NewScience Summer 2018

newscience NEWS FOR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF THE SAINT LOUIS SCIENCE CENTER

NOW OPEN THRU SEPTEMBER 3

SUMMER 2018

President's Sidebar Dear Saint Louis Science Center Friends,

Board Members

We are thrilled to welcome summer to the Science Center!

Summer Science Blast Camps have kicked off featuring a variety of unique topics including rocketry, robots, the zombie apocalypse, flying and much more! Hundreds of children attend camp at the Science Center each summer to have fun, while also engaging in hands-on, informal learning.

Saint Louis Science Center Board of Commissioners Juan Ferreira - Chairman Eugene M. Toombs - Vice Chairman Joshua Randall - Secretary Timothy J. Eberlein, M.D. - Treasurer Dennis A. Muilenburg - Honorary Dr. Thomas F. George Daniel G. Korte Shelley Lavender William C. Rusnack Donna Wilkinson Saint Louis Science Center Board of Trustees Donna Wilkinson - President Kevin R. Alm Todd A. Bastean Bryan L. Bell Barbara Bridgewater Lynn Britton Travis H. Brown James H. Buford Mark J. Bulanda Barry T. Cervantes Lynn A. Cornelius, M.D. Gerald E. Daniels Darryl W. Davis Arnold W. Donald Susan S. Elliott Richard C.D. Fleming G. Patrick Galvin Harvey A. Harris Mary Lee Hermann William F. Holekamp Benjamin H. Hulsey - Ex-Officio Dr. Martin H. Israel Dr. Hattie R. Jackson Frank D. Jacobs Lyda Krewson - Ex-Officio Robert J. Krieger Carol B. Loeb John F. McDonnell (Life Trustee) RADM Lee J. Metcalf, USN (Ret.) Traci O’Bryan Joseph F. Reagan Jerry E. Ritter (Life Trustee) Dr. Will R. Ross Donn Rubin Kent Schien Kathleen R. Sherby Steve V. Stenger - Ex-Officio Dr. Donald M. Suggs Dr. David J. Werner Dr. Mark S. Wrighton

Destination Moon: The Apollo 11 Mission had a strong opening in St. Louis, with thousands coming to the Science Center to see the priceless artifacts, as well as the unique St. Louis story and exhibits. If you haven’t had a chance to come, please be sure to visit soon—Members are FREE! It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime special exhibition and we’ve received a lot of great feedback. One visitor commented, “The Apollo 11 Exhibition was exciting and amazing.

So happy and grateful that St. Louis was one of the cities the Smithsonian agreed to lend the command module.”

July 20 marks the 49th anniversary of the moon landing, and we are pleased to have the exhibition on this important date. We will host a series of events during the week leading up to the anniversary, which we will celebrate with a big party! You can read more about that later in this issue.

In May, we recognized our volunteers with an appreciation dinner in their honor. I can honestly say that we would not be able to open the doors each day or make the impact in the community we do without our volunteers. This special group of people works hand-in-hand with our staff to engage guests, handle behind-the-scenes tasks like mailings and provide knowledge and expertise to staff.

In 2017, our volunteers donated more than 22,000 hours of their time to the Science Center. I want to thank our volunteers for the contributions they make each day that help us accomplish our mission to “ignite and sustain lifelong science and technology learning.”

We are always looking for ways to improve our galleries, and this summer’s main focus will be updating Mission: Mars. This exhibit opened in 2015 with funding from a NASA grant. The remodel will include both Control (located on the second floor of the main building) and Base (located in the Planetarium lobby). Stay tuned for an updated layout, graphics and interactives.

2018 continues to be a great year at the Science Center, and we appreciate your continued support!

Sincerely,

Bert Vescolani

To ignite and sustain lifelong science and technology learning. Mission of the Saint Louis Science Center

Connect with us for updates, special events and fun science.

Extended Summer Hours

Features

Now thru Monday, September 3 Monday-Saturday 9:30am-5:30pm Sunday 11am-5:30pm Now thru Thursday, August 9 Thursday Evenings open late ‘til 8pm

Contact 314.289.4400 slsc.org Saint Louis Science Center 5050 Oakland Avenue St. Louis, Missouri 63110

Membership Services & Sales: 314.289.4491 slsc.org/membership memberships@slsc.org Member Reservations: 314.289.4424

Reservations

Cover photo credit: NASA

Advanced Sales & Group Reservations: 314.289.4424 Corporate & Group Sales: 314.289.1419

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Explore the iconic mission artifacts from the Smithsonian, 60s culture, the St. Louis role in the Space Race and more. Meet the Science Center volunteer that helped map the moon. Join us for Thursday evening fun at Science at Sunset and our anniversary celebration of the Apollo 11 moon landing.

Education Field trip information: slsc.org/field-trips Educator Resources: slsc.org/educator-resources Programming information: 314.289.4439 or education@slsc.org

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Accessibility Complimentary wheelchairs and strollers available in the lobby. Motorized scooters are available for a rental fee. Personal Hearing Assistance Devices available at the OMNIMAX® Theater and Planetarium.

Rear Window Caption Service available for all OMNIMAX films.

gallery & education news New activities in the Mars Base and Control galleries that reflect the latest NASA discoveries. See how NASA is collaborating with local educators. Learn about a new dinosaur fossil brain study.

Events Host your next private event at the Saint Louis Science Center. Services and catering provided by Starlite Events.

For information: 314.533.8179

special exhibition from the smithsonian

join us Fun all summer! Don’t miss the Grow gallery, First Friday and SciFest events.

Engaging STEM camps for ages 4-16. Enjoy OMNIMAX® Theater films including Aircraft Carrier and Pandas.

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community See how the YES teens lead Summertime Science for thousands of underserved children. Don’t miss volunteer celebration highlights. Learn about The Loeb Prize and the winning educators.

Official Partners The Saint Louis Science Center gratefully acknowledges the support of our Official Partners.

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in the news Missouri Rice Research & Merchandising Council partnership with the GROW gallery plus news of the CANstruction mural, Food Evolution event and the annual report to the community.

calendar insert Member and public events

Look for our special fall issue of NewScience featuring exciting changes at the Science Center—arriving mid-September. s ls c.org

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special exhibition

The command module Columbia took Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins into orbit around the moon and returned them safely to Earth.

Above, part of the first-stage engine, the F-I Injector Plate helped regulate the flow of hot gases.

Above-right, Buzz Aldrin’s extravehicular visor and gloves worn on the moon.

Destination Moon: The Apollo 11 Mission is organized by the National Air and Space Museum and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.

The exhibition is made possible by the support of Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos, Joe Clark, Bruce R. McCaw Family Foundation, the Charles and Lisa Simonyi Fund for Arts and Sciences, John and Susann Norton, and Gregory D. and Jennifer Walston Johnson. Transportation services for Destination Moon are provided

by FedEx. The Saint Louis Science Center’s presentation of Destination Moon is funded by The Boeing Company and the William T. Kemper Foundation.

Engage in

INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES Blast off with hands-on mission exploration!

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Explore one of the greatest adventures in human history On July 24, 1969, Apollo 11 met President John F. Kennedy’s 1961 challenge of “landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the Earth.”

The Science Center is one of only four museums nationwide—and the only in the Midwest—to host this special exhibition from the Smithsonian.

On tour for the first time in 46 years, see the iconic Apollo 11 command module Columbia and 20 mission artifacts. The command module carried the crew, equipment and precious lunar samples through a fiery reentry into the Earth’s atmosphere.

Learn how St. Louis played a vital role in the Space Race, with the city being home to the pioneering Mercury and Gemini programs developed by the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, now The Boeing Company. Also discover how the moon was mapped right here in St. Louis.

Discover the trials, tragedies and triumphs of the pioneering missions and heroes of spaceflight that came before the 953,054-mile voyage of Apollo 11 to the moon and back.

See what life in the 1960s was like through the masterful recreation of street scenes, storefronts and even a living room ready to watch the historic moon landing. Over 100 artifacts from the Science Center’s collections are featured throughout the storefronts and living room.

Discover the future of space travel and learn about NASA’s plans for deep-space Orion missions in the coming years that will test human readiness for future travels to Mars.

free for all members Non-Members: $10 adults. $8 children/seniors/military.

FREE for children 5 and under.

Discounts for groups of 10 or more, visit slsc.org/groups Photo credit: Lockheed Martin

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See it in Destination Moon!

ACIC Lunar Globe made for NASA - the first cartographic lunar globe was produced using photographs from lunar orbiters.

Fossil Lab Volunteer

Gene “Woody” Woodford

See it in Destination Moon!

Lunar Aeronautical Chart (LAC) produced from a NASA earth-based telescope in France. The LAC series of charts were key to Apollo mission planning.

St. Louis Connection to the Space Race A Science Center volunteer in the Dana Brown Fossil Lab for the past eight years, Gene “Woody” Woodford ’s experiences encompass remarkable adventures from hunting dinosaur fossils in the badlands of northeast Montana as a retiree to mapping the moon during his career as a physical scientist.

After college, he was recruited by the St. Louis-based Aeronautical Chart and Information Center (ACIC), what would eventually become National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). One day he noticed a sign that read “Would You Like to Work for the Apollo Mission.”

“I immediately thought I really want to do that,” says Woodford. Soon he and 11 others were assigned to the career opportunity of a lifetime - mapping the moon for NASA. For the next four years, the team used ground-breaking technology to map the moon, including some of the very first scanners. “We were looking at the surface brightness to develop contours to locate smooth landing sites for Apollo missions,” he says. “It was very exciting for our team to contribute to the tremendous historic achievement of Apollo 11.”

From developing systems on large main frame computers used in today’s GPS systems to editing mapping data on some of the first mini-computers, Woodford’s career continued to be filled with interesting opportunities until his retirement in 1997.

Like the sign that led Woodford on a career adventure, a brochure titled “Come and Be a Paleontologist for a Week” has led him to volunteer for fossil-hunting adventures in Montana and sharing his finds in the Science Center’s Fossil Lab.

Don’t miss the artifacts from Woodford’s career in the Destination Moon: The Apollo 11 Mission exhibition and stop by the Fossil Lab to see his work and hear about his many adventures.

Featured above: Gene “Woody” Woodford in front of a photo of himself in 1968 at the ACIC using one of the first scanners for taking measurements from lunar photographs.

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Woodford fossil hunting in Montana.

His juvenile T-rex jawbone find resides in Montana’s Museum of Rockies. A replica can be found outside the Fossil Lab.

join the saint louis science center volunteer team We welcome volunteers to exciting opportunities throughout the museum.

LEARN MORE | VISIT slsc.org/volunteeropportunities | CALL 314.289.4412 | EMAIL volunteer@slsc.org

Discover out-of-this-world summer fun

SCIENCe SCIENCe SUNSET

SAINT LOUIS SCIENCE CENTER

2018 2018

SAINT LOUIS SCIENCE CENTER

SUNSET

A T A T THURSDAYS THIS SUMMER

THURSDAYS THIS JUNE 7– AUGUST 9 | SUMMER 5 PM– 8PM JUNE 7– AUGUST 9 | 5 PM– 8PM June 7 | Men in Black Enjoy food and drink specials

and live music in the outdoor

June 14 | Wall-E

GROW gallery.

June 21 | Hidden Figures

Explore Destination Moon:

June 28 | The Martian

The Apollo 11 Mission and

July 5 | Apollo 13

makerspace classes Mon.–Sat. 10:30am & 1:30pm | Sun. 1:30pm June | Star Charts Come explore astronomy by creating your own constellation using fiber optics and LEDs to bend light.

July & August | Destination Moon Screen Print T-Shirts Learn the art and science behind screen printing as you create your own T-shirt in your choice of Destination Moon inspired designs.

(Includes T-shirt) $6 Members ages 7– 14 | $10 non-members.

July 12 | E.T.

galleries after hours.

July 19 | Spaceballs

FREE film series at 6:30pm.

July 26 | October Sky

Tickets available at 5pm.

August 2 | Gravity

Members-only ticket line!

August 9 | Contact

Apollo 11 Week July 16–July 24 Join us as we celebrate the th 49 anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission!

• Space-themed • activities throughout • the galleries

july 16

• Spot an astronaut • and get your picture

july 19

• Watch Aircraft Carrier • at the OMNIMAX • Explore our newest • special exhibition • Destination Moon

live sky: magnificent moon Planetarium Show | 11:30 & 2:30pm Daily NEW show dedicated to exploring the moon’s facts and myths. Includes educator-led exploration of moon concepts and hoaxes.

FREE for all Members. $7 non-member adults | $6 children/seniors

Rocket Launch Day outside the Planetarium

Science at Sunset featuring Spaceballs at the OMNIMAX

july 20 Landing Party: Party Like It’s 1969 cocktail reception

july 21 SCIFEST: One Giant Leap

vr transporter: spacewalk-danger in orbit James S. McDonnell Planetarium Experience the dangers of living and working in space with our motion-based virtual reality ride. $9 Members | $10 non-members

Photo credit: NASA

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special events

Destination Moon: The Apollo 11 Mission Opening Celebrations

VIP Reception

VIP Event Presenters from left to right: Shelley Lavender, Board of Commissioners; Bert Vescolani, Science Center President and CEO; Christian Greer, Science Center Chief Officer of Science, Education and Experience; Juan Ferreira, Board of Commissioners Chairman; Johnny Stephenson, Director of the Office of Strategic Analysis and Communication at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center; Myriam Springuel, Director, Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service

On April 19 the Saint Louis Science Center celebrated the opening of the Destination Moon: The Apollo 11 Mission with a VIP cocktail reception. Over 350 Science Center supporters and guests enjoyed an evening of hors d’oeuvres and cocktails as well as the opportunity to explore the iconic artifacts from the historic mission.

From left to right: Josh Randall, Board of Commissioners; Nicole Randall; Juan Ferreira, Board of Commissioners Chairman

From left to right: Randy McDonnell, Elizabeth McDonnell and James McDonnell

The Mercury 6 are all veterans of NASA's Project Mercury, the first human spaceflight program for the United States. The Mercury spacecraft was produced by McDonnell Aircraft Corporation in St. Louis.

Left to right: Dean Purdy, Jerry Roberts, Bob Schepp, Norman Beckel, Robert Tucker, Earl Roberts

From left to right: Lynn Yaeger, Douglas Yaeger, former Board of Commissioners Chairman

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Member Preview Over 500 Members enjoyed the special opportunity to be the first to experience Destination Moon: The Apollo 11 Mission special exhibition the evening before it opened to the public in April. “It was wonderful to see so many generations of Members sharing their memories as they were captivated by the historic Apollo 11 artifacts, life in the 60s and St. Louis’ role in the Space Race,” said Amy Martin, director of Membership. The event included spaceinspired treats of Moon Pies and Tang.

“Destination Moon brought back memories to when we were dating in college and we were both watching the remarkable moon landing on TV as we were talking on the phone to each other. Since then we have been hooked on space and have seen at least 20 launches at Cape Canaveral.”

Rick and Diane Tinucci

“We really liked how the exhibit opened with the film that brought everyone back into the era of the 1960s. It was amazing to see the actual module and for my kids to climb in the recreation and see the physicality of the space. They had so much fun with all the interactive activities at the end of the exhibit.”

“We were super excited to see Destination Moon! I remember watching the moon landing as a kid. It brought back so many memories including how my Dad was so inspired by space, he wanted me to be an astronaut. This is as close as I will ever get.

Great show!”

“We were excited to see Destination Moon after seeing some of the prototypes at the Member Mission event earlier in the spring.

The personal quotes from the Apollo 11 astronauts throughout the exhibition really made us realize what the experience was like for them personally. “

Heather Wessels and Mike Swatske

Den Dotson and Colleen Dempsey Dotson

The Hatcher Family

destination moon field trip Saturday, June 9 | 10am & 2pm

member events CALL 314.289.4424 for tickets RESERVATIONS REQUIRED— tickets are limited

Just for Members, an exclusive opportunity to experience the Destination Moon field trip enjoyed by hundreds of students and educators. Learn about engineering and testing processes that real-life engineers use every day by building your own rover. After the one-hour program enjoy the Destination Moon special exhibition.

star wars vs. star trek collections tour Thursday, July 26 | 1:30pm & 3pm A behind-the-scenes look at the Science Center’s Star Wars and Star Trek artifacts, toys, games, and action figures. $10 per Member.

Tours held at the Taylor Community Science Resource Center, 4900 Manchester Road, St. Louis, MO 63110

$10 per Member.

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gallery & education news

NASA STEM Educator Professional Development Collaborative The Saint Louis Science Center has partnered with the NASA STEM Educator Professional Development Collaborative, a national program dedicated to training STEM educators on how to apply NASA’s educational resources to the classroom.

In April, 25 educators attended a virtual session at the Science Center with John Weis, the NASA Educator Professional Development Collaborative Specialist. The program included an overview of the many NASA resources available to educators at no cost and examples of lessons for STEM fields at different grade levels.

The collaboration continues on July 23 with NASA’s Lunar and Meteorite Sample Disk Program workshop led personally by John Weis for K-12 educators. The disks contain actual lunar rock and soil samples collected by astronauts and meteorite samples. Once completed, each educator will be certified to borrow the disks directly from NASA. “We are excited that our partnership will bring unique STEM learning opportunities for students to have a first-hand look at samples made possible by the NASA space missions,” says Jared Farmer, manager of Teacher Programs.

Lunar Sample Disk. Photo credit: NASA

LEARN MORE | EMAIL Jared Farmer manager of Teacher Programs at jared.farmer@slsc.org | CALL 314.286.4623

NEW Mission: Mars Gallery Activities Explore new hands-on experiences in the Mars Base and Mars Control galleries that reflect the latest NASA discoveries and plans for future missions to the red planet.

P3 P2 P1

SECOND FLOOR FIRST FLOOR

HIGHWAY 40/I-64 SKYBRIDGE

LOWER LEVEL

Mission: Mars Control

Mission: Mars Base

DARE MIGHTY THINGS

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MISSION: MARS CONTROL (Main Building-2nd Floor)

MISSION: MARS BASE SIMULATION (James S. McDonnell Planetarium)

Create and send your program to the Mars rover for an adventure of discovery, and explore rover design and engineering.

Explore Mars through the eyes of the rover and step into the shoes of scientist living and working on Mars in the future.

NEW hands-on activities:

NEW hands-on activities:

• Explore important discoveries made by • generations of rover missions

• Identify and analyze rocks and minerals • using scientific tools.

• Build a rover arm and explore the • rover’s tools used to gather samples

• Land a spacecraft on the red planet.

• Discover the similarities between • a human arm and rover arm

• Feel the difference between the weight • of objects on Earth vs. Mars

• Construct a rover and test it on simulated • Martian terrain.

• Fly through the solar system using NASAs • • immersive 3-D technology

• Drive a rover around the Mars surface.

Science Center’s Dinosaur Fossil Undergoes Study In 17 years of digging for the dinosaur remains in the fossilrich badlands of northeast Montana, volunteers and staff of the Dana Brown Fossil Prep Lab and the members of the Eastern Missouri Society of Paleontology have excavated an amazing collection of fossils from a variety of dinosaur species. The fossils are brought back to the Science Center for visitors to get a first-hand look at the remains of dinosaurs from millions of years ago and a chance to learn how they lived.

Though fossil findings have led to many recreations of what dinosaurs looked like, little is known about their brains. Two of the Triceratops skull fossils found by the team are the focus of a dinosaur brain study with the Science Center, Washington University School of Medicine and the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology. The team is researching the Triceratops brains and skulls to learn more about their growth stages.

Both Triceratops’ fossilized bone braincases that were once part of a complete skull underwent CT scans at the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology. The digital images from the scans show a 3-D scale model or endocast of what the interior cavity of the Triceratops would have looked like inside the braincase. The images provide a detailed look at the size and shape of the brain and its surrounding areas.

Research findings from this study will be published in the Journal of Evolutionary Biology this summer and will be the subject of future program and exhibit opportunities.

The “fossil hunters” will be heading back to the badlands of Montana in July. Stop by the Dana Brown Fossil Prep lab and learn more about the Triceratops brain research study, dig discoveries and fossil preservation.

Above, center (left to right): Dr. Michelle Miller-Thomas and Dr. Sanjeev Bhalla from the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology; Dr. Ashley Morhardt, Assistant Professor of Anatomy in the Department of Neuroscience at Washington University School of Medicine; Brian Thomas Science Center senior educator.

DON’T MISS FIRST FRIDAY: JURASSIC WORLD ON JUNE 1 and learn more about digital dinosaur imaging with Dr. Ashley Morhardt.

Braincase in skull for context Braincase containing endocast of brain cavity (blue) Isolated brain endocast

Walnut for scale s ls c.org

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join us

prairie farms dairy day

missouri rice field day

get rooted at scifest: bright ideas

Saturday, June 9 | 11am–5pm

Saturday, July 28 | 10am–4pm

Saturday, August 11 | 10am–4pm

Celebrate Prairie Farms’ 80th Anniversary.

Learn fun facts about how milk gets to the table with real farmers and see a variety of dairy cows. Enjoy an array of Prairie Farms product samplings.

Explore how rice goes from field to plate with Missouri farmers. Don’t miss the Missouri Rice Research Farm’s demonstration bed, “Rice Field” games and samples of delicious Missouri rice.

Join us for deeply rooted exploration with scientists from the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. See how x-rays and 3-D imaging are used to study roots and how roots respond to environmental stress.

new! grow gallery group tours Bring your group and dig deep into learning about the journey of food from farm to table.

GROW Group Tours: The Best in GROW Discover the GROW gallery’s most popular attractions including our chicken flock, aquaponics greenhouse, combine harvester and seasonal plantings.

Farmbot, Fitbits & Drones: Tech Innovations in Agriculture Explore the modern combine, data collecting “GROWbot,” environmental sensors, drones and Fitbits for dairy cows.

Can You Eat That? Exploring the Unexpected Plants of GROW Learn about perennial plants with agricultural applications. See a GROW perennial plot being actively researched.

Enjoy seasonal samples right from the GROW garden.

45-minute tours. $150–groups of 25 or less. $175–groups of 26 to 50.

Subject to availablity. Advance registration required.

LEARN MORE | VISIT slsc.org/groups | CALL 314.289.1419 | EMAIL michael.wense@slsc.org

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PRESCHOOL SCIENCE

2 018 A great way for kids to explore, discover and learn the world of STEM all summer long!

Just a sample of the Science Center’s exciting STEM camps:

AGES 13–16 Design It, Build It! Create your own design with skilled designers.

NEW Veterinary Voyage with professionals from the Saint Louis Zoo.

AGES 10–12

SERIES

preschool science series Mondays, Tuesdays or Saturdays 10– 10:45am in the GROW Meeting Room June 11, 12, & 16 | Bats vs. Birds June 18 & 19 | Insects & Spiders June 25 & 26 | Life Underground July 5 | Plant Power July 9 & 10 | Super Sun July 16, 17, 21 | Marvelous Moon July 23 & 24 | Space Explorer

Robots Rewired See how computers communicate with basic coding!

August 11, 13 & 14 | Transportation Tech

NEW Zombie Survival Camp Discover where real zombies live on Earth and dissect a real animal brain.

August 20 & 21 | Conservation Innovations

AGES 8–9 NEW The Science of Superpowers Engineer super gadgets and explore real superpowers.

NEW Positive Energy Discover different energy systems and ways to harness energy.

AGES 6–7 GROW Dig deeper for a look at food through creative projects.

August 27 & 28 | Natural Disaster Tech Your young scientist will explore, investigate and engage with STEM topics through hands-on science exploration. $8 Members per child ages 3+. $10 non-members.

One adult per 4 children required.

LEARN MORE | VISIT slsc.org/preschool-science-series | CALL 314.289.4424 for reservations

BUGS Explore creepy crawlers, spindly spiders and beautiful butterflies

AGES 4–5 NEW Energy Excitement Explore wind, solar, thermal and kinetic energy.

Simply Science Explore amazing chemical changes and scientific processes.

MEMBERS-ONLY CAMP DISCOUNT 20% OFF Summer Science Blast Camps for Family & Friends Plus and MAX Level Members LEARN MORE | VISIT slsc.org/summer-camps | CALL 314.289.4439 | EMAIL daycamps@slsc.org

solar saturdays June 16 | July 21 | August 18 10am–2pm James S. McDonnell Planetarium Join us and take a look, safely, at the fantastic displays found on the sun’s surface with members of the St. Louis Astronomical Society and Science Center educators.

(Weather permitting)

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Meet STEM experts for an exciting look at real science and technology innovations EVERY month!

Explore new fields with your young scientist, find new hobbies and meet real STEM professionals and learn cutting-edge science and technology.

june 16 paws & claws

july 21 one giant leap

august 11 bright ideas expo

Join us for a closer look at the amazing animal kingdom. Discover more about the unique characteristics of animals with paws, claws, hooves, fins, wings and scales. Meet a variety of animals and the people who take care of them. Talk with animal experts and find out more about animal science, conservation, careers and volunteer opportunities!

Celebrate the 49th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing featured in our special exhibition Destination Moon.

Explore and discover the science, technology, ingenuity and effort involved in making the 953,054-mile voyage to the moon and back possible. Meet moon landing and Space Race experts and see unique artifacts on display just for this event!

Immerse yourself in the world of Bright Ideas created by curious and clever minds from the St. Louis community. Meet artists, tinkerers, entrepreneurs, scientists and other creatives sharing their inspirations, inventions and ideas. Get an inside look at the creative process while expressing your own creativity with opportunities to make, do and imagine.

Photo credit: NASA

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september 22

october 13

november 10

Rock, Fossil, Quake

The Great Outdoors

Healthy U.

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FIRST FRIDAYS Geek out from 6– 10pm on the first Friday of EVERY month and explore the intersection of science and science fiction! Enjoy local artists and innovators, themed trivia, hands-on activities and FREE screenings in the OMNIMAX® Theater and James S. McDonnell Planetarium. Plus, Members-only ticket line.

save the date first fridays september 7 Harry Potter

october 5 The Goonies

november 2 Bourne, Bond and Beyond

december 7 june 1

Doctor Who

Jurassic World Discover the latest in dinosaur digital reconstruction with the Science Center’s collaborating paleontologist, Dr. Ashley Morhardt (graduate of Ohio University’s famed WitmerLab and now a Washington University professor). Learn about the Visible Interactive Dinosaur Project and how its findings compare to what’s seen in Jurassic Park. Also, look for the inflatable T. rex flash mob, and enjoy a FREE OMNIMAX screening of Jurassic World at 10pm.

july 6

Star Trek Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine! Special guest Dr. Margaret Weitekamp, curator of space-themed popular culture at the Smithsonian, will compare real space stations to those in Star Trek and Babylon 5. Join in the costume contest and don’t miss our special exhibition, Destination Moon. Enjoy Star Trek episodes in the Planetarium and a FREE screening of Star Trek: Beyond in the OMNIMAX Theater at 10pm!

august 3

Arthurian Legends Step in to the legendary world of King Arthur’s court and learn more about astronomy, architecture, technology and other fascinating aspects of science in the Middle Ages. Explore the world of medieval weapons and try your hand at a trebuchet catapult. Check Facebook in July and help select the Arthurian-themed movie to be shown FREE in the OMNIMAX Theater at 10pm.

#FridayGeekOut Geek out and share your First Friday fun on

Photo credit: Genzoman – Deviant Art

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join us

save the date

Aircraft Carrier Dinner on the Deck Friday, June 29 6pm–9pm

newest omnimax® theater film!

Experience being aboard a modern aircraft carrier in this stunning tribute to one of the greatest engineering feats of history. The Rim of the Pacific maritime training exercises provide a stunning visual context for the crucial role modern aircraft carriers and the 5,000 highly skilled sea and air personnel play in maintaining the freedom of the seas. The immersive experience features spectacular aerial shots and unbelievably up-close flight deck footage— all perfect for the giant screen of the OMNIMAX Theater.

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Come aboard for an evening celebrating the guardians of the sea. Tickets include an OMNIMAX Theater screening of Aircraft Carrier, followed by dinner and drinks and a presentation by one of the film’s producers.

$45 Members $55 Non-Members CALL 314.289.4424 for tickets | RESERVATIONS REQUIRED —seating is limited

omnimaxÂŽ theater

now showing A heart-warming adventure starring irresistible baby pandas and their many adorable antics. The film, narrated

by Kristen Bell, follows an adorable cub on a journey from being raised in captivity to finding the wild within with the help of a collaboration with an American biologist. Filmed in the richly forested mountain regions of China that are home to some of the world’s last populations of wild giant pandas.

see it before it closes monday, september 3 A breathtaking adventure to the lush tropical islands of remote West Papua, the home to one of the most diverse marine ecosystems on Earth. Join Jawi, a young island boy, on a journey of discovery to encounter whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays and other iconic sea creatures. Narrated by Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett.

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community

Saint Louis Science Center’s YES Program works with underrepresented teens throughout their high school years to increase interest in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEaM).

YES Teens also gain professional, academic, college-ready and realworld skills that assist in building self-confidence and personal success.

YES Summertime Science The Destination Moon special exhibition has inspired this year’s theme for the YES Summertime Science program. Thanks to two generous grants, the YES teens are set to welcome over 3,000 underserved children to exciting space activities at the Taylor Community Science Resource Center.

Summertime Science brings a unique opportunity for YES teens to change gears from student to leadership positions as educators for children from local camps, school groups and community organizations. “The grants have significantly benefited the summer program by giving the YES teens an important platform to enhance their leadership and communication skills while reaching thousands of underserved children with the inspiring topic of space,” says Tim Mulhall, manager of Youth Development.

A grant from The Boeing Company has provided resources for spaceflight and aviation activities. The YES teens will lead paper airplane design challenges, space food exploration, encrypted space message decoding activities and even the flight simulators.

The Boeing grant will also give eligible groups access to free star shows, OMNIMAX® films and the Destination Moon: The Apollo 11 Mission special exhibition.

The YES teens will also lead sessions on exploring the day and nighttime sky, how to get to space and what kind of protection is needed in space. These sessions are made possible by grant funding provided by GSK in partnership with the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia.

LEARN MORE | VISIT youthexploringscience.com | CALL 314.289.1414 | EMAIL mia.harsley@slsc.org

Saint Louis Science Center Annual Volunteer Celebration This May, Science Center volunteers were celebrated at the annual dinner event held at the Norman K. Probstein Golf Course Clubhouse in Forest Park. The evening included dinner, service achievement awards and prize drawings. “We greatly appreciate the opportunity to celebrate our many volunteers and their outstanding support and dedication to providing unforgettable guest experiences at the Science Center,” says Ann Pikey, manager of Volunteers.

Join our Volunteer Community LEARN MORE | VISIT slsc.org/volunteer-opportunities | CALL 314.289.4412 | EMAIL volunteer@slsc.org

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For 23 years, The Loeb Prize has honored outstanding science and math educators in the Saint Louis area that demonstrate a passion to inspire learning.

Carol Loeb and 2018 Loeb Prize winner Nathan Williams and Christian Greer, Science Center Chief Officer of Science, Education and Experience

Nathan Williams, science and Project Lead the Way teacher from Bayless Junior High School, was awarded the Carol B. and Jerome T. Loeb Prize for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics at an event celebrating the finalists at the James S. McDonnell Planetarium on May 15.

“I work hard to communicate my love for and the importance of science every day,” said Williams. “Students consistently tell me that my class started opening their eyes to the world around them.”

This year’s event also honored Julie LaConte, who teaches science at Rossman School, as the second place honoree.

Other finalists included William Henske from Maplewood Richmond Heights Middle School, Trey Fisk from Lutheran High School South and Kristina Bunyard from Crestview Middle School. All finalists received cash awards.

“This year’s nominated teachers are an extraordinary group of highly qualified and dedicated educators. They are masters of their subjects, technologically savvy, innovative in their classrooms, and consummate professionals. It is most rewarding to be able to recognize these outstanding teachers of tomorrow’s STEM leaders,” said Carol Loeb, a math teacher for 53 years, who, along with her husband, the late Jerome T. Loeb, established the Loeb Prize in 1995 in partnership with the Saint Louis Science Center. Carol Loeb also serves on the Saint Louis Science Center’s Board of Trustees.

“We are proud of the longstanding partnership with the Loeb Family in recognizing and rewarding outstanding teachers dedicated to STEM education,” said Bert Vescolani, president and CEO of the Saint Louis Science Center. “The Loeb Prize is one of the many ways we honor educators who share the mission of the Saint Louis Science Center—to ignite and sustain lifelong science and technology learning.”

Loeb Prize winner Nathan Williams and students from his Bayless Junior High School classes

All Loeb Prize honorees with Carol Loeb and Science Center representatives

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in the news

partnership spotlight

Missouri Rice Research & Merchandising Council is a founding partner of the GROW gallery and the key resource for sharing how rice grown right in Missouri is enjoyed around the world.

The council has had a significant role in supporting innovative rice farming practices, extensive research and ongoing farm conservation efforts that have led Missouri to become the fourth largest producer of rice in the United States.

FFA & Farm Bureau Planter Donation In April, five new planters designed to feature cattle forage crops were donated to the GROW gallery. The planters were built by the Edwards County FFA with supplies funded by the Edwards County Farm Bureau and soil provided by the Wabash County Farm Bureau. “We appreciate the collaborative effort behind the planters and the new opportunity to highlight cattle forage crops and the role they play in sustainable agriculture,” says Hannah Reinhart, manager of Plants and Animals in the GROW gallery.

“It is a great opportunity for us to partner with the Saint Louis Science Center and share the story of Missouri rice and the farmers from southeast Missouri who work hard to provide not only our area, but the world with high-quality rice,” says Greg Yielding, executive director of the Missouri Rice & Merchandising Council.

Visitors to the GROW gallery get a first-hand look at rice plantings in the demonstration bed thanks to the Missouri Rice Research & Merchandising Council. The council also supports GROW gallery events with rice farmers and samples to show how Missouri rice is grown and processed. An educational rice activity book for children was also developed in partnership with the Science Center and is available at the entrance to the GROW gallery.

Don’t Miss

St. Louis Compost Supports GROW Thanks to St. Louis Composting, the demonstration gardens in GROW are in top condition! “We are grateful for the partnership we have had with St. Louis Composting since the GROW gallery opened in 2016,” says Maddie Earnest, manager of the GROW gallery. “Our visitors learn so much from our top-performing demonstration plantings that are supported throughout the growing season by compost enriched soil from St. Louis Compost”

missouri rice field day Saturday, July 28 10am–4pm Explore how rice goes from field to plate with Missouri farmers. Don’t miss the Missouri Rice Research Farm’s demonstration bed and samples of Missouri rice.

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St. Louis Regional STEM Learning Ecosystem The Saint Louis Science Center is one of the founding partner in the St. Louis Regional STEM Learning Ecosystem (STEMSTL), one of 17 incoming ecosystem communities selected to join the national initiative of STEM Learning Ecosystems. STEMSTL is committed to collaborating in new and creative ways to tailor quality STEM learning opportunities that meet the specific needs of all learners from cradle to career by reaching schools and after-school and summer programs, at home, with local business and industry partners, and STEM-rich institutions.

THE SAINT LOUIS SCIENCE CENTER GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES CANSTRUCTION PARTNERS: The Center for Indian Cultural Education Bal Vihar of St. Louis Interfaith Quest Beth Damsgaard-Rodriguez The Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis Operation Food Search Shop ‘n Save

St. Louis Teens Create CANstruction Mural This past March, forty teens from the Hindu, Muslim, Jewish and Christian faiths joined eight teens from the Science Center’s YES (Youth Exploring Science) program to create a unique mural using canned goods at the James S. McDonnell Planetarium. For the fifth year, The Center for Indian Cultural Education— Bal Vihar of St. Louis and Interfaith Quest have organized this collaborative project in partnership with the Saint Louis Science Center.

The teens themed the CANstruction mural “Thinking Beyond Ourselves” by gathering inspiration from the “Looking Up” sculpture

All 1,700 canned goods used for the mural were donated to Operation Food Search.

created by St. Louis artist Thomas Friedman, located outside the Planetarium. “The teens used both art and STEM to construct this extraordinary structure that calls for hope, peace, love and understanding among all,” said Marlynn Chambers, manager of the Teen Ambassadors program at the Science Center. “We are excited for the Saint Louis Science Center to once again be a hub for this interfaith, interdisciplinary project where teens from our region’s diverse communities can come together to plan and create this inspirational project.”

Weather Day at Busch Stadium In April, more than 4,500 students attended Weather Day at Busch Stadium hosted by the Saint Louis Science Center, the St. Louis Cardinals, KSDK’s Chief Meteorologist Craig Moeller and the entire 5 On Your Side Weather Team. Kids were able to learn about St. Louis weather and safety tips, see amazing presentations

by Science Center’s educators and have fun with Fredbird. Students also enjoyed a hands-on educational expo, meet-and-greet opportunity with the KSDK meteorology team, lunch and the ballgame!

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in the news

From left to right: Maddie Earnest, Science Center GROW manager; Dr. Andrew Kiggundu, Danforth Plant Science Center; Dr. Allison Miller, Saint Louis University

From left to right: Director Carol Comer, Missouri Department of Natural Resources; Director Chris Chinn, Missouri Department of Agriculture; Bert Vescolani, Science Center president and CEO; Diane Olson, director of Promotion and Education Missouri Farm Bureau; Kevin Daugherty, director of Education Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom

On March 16, over 200 of the Science Center’s community partners, donors and members enjoyed a cocktail reception and screening of Food Evolution followed by a panel discussion.

The documentary film narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson highlights the emotions and science surrounding GMO technology and agricultural applications. “We were excited to host a film that highlights the science and suspicion around genetic engineering and GMOs, and provide a platform for debate and discussion of this important topic that has global implications,” says Science Center’s Christian Greer, chief officer of Science, Education and Experience.

From left to right: Jack Siegel, Dan Siegel, Judy Siegel, Justin Siegel, president of Deli Star, Allison Dragues and Konnor Siegel

The panel was moderated by Christian Greer and included Dr. Andrew Kiggundu research scientist at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Chris Chinn, director of Missouri Department of Agriculture and Tim McDermott, Agricultural Science educator at Waterloo High School.

Center: Maddie Earnest, GROW manager, with GROW volunteers (left to right) Peter Webb, Jinsong You, Jim Bell, Will Ridley and Rich Lesage

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Opening Minds to Science: The Saint Louis Science Center’s Report to the Community Did you know that the Science Center routinely conducts audience research and evaluation?

If you’ve ever filled out a comment card, been interviewed about your experience in a program or exhibit, or completed a Science Center survey either online or at the end of your visit, then you have provided the Science Center with valuable feedback. Thank You! The Research and Evaluation team gathers data to better understand audiences—who they are, why they visit, what they do during their visits, what they enjoy and what they are learning from exhibits and programs. This important information helps the Science Center improve its exhibits, educational programming and events.

HERE ARE A FEW “FUN FACTS” FROM OUR 2017 EVALUATION STUDIES: 35% OF ADULT VISITORS CAME IN GROUPS WITHOUT CHILDREN —proof that the Science Center isn’t just for kids!

63%

Each year, the Research and Evaluation team publishes Opening Minds to Science: The Saint Louis Science Center’s Report to the Community.

This report highlights a variety of evaluation studies and is one way the Science Center shares what it has learned from and about its audiences.

63% OF GENERAL PUBLIC VISITORS reside in the St. Louis Metropolitan area

Science Center Educators delivered an average of 17 PROGRAMS EVERY DAY —both on-site and off-site

LEARN MORE | VISIT slsc.org/OpeningMindsToScience2017

2017

33

minutes

During the summer, visitors spent an average of 33 MINUTES IN THE GROW GALLERY

Members’ favorite exhibits in the Structures gallery are: LARGE CATENARY ARCH RADAR GUNS EXCAVATOR

opening minds to science The Saint Louis Science Center’s Report to the Community

high-tech digigirlz class Coming in September A FREE class for girls entering grades 8–12 to explore careers in technology. The girls will meet successful women from the technology industry to learn about their career experiences and inspirations. Presented by Microsoft and the Saint Louis Science Center, activities include tech demonstrations, networking and handson workshops. Participants will also have the chance to win amazing prizes. Event date and registration details will be available by midsummer at slsc.org/digigirlz. Space is limited.

LEARN MORE | VISIT slsc.org/WHERE | CALL 314.289.1477

Just for Members!

zoo museum district (ZMD) membership sale

20% OFF June 17-23 Saint Louis Zoo Missouri Botanical Garden Saint Louis Art Museum Missouri History Museum Show your Saint Louis Science Center Membership card at any ZMD institution and receive a discount on membership purchases and special offers.

Offer available on-site only.

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NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID ST. LOUIS, MO PERMIT NO. 1491

Saint Louis Science Center 5050 Oakland Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110

NewScience is now GREEN The Saint Louis Science Center is a committed steward of the environment. We are proud to offer the sustainable choice of receiving the interactive online version of NewScience, as well as a downloadable PDF. Sign up by sending an email to memberships@slsc.org if you would like to no longer receive a paper subscription.

You can also send us an email if: • Your email address has changed • Your name is misspelled • Your address is incorrect

Smithsonian Affiliate Membership Program

Smithsonian Affiliate Membership Program

save the date

Apollo Week– The Landing Party: Party Like It’s 1969 Friday, July 20 6pm–9pm Step back in time and join us for the 49th celebration of the Apollo 11 moon landing with this cocktail-style reception.

Evening includes food, drinks, music and a chance to explore the Destination Moon exhibition.

$35 Members $45 Non-Members CALL 314.289.4424 for tickets | RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Photo credit: NASA