, Donald Halter will detail the evolution of edged weapons in medieval times—from material to crafting technique. Actual pieces he created will compliment his presentation. Halter was crowned a Forged in Fire champion on the History Channel in 2017. BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS www.hmns.org/bts Wednesday, March 28, 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, 6 p.m.
SPECIAL MEMBER PRICING
HMNS KNIGHTS 9
www.hmns.org/knights
HMNS MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE www.hmns.org/bottle
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NOW ON EXHIBITION Throughout history, the Message in a Bottle phenomenon makes many appearances—Greek water current studies, Japanese epics, Poe, Dickens, and the rock band The Police. This special exhibition continues the tradition, capturing the zeitgeist of the Message in a Bottle through American eyes. No single artist is featured, but the personal voices of everyday Americans are on display in this rare collection of messages found in bottles along the Mississippi River and other U.S. rivers. The Living Lands & Waters crew and many volunteers discovered these messages over the past 20 years while carrying out waterway cleanup efforts and education. Established in 1998 by Chad Pregracke, Living Lands & Waters is committed to the protection, preservation, and restoration of the natural environment of the nation’s major rivers and their watersheds. Living Lands & Waters crew spend up to 9 months a year living and traveling on a barge, hosting river clean-ups and other watershed conservation efforts. The messages presented in this exhibition were found in bottles discovered in these efforts. Message in a Bottle is organized by Chad Pregracke and Message in a Bottle LLC. It is generously supported by the John P. McGovern Foundation. The exhibition is owned and curated by Chad Pregracke, Founder & President, Living Lands & Waters. It is on display February 2 to May 13, 2018 in the Hamill Gallery on the Main Floor. This special exhibition is free for Members.
DISTINGUISHED LECTURES www.hmns.org/lectures
Streams, bayous, rivers, estuaries and the Gulf of Mexico form an intricate network of waterways that are linked by their hydrology, water quality and biology. Dr. George Guillen will explain the hydrology and ecology of the waterways of southeast Texas—and how humans have altered the delicate balance of freshwater inflow, nutrients and sediments that maintain the amazing diversity of life within these systems. Measures to conserve and restore these resources and ecological services that most people take for granted will also be discussed. Dr. George Guillen is executive director of the Environmental Institute of Houston at University of Houston-Clear Lake. BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR www.hmns.org/bts Wednesday, March 7, 6 p.m.
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“River of Dreams: the Ecology of Coastal Waterbodies” George Guillen, Ph.D., UHCL Tuesday, March 6, 6:30 p.m.
HMNS MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE
FREE FOR MEMBERS
HMNS WIESS ENERGY HALL www.hmns.org/wiess
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FREE FOR MEMBERS
NEW PERMANENT EXHIBITION NOW OPEN Have you seen the Museum’s latest permanent exhibition hall? It is ready to energize you! You aren’t just visiting the Museum, you are stepping onto an offshore drilling rig, riding a Geovator to the deep depths of Earth, touring the entire energy resource chain in Energy City, flying through the Eagle Ford Shale in a horizontal well in the EFX3000. Other highlights of the all-new Wiess Energy Hall include a dazzling history of all energy presented on array of 32 screens at 15K resolution, a giant tricone drill bit 15 feet in diameter, a real drilling simulator, a real interactive ROV (remote control submarine), a five megawatt gas turbine engine cut away to reveal its inner workings, and a 70-foot twisted structure
modeled after the plasma cloud in the “Stellerator” fusion reactor that pulses with dynamic light and highlights the renewable and future energy sources changing our world.
DAY EXCURSIONS www.hmns.org/excursions
The new Wiess Energy Hall is located on the fourth floor of the Dan L Duncan Family Wing.
Want to see what is deep beneath Earth’s surface? The Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG) Houston Research Center houses hundreds of thousands of core samples from deep within Earth that have been collected from all over the world.
BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS www.hmns.org/bts This new permanent exhibition, which is larger than a football field, takes more than one session to tour. Join our master docents on a grand tour of the new Wiess Energy Hall. “Wiess Energy Hall - Upstream: Geologic Formation to Drilling” Wednesday, March 7, 6 p.m. “Wiess Energy Hall - Midstream, Downstream and Electrical Generation: Pipelines, Refining and Power” Wednesday, March 21, 6 p.m.
“Field Trip to See Earth’s Core” Saturday, March 3, 10 a.m.
Learn what they tell researchers about our planet by looking at a variety of spectacular cores samples, such as deep-water mass transport deposits and Cretaceous reef. Participants will meet at the University of Texas, BEG facility on West Little York. Advanced registration is required. Tickets $37, Members $27
HMNS WIESS ENERGY HALL
SPECIAL EVENT SNAPSHOT
From elegant seated affairs to energetic mix-and-mingles–the latest Houston spot to impress party guests is the new Wiess Energy Hall. www.rentthemuseum.com • specialevents@hmns.org • (713) 639-4749
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www.rentthemuseum.com • www.hmns.org/wiess
H M N S FA B E R G É : R O YA L G I F T S www.hmns.org/faberge
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FREE FOR MEMBERS
Photo Credit: Royal Collection Trust © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2015.
H M N S FA B E R G É : R O YA L G I F T S
L AST DAY FOR T HE MECH A NICA L EL EPH A N T SU R PRISE IS A PRIL 8! IMPERIAL EASTER EGGS
There are over 70 eggs in the McFerrin Collection including two other Imperial-sized eggs made for special clients: the Nobel Ice Egg (c. 1913) created for Emanuel Nobel (18591932), and the Kelch Rocaille Egg created for Barbara Petrovna Kelch and presented by her husband Alexander Ferdinandovich Kelch in 1902. The first Imperial Easter Egg, the Hen Egg, was such a success that Fabergé and his group of master artisans were given complete freedom over any future designs. Each Imperial Egg was uniquely designed to delight and surprise its owner. The surprise might be a realistic, jeweled figure, embellished picture frame with photo of a loved one, or perhaps the most cherished— a mechanical animal figurine.
This egg and its surprise were separated. Perhaps one of the British royal cousins, a child of King George V and Queen Mary, ended up with the toy elephant in his pocket after a visit to a family holiday, as the elephant was found in the Queen’s collection in London.
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BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR www.hmns.org/bts Wednesday, March 28, 6 p.m. Last evening tour with the mechanical ivory elephant, surprise of the Diamond Trellis Egg.
This Imperial Easter Egg will be exhibited with its original jeweled elephant until April 8. The reunion of the two pieces is made possible by a loan from the British Royal Family’s art collection, the Royal Collection Trust. It is the first time the pieces have been seen together in over 80 years. Fabergé: Royal Gifts featuring the Trellis Egg Surprise is organized by the Houston Museum of Natural Science. It is the premiere exhibition for the Dorothy and Artie McFerrin Gallery in the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals.
T H E M USEU M STOR E MuseumStore.hmns.org Fill Your Baskets at HMNS The splendor of the tsars can be yours with enameled egg pendants and other Fabergé-inspired baubles—the perfect addition to any Easter basket.
www.hmns.org/faberge
Easter, a Christian holiday celebrated throughout Russia, is considered a time of rebirth and renewal. In the late 1800s there was no better way to celebrate this holy time than with the gift of Easter eggs. Family members were given eggs with small chocolates or other surprises inside. To maintain this tradition in a more high-end manner, the Russian royal family enlisted the help of the House of Fabergé to begin a tradition that would last for over three decades.
The eighth Fabergé Egg, presented in 1892 on Easter morning to Empress Maria Fedorovna, was a gift from her husband Tsar Alexander III. This stunning jadeite egg with rose-cut diamonds contained a mechanical ivory elephant tucked inside. The beautiful egg, known as the Diamond Trellis Egg, was kept at the Anichkov Palace until the revolution in 1917.
WORTHAM GIANT S
Visit www.hmns.org/giantscreen for showtim
Experience all of our film adventures with Giant Screen digital technology. The crystal-clear images coupled with our customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio create a unique environment that will make you feel as if you are in the movie.
H M N S W O R T H A M G I A N T S C R E E N T H E AT R E
SPECIAL MEMBER PRICING
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HURRICANE 3D
Opens on March 10 See page 2 for Members Only Screenings on March 9 A force so powerful, ancient civilizations revered it as a deity, Hurricane 3D is the journey of a storm named Lucy as it transforms from bubbling clouds to a raging monster covering 500 miles. The view of this storm is from space, through the eyes of animals, from the emergency agencies meant to warn and help, and ultimately from the ground—as it explodes and unleashes its fury. It is also a story of how hurricanes actually help the environment reminding us that behind every cloud there is a silver lining and new beginnings.
PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF ALL WORTHAM GIANT SCREEN FILM TICKETS HELP FURTHER TH
SCREEN THEATRE
mes and more information about each film.
OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET 3D
Opens on March 31 See page 3 for Members First Screening on March 30
Oceans: Our Blue Planet 3D takes viewers on a revelatory and magical journey into the mesmerizing world of our oceans—tempestuous and serene, exquisitely beautiful and bleakly forbidding. They cover 70% of Earth’s surface and hold 97% of all the water in the world. There is more life in the deep sea than anywhere else on Earth and our final frontier is the deep ocean—Earth’s “inner space.” By using breakthroughs in science and cutting-edge technology, Oceans: Our Blue Planet 3D reveals the astonishing characters, otherworldly places and extraordinary new animal behaviors. Warm and compelling stories about marine habitats and their characterful inhabitants will leave you emotionally invested in our oceans and the creatures who dwell there, and bring a whole new perspective to understanding OUR blue planet.
March 10 - March 18
Spring Break is an exciting, but busy time for visitors. To help maximize your time at the Museum 20-minute versions of these favorite 3D films will run at a reduced price. Visit www.hmns.org/giantscreen for full descriptions and links to trailers. The Waking of T. Rex: The Story of Sue Hurricane Incredible Predators
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SPRING BREAK SPECIAL
The Last Reef
H M N S W O R T H A M G I A N T S C R E E N T H E AT R E
Take a deep breath and embark on a magical, mind-blowing voyage into the most undiscovered planet on our planet: the ocean.
NOW PLAYING IN LIMITED RELEASE
HE HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE’S NONPROFIT MISSION. YOUR SUPPORT COUNTS! R
H M N S B U R K E B A K E R P L A N E TA R I U M
a magnetic shield that may soon change dramatically with devastating consequences for our technological civilization. To understand this unappreciated force, visit the Burke Baker Planetarium’s new production: Magnetism – Defending our Planet, Defining the Cosmos.
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Crab Nebula Pulsar Large Hadron Collider
1. What conditions are required for a planet to have a magnetic field?
Magnetism: Defending the Earth, Defining the Cosmos Opens March 10 An invisible and silent force pervades the Universe. We study it from the Earth’s surface and with robot explorers orbiting above our planet. Its protective shield enables life to thrive on the surface of our world. And many ocean creatures use it to navigate the globe. The spectacular Northern lights attest to the constant buffeting of our magnetic field by the solar wind. We call it Magnetism—a force that protects us from massive explosions of deadly ionized gases rising from the surface of our star. It’s
2. How do sharks and some other animals use magnetism to navigate? Surface of the Sun
The same magnetic force that keeps your refrigerator magnets in place controls the flow of energy throughout the cosmos. Magnetism will show you how magnetism causes particles to rise up from the Sun’s surface in arcs and create the flowing auroras. First graders learn about magnets, yet we discovered that high school students who had taken chemistry and physics learned over 30 new concepts in this 24-minute show. Here are a dozen questions you may have about this mysterious force, but will find out the answers in this magnetic show:
3. Has the Earth’s magnetic field changed over time? How do we know? 4. Why should we worry about the Earth’s changing magnetic field and who will be affected? 5. Why is it important for a planet to have a magnetic field? Which planets have one? 6. Why does Mars need a magnetic field to support life? 7. How is the aurora on a brown dwarf different from an Earth aurora? 8. How did we detect the magnetic field around another planet? 9. Does the Milky Way have a magnetic field and how can we detect it? 10. How do magnetic fields affect the core of a supernova remnant? 11. What would auroras around a distant planet tell us about the planet?
Large Earth’s Liquid Iron core
Dust Aligned by Galactic Magnetic Field
12. How does magnetism accelerate particles in a super collider?
ALSO SHOWING IN TRUE8K™ H M N S B U R K E B A K E R P L A N E TA R I U M 19
www.hmns.org/planetarium
PLANETARIUM ADDITIONS: “Cosmic Origins of Life on Earth” Carolyn Sumners, Ed.D. HMNS VP Astronomy Wednesday, April 4, 6:30 p.m. In a fusion of chemistry, physics, astronomy and biology, astronomer Dr. Carolyn Sumners will explain our cosmic chemistry and the explosive origins to life on Earth.
“From the Earth to the Moon – What Does It Take?” David Kring, Ph.D. Lunar and Planetary Institute Yuri’s Night, April 12, 6:30 p.m.
“Life on Mars, What to Know Before We Go” David A. Weintraub, Ph. D. Vanderbilt University Tuesday, May 8, 6:30 p.m.
Dr. David Kring, head of the Center for Lunar Science and Exploration at LPI, will address the interfaces between science, exploration and operations that are required to ensure our nation’s return to the Moon maximizes productivity while enhancing safety and efficiencies during robotic and crew operations.
This evening astronomer David Weintraub will address of the search for life on Mars—and the moral issues confronting us as we prepare to send humans there.
H M N S G E O R G E O B S E R VAT O R Y
GEORGEOBSERVATORY
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www.hmns.org/observatory
FAMILY SPACE DAY Saturday, March 3
Astronauts of all ages—kids and adults—can fly to the Moon with NASA volunteers in the Expedition Center. No danger is involved! Astronauts are assigned jobs aboard the Space Station Observer and work together as they solve problems and have fun. Don’t miss this special opportunity to participate in real astronaut training! Mission Times: 3, 4, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Visit www.hmns.org/observatory for more information and tickets.
MEMBERS NIGHT
Friday, April 20, 7:30 - 10 p.m. FREE for members with paid park admission Enjoy an evening under the stars at the George Observatory inside Brazos Bend State Park. Expert astronomers are available to let Members look at
a variety of celestial objects through the Observatory telescopes, as well as privately owned telescopes. Viewing is always weather dependent. State Park entrance fees apply.
SPRING BREAK NIGHTS Tuesday, March 13, 5 - 11 p.m. Friday, March 16, 5 - 11 p.m.
Need a stellar Spring Break treat for the family? Enjoy Brazos Bend State Park during the day and observe the phenomenal stars outside the city limit at the George Observatory at night (weather permitting). Complete Saturday viewing schedule (below) will be observed on Tuesday and Friday nights of Spring Break.
SATURDAYS AT THE GEORGE! Enjoy gazing through a variety of large research-grade Observatory
telescopes every Saturday evening until 10 p.m. The three domed scopes plus individual volunteer telescopes are available to show off the evening skies. Gift Shop, exhibits, box office and Discovery Dome open at 3 p.m. Viewing begins at dusk. HMNS members receive discounted tickets.
VISITOR INFO www.hmns.org/observatory The George Observatory is located in Brazos Bend State Park. Park entrance fee is $7, kids 12 and under free. Entrance into the park is not permitted after 9:30 p.m. Directions are posted at www. hmns.org/observatory. Observing is always weather permitting. Current observatory weather conditions can be accessed at www.weatherbug.com, zip code 77461.
Why am I always attracted to the rebels?
Mixers & Elixirs 2018 is launching in galactic fashion!
HMNS MIXERS & ELIXIRS • HMNS ASTRONOMY
“May the Fourth Be With You!” Friday, May 4, 7 - 10 p.m. Channel your inner rebel or join the dark side for our May-the-Fourth-Be-with-You par-tay. Mix, mingle and make new friends from a galaxy not so far away. Enjoy live music, dancing, cocktails and the city’s best food trucks. Party or party not. There is no try. Costumes highly encouraged! Mixers and Elixirs is for adults 21 and over. Tickets $25, HMNS Members $15 and free for HMNS Catalysts. Purchase advance tickets at www.hmns.org/mixers. Contact groupsales@hmns.org for group and corporate rates.
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From Hermann Park to the George Observatory, and Beyond!
Expedition Center www.hmns.org/expedition
Discovery Dome www.hmns.org/discoverydome
After suffering damage from Hurricane Harvey, Hermann Park and George Observatory Expedition Center Missions to the Moon and Mars are flying again! From birthday parties and school field trips to corporate team building, groups of all ages have a blast. Mission goals are team-building and problem solving with simulator training based on the techniques of NASA’s astronaut training. Emergencies challenge both astronauts and mission controllers with team work required to save the mission and make it to the Moon and Mars. Expedition Center programming is supported by Chevron.
Bring the Universe to your school, library, school fair or science night with new exciting programs and options for every grade level and many different content areas. All the new shows in the Burke Baker Planetarium can travel to you, including favorites like Dark Universe and Tales of a Time Traveler and some featuring beloved characters like Big Bird and the Zula Patrol. You choose what is best for your audience from 42 different full-dome programs in our inflatable Discovery Dome.
Teen Tech Monday - Thursday, July 30 - August 2 www.hmns.org/expedition This new science adventure puts you on the cutting edge of programming and software pilot testing. This year you will be the first to explore the ocean floor in the Expedition Center’s Deep Sea mission. The adventure begins with a deep dive to the wreck of the Titanic and then on to explore a coral reef. With emergencies and unexpected challenges, you will be on the first shake-down cruise of our new Submarine Simulator. Other adventures include designing and programming your own 3D game and exploring the planets with new Open Space software on both a computer monitor and on the Planetarium dome.
www.hmns.org/mixers • www.hmns.org/expedition
HMNS ASTRONOMY
www.hmns.org/sugarland
H M N S H M N S AT S U G A R L A N D
HMNS AT S U
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$2
U GAR L AND Collection of History, Mystery and Wonder Opens March 2
Imagine you are invited into the home of one of these collectors and visit the eight galleries he created—dedicated to the curious, the strange and the inexplicable! A different theme in each chamber tells the story of a curious person who’s gatherings may have been augmented by the purchase of exotica from sailors returning to port or from commissioned travelers who brought specimens from far-off places.
Collection of History, Mystery and Wonder is an exclusive exhibition to HMNS at Sugar Land. It premieres March 2. Tickets reduced for Members.
FAMILY EVENT
MEMBERS EVENT
Pi Day 3.14 Wednesday, March 14 10 a.m. - noon
Collection of History, Mystery and Wonder Friday, March 2 6 - 10 p.m. See page 2 for details
2ND SATURDAYS
Pi is an irrational number, but there’s nothing crazy about celebrating Mathematics—and Einstein’s birthday. Welcome to Pi Day! Indulge your inner geek with fun math-related activities on this special date—3.14—during Spring Break!
FOR MEMBERS AT HMNS IN SUGAR LAND! March 10 and April 14 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. See page 2 for details.
We’ll even have pi (with an “e”!) from the Proud Pie Food Truck to munch on. It’s a genius idea! Tickets are $3 each. Regular Museum entry ticket purchase required for nonmembers.
H M N S H M N S AT S U G A R L A N D
The modern museum has its origins in privately-owned collections of extraordinary objects during the Renaissance. These collections, called wonder-chambers or wunderkammern in German-speaking Europe, were gathered by noblemen and scholars, as well as warriors and explorers, who were fueled by a burgeoning interest in human and natural history.
You, too, can explore and strive to understand the wondrous world we live in and come to realize, in the famous words of Dorothy Parker, “There is no cure for curiosity!”
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ADULT EDUCATION To register, visit www.hmns.org/adults or call (713) 639-4629.
DISTINGUISHED LECTURES www.hmns.org/lectures
H M N S A D U LT E D U C AT I O N
“River of Dreams – Ecology of Coastal Waterbodies” George Guillen, Ph.D., Environmental Scientist Tuesday, March 6, 6:30 p.m. (page 11)
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“Designing Gardens for Children— Inspired by the Hundred Acre Wood” Kathryn Aalto, Landscape Historian Tuesday, March 20, 6:30 p.m. Gardens are gateways for instilling a sense of wonder and stewardship in children about the natural world. This 90-minute workshop looks at key elements of flow, color, planting, refuge, seating, games and wildlife, in consideration of concepts of child development, design adaptability and creating opportunities for children to explore. Book signing following the program. “A Taste for the Beautiful – The Evolution of Attraction” Michael Ryan, Ph.D. University of Texas, Austin Thursday, March 29, 6:30 p.m. One of the world's leading authorities on animal behavior, Michael J. Ryan will tell the astonishing story of how the female brain drives the evolution of beauty in animals and humans. He will also discuss how potential mates evolve features that make them more sexually attractive and reproductively successful. Book signing following the presentation. “Chocolate, Corn and Floating Farms: the Marvel of Aztec Foods” Dirk Van Tuerenhout, Ph.D. HMNS Curator of Anthropology Tuesday, April 3, 6:30 p.m. Is it possible that the Aztecs may help feed a hungry planet tomorrow? Dr. Dirk Van Tuerenhout will explain how we can benefit from the Aztec’s
unique, evolutionary adaptations as well as their revolutionary farming techniques and surprising foodstuffs. This lecture is co-sponsored by AIA, Houston with support from Occidental Petroleum Talk, the Institute of Hispanic Culture and Food Ways Texas. “Jousting – The Sport of Kings” David Wise, Historian and Jouster Tuesday, April 10, 6:30 p.m. (page 8) ”What Makes Us Human? Lessons from the Study of Wild Chimpanzees” John Mitani, Ph.D. University of Michigan Tuesday, April 17, 6:30 p.m. Primate behavioral ecologist John Mitani will reveal interesting parallels between humans and chimpanzees with respect to friendships, longevity and cooperation. Mitani will share stories and insights from his 23-year study of a large community of chimpanzees in Uganda. This event is co-sponsored by The Leakey Foundation. “Medieval Arms Race” David Wise, Historian and Jouster Tuesday, April 24, 6:30 p.m. (page 8) “The Perfectionists: How Precision Engineers Created the Modern World” Simon Winchester Science Writer and Author Tuesday, May 15, 6:30 p.m. Revered author Simon Winchester will trace the development of technology from the Industrial Age to the Digital Age to explore the single component crucial to advancement—precision— in a history that is both an homage and a warning for our future. Originally a geologist who was assigned to field work in Africa and offshore rigs in the North Sea, Winchester changed career paths to journalist. He was awarded an Order of the British Empire for his services
to journalism and literature in 2006. Following the lecture, Winchester will sign copies of his new book The Perfectionists: How Precision Engineers Created the Modern World, along with a selection of his other best sellers: The Professor and the Madman, The Man Who Loved China and Krakatoa.
URBAN HARVEST GARDENING CLASSES www.hmns.org/aedclasses
“Edible Landscapes” Saturday, April 21, 9:30 a.m. Traditional vegetable crops, edible flowers, fruit trees and more— whether you live in a house with a lawn, an apartment with a balcony or townhouse with a patio, you can accomplish beautiful landscaping through food plants. “Square Foot Gardening” Saturday, May 12, 9:30 a.m. Square Foot Gardening utilizes raised beds garden, and this class is designed to make this simple gardening method successful for Houston's deluge/ drought rainfall, heat and humidity!
GEO & PALEO CLASSES www.hmns.org/aedclasses
The instructor of these classes is geologist and paleontologist James Washington, HMNS staff trainer, who will take you behind-the-scenes in the Museum’s staff training lab where hundreds of specimens are uniquely presented in a hands-on road maps. Following the classroom instruction, the class will continue in to the Museum exhibition halls. “Introduction to Rocks and Minerals” Saturday, April 14, 9 a.m. - noon “Paleontology 101” Saturday, May 12, 9 a.m. - noon
SPRING PLANT SALE Saturday, April 14 8:30 a.m. – Members-Only Entry 9:00 a.m. – General Public Entry noon – Sale Ends
On Saturday, April 14, join us for the opportunity to browse hundreds of beautiful, healthy and hard-to-find nectar and host plants, ready to restock your garden and welcome butterflies and other pollinators who are desperately searching for food for themselves and their offspring. We will have a wide selection of native and tropical plants, as well as some ornamentals and hard-to-find exotics.
Are you new to pollinator gardening? Cockrell Butterfly Center entomologists and horticulturists will be onsite to answer all of your questions and get you started in the right direction. This spring, the plant sale takes place on HMNS’s Second Saturday, so Members will gain early access to the Plant Sale. Memberships will also be available for purchase starting at 8 a.m. that morning. We look forward to seeing you there!
H M N S C O C K R E L L B U T T E R F LY C E N T E R
Did you know that Texas is home to more species of butterflies than any other state in the US? Out of 719 total species in North America, 430 species call the great state of Texas their home. We also have more than 700 species of native bees, which are crucial to our native landscapes and agriculture. This winter was very harsh and unforgiving
for Southeast Texas and many areas have lost valuable nectar sources for our local pollinators.
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www.hmns.org/butterflycenter
HMNS JUST FOR KIDS
www.hmns.org/xplorations With more sensational science than ever before, a summer of adventure awaits you at HMNS. New topics for 2018: Advanced Food Science, Camp Half Blood and Maker Lab Alpha. The complete camp catalog is now available online at www.hmns.org/ xplorations.
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New and Improved Drop-Off and Pick-Up for Summer 2018!
A summer of education and adventure awaits your child at HMNS. Xplorations Summer Science Adventures are weeklong, hands-on science summer camps featuring science activities for children ages 6 – 12. Camps are held Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. For an additional weekly fee, care is available before camp begins each day, from 8 – 10 a.m., and after camp ends, from 3 – 5:30 p.m. Members priority registration now open! General nonmember registration begins Monday, March 19. Register now to secure your camp spots!
A dedicated carpool line for camper drop-off and pick-up is new this summer; plus, free reserved parking in the Museum garage for exclusive use of summer camp patrons. This service is only for Family Level Members and up. It is limited to 50 spots per week. Please visit www. hmns.org/campdropoff for details. HMNS, Hermann Park June 4-8 June 11-15 June 26-30 July 2-3, 5-6 (4-day camp week) July 16-20 July 23-27 August 6-10 August 13-17
HMNS at Sugar Land June 4-8 June 18-22 June 25-29 July 9-13 July 16-20 July 30 - August 3 August 6-10 Visit www.hmns.org/xplorations for complete camp information. If you haven’t received your Xplorations catalog by mail, please contact xplorations@hmns.org or (713) 639-4625.
BIRTHDAYS WITH A LITTLE BRAIN POWER! www.hmns.org/birthdays Back to School—too busy to plan your kid’s birthday? Don’t worry, let HMNS handle all of your birthday party planning—the decorations, entertainment, craft project, party coordinator and more!
Visit www.hmns.org/birthdays for complete party planning info, including optional addons. For Sugar Land parties, visit www.hmns.org/sugarlandbirthdays for more information!
HMNS JUST FOR KIDS
We have themes for all ages and interests: Dinosaur, Ancient Egypt, Butterfly/Bugs, Astronomy, Wildlife and Expedition. Deluxe packages also available: Partysaurus, Winged Wonderland, Galactic Gathering, Deluxe Wildlife, Deluxe Egypt. Party packages begin at $350.
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The Scout Program at HMNS continues to grow with the addition of classes for boys and girls. Scouts@HMNS offers a wide array of badges and classes for all ages of Boy and Girls Scouts on Saturdays through the school year. Go to www.hmns.org/scouts for the schedule or e-mail scouts@hmns.org for more information. Also, plan ahead for additional Scout programming at HMNS.
SPRING BREAK SCOUTS IN SUGAR LAND March 13-15, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. HMNS at Sugar Land Registration is reduced for HMNS Members!
Boy Scouts: Citizenship in the Community (one day), Environmental Science (three days), Family Life Merit Badge (one day), Personal Management (one day) Girl Scouts: Brownie – Programming and Designing Robots (one day), Cadette – Breathe Journey (one day), Junior – Programming and Designing Robots (one day)
SUMMER SCOUTS 2018 Interested in Summer Scouts?! HMNS offers weeklong classes for scouts to earn multiple merit badges for Boy Scouts, Webelos, Cut Scouts, Girl Scout Brownies, Cadettes, Daisies, Juniors, and Senior Journeys.
HMNS, Hermann Park June 18-22 July 9-13 July 30-August 3 HMNS at Sugar Land June 11-15 July 2-3, 5-6 (4 day week) July 23-27 August 13-17 Visit www.hmns.org/summerscouts or e-mail scouts@hmns.org for class schedule and more information.
www.hmns.org/kids
www.hmns.org/scouts
FOR TEACHER
HMNS FOR TEACHERS
Southwestern Energy Earth Science Lab, Grades 1-8 “Discover Maps!” - Learn about latitude, longitude and cartography in this class all about maps! (May 25 in Sugar Land)
www.hmns.org/education
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Wildlife Lab for Grades 1-8 “Australian Wildlife” - It’s home to flying foxes, venomous wonders and the only two egg-laying mammals in the world! Australia is a unique and fascinating biodiversity hotspot. (March 29 in Sugar Land)
EDUCATOR GUIDE IS YOUR TICKET TO WIN! Brighten up your school year with educational opportunities at HMNS. View it online at www. hmns.org/educatorguide or email educationquestions@hmns.org to receive your own copy! WEEKDAY LABS Coming to HMNS for a field trip? Try one of our Weekday Science Labs. These self-contained investigations feature Museum specimens, artifacts and laboratory equipment. Each lab is one hour long and includes admission to the Museum’s permanent exhibit halls. Available at HMNS in Hermann Park all month and the select listed dates at HMNS at Sugar Land. Capacity is 25 students per lab. Cost per lab is $165 $200. Visit www.hmns.org/weekdaylabs for the Weekday Lab schedule for the 2017-2018 school year. MARCH LAB TOPICS Time Lab, Grades 1-8 “The Zulu Kingdom” - Discover this South African kingdom that gained fame during and after the Anglo-Zulu War. (March 30 in Sugar Land)
Dissection Lab, Grades 5-10 “The Eyes Have It” - Blind spots, color blindness or myopia a problem? Come find out why as you take a peek at the eye and see how it functions. Includes eyeball dissection. APRIL LAB TOPICS ConocoPhillips Techno Science Lab, Grades 1-8 “Bridges” - Build models and investigate forces to determine what makes a sturdy structure. (April 27 in Sugar Land) Southwestern Energy Earth Science Lab, Grades 1-8 “Petroleum Production” - Journey through the processes that transform petroleum into its many products. Discover everyday items that come from this fossil fuel. Wildlife Lab, Grades 1-8 “Understanding Ungulates” - The hooves have it in this lab all about hoofstock! (April 26 in Sugar Land) MAY LAB TOPICS ConocoPhillips Techno Science Lab, Grades 1-8 “Motion and Machines” - Make work easier as you explore gears, levers and other simple and compound machines.
Wildlife Lab, Grades 1-8 “Going, Going, Hopefully Not Gone!” - Discover a world of rare and wonderful creatures as you learn about endangered species. (May 24 in Sugar Land) LABS ON DEMAND Need help with a TEKS objective? Want a lab experience for your field trip? Each lab is tailored to your grade level. $200 per presentation (maximum 25 students), plus $75 travel fee for presentations at your school. Topics Available: Chemistry, Force and Motion, Electricity, Light and Optics, Magnets, Storm Science, Ancient Egypt, Cells, Earth Science, and Dissection. For more information on booking a Lab on Demand for your group please email educationquestions@hmns.org. EXXONMOBIL EDUCATOR MAKER LABS ExxonMobil Educator Maker Labs are intended to engage learners in problem based, open-ended activities that naturally encourage high-level learning, cooperation and problem-solving. Participants will learn a number of new skills and then use those skills in a group setting to solve challenges related to TEKS-based objectives and receive 4 hours of CPE credit, a kit of materials to take back to the classroom, curriculum and a coupon for discounted parking.
RS
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND FOR ALL EDUCATORS PROGRAMS, VISIT WWW.HMNS.ORG/EDUCATORS OR CONTACT EDUCATIONQUESTIONS@HMNS.ORG
“Ingenious Engineering” Saturday, March 24, 8 a.m. - noon Become a tinker thinker as you create aerial photography, your own balloonbased speaker and a multiplication parabola in this Maker Lab. “AR/VR in the Classroom” Saturday, April 21, 8 a.m. - noon
SHELL EDUCATORS' PREVIEW Death by Natural Causes March 27, 4 - 7 p.m. More info on page 7. EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE OR MATHEMATICS AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Bring the Museum to Your Classroom! Aligned to grade-level TEKS objectives, pricing ranges from $100 $625. Presentations last 30-45 minutes and multiple presentations may be scheduled in a day. Extended day, weekend and evening scheduling is also available. Special Science Night activity station packages are also available. For more information and scheduling: www.hmns.org/outreach, outreach@ hmns.org, (713) 639-4758. Choose from these HMNS Outreach Programs: Bugs on Wheels Chevron Earth Science on Wheels ConocoPhillips Science on Stage Docents to Go Discovery Dome Wildlife on Wheels
“Death by Natural Causes” Friday, March 23, 5 - 11 p.m. Death by Natural Causes will introduce students to the range of “animal, vegetable and mineral” dangers that lurk in their everyday lives. Through a collection of specimens, text and interactives, students will explore animal adaptations, statistics, chemistry, medicine and history. The rich graphics, compelling visuals and surprising specimens are sure to pique interests! $60 per educator, includes dinner, 6 hours of CPE credit. GIFTED AND TALENTED SUMMER WORKSHOP “Differentiating with the Museum: Empowerment through Awareness and Self-Advocacy” June 5, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29; July 30, 31; August 1 How do you empower students to own their giftedness? In this workshop, explore the importance of differentiating by offering choice to increase academic courage. Boost your classroom strategy with ready-toimplement activities such as advanced menus and product ideas. With dynamic presenters, engaging sessions, and the Museum to explore, this is a workshop like no other. Receive six hours of credit toward the Differentiation strand or your 6-hour Gifted and Talented update. Early bird pricing for summer sessions (January-April): $50 for Members; $60 for nonmembers. Regular pricing (May-August): $50 for Members; $70 for nonmembers. To register visit www.hmns.org/GT. For questions, email giftedandtalented@hmns.org or call (713) 639-4659.
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Through the generosity of the Cockrell Foundation, HMNS awards the Evelyn Frensley Scholarship of $2,000 to two high school juniors in the Houston area and the Wilhelmina C. Robertson Teaching Award of $2,000 is awarded to one K-5th grade science or math teacher, and one
OUTREACH PROGRAMS
EDUCATOR LATE NIGHT
HMNS FOR TEACHERS
Explore Google Expeditions, and learn how to create your own 3D images to upload to a 3D printer or augmented reality software. This Maker Lab requires the participants bring a smartphone.
6th-12th grade teacher. The application deadline for the 2018 Excellence in Science or Mathematics Teaching Awards and Student Scholarships is April 20, 2018. You can nominate a student or teacher at www. hmns.org/excellenceinscience. Contact (713) 639-4651 or sstevenson@hmns. org with questions.
HMNS EVENTS CALENDAR
HMNS AT SUGAR LAND EXHIBITION OPENS Collection of History, Mystery and Wonder Friday, March 2 (page 23)
www.hmns.org/calendar
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MARCH
MEMBERS EVENT HMNS AT SUGAR LAND Collection of History, Mystery and Wonder Friday, March 2, 6 - 10 p.m. (page 2) FAMILY SPACE DAY AT THE GEORGE OBSERVATORY Saturday, March 3 (page 20) MUSEUM CLOSED Saturday, March 3 (page 4) GALA 2018 Jewel of the Nile Saturday, March 3 (page 5) EXHIBITION OPENS Death by Natural Causes Open to Members Only March 9 - 11 (page 6) DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “River of Dreams – Ecology of Coastal Waterbodies” Tuesday, March 6, 6:30 p.m. (page 11) MEMBERS FIRST FILM SCREENING Hurricane 3D Friday, March 9 Members-only show times: 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. (page 2) MEMBERS EVENT Death by Natural Causes Friday, March 9, 6 - 10 p.m. (page 2)
HMNS AFTER DARK Wednesday, March 14, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. HOUSTON ASTROS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY ON DISPLAY AT HMNS March 16 & 17, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. March 18, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Wednesday, March 14 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. The entire Museum will stay open until 9 p.m. Take a stroll, catch a flick and enjoy a wonderful evening out at HMNS After Dark. Grab a drink or a bite at McDonald’s and enjoy HMNS in the glow of the moonlight! Additional 2018 dates: Wednesday, June 27 Wednesday, September 19 Wednesday, December 26
2ND SATURDAY Saturday, March 10, 8 a.m. - noon (page 2) 2ND SATURDAY AT SUGAR LAND Saturday, March 10, 10 - 11 a.m. (page 2) EXHIBITION OPENS Death by Natural Causes Opens to Public March 12 (page 6) SPRING BREAK SCOUTS IN SUGAR LAND March 13 - 15, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (page 27) HMNS AT SUGAR LAND FAMILY EVENT Pi Day 3.14 Wednesday, March 14, 10 a.m. - noon (page 23)
DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Designing Gardens for Children – Inspired by the Hundred Acre Wood” Tuesday, March 20, 6:30 p.m. (page 24) EDUCATOR LATE NIGHT “Death by Natural Causes” Friday, March 23, 5 - 11 p.m. (page 29) EXXONMOBIL EDUCATOR MAKER LAB “Ingenious Engineering” Saturday, March 24, 8 a.m. - noon (page 29) SHELL EDUCATORS' PREVIEW Death by Natural Causes March 27, 4 - 7 p.m. (page 7) BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS Fabergé: Royal Gifts featuring the Trellis Egg Surprise (page 15) Knights (page 8) Death by Natural Causes (page 7) Wednesday, March 28, 6 p.m. DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “A Taste for the Beautiful – The Evolution of Attraction” Thursday, March 29, 6:30 p.m. (page 24) MEMBERS FIRST FILM SCREENING Oceans Friday, March 30 Members-only show times: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 p.m. (page 2)
For tickets to all events, visit www
Saturday, April 28, 8 - 10 a.m Enjoy modified exhibits and sensoryfriendly shows in the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre and Burke Baker Planetarium! Download our
DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Cosmic Origins of Life on Earth” Wednesday, April 4, 6:30 p.m. (page 19) DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Jousting – The Sport of Kings” Tuesday, April 10, 6:30 p.m. (page 8) DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “From the Earth to the Moon – What Does It Take?” Thursday, April 12, 6:30 p.m. (page 19) COCKRELL BUTTERFLY CENTER SPRING PLANT SALE Saturday, April 14 Members: 8:30 a.m. - noon General Public: 9 a.m. - noon (page 25)
w.hmns.org or call (713) 639-4629.
accessibility app Access HMNS to prepare for your visit and use it while you’re at HMNS to create a personalized Museum experience for you and your family. Access HMNS is available for both Apple and Android devices.
APRIL HANDS-ON CLASS “Introduction to Rocks and Minerals” Saturday, April 14, 9 a.m. - noon (page 24) 2ND SATURDAY Saturday, April 14, 9 a.m. - noon (page 2) 2ND SATURDAY AT SUGAR LAND Saturday, April 14, 10 - 11 a.m. (page 2) MEMBERS DECIDE FILM SCREENING Backyard Wilderness Saturday, April 14, 10 a.m. (page 2) DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “What Makes Us Human? Lessons from the Study of Wild Chimpanzees” Tuesday, April 17, 6:30 p.m. (page 24) MEMBERS NIGHT AT THE GEORGE OBSERVATORY Friday, April 20, 7:30 - 10 p.m. (page 2)
EXXONMOBIL EDUCATOR MAKER LAB “AR/VR in the Classroom” Saturday, April 21, 8 a.m. - noon (page 29) URBAN HARVEST GARDENING CLASS “Edible Landscapes” Saturday, April 21, 9 a.m. (page 24) DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Medieval Arms Race” Tuesday, April 24, 6:30 p.m. (page 8) BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Knights Wednesday, April 25, 6 p.m. (page 8) HMNS CATALYSTS YOUNG PROFESSIONALS EVENT Death by Natural Causes Thursday, April 26, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (page 5) SENSORY FRIENDLY EVENT Saturday, April 28, 8 - 10 a.m. (page 31)
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DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Chocolate, Corn, and Floating Farms: the Marvel of Aztec Foods” Tuesday, April 3, 6:30 p.m. (page 24)
HMNS EVENTS CALENDAR
Sensory Friendly event
POSTMASTER: Dated material enclosed. Please deliver IMMEDIATELY!
www.hmns.org/magazine
HMNS NEWS • MARHCH / APRIL 2018 • VOLUME 23, NUMBER 2
5555 Hermann Park Drive Houston, Texas 77030
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Houston, Texas Permit No. 6371
HMNS NEWS IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT WWW.HMNS.ORG/MAGAZINE HMNS activities are supported in part by funds provided by the City of Houston.
FREE FOR MEMBERS
HMNS News (ISSN 1556-7478) is published bimonthly by the Houston Museum of Natural Science, 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, Texas 77030. Issues are sent every other month as a benefit to all Museum members. HMNS is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to preserve and advance the general knowledge of natural science, to enhance in individuals the knowledge of and delight in natural science and related subjects, and to maintain and promote a museum of the first class.
Houston Astros World Championship Trophy on display at HMNS for three days during Spring Break Have your photo taken with the World Series Championship Trophy! March 16 - 17: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, March 18: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. A ticket to the permanent exhibit hall is required. Free for Museum Members. The trophy will be on display in the Brown Gallery on the main floor of the Museum.