Eureka Summer 2017

SUMMER 2017 200 19th Street North Birmingham, AL 35203 WWW.MCWANE.ORG (205) 714-8300

SUMMER @

LEGO MCWANE/PG 4

Contents 1

Letter from the President Math. The very thought brings anxiety and stress to many students and even to some adults.

I have lots of friends who say they struggled in math when they were kids, and some claim they still struggle with it. The 2015 results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), known as “the nation’s report card,” show Alabama’s fourth graders were in 52nd place in the US, behind all fifty states, the Department of Defense Schools and the District of Columbia. Alabama’s eighth graders did not fare much better.

I was fortunate to be pretty good at math when I was in school. I took advanced classes and was on my high school math team. Even so, I often questioned why I needed to know this stuff and wondered what anyone ever DOES with math anyway? I certainly wouldn’t have used the word “fun” to describe how I felt about math.

Enter Design Zone, our new summer exhibit at McWane Science Center. In the hands-on activities of Design Zone, visitors see how music producers, video game producers, roller coaster designers and other creative problem solvers use math to do the amazing things they do. Patterns, scale, slope, variables and ratios are all mathematical concepts used to do some of the coolest jobs of the 21st century. Join us at McWane this summer and build your own skate park, design a roller coaster, or mix some amazing beats. Most of all, come and discover that math is FUN! I’ll see you at McWane!

DUNKIRK

Powerful film soars onto the IMAX screen in July

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CALENDAR

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LEGO MCWANE

TEEN VOLUNTEERS/PG 6

Keep up with the latest summer events at McWane ®

McWane gets the LEGO® treatment 6

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TEENAGE NATION

Meet the summer teen volunteers

ITTY BITTY PROGRAMMING

Summer programs take over Itty Bitty Magic City 8

KULTURECITY

ITTY BITTY PROGRAMS/PG 8

New program helps children navigate McWane 9

MEET THE WONDERPUS!

There’s a new octopus in the aquarium, and he’s wonderful

WONDERPUS/PG 9

2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gordon G. Martin, Chair • J. Bowen Thagard Jr., Vice Chair Leigh Davis, Secretary • Nicholas O. Willis, Treasurer Tracy Morant Adams, J. Iwan Alexander, Stephanie Alexander, William W. Brooke, Lisa Jernigan Bruhn, Taylor P. Davis, John P. Dulin, Collin Gaston, Shannon Holt, Alesia M. Jones, Geeta Lakhanpal, Danny Markstein, IV, Travis Pritchett, Evan Ray, Atisthan Roach, Jennifer Skjellum, Cedric D. Sparks, Sr., George Trible IV, Kavita Vasil, Chad Webb, Gary York

PRESIDENT/CEO Amy W. Templeton

2017 ENDOWMENT BOARD Amy Templeton President and CEO

William W. Brooke, President • Sheri S. Cook, Secretary Lynn LaRussa, Past Chair • Charles D. Miller, Treasurer Nina Botsford, Gillian W. Goodrich, Norman Jetmundsen, Gordon G. Martin, Margaret M. Porter, Charles Redden, Lissa Tyson, Forest W. Whatley, Jr., Nicholas O. Willis McWane Science Center is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization.

Our mission is to change lives through science and wonder.

HISTORY ON SCREEN Experience the sights and sounds of war in this powerful film directed by Christopher Nolan.

IMAX SEASON PRESENTED BY

DREAM BIG

NOW SHOWING

Christopher Nolan returns to McWane’s IMAX with extreme war epic on July 21

C

ontinuing the legacy begun by his use of the 15 perf 65mm IMAX® cameras in The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises and Interstellar, Christopher Nolan is once again capturing material and key sequences of Dunkirk using IMAX® cameras.

These specific sequences, which will expand to fill more of the screen exclusively in IMAX, will deliver unprecedented crispness and clarity and a truly immersive experience for moviegoers.

Dunkirk is the account of a harrowing WWII mission. In May

1940, Germany advanced into France, trapping Allied troops on the beaches of Dunkirk. Under air and ground cover from British and French forces, troops were slowly and methodically evacuated from the beach using every serviceable naval and civilian vessel that could be found. At the end of this heroic mission, 330,000 French, British, Belgian and Dutch soldiers were safely evacuated.

Don’t miss this one of a kind cinematic experience on the IMAX Dome Screen.

Leveraging the scale of the giant screen, Dream Big showcases engineering’s impressive impact on our world and our lives. From Dubai’s record-high skyscrapers to bridges soaring through clouds, audiences will experience the massive scale and forces of nature that challenge engineers. Dream Big aims to motivate a new generation of engineers in a fresh and exciting way.

NOW SHOWING

EXTREME WEATHER NOW SHOWING

Join Jawi, a young island boy, as he takes us on a journey of discovery to this magical place where we encounter whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, and other iconic creatures of the sea. Home to more than 2,000 species of sea life, this

exotic locale features the most diverse marine ecosystem on earth. An uplifting story of hope and celebration, Journey to the South Pacific highlights the importance of living in balance with the ocean planet we all call home.

Weather is one of the most dynamic forces shaping our planet. Extreme Weather takes us to the frontlines where few have gone. Travel to the edge of 300-foot tall glaciers collapsing, to the front lines of massive wildfires, directly in the path of deadly, yet mesmerizing tornadoes.

IMAX SEASON PRESENTED BY MCWANE.ORG • 1

PLAN AHEAD july

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER

Fourth of July Science July 4 We are celebrating the 4th of July the only way we know how – with science and wonder. Experience the science of fireworks in our star-spangled live Combustion show and participate in patriotic demonstrations including red, white, and blue slime and a liquid firework display!

aug

GENERAL

Back to School Special August 1 – 6

$10 Combo Tickets Available All Day

sept

September 4

2 • SUMMER 2017

COMBO

Adults: $7 $10 Kids: $5 $7

SPECIAL DISCOUNT

Labor Day is the official end of summer AND the official end of Design Zone. Don’t miss your last chance to see this cool exhibit before it leaves.

McWane Science Center has one more year left to be a rambunctious teenager before it becomes a mature twentysomething. To celebrate this big day, ticket prices are returning to the amount they were when we opened our doors way back in 1998.

THROWBACK PRICES

As the lazy days of summer wind down, it’s time to start thinking about going back to school. But before you completely forget about the summer, return to McWane for one final week of fun.

Labor Day

Happy Birthday McWane July 11

Home School Day August 14 Is your child a home school student looking for a fun and eduational way to spend the day? Plan a trip to McWane Science Center on Home School Day! There will be special programs, live science demonstrations, give-aways and a discounted ticket price.

Boy Scout Day September 23 The Boy Scouts is one of America’s most cherished institutions, providing skills to young people for over 100 years. McWane wants to honor these adventurers with their own special day which includes discounted admission and special programming.

LOOK FOR GIRL SCOUT DAY IN OCTOBER

Teen Night July 28 6 pm – 9 pm $10, Members receive $2 off End your summer with science at Teen Night at McWane, a teen takeover night in the museum. Join us for after-hours fun in the museum including music, dancing, tasty snacks, and interactive activities!

Teens (Grades 8-12) are invited to come relax and explore the world of science at this fun filled event.

World of Water Day July 26 Make a splash and come explore beneath the waves. Learn how fish breathe underwater, how hermit crabs find a shell, and what a sting ray’s favorite food is. All varieties of underwater creatures get their special day in the sun as we celebrate World of Water Day with unique aquatic activities, educational programs and a special IMAX/Adventure Hall $10 ticket.

*Event supervised by museum and security staff. There will be no in and out privileges

DESIGN DAYZS

MEMBER MONDAYS On the 2nd Monday evening of every month, McWane Science Center opens its doors from 5 to 8 PM to its members for special FREE member-only programming.

DATES

JULY 10 / AUG 14 / SEPT 11 Call (205) 714-8414 to book your reservation

LEGO DAY – JULY 9 MUSIC FEST – JULY 22 ART DAY – JULY 15 MOTION DAY – JULY 29

Sun Day on a Saturday

DATES

JULY 18 / AUG 15 / SEPT 19

August 19

@JOHN’S CITY DINER 6:00 PM — 8:00 PM

The sun is so bright, you’ll have to wear shades. Join us for a day of solar exploration as we gear up for the solar eclipse on August 21. Learn more about this spectacular phenomenon as well as design your own devices to safely view the eclipse.

FREE TO THE PUBLIC

Eclipse Day August 21 Look up in the sky! It’s the sun... and the moon. You’re invited to the Solar Eclipse Viewing Party on top of the McWane Science Center parking deck.

SummerHours THROUGH AUGUST 6

Weekday Hours ........................9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Saturday Hours .....................10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Sunday Hours ........................12:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Grandparents Day September 10

SATURDAY JULY 15TH, 2017

What would we do without our grandparents? They instill us with love, wisdom and a steady supply of Werther’s Originals. In honor of their special day, grandparents get in free on this day.

College Days

5 PM — 9 PM

September 11 – 17

We’d like to welcome all college students to come and enjoy the museum and our IMAX theatre for a discounted price – just show your college ID and spend the day with us!

Explore the power of making! We will meet local Makerspace artist, experience the Design Zone exhibit and explore making using 3-D doodlers, circuit kits and more! Come prepared to make, tinker and tweak!

This program is free-of-charge and open to 6th – 12th graders.

Registration is required and seats are limited! Contact the Reservations department at (205) 714-8414 to sign up!

MCWANE.ORG • 3

LEGO MCWANE ®

Miniature-size McWane occupies lobby

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he newest addition to McWane Science Center’s lobby is a replica of the museum’s building rendered beautifully in LEGO® pieces.

The sculpture was commissioned by the Jetmundsen family and designed by local Birmingham resident, Wesley Higgins — whose passion for LEGO® model building has been a life-long hobby. For Higgins, the name LEGO® isn’t synonymous with kidstuff, it is serious business.

Taking nearly 18 months to complete, Higgins worked on the

project at night and on the weekends.

A true labor of love, when the finished model was delivered to McWane’s lobby, Higgins had trouble giving up his creation.

“It’s like saying goodbye to one of your children,” Higgins said.

Not only has Higgins turned McWane into a LEGO® masterpiece, he’s also built models of the Alabama Power building and the Alabama Theatre, just to name a few.

The next time you visit McWane, take a look at this display and try to guess how many LEGO® blocks it took to build this work of ingenuity.

AND DON’T MISS:

LEGO DAY - JULY 8 ®

4 • SUMMER 2017

FROM LEFT: Gordon Martin (board chair), Amy Templeton (CEO) and Wesley Higgins with Kelli, Jonathan and Norman Jetmundson

DESIGN DAYZ

New exhibit means new special programing

D Three, is a unique experiential tour through esign Zone, our newest exhibit on Level

creativity, engineering and music. Visitors can manipulate a video game, adjust the beat to a song and even shake their bodies on the dance floor. The goal of the exhibit is for visitors to create their own experience PRESENTED BY while learning the science involved in design, engineering, music and art.

In connection with this exhibit, McWane Science Center’s education department has conceived a series of special events called Design Dayz where kids and adults can enjoy special programming targeting various topics explored in the exhibit.

Art, Music, even LEGO® blocks get their special day during July as McWane’s staff of educators present hands-on activities and live science demonstrations to drive home the underlying message that science is best learned up close and personal.

DESIGN ZONE ENDS SEPTEMBER 4

JULY 8

LEGO Day

®

JULY 22

Rock out at this music festival of mathematical proportions in celebration of our summer exhibit DESIGN ZONE. Become a DJ or design and play instruments while discovering the math behind the music.

®

Use LEGO pieces to learn the basic principles of construction and building. Join us for a junior builder’s gallery as well as participate in a community building project.

JULY 15

Art Day What does math have to do with art? Discover the connection between computation and creativity through video game design, stop motion animation, and mathematical art.

Music Fest

JULY 29

Motion Day Use your skills to build a Rube Goldberg machine, create a marble run, compete in a derby car race, and more.

MCWANE.ORG • 5

TEENS

Meet the

6 • SUMMER 2017

McWane Science Center is anything but a “Teenage Wasteland”

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nervous but excited teenagers are foregoing their summers of watching Netflix and going to the pool. Instead they will volunteer at McWane Science Center. Each prospective volunteer must submit two letters of recommendation and go through an interview process before coming on board as a teen volunteer. Once accepted, their duties can include facilitating floor activities and ensuring summer camps run smoothly… no small feat.

Erin, a teen leader coming into her fourth summer, passionately insists this opportunity is much more than just another extracurricular to put on a college application; it is about personal growth and relationship building.

The brave leaders of this bunch are CJ Maher, Bethany Harris and Alyse Harris.

These three take on the task of training the newcomers. CJ’s favorite part of the process is watching some of the younger volunteers come out of their shells and become more

confident in their abilities, often returning the following summer to take on leadership roles.

When you visit McWane this summer and see our energetic team of teen volunteers working on the floor, remember their contribution to the museum is great. As they help with camps and assist educators, they play a key role in fulfilling McWane’s overall mission — to change lives through science and wonder.

Thanks Summer Teens 2017!

WHO’S WHO (FROM TOP LEFT): Rishi Earla, Isaiah Lee, Maren Mills, Amanda Goolsby, Carys Gonzalez, Walter Zhang, Caleb Mumm, Cory Li, Mason Tucker, Andy Schwebel, Tré’ Harris, Luke Cravey, Jordyn Johnson, Masani Ward, Caitlin Renda, Cindy Jiang, Maria Deng, Uzma Issa, Alyssa Christian, Sam Harrison, Diana Miller, Ben Harrison, Mary Lynn Fitzpatrick, Terry Xie, Vijay Krishnamoorthy, Adalie Westin, Ben Kim, Raegan Adams, Lynne Zhou, Manasa Chintala, Lola Waldrop, Bea Casiday, Anjali Thottassery, Alysha Kanjiyani, Nathan Garrett, Thanushri Srikantha, Lekha Kasukurthi, Sid Suresh, Ann Catherine Stephens, Kennedy Bonner, Makayla George, Claire Jun, Srija Vem, Ria Shah, Zeeshan Mohiuddin, Davis Leeth, Kyle Hsu, Tyler Walley, Zoya Bashir, Morgan Sanders, Kate Leeth, Jian Verdad, Makayla Cole, Katherine Njau, Kenneh Freeman, J’corion Johnson, Mikaela Ravizee, Tiffany Deloach, Rebekah Dale, Alexandria Liptrot, Laila Baker, Maecy Shepard, Isaiah Wrenn, Rebekah Cahill, Karli Lusain, Abbi Wheat, Lauren Harris, Rachel Reese, Eliza Maddox, Shreya Morishetty, Shreya Ramamurthy, Navya Gullapalli, Mah Tej Rella, Georgette Taylor, Kirsten Williams, Zoe Allen, Hannah Bailey, Madison Seay, Ashley Arrington, Katie Maxfield, Kambri Mumford, Ahad Bashir, Henna Parekh, Krishin Yerabolu, Mell Gurley, Madison McGee, Zemirah Hicks, Sripriya Kallam, Haleigh Beard, Lei’Lani Thomas, Neysa Dechachutinan, Satvika Penala, Justin Zhang, Michael Witherspoon, Trey Reese, Maria Candido, Emily George, William Lankford, Edwin Fan, Kameron Miller, Yasha Kulkarni, Divyanshi Agarwal, Maisha Iqbal, Palak Desai, Ana Sewell, Sydney Crum.

TEEN LEADERS: Henry Chang, Mariam Massoud, Eleanor Cannon, Anushka Patel, Madison McCulla, Alona Lambert, Caitlyn Jones, Yvie Lanier, Abhi Gullapalli, Andy Kong, Grace Springer, Nicole Deloach, Erin Belcher, Caroline Anthony, Anna Prchal

Leaders of the Pack

C.J. Maher Manager of Volunteer Services

Bethany Harris

Alyse Harris

Volunteer Services Coordinator

Volunteer Services Intern

MCWANE.ORG • 7

FOR OUR GUESTS

New partnership assists visitors in the museum M

cWane Science Center has partnered with KultureCity to become a Sensory Inclusive organization to better serve our visitors with sensory processing needs. With this partnership, McWane Science Center will foster an inclusive environment for visitors by providing tools for a better experience in our center.

Through training with the staff of KultureCity, McWane staff are equipped with tools to help visitors with sensory processing disorders enjoy the museum to its fullest extent.

Why sensory inclusive vs sensory friendly? Sensory Inclusive ensures daily accessibility not limited by time and location thus creating an accepting and inclusive community. It is also easy to execute with staff training, and WHAT’S INSIDE THE SENSORY BAG: Each Sensory Bag contains headphones, a fidget toy, a rubber stress ball and a simple yet impactful modifications mood chart. The bags are available at Ticketing upon request. made to the location. The location will then always be Sensory Inclusive.

“We want every child who comes to McWane Science Center KultureCity is a transformative movement to ensure a better future for children with autism. The nonprofit to have a wonderful experience,” organization believes all children should be accepted and treated equally, and the future of these children should said President and CEO, Amy not be limited by their medical diagnoses.

Templeton. “McWane is great AVAILABLE AT MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER FOR VISITORS fun, but we know it can be Signage: Look for the Sensory Bags: Sensory Quiet Areas: DesigSensory Room: Located overwhelming for some children.

KultureCity logo to show bags and headphones nated “quiet areas” are on Level One, this room We are ready to help when that you Sensory Friendly will be available for located in the museum provides a safe and happens.” areas within McWane calming environment check-out at the Ticketwhere there is less noise For more information on Science Center. ing Counter. and activity. for the visitor.

KultureCity please visit www.kulturecity.org.

How KultureCity works at McWane Science Center

Itty Bitty Magic City summer programs Itty Bitty Magic City is not only an incredible early learning space in Birmingham, Alabama, it also offers daily educational programming for McWane Science Center’s youngest visitors. Join us this summer for “Healthy Habits” and discover how making healthy food choices makes our bodies grow up strong.

Generous support for this summer’s programming is provided by St. Vincent’s Hospital and Ascension. Their support gives our educators the appropriate supplies and tools needed to expand young minds through educational activities, blending science and play to strengthen the development of the whole child.

8 • SUMMER 2017

ITTY BITTY MAGIC CITY SUMMER PROGRAMMING PROVIDED BY

WORLD OF WATER

!

Meet the Eight legs of fun live in the World of Water A new eight-armed resident has arrived at McWane Science Center. This soft-bodied mollusk is so wonderful he gets the name Wonderpus.

Why exactly is this octopus so interesting? Here are six fun facts to help shed some light on this limb-centric ocean dweller.

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Meet

MCWANE

Colin Alexander n

JOB TITLE: Field Trip Facilitator ON THE JOB: 10 months

n YEARS

What do you do here at McWane Science Center?

I am a field trip facilitator. I work with school groups to make sure they have the best experience possible.

Upon arrival, I greet the groups and check them in, run their lunches, and be available to solve any problems that may arise.

Official species? Name?

Scientific name: Wunderpus photogenicus, common name: Wonderpus

What was your favorite subject in school?

History and Geography

Where is it from or usually found swimming? In the Indo-Pacific region Do you play with it? Yes. We have a tiny orange ball with a tiny seashell inside that is small enough for it to reach its arms through and play with.

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What & how often does the octopus eat?

It eats live ghost shrimp. We make sure there are at least 4 ghost shrimp in the tank every day.

How big will the octopus get?

Up to 9 inches, with an armspan of 16 inches How does light affect the octopus?

Like humans, the octopus also needs a 12 hour day and night cycle that includes a sleep cycle. Studies have found they have very similar wavy brainwaves associated with REM sleep.

AND DON’T MISS WORLD OF WATER DAY ON JULY 26

What is the strangest/funniest thing that has ever happened to you at McWane?

I was greeting a school group on a bus. Like most school buses, there was no PA system and the students were all packed in the back of the bus. It was also hot so the windows were down. As soon as I started to go over the rules, a jackhammer went off across the street and kept going the whole time I spoke. Once I was done, the jackhammer stopped.

Where were you born?

Birmingham, AL What do you want to be when you grow up?

An urban planner What is your favorite movie?

Gladiator Describe yourself with three words.

Thoughtful, Innovative, Industrious Who is the most famous person you have met?

Buzz Aldrin What is your favorite food?

Raspberries MCWANE.ORG • 9

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Birmingham, AL Permit No. 1331

200 19th Street North Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 714-8300 www.mcwane.org

THIS SUMMER IN IMAX Filmed exclusively with IMAX cameras, “Dunkirk” soars across McWane’s dome screen on July 21.

Mark your calendar FOURTH OF JULY SCIENCE DESIGN DAYZ — LEGO DAY MEMBER MONDAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY MCWANE TEENS AND TECH DESIGN DAYZ — ART DAY BIRMINGHAM SCI CAFE DUNKIRK IN IMAX DESIGN DAYZ — MUSIC FEST TEEN NIGHT WORLD OF WATER DAY DESIGN DAYZ — MOTION DAY

For more information on current and upcoming events visit www.mcwane.org

JULY 4 JULY 8 JULY 10 JULY 11 JULY 15 JULY 15 JULY 18 JULY 21 JULY 22 JULY 28 JULY 26 JULY 29

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL MEMBER MONDAY HOME SCHOOL DAY BIRMINGHAM SCI CAFE SUN DAY ON A SATURDAY ECLIPSE DAY LABOR DAY GRANDPARENTS DAY MEMBER MONDAY COLLEGE DAYS BIRMINGHAM SCI CAFE BOY SCOUT DAY

GET SOCIAL WITH US McWane Science Center is only a click away. Get social with us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.

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