Eureka Spring 2017

SPRING 2017

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

START YOUR EnGINES POPULAR RACING EXHIBIT RETURNS TO MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER

: E D I S N I O ALS

MCWANE AFTER DARK DESIGN ZONE MENT TEAM MEET THE SCIENCE ENGAGE

Contents 1

Letter from the President McWane Science Center is a perfect place for a family outing. Kids love spending the day in our Adventure Halls, but parents and grandparents can also have a great time learning about science.

We provide seating in case you need a moment to rest or to plan your next activity, but our goal is that parents and children will enjoy McWane together. There is no “wrong” way to enjoy McWane, but here are a few ideas for your next family visit: Ask Questions — Ask your child why they think it doesn’t hurt to lie on a bed of nails even though it would REALLY hurt if you stepped on a single nail. Ask them to identify some clues that let them know the Appalachiosaurus was a carnivore. If you need a little help, read the signage near each exhibit to understand the science behind it.

Build Something Together — Create a sculpture with the big blue blocks. Make a car and test it out on the racetrack. Be sure to incorporate your child’s ideas rather than simply show her what to do.

Enjoy a Little Friendly Competition — See who can make the biggest bubble, or who can survive the T-Rex at the Dino Racer. Kids love to compete with their parents, and it gives you a chance to teach your child about being gracious whether they win or lose.

No matter how you choose to enjoy McWane with your child, spending a day with us can be a wonderful family experience. Your own enthusiasm about learning can inspire a love of science in your child that lasts a lifetime.

We are honored you choose to spend your family time with us, and we hope we offer opportunities to make your visit extra special.

I look forward to seeing you at McWane!

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DESIGN IT

DREAM BIG

Engineering is the star of newest IMAX film.

MCWANE AFTER DARK Adult themed event takes over McWane Science Center.

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ITTY BITTY BIRTHDAY Itty Bitty turns two.

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DESIGN ZONE

New exhibit explores creative problems solving through design.

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GET ENGAGED

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RACING STRIPES

SCIENCE ENGAGEMENT THE RACE TRACK

Meet the team that puts the “Science” in McWane Science Center.

Race Track returns to the Adventure Halls.

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CATENARY TALES

Learn the science behind one of McWane’s most popular exhibits.

CATENARY ARCH

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.

ENGINEER IT! The Great Wall, one of the seven wonders of the world, is a marvel of architecture. But in Dream Big, we also see the day to day contributions that engineers make in our world.

IMAX SEASON PRESENTED BY

NOW SHOWING Weather is one of the most dynamic forces shaping our planet, but now it’s more extreme and complex than ever. Extreme Weather takes us to places where few have gone. Travel to the edge of 300-foot tall glaciers collapsing, to the frontlines of massive wildfires, directly in the path of deadly, yet mesmerizing tornadoes. Follow researchers and everyday heroes as they uncover surprising connections to help us understand and adapt to our ever-changing weather.

New IMAX film illustrates how engineering is all around us Upon first consideration, it might not seem the stuff of grand cinematic adventure. But could engineering secretly be an exciting, creative, heroic realm where the optimists of today are creating the life-saving, world-altering marvels that will make for a safer, more connected, more equal and even more awe-inspiring tomorrow?

With an eclectic, stereotype-bursting engineer cast,

the huge story told by Dream Big answers that question with a resounding “yes” using a series of surprising human stories to expose the hidden world behind the most exciting inventions and structures across the world. It is not only a journey through engineering’s greatest wonders, but equally a tale of human grit, aspiration, compassion and the triumph of human ingenuity over life’s greatest challenges.

IMAX SEASON PRESENTED BY LOOK WHO’S IN THE MOVIE

Mississippi students get supporting role in IMAX film

Pictured: Jackson Whitt, Hayden Powell, Lakyn Adams, Annabelle Hood, and Summer McCarver

We were lucky to have students from Houston High School of Science and Technology in Houston, Mississippi visit McWane Science Center for a screening of Dream Big. These inspiring students and the solar powered car they engineered were featured in the film!

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

MCWANE.ORG • 1

Just for

Grown Ups

PLAN AHEAD april Weatherfest 2017 April 29

TICKETS & TIME $20 IN ADVANCE/$25 AT THE DOOR 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM Geek out at the Museum, and leave the kids at home!

Combining offbeat themes, music, unexpected extravaganzas and more McWane After Dark is perfect for a date night or fun evening with friends.

MAY 19 SCIENCE OF SOUND

APRIL 7 SCIENCE OF FUN Come one, come all and join in the Science of Fun! Enjoy live music, carnival games/ food, mixers, elixirs and more at this after hours event filled with interactive fun!

Partnering with Secret Stages, the Science of Sound will focus on all things music. Rock out with some of the best bands in town, and discover a new perspective on the science of sound.

EVENT IS 21+. FOR TICKETS VISIT WWWW.MCWANE.ORG OR CALL 205-714-8414

6 PM – 9 PM 2 • SPRING 2017 2 • WINTER 2017

Join the WBRC First Alert Weather Team on the Plaza along with other special guests and learn about all things weather. See special tools used to detect and predict weather, and meet your favorite WBRC Fox 6 personalities.

There will be music from iHeart Radio along with special programs from the WBRC team.

For use on dark backgrounds

Enjoy the sweet sounds of summer with cool tunes and local brews at Pints on the Plaza.

Guests will have access to Level One of the museum and will enjoy a complimentary drink and snacks while listening to music on the Plaza. Event is 21+.

For use on light backgrounds

PRESENTED BY

may Itty Bitty Magic City Birthday May 15 Itty Bitty Magic City is turning two and it’s time for a party.

Join us for a celebration at McWane Science Center with special programs in Itty Bitty Magic City

june

Pints on the Plaza

JUNE 8, JULY 13 & AUGUST 10

9 am – 2 pm

Dream Big Family Sleepover June 10

5 pm – 10 am

This family sleepover will make you Dream Big as you design, build and test out feats of engineering genius. Create towers, catapults and anything else you can imagine before heading to the IMAX Dome where you will see Dream Big: Engineering Our World.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER

Week of the Young Child

Earth Day April 22 Let’s give it up for Mother Earth. Not only is it our home planet, it’s also a pretty magnificent marvel of science. Join us in celebrating it with earth themed activities.

April 24 — 28

Closed Easter We will be closed Easter Sunday, April 16.

Join us as we celebrate the Week of the Young Child with unique programs and demonstrations for our littlest visitors in Itty Bitty Magic City.

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.

APRIL 10 Weather Watch Discover the physics and chemistry of our world’s weather.

MAY 8TH Spring into Science With spring in full bloom, explore the science behind what makes plants and flowers grow.

JUNE 12TH Engineering Challenge How does mathematics shape the creative process in art, music and engineering? Find out in our latest traveling exhibit, Design Zone.

Design Zone Opens May 27 Get ready for McWane’s Summer exhibit. Design Zone is a highly interactive exhibition where visitors can explore a variety of creative concepts to learn the tools needed to create a successful design.

Reserve Your Family’s Spot Today

By Calling (205) 714-8414

Mother’s Day May 14 Admit it, there’s nobody quite like Mom. And in honor of their special day, all Moms get in FREE this day at McWane.

SCI CAFE DATES

Father’s Day

Summer Camps

June 18 Superman is pretty cool... but we all know who the real hero is — Dad. To honor fathers everywhere, “Dear Old Dad” gets in FREE on Father’s Day.

June 5th — July 28th.

What will your children learn during their summer vacations this year? In just one week at camp, your children can journey to the bottom of the ocean floor, discover a dinosaur, travel through outerspace and even build their very own robot!

APRIL 18 / MAY 16 / JUNE 20 @JOHN’S CITY DINER 6:00 PM — 8:00 PM FREE TO THE PUBLIC

Birmingham SCI Cafe is a monthly series in which the general public has the chance to interact with researchers and enthusiasts from diverse science fields. This event features enlightening presentations, lively discussions and a bit of science trivia. Join us on the third Tuesday of each month at John’s City Diner in downtown Birmingham. Check our website for updates on SCI Cafe topics and guest presenters.

MCWANE.ORG • 3

OPENS MAY 27

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New exhibit explores the art of design

hat does it take to create an addictive and fun McWane through the generous support of Wells Fargo videogame? How many beats per second does and will be on exhibit through September 4th, 2017.

DZ_Logo_FullColor_Horizontal.eps

Design Zone is a highly interactive, handsa DJ need to get bodies moving on the dance floor? What goes behind creating a roller coaster or on exhibition where visitors can explore a variety of creative concepts to learn the processes and tools a skate park that produces the most fun and biggest thrills? Discover the secrets behind how video game needed to create a successful design. Design Zone is organized into three thematic zones, all highlighting developers, music producers, roller coaster designers, the importance of science and mathematical thinking and other creative problem solvers do what they do in McWane Science Center’s new exhibition, Design in areas critical to building creativity and innovation: Zone, opening May 27. Design Zone is presented at art, music, and engineering.

ART

Visitors design their own 2-D and 3-D art and explore visual creativity in the Video Game Design Lab, Architecture Studio, and the Digital Design Domain. Area highlights include Drawing in Motion, where visitors use a digital pen to trace a line art masterpiece, and Jump On It—similar to many classic arcade games—where visitors choose a character, adjust the jump power and gravity, and land on targets to collect points.

MUSIC Visitors explore relationships between length and pitch in musical instruments, ratios and rhythms, and visual representations of sound in On Stage!, Dance Party, and the DJ Recording Studio. Area highlights include Laser Light DJ, where visitors discover how laser light show technicians create mesmerizing patterns, and Turntables, where they can practice their DJ skills by trying to seamlessly match beats per minute to the tempo of a new song.

4 • SPRING 2017

ENGINEERING Visitors experience the Theme Park and the Action Sports Arena where they’ll discover the math and physics behind anything that moves. Area highlights include Bike Race, where they can climb into bike stations, test gear combinations, and compete in a virtual race, and Design a Skate Park, where visitors manipulate slope to create essential skate park features, test their design with a virtual skater and ride the course!

DESIGN ZONE

PRESENTED BY

MCWANE.ORG • 5

BEHIND THE SCENES

SCIENCE MAKERS Mike Heymes, Adam Beg, Kayley Cook and Autumn Stisher conduct an experiment with liquid nitrogen. As Science Engagement facilitators it’s their job to make science fun and inviting for the visitor.

ENGAGE! New team brings science learning to the people Science can be daunting. Technical formulas, big words, abstract concepts. Luckily, McWane Science Center has an app for that — Science Engagement Presenters. e are excited to introduce our newest addition to the education department—our Science Engagement team. The Science Engagement team is a group of presenters that focus on enhancing visitor experience in our Adventure Halls. This team aims for our floor experience to be more interactive

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and engaging for our visitors, by facilitating interaction between visitors and the exhibits.

From leading floor programs like Animal Encounters to interpreting exhibits like the CATERNAIRY CHAIN and the High Cycle, our Science Engagement team helps you better understand the scientific concepts behind our exhibits.

“We want to make a connection,” says Samm Banks. “It can make a difference to have someone who is excited about science explain the concepts behind our exhibits.”

During your trip to McWane, you may come across one of our Science Engagement team members who will discuss an exhibit with you in depth. “Some exhibits, like

THE DYNAMIC DUO: Alia Carter and Katie Fancher are the brains behind McWane’s Science Engagement Team. As it’s director and coordinator, Alia and Katie strive to formulate experiential events for the visitor that will have them asking for more science learning.

6 • SPRING 2017

the Racetrack, are not as intuitive, and we aim to boost the confidence of our visitors to engage in science,” says presenter Adam Beg. If you see one of our Science Engagement team members roving the Adventure Halls, feel free to ask them questions about the science concepts in the exhibits.

SCIENCE ENGAGEMENT BY THE

NUMBERS

From the animal room on our mezzanine to a science lab on the third floor, a Science Engagement Presenter literally has his/her hands in everything at the museum. Here’s a numeric breakdown of some of the special tasks a presenter encounters every day:

35 12 9

demonstrations at the Demonstration Station

reptiles in the Animal Room

Science Engagement Presenters

2

fingers to touch the sharks at the Touch Tank

5

112

mammals in the Animal Room

Touch Tank shifts per week

22 pairs of safety goggles

70 High Cycle shifts per week

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A

SCIENCE PRESENTER The Science Engagement team not only spends time walking the Adventure Halls to enhance visitor engagement with the exhibits; they also lead public programs like Design Challenges and The Science of Magic.

“People get really excited about our animals,” says Belle Kahalley. “It’s fun to introduce them to animals they may not have seen

before and teach them about our animals.”

Since we have introduced our Science Engagement team, we have been able to have many more educational programs each day. The programs are more personal ways McWane can provide a wide range of STEM learning.

Aside from leading programs and working

with visitors, the team spends much of their time working at the Shark and Ray Touch Tank and the High Cycle. These incredibly popular exhibits allow for teaching experiences with our visitors. The Science Engagement team interacts with guests and answers questions about the biology of our Touch Tank and the physics of the High Cycle.

THE

TEAM LEADERSHIP Alia Carter

DIRECTOR OF SCIENCE ENGAGEMENT

Katie Fancher

COORDINATOR OF SCIENCE ENGAGEMENT

SCIENCE PRESENTERS Samm Banks Adam Beg Belle Kahalley Autumn Stisher Molly Green Kayley Cook Shefa Suhaila Mike Heymes

TOP LEFT: Shefa Suhaila and Samm Banks test play a bridge building exercise. TOP RIGHT: Autumn Stisher and Kayley Cook cuddle with some furry friends in the Animal Room.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Molly Green and Belle Kahalley work an Ozobot activity.

MCWANE.ORG • 7

ready, set... go!

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Push the pedal to the metal at the new Race Track

he Race Track was reintroduced to McWane Science Center’s visitors in January thanks to the exhibit’s 2017 presenting sponsor, Autobahn Indoor Speedway.

The Race Track is a redesigned and renovated exhibit and was removed a few years ago because of upgrade needs.

Because of the quality of the experience and the request of our visitors, McWane Science Center has made the improvements, and the Race Track is back on the 1st floor and now a permanent exhibit

SPONSORED BY

again, allowing visitors of all ages the opportunity to zoom into the world of racing.

At the Race Track, visitors are able to design, build, and race cars on a large figure-eight track. Visitors begin their adventure by creating and testing their

race vehicle at the Build Station then they try out their inventions sending their cars speeding around the large track.

The Race Track’s presenting sponsor, Autobahn Indoor Speedway, is a premier indoor go-kart racing venue located in the Greater Birmingham area. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a regular racing pro, Autobahn makes sure everyone is able to experience the freedom and the exhilaration of driving a high performance vehicle in a safe, comfortable and fun environment.

THANK YOU!

Presented by Morris Shea Bridge Company Inc. Amy Templeton, Anna Shea, Dick Shea and Miranda Springer 8 • SPRING 2017

For one night only, happy visitors asked the question “Are We There Yet?” at McWane Science Center’s annual fundraiser Beaker Bash. The evening was a tremendous success and we raised funds to support science education in Alabama. Thank you to our many sponsors, donors and supporters. We couldn’t do it without you.

Excited crowds enjoy exhibits at Beaker Bash: Are We There Yet?

BEHIND THE EXHIBITS

Meet

ARCH

MCWANE

Many exhibits come and go, but the Catenary Arch, a visitor favorite, is here to stay

Nichole Cleveland

S U P P O RT Designed as a team exercise, the arch is divided into ten pairs of blocks and one keystone that visitors have to construct. As the arch is built, a special shape, known as a CATENARY, forms.

As gravity pulls down, each block is held in place by the block below it. The shape is stable because the force of gravity is directed along the legs of the arch.

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What do you do here at McWane Science Center?

I make sure that the fish are happy. I prepare the fish food and feed all of our animals. I also clean tanks and filters to make sure the water chemistries stay good for the fish. (Sometimes visitors can see us cleaning tanks or even in the Touch Tank) What was your favorite subject in school?

Arches around the world

Science (mainly biology) What is the strangest/funniest thing that has ever happened to you at McWane?

Catenary arches are one of the strongest shapes used in architecture. The 110 ft. Taq Kasra in Iraq has stood for over 1400 years. (photo) The tallest arch in the world is the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. The 630-foot structure is so strong it only moves a few inches in tornado-force winds. (photo)

TAQ KASRA IRAQ

JOB TITLE: Aquarist AGE: 23 n HOW MANY YEARS ON THE JOB: 1 n

We were cleaning the river tank one time and I was scrubbing away. Joye said, “you have a bass in your lap”. I guess the bass didn’t realize it was in my lap either because when I looked down and started to move it got startled and swam away.

GATEWAY ARCH ST LOUIS, MISSOURI

Where were you born?

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

Something involving sea turtles.

What is your favorite movie?

Harry Potter (I’m a Hufflepuff) Who is the most famous person you have met?

Nicholas Cage. In 4th grade I went to New York for a school trip. We went to see The Lion King and he was at the same show and at intermission I got his autograph.

What is your favorite food?

Pizza, mac and cheese, queso

MCWANE.ORG MCWANE.ORG• •99

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

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Play with trains at McWane Science Center THE WRECKING CREW, the model railroad club that creates our Magic of Model Trains exhibit, is looking for new members! Potential members must join the National Model Association ($9.95 for a six-month membership). ›› Junior members ages 12-17 must have a parent join. Visitors are welcome at weekly meetings to learn more about joining the club. Contact Wrecking Crew president Larry Smith at wooddale@bellsouth.net for more information.

Mark your calendar MCWANE AFTER DARK “THE SCIENCE OF FUN” MEMBER MONDAY “WEATHER WATCH” CLOSED EASTER SUNDAY BIRMINGHAM SCI CAFE EARTH DAY WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD WEATHERFEST GOING PLACES LEAVES MEMBER MONDAY “SCIENCE SPECTACULAR” MOTHER’S DAY

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

APRIL 7 APRIL 10 APRIL 16 APRIL 18 APRIL 22 APRIL 24 – 28 APRIL 29 MAY 7 MAY 8 MAY 14

ITTY BITTY MAGIC CITY BIRTHDAY BIRMINGHAM SCI CAFE MCWANE AFTER DARK “THE SCIENCE OF SOUND” DESIGN ZONE OPENS SUMMER CAMPS DREAM BIG FAMILY SLEEPOVER MEMBER MONDAY “ENGINEERING CHALLENGE” FATHER’S DAY BIRMINGHAM SCI CAFE

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

MAY 15 MAY 16 MAY 19 MAY 27 JUNE 5TH – JULY 28 JUNE 10 JUNE 12 JUNE 18 JUNE 20