HMNS News May/June 2014

news M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4 VOLUME 19, NUMBER 3 w w w. h m n s . o r g

PREMIERES MAY 23 IN THE WORTHAM GIANT SCREEN THEATRE

In 2 2014 HMNS Gala

HMNS IN THIS ISSUE • 2014 HMNS GALA

3 Young Professional Group General Information

w w w. h m n s . o r g / i n t e r a c t

2

4-5 Bulgari: 130 Years of Masterpieces 6-7 Magna Carta 8-9 Nature Unleashed 10 - 13 Wortham Giant Screen Theatre 14 George Observatory

2014 HMNS GALA Shaken…Not Stirred HMNS thanks Gala Co-Chairs Maynard Holt and T. Mark Kelly for their hard work on the 2014 Museum Gala on March 1. This year’s event, Shaken…

Not Stirred, raised more than a million dollars to provide essential financial support for the Museum’s exhibitions, educational programs and operations.

15 HMNS @ Sugar Land 16 Burke Baker Planetarium 17 For Teachers 18 Cockrell Butterfly Center 19 Adult Education Wiess Energy Programs 20 - 21 Just For Kids 22 - 23 Events Calendar Mixers and Elixirs World Trekkers

GET CONNECTED TO HMNS WWW.HMNS.ORG FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

TWITTER

YOUTUBE

FLICKR

VIMEO

PINTEREST

BLOG.HMNS.ORG

Gala Co-Chair T. Mark Kelly, HMNS President Joel A. Bartsch, and Gala Co-Chair Maynard Holt Photo Credit: Priscilla Dickson

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP

We’re pleased to announce the launch of our new YP group in June, where geekchic is de rigueur. A diverse, vivacious group of young HMNS members in their 20s and 30s, our YP group believes that science makes us buzz— and everyone should know it.

Individual Young Professionals Basic Membership Benefits at the Individual Level, plus an invitation for

one to exclusive Young Professionals Membership events and a discounted ticket ($15) for one friend. $100 Dual Young Professionals Basic Membership Benefits at the Dual Level, plus an invitation for two to exclusive Young Professionals Membership events and discounted tickets ($15) for two friends. $125

HMNS CATALYSTS MEMBERS EVENT Thursday, June 26, 6 - 8 p.m.

Tickets $30, Free for YP Members Cash bar and lite bites. Young Professionals Members receive two drink tickets. Please call (713) 639-4629 to join the Young Professionals and to reserve your tickets. This event is only for adults ages 21 and up.

GENERAL INFORMATION SUGAR LAND

MAIN CAMPUS

HOURS OF OPERATION Daily: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Memorial Day Weekend: May 24 – 26, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Summer: May 30 - August 24 Daily: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Check our website for film schedules and special closures. Permanent Exhibit Halls are FREE after 2 p.m. on Thursdays.

ADVANCE PURCHASES

(713) 639-4629 Monday - Sunday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Online at www.store.hmns.org Handling fee for phone orders only.

PARKING

Member $5, nonmember $10, all others $20

MEMBER TICKETS

Number of discounted tickets by membership level: Individual, Student & Senior, 1; Dual, 2; Family level & above, 2 adults & 4 children.

MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS (713) 639-4616, TTY (713) 639-4687 membership@hmns.org

SPECIAL SERVICES (713) 639-4629. Wheelchairs provided at no cost, subject to availability.

FIELD TRIPS

For all venues: (713) 639-4659, www.hmns.org/fieldtrip

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

(713) 639-4646, www.hmns.org/birthdays Party Smarty at Main Campus and Sugar Land; (281) 242-3055 Expedition Birthday Mission at the George Observatory.

RENTALS & SPECIAL EVENTS (713) 639-4749, www.rentthemuseum.org

(281) 313-2277 www.hmns.org/sugarland 13016 University Boulevard Sugar Land, Texas 77479

HOURS OF OPERATION

Thursday - Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday: noon to 5 p.m.

Monday - Wednesday: only field trips with advance booking Memorial Day: May 26: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Summer, June 5 - August 24: Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday: noon to 5 p.m.

RENTALS & SPECIAL EVENTS (281) 313-2277, extension 101

GEORGE OBSERVATORY (281) 242-3055 www.hmns.org/observatory Located in Brazos Bend State Park.

Park entrance fee: $7 per person; free for ages 12 & under. For special events, call (281) 242-3055.

www.hmns.org/visit

(713) 639-4629 www.hmns.org 5555 Hermann Park Drive Houston, Texas 77030

H M N S Y O U N G P R O F E S S I O N A L S G R O U P • G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

HMNS CATALYSTS

www.hmns.org/exhibits 4

130 YEARS OF MASTERPIECES

M AY 2 - OC TOB E R 5 , 2 0 1 4

HMNS BULGARI: 130 YEARS OF MASTERPIECES

to legendary status. Drawn from ancient models, Bulgari’s Roman-influenced designs known as the “Italian school” stood in stark contrast to the “Parisian school” high fashion jewelry of the late 19th century.

It was these qualities, and the daring, progressive nature of the company, that positioned Bulgari to become the preeminent jewelry house of the 20th century, attracting the attention and devotion of an international audience of admirers—not least among them, Diana Vreeland, Andy Warhol and Elizabeth Taylor, who owned one of the largest collections of Bulgari works in the world. We invite you to explore Bulgari’s history and profound aesthetic through 150 pieces of jewelry.

As home to some of the most outstanding specimens of natural gem crystals in the world, the Houston Museum of Natural Science is proud to partner with Bulgari to present Bulgari:

130 Years of Masterpieces. Equal parts art and science, the historic and the contemporary, Bulgari not only pays homage to the great masters of the past, they also continuously push the envelope of jewelry design into the future.

Bulgari had its beginnings in Rome as a jewelry shop opened in 1884 by Greek silversmith Sotirio Bulgari.

With passionate skill and vision, he set the stage for Bulgari to become a permanent emblem of Italian excellence.

For the next 130 years thereafter, the company’s ceaseless creativity, formidable history of innovation, and bold, pioneering spirit elevated its name

This exhibition is organized by the Houston Museum of Natural Science in collaboration with Bulgari. Local support is provided by Northern Trust.

MEMBERS EVENT Bulgari: 130 Years of Masterpieces Friday, May 2, 6 - 10 p.m.

Children’s crafts, cash bar and refreshments. Reserve early as this event will sell out! Admission to the Bulgari: 130 Years of Masterpieces exhibit requires a ticket purchase. Please call (713) 639-4629 for reservations.

5

www.hmns.org/exhibits

Jewelry has held the power to captivate people for millennia. Symbolizing the unattainable—yet staring us right in the face—exquisite works by master jewelers are pieces of wearable art.

Feeling a mixture of wonder and awe, jealousy and lust for wealth, we respect the power of nature that formed the raw gems, and perhaps respect even more deeply the human hands that shaped these magnificent stones.

The pieces are on loan from Bulgari’s archives, and from private collections.

Jewels worn by actresses such as Julianne Moore, Jennifer Aniston and many more are presented along with design sketches and photographs.

This exhibit brings you to the heart of Bulgari—at the intersection of celebrity and design—the jewel in the crown of modern glamour.

HMNS BULGARI: 130 YEARS OF MASTERPIECES

Where the Parisian model demanded fragility, the Italian school celebrated glorious weight and volume. Where the Parisian model demanded purity and intrinsic value in stones, the Italian approach favored beauty and aesthetic quality over all else. Where the Parisian model had used a formulaic method for cutting stones, Bulgari sought different and unusually cut stones as the centerpieces of its designs.

Magna Carta On Exhibition Through August 17

H M N S M A G N A C A R TA

A Man Who Served Four Kings: William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke

www.hmns.org/magnacarta

6

William Marshal unhorsing Baldwin de Guisnes.

A close inspection of the 1217 Magna Carta, currently on display at HMNS, reveals two small slits along the bottom edge of the document. These slits accommodated the ribbons used to attach the seals of two individuals: William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, and the papal legate, Guala Bicchieri.

Both men acted as regents of the boy king Henry III. William Marshal lived in turbulent times. He stood out because not only did he live to be 72 years old at a time when few people lived that long, he also served four kings: Henry II, Richard the Lionheart, John and Henry III. His military prowess earned him the title Marshal, a hereditary position referring to head of the household security for the king of England.

Trained as a knight, Marshal became a champion jouster, a talent that made him a lot of money. He served King Henry II, and at one point unhorsed the future king Richard the Lionheart, who had taken up arms against his father.

William was later pardoned by Richard and went on to serve him. He was made Earl of Pembroke during Richard’s

reign, acquiring “a great position and wide lands in four countries.”

Upon King Richard’s death, William Marshal supported King John’s ascension to the throne. He became one of John’s most faithful advisors, living through monumental events in English history. On May 15, 1213 he witnessed the king's charter of resignation to the pope at Dover.

In 1215 Marshal was instrumental in bringing King John and the rebellious barons together at Runnymede. Moreover, when John died on October 19, 1216, Marshal was one of the executors of the king's will. He was present when young King Henry III was crowned at Gloucester on October 28, 1217.

As there was no royal seal, Marshal issued the necessary letters under his own seal. He initiated the reissue of the Great Charter, which now assumed its final form; at the same time, the Charter of the Forests, a complementary document to Magna Carta, was first published.

On May 14, 1219 Marshal died at age 72 in Caversham, England near Reading. It is fair to say that he helped shape English history—and, to a great extent, world history—as he was instrumental in the reissue of the original Magna Carta.

You can trace the story of William Marshal at the Magna Carta exhibit, currently on display at HMNS until August 17.

The loan of the documents is a partnership arrangement between the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Chapter of Hereford Cathedral and Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust.

Magna Carta is generously underwritten, in part, by The Hamill Foundation; The Harriet and Truett Latimer Endowment Fund; Dianne and George Lindahl; Kathrine G. McGovern; Kelly and Bill Montgomery; Laurie and Reed Morian; Elizabeth and Gary Petersen; HMW Entertainment; George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation; Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co.; Vinson & Elkins LLP and Lisa Young and Matt Assiff.

Magna Carta Events THESE PROGRAMS ARE GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY THE BRITISH COUNCIL.

“The Bayeux Tapestry: The Story-Telling Textile of the Norman Conquest” Pam Holland, Author and Artist Tuesday, July 22, 6:30 p.m.

Behind-the-Scenes Tours Tuesday, May 20, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, June 17, 6 p.m.

Tickets $30, Members $20

Hands-On Adult Classes

Distinguished Lectures Sponsored by the Favrot Fund Tickets $18, Members $12

“British, and American, Sensations” Paul Smith, British Council Wednesday, May 14, 6:30 p.m.

The people of the United States are as rightly possessive of Magna Carta as are the people of Britain. This talk will examine some of the reasons why, and will then explore other icons and periods in British cultural history that have captivated the US and contributed to the special relationship between the two nations.

From Magna Carta to the modern monarchy, from Shakespeare to the Beatles, from Doctor Who to Downton Abbey—why do these transatlantic sensations mean so much to us all?

In this beginner-level class, Cindy Haller, Houston Calligraphy Guild instructor, will teach you to use a dip pen and ink to create the Italic script, and introduce you to the history of English script writing.

“Chain Maille Fashioning” Saturday, June 21, 9 a.m. - noon Saturday, August 16, 9 a.m. - noon Tickets $90, Members $80 Chains have been handmade since men found out how to work metals.

The earliest evidence of chain maille dates to the 4th century. It remained a staple in medieval battlefield armor for centuries, and is still used for protection today. Instructor Karen Burns will teach you to fashion chain maille and you will complete an intricate Byzantine link bracelet.

Aristocratic dining at the time of Magna Carta fused Anglo-Saxon and Norman traditions with exotic flavors and ingredients introduced by Crusaders returning from the Holy Land via Mediterranean islands such as Sicily and Cyprus. In addition, family ties, including the marriage of King John’s sister to William II of Sicily, played an important role in this culinary fusion.

Feasting, revelry and courtly manners were important markers of prestige and power. Explore the culinary world of the barons and King John. Tony Vallone and culinary historian Merrianne Timko have created a menu inspired by these historical complexities to delight our modern palates.

7

www.hmns.org/magnacarta

“Calligraphy, From Quill to Pen” Thursday, May 15, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Saturday, June 21, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Tickets $79, Members $69

“A Medieval Culinaria” Tuesday, August 12, 7 p.m.

Hosted at Tony’s Tickets $115, Members $95

H M N S M A G N A C A R TA

An embroidered textile 230 feet long, the Bayeux Tapestry recounts the story of the conquest of England by the Normans in 1066. Professional quilter Pam Holland of Australia has nearly completed a full-scale quilted replica of the Bayeux Tapestry. In the process of her work and research, she has become one of the leading experts on the original piece which is on display in Normandy, France.

Cultural Feast

H M N S N AT U R E U N L E A S H E D : I N S I D E N AT U R A L D I S A S T E R S www.hmns.org/exhibits

8

OPENS MAY 23 Earth is a dynamic planet, with natural cycles that have shaped our planet for billions of years. Our planet sustains us, protects us, and makes life possible; but it also humbles us with its dramatic power. Come explore our dynamic relationship with Earth in our new exhibition, Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters. Through a series of spectacular displays, state-of-the-art animation, and poignant large-scale images, you’ll learn the causes behind natural disasters and discover how people cope with their aftermath.

Nature Unleashed investigates what we know and are still learning about nature’s terrifying power by focusing on four types of disasters—earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes and tornadoes. These phenomena are the spectacular results of forces that drive our ever-changing planet and dramatically

affect the lives of everyone around the world. From Pompeii to Papua New Guinea, from Louisiana to Kansas, Nature Unleashed examines the science behind the history and the headlines.

To help you understand how natural phenomena work, interactive displays and animation allow you to trigger an earthquake, simulate a tsunami, generate a virtual volcano, and stand within the center of a roaring tornado. Learn about these events from a geological, cultural, ecological, and global perspective.

Understand why these events happen and how we can study and sometimes better predict them.

Explore possible future events, and how human behavior may affect their severity. Images, artifacts and inspiring survivor stories bring home the realities of recent disasters by revealing how people adapt to living at risk. So prepare yourself for a memorable and powerful experience as Nature Unleashed immerses you in the forces of geology and weather that shape our planet and our lives.

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Tamu Massif, The World’s Biggest Volcano Is Hiding Beneath the Sea” William W. Sager, Ph.D. Tuesday, June 24, 6:30 p.m.

DAY EXCURSION “Behind the Scenes of the National Weather Service”

Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m.

Tickets $47, Members $40

Tour the state-of-the-art facility with NWS meteorologists who track threatening weather along the Texas coastline. Participants will meet at the National Weather Service in Dickinson. Map and directions will be e-mailed prior to trip. Limited to 20 participants.

PLANETARIUM FILM Force 5 More info on page 16.

9

www.hmns.org/exhibits

Tamu Massif—the world’s largest volcano—was discovered in 2013 in the northwestern Pacific Ocean by a team of researchers led by Dr. William Sager. Constructed from massive lava flows that emanated from the volcano’s center, Tamu Massif is comparable in size to the largest known volcano in the solar system, Olympus Mons on Mars. Dr. Sager will explain how he is unlocking the murky secrets of oceanic plateaus’ structure and how they erupt and evolve using multichannel seismic profiles and core samples from the Integrated Ocean Drilling

Program — and why this new data is important to you. Professor of Earth and atmospheric sciences at the University of Houston, Dr. William W. Sager leads research vessels to see to collect geological data.

H M N S N AT U R E U N L E A S H E D : I N S I D E N AT U R A L D I S A S T E R S

Nature Unleashed was organized by The Field Museum. It will be on exhibition at HMNS May 23 through September 14, 2014.

Films and showtimes may change. Please visit www.hmns.org

WORTHAM GIANT S NOW PLAYING

H M N S W O R T H A M G I A N T S C R E E N T H E AT R E

PREMIERES JUNE 6

www.hmns.org/giantscreen

10

PANDAS: THE JOURNEY HOME PREMIERES FRIDAY, JUNE 6

Witness the release of delightful pandas bred in captivity and follow a group of wild pandas in their mountain habitat as captured by National Geographic Entertainment in Pandas: The Journey Home.

The filmmakers had unprecedented access to the Wolong Panda Center in China at a significant milestone in its history. After decades of its captive breeding program, the center has hit its target number of 300 giant pandas and must now tackle the challenge of reintroducing breeding populations to the wild.

Meet all of the pandas at the Center as they get ready for their new lives in the wild, and learn about their fascinating habits as you chuckle at their hijinks— as pandas are as much fun as they are cute, and they love getting the best of their keepers.

Experience the dedication of the scientists who work tirelessly on behalf of this amazing animal. Follow one panda in particular, Tao Tao, as he is released into the bamboo forest to begin his adventure living in the wild.

GALAPAGOS 3D: NATURE'S WONDERLAND NOW SHOWING

Explore these extraordinary islands, whose remarkable inhabitants helped change the way we understand nature.

Meet giant half-ton tortoises and marine iguanas that spit sea-salt from their noses. Dance with tropical albatrosses and hunt fish with the colorful bluefooted boobies.

g for current schedule and more information about each film.

SCREEN THEATRE HELD OVER TO MAY 22

LAST DAY JUNE 5

H M N S W O R T H A M G I A N T S C R E E N T H E AT R E 11

www.hmns.org/giantscreen

JERUSALEM 3D HELD OVER TO MAY 22

Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch, Jerusalem 3D combines unprecedented access to the city’s holiest sites, rare and breathtaking aerial footage, and a tour beneath the city with archaeologist Dr. Jodi Magness with the perspective of the three major religions that share this ancient city.

MYSTERIES OF THE UNSEEN WORLD 3D LAST DAY IS JUNE 5

Be transported to see things on the planet you've never been before— because they are beyond your normal vision, yet are literally right in front of your eyes.

SEE A FILM, SUPPORT SCIENCE EDUCATION IN TEXAS By purchasing tickets to the HMNS’ Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, you not only enjoy the most immersive and ultimate theatergoing experience in Houston; you also support science education for children and families throughout the state of Texas!

Films and showtimes may change. Please visit www.hmns.org

H M N S W O R T H A M G I A N T S C R E E N T H E AT R E

WORTHAM GIANT S

www.hmns.org/giantscreen

12

D-DAY 3D: NORMANDY 1944 PREMIERES FRIDAY, MAY 23

70 Years Ago, A Historic Landing Changed the World On June 6, 1944, the largest Allied operation of World War II began in Normandy, France. Yet, few know in detail exactly why and how, from the end of 1943 through August 1944, this region became the most important location in the world.

Blending multiple cinematographic techniques, including animation, CGI

and stunning live-action images in 3D, D-Day 3D: Normandy 1944 brings this monumental event to the world’s largest screens for the first time ever.

Audiences of all ages, including new generations, will discover from a new perspective how this landing changed the world. Exploring history, military strategy, science, technology and human values, the film will educate and appeal to all.

Narrated by Tom Brokaw, D-Day 3D: Normandy 1944 pays tribute to those who gave their lives for our freedom. A duty of memory, a duty of gratitude.

Local support is provided by IBERIABANK.

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE Sponsored by the Favrot Fund “Battleship Texas and Her Commanders” James Thomas, Ph.D. Tuesday, June 3, 6:30 p.m.

Tickets $18, Members $12 Battleship Texas was the most powerful naval vessel at the time of her debut. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the commissioning of USS Texas in 1914, historian Dr. James Thomas will share stories of the ship’s valiant commanding officers and her most remarkable accomplishments, including Captain Charles Baker and the D-Day assault of Omaha Beach. Marine Corps veteran

g for current schedule and more information about each film.

SCREEN THEATRE H M N S W O R T H A M G I A N T S C R E E N T H E AT R E 13

TEMPORARY EXHIBITION Battleship Texas Free with Museum Admission The Houston Museum of Natural Science is honored to host an exhibition on Battleship Texas—the most powerful naval weapon in the world at the time of its commissioning in 1914. The USS Texas is the only surviving USN vessel that fought in battles in both World War I and World War II, including D-Day.

This exhibition commemorates the 100th anniversary of the battleship's commissioning by displaying images and artifacts from its 30+ years of service. The Battleship Texas exhibition

is organized by the Houston Museum of Natural Science with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department - Battleship TEXAS State Historic Site. It is on display at HMNS from Memorial Day weekend through Veteran’s Day.

www.hmns.org/giantscreen

James Thomas, Ph.D. is professor of history at Northwest College, Houston Community College System and volunteer for Texas Parks and Wildlife at the Battleship Texas State Historic Site.

GEORGEOBSERVATORY S.O.S. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! H M N S G E O R G E O B S E R VAT O R Y

Many thanks for the huge show of support for the S.O.S. campaign to save our George Observatory Gueymard Telescope mirror and dome. The goal has been reached and the necessary repairs are underway.

Watch the HMNS blog for updates on the progress.

www.hmns.org/observatory

14

in the newly redesigned Expedition Center at the George Observatory. Fuel your imagination in this interactive simulation! Fun for students and adults.

Information and tickets at www.hmns. org/observatory.

SKY EVENT Mars-Moon Conjunction Saturday, July 12

MEMBER’S NIGHT

Friday, June 13, 8 - 10 p.m.

Saturn and Mars will be highlights of the night sky this evening, along with the summer Milky Way containing summer galaxies and nebulae. Reserve early as this event will sell out! Call (713) 639-4629 for reservations.

ROCKET DAY FOR KIDS Saturday, July 12, 10 a.m. - noon

Make and launch water rockets before taking an Expedition to the Moon

See a beautiful pairing of the Moon and Mars close together in the sky.

See Saturdays at the George (right) for ticket and time info.

SAVE THE DATE 25th Anniversary Celebration October 10 - 12, dusk - 11 p.m.

The newly refurbished, world-class, 10ton Gueymard Telescope—the largest telescope in the country that offers viewing to the public—will be open!

SATURDAYS AT THE GEORGE

Telescope Tickets $5, Members $4.50 Discovery Dome Tickets $3, Members $2.50 View the night sky through the large Observatory telescopes every Saturday evening until 10 p.m. Gift Shop, exhibits and Discovery Dome open at 3 p.m. Telescope tickets go on sale at 5 p.m. Viewing begins at dusk.

The George Observatory is located in Brazos Bend State Park (park entrance fee: adults $7, kids 12 and under free) Directions are posted at www.hmns.org/ observatory.

HMNS AT SUGAR LAND

H M N S H M N S AT S U G A R L A N D

Body Carnival is a carnival-themed interactive exhibit that explores the connections between perception and the laws of physics in the human body.

Children and adults alike will enjoy learning about their bodies while investigating force, pressure, light, color and more.

You can crawl through a giant artery to see and hear the effects of restricted blood flow, test your balance in the 10-foot Dizzy Tunnel or don a pair of vision-distorting goggles and discover how sight affects your ability to walk straight. With 18 stations there’s a lot to explore, so join us and discover more about your body through science!

Local support is provided by Next Level Urgent Care. Admission to special exhibit requires a separate ticket purchase.

MEMBERS EVENT

15

Children’s crafts, cash bar and refreshments. Reserve early—this event will sell out! Call (713) 639-4629 for reservations. Admission to the Body Carnival exhibition requires a ticket purchase.

www.hmns.org/sugarland

Body Carnival The Science and Fun of Being You! On Exhibition May 17 - August 24

Friday, May 16, 6 - 10 p.m.

FAMILY FESTIVAL End of School Celebration and Carnival!

Friday, June 6, noon - 4 p.m.

Tickets $5, general admission ticket also required for nonmembers Looking for a fun way to celebrate the last day of school? We have the solution! Gather all your friends and join us for an exclusive special event featuring activities, crafts, bounce games, pizza and more. Celebrate the end of school and the opening of our summer exhibit Body Carnival with an afternoon of fun. It’s sure to be a unique way to end the school year and kick off the summer break!

Burke Baker Planetarium

H M N S B U R K E B A K E R P L A N E TA R I U M

on the solar system’s low-gravity worlds. Imagine zip lining on scorched Mercury or snowmobiling when it really snows on Pluto. Bungee jumping into outer space from an asteroid is like low-g diving from the tallest cliff or rappelling into the deepest canyon in the solar system.

www.hmns.org/planetarium

16

THE GREAT PLANET ADVENTURES With this new show, the Burke Baker Planetarium lives up to its name—it’s a show about planets! But this is a planet show like you’ve never seen before.

You will visit each planet and discover what it would be like to live and work there with human astronauts dressed appropriately to survive in each planetary environment—particularly the local weather and gravity fields.

With muscles and bones made on Earth, astronauts become super stars

Without gravity’s strong pull, astronauts can glide over the hydrocarbon lakes of Titan, jet-pack in a geyser’s spray on Triton, or even drive a monster truck along a steep lunar crater wall. The Great Planet Adventures brings you each of these incredible off-world experiences.

FORCE 5 Force 5 features nature’s fury at is strongest and most dramatic—during hurricanes, tornadoes and geomagnetic storms caused by the sun. In Force 5 you experience two great Galveston hurricanes: the Great Storm of 1900 and Hurricane Ike in 2008. Experience these

A L S O S H OW I NG

storms from a two risky perspectives— on the shore as the hurricane makes landfall and flying through the hurricane in an airplane.

After you see a tornado form, a terrifying Force 5 tornado simulation surrounds you. The third Force 5 event affects Earth, but begins on the Sun. A Force 5 geomagnetic storm begins as a coronal mass ejection on the Sun, hurling a million tons of matter toward Earth and hammering Earth’s magnetic cocoon.

Force 5 is the companion immersive experience for the Nature Unleashed exhibit.

MORE INFO FOR ALL WORKSHOPS AND OVERNIGHTS AT 713-639-4629 OR WWW.HMNS.ORG.

FOR SUMMER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Earn 6 hours of CPE credit in a new TAGT-approved Gifted and Talented workshop. Call (713) 639-4708 or e-mail giftedandtalented@hmns.org for more information. Discounts for registrants prior to May 1. Available dates: June 10, 12, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 24, 26, 27 and August 4, 5, 7, 8

ARAMCO TEACHER RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Wednesday, June 25, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Registration $275, Members $235

Topics focus on content areas needing strengthening according to STAAR performance in 2013: Lab 1: Environmental Factors using the Cockrell Butterfly Center Lab 2: Vertebrate Zoology in the Morian Hll of Paleontology

SUMMER ENERGY FIELD TRIPS June 16 - 18, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

July 7 - 9, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

July 28 - 30, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Tickets $45 per session

Get an inside look at the relationship between science and energy careers in these 3-day workshops touring diverse sites that play different roles in the energy industry. Learn how you can

You may register for one or all three sessions. For elementary, middle and high school science teachers, as well as career awareness program staff. Lunch and transportation to/from HMNS and the sites is provided. 24 hours of SBEC credit awarded. For more information contact (713) 639-4737 or ecc@hmns.org.

WEEKDAY LABS These self-contained investigations feature Museum specimens, artifacts and laboratory equipment. Each lab lasts one hour and includes admission to the Museum’s permanent exhibit halls for lab participants.

Available at HMNS in Hermann Park and HMNS at Sugar Land. Capacity is 25 students per lab. Cost per lab is $165 - $200.

MAY Time Lab for Grades 1-8 Cleopatra - Last pharaoh of Ancient Egypt and shrewd politician, meet this mysterious woman of the past.

ConocoPhillips Techno Science Lab for Grades 1-8 Motion and Machines - Make work easier as you explore gears, levers and other simple and compound machines.

Wildlife Lab for Grades 1-8 MARVEL-ous Creatures - Bam! Pow! Wham! Feats of super strength, ultra vision, and tremendous speed happen every day! Don’t miss your chance to encounter real-life superheroes of the animal kingdom.

LABS ON DEMAND Need help with a TEKS objective? Want a lab experience for your field trip?

Each lab is tailored to your grade level.

Topics Available: Chemistry, Force and Motion, Electricity, Light and Optics, Magnets, Storm Science, Ancient Egypt, Cells, Earth Science, and Dissection. $200 per presentation (maximum 25 students), plus $75 travel fee for onsite presentations.

For more information on booking a Lab on Demand for your group, please email educationquestions@hmns.org.

EXXONMOBIL TEACHER TUESDAY WORKSHOPS Discover a new world of science as you go behind the scenes with HMNS curators and staff in these exciting interactive workshops. With new topics each month we can provide you with ideas and activities to bring your classroom to life! Dinner is provided. Each workshop is $25 per educator and participants receive 3 hours of CPE credit.

“Dino-Mite!”

Tuesday, May 6, 5 - 8 p.m.

Learn the exciting ways to bring the prehistoric world to life in your classroom. Make-and-take activities, group participation and specimen-based learning are a must for busy little hands.

(Grades EC-3)

OUTREACH PROGRAMS Bring the Museum to Your Classroom!

For more information and scheduling: www.hmns.org/outreach, outreach@ hmns.org, (713) 639-4758.

Chevron Earth Science on Wheels ConocoPhillips Science on Stage Docents to Go TOTAL Wildlife on Wheels Discovery Dome Bugs on Wheels

19 17 19

www.hmns.org/education

Teachers use Museum collections, pose research questions, control variables and collect data for analysis while earning 6 hours of CPE credit in this new TAGTapproed Gifted and Talented Workshop.

help students connect their abilities and personal interests to promising careers that are in demand—and see TEKS concepts in action.

S H M N S C O C K R EH L LMBNUST TFEORRF LTYE A CC EH NE TR ER

F.O.C.U.S! Differentiating Curriculum through Chunking, Brain Breaks and Foldables $60 per educator

TEACHERS

CULTURAL FEAST

H M N S C O C K R E L L B U T T E R F LY C E N T E R

“A Culinary Cultivation, All About the Birds and the Bees” Sunday, June 22, 6 p.m.

Hosted at Haven Tickets $123, Members $93

www.hmns.org/butterflycenter

18

BIRDS, BEES, BLOSSOMS, BERRIES – AND MORE National Pollinators Awareness Week, June 16 to 23 this year, was initiated by a group of biologists calling themselves the “Pollinator Partnership,” whose goal was to bring the public’s attention to the vital ecosystem services provided by bees, butterflies and moths, beetles, birds, and bats—and to make people aware of the urgent issue of their declining populations.

Seven years ago, the US Senate voted unanimously to designate a week each June to commemorate the importance of pollinators. Pollinator Week has now grown to be an international celebration.

Without pollinators to carry their pollen from flower to flower, plants could not form fruits or seeds to reproduce and to feed a whole ecosystem of hungry animals, including humans. Did you know that at least one of every three bites you take is thanks to a pollinator?

(More if you are vegetarian.) To learn more about the threats facing pollinators and what you can do to help, visit the Pollinator Partnership’s webpage at www.pollinator.org.

Also, make plans to attend the special pollinator events scheduled this month to learn more about the efforts of these hardworking, and essential, animals.

Chef Randy Evans of Haven Restaurant has created a spectacular menu showcasing the contributions of bees and other pollinators to our food—and drink—resources in celebration of the beginning of summer and National Pollinator Week. This pollinator party will be complete with demonstrations of harvesting honeycomb and honey.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Cockrell Butterfly Center Tuesday, June 17, 6 p.m.

Tickets $27, Members $20

and safely. Participants will meet at Rice’s private apiary to learn the ins and outs of beekeeping during National Pollinator Week.

“Nature Photography Workshop” Wednesday, August 6, 2:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Tickets $200, Members $150 In this exotic photography adventure, you will learn how to get the best nature shots possible when photographing animals, insects and flora. Professional animal and nature photographer and instructor Amy Shutt will teach you the basics of your DSLR camera before venturing forth to photograph the insects, animals, flowers, plants and waterfall in the Cockrell Butterfly Center. All participants will receive one-on-one instruction with their personal equipment.

Meet the pollinators of the Cockrell Butterfly Center on a special behindthe-scenes tour led by Butterfly Center staff. In addition to the Butterfly Center and Insect Zoo, you will visit the containment room and rooftop greenhouses—areas not open to the public—where staff cares for the Museum’s butterflies and other insects.

Kids 5 and above welcome!

HANDS ON CLASSES FOR ADULTS “Keeping Honey Bees” Wednesday, June 18, 6 p.m.

Tickets $65, Members $45

MUSEUM STORE

Bees have been utilized by humans throughout history in art, food, medicine and science. Learn about this relationship in this engaging, hands-on beekeeping workshop. From the tools and techniques needed to start your own apiary to tips of daily life with bees, bee keeper Shelley Rice will share the basics of starting your own beehive and the professional methods required to harvest wax and honey naturally

Take flight this spring with exclusive butterfly collections from the Museum Store! Bring the Museum home with you in a butterfly display case— featuring the same stunning species you see in the Cockrell Butterfly Center—or embellish your unique style with impeccable hand-painted Lucite bracelets, rings, necklaces and brooches set in 10 karat gold vermeil from designer Alexis Bittar.

ADULT EDUCATION TRAVEL Israel, The Heritage and The Hope November 1 to 13, 2014

“Mars Direct: Humans to the Red Planet within a Decade” Robert Zubrin, Ph.D. Wednesday, May 7, 7 p.m.

Tickets $18, Members $12

“The First Big Trip - Are We There Yet? Africa and the Human Journey” John Kappelman, Ph.D., Anthropologist Tuesday, May 13, 6:30 p.m.

While many have said that human missions to Mars are an endeavor that

When modern humans left Africa about 50,000 years ago and populated the

HANDS-ON CLASS “Fossil Recovery” Tuesday, May 20, 6 p.m.

Tickets $39, Members $29 David Temple, associate curator of paleontology, will walk you through the process of recovering Permian Period fossils from muddy matrix to fossil identification.

Participants will be introduced to fossil collecting techniques, gain hands-on experience with fossils, and visit the Morian Hall of Paleontology as well as areas of the Museum that are not open to the public.

WIESS ENERGY HALL TEAM BUILDING This unique energy-industry-specific teambuilding activity takes team members through the Wiess Energy Hall to expand their general knowledge of the oil and gas industry. Small groups will be assigned different roles in the task of choosing a location to build an oil rig and will research their group’s tasks in the exhibit. Each group will contribute their unique knowledge in the decision-making process. Workplace communication and decision-making skills will be practiced as each team contributes to make the best decision.

Team Building sessions are designed as half-day sessions for group of 16 - 40.

$100 per person. Contact wiessenergy@ hmns.org to schedule or inquire about smaller or larger groups.

CONTINUING EDUCATION CLASS “An Overview of the Energy Industry” Thursday, May 22 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. $200 per person This course is led by experts in the fields of upstream, downstream and energy economics in the 21st century, including energy alternatives. Breakfast, lunch and a tour of the Wiess Energy Hall are included. To register, visit www.hmns.org or call (713) 639-4629.

ONLINE TRAINING Energy 101

This online course offers an extended look into the world of oil and gas, including hydrocarbon formation, geology, drilling, refining, products, transportation, distribution and energy alternatives.

The program is ideal for people new to the industry and those seeking a comprehensive overview about how the industry works. A discount to attend “An Overview of the Energy Industry” at HMNS is included with the purchase of the online course. Available at www. energy101training.com.

19

www.hmns.org/adults

Sponsored by the Favrot Fund Tickets $18, Members $12

Prior to the lecture, attend a special evening screening of The Great Planet Adventures at 6 p.m. in the Burke Baker Planetarium.

DISTINGUISHED LECTURES

rest of the planet, they were already sophisticated hunters and gatherers, able to adapt to a wide range of habitats. Examine the evidence to better understand this pivotal journey in evolution. John Kappelman is professor of anthropology at University of Texas, Austin. This lecture is cosponsored by Archaeology Institute of America – Houston Society.

H M N S A D U LT E D U C AT I O N

Experience the Holy Land’s unmatched history, archaeological treasures and religious cultures with Dr. Dirk Van Tuerenhout, HMNS curator of anthropology. An optional extension is available to Jordan to visit the ancient metropolis of Petra. Limited spots remaining. Itinerary and registration information is now available at www.hmns.org/travel.

would be costly and take many decades, a small team at Martin Marietta has drawn up a plan that could cut costs and send a group of American astronauts to the Red Planet within ten years.

The plan, known as Mars Direct, has attracted international attention and broad controversy. The principal author of Mars Direct, Robert Zubrin, addresses this issue. Following the lecture, he will sign copies of his popular books The Case for Mars, How to Live on Mars, and Merchants of Despair.

HMNS JUST FOR KIDS

4 1 0 2 R E SUMM

www.hmns.org/kids

20

6-12 kids ages r fo s e r tu dven Science A

It is time to register for Xplorations Summer Camp at HMNS in Hermann Park and HMNS at Sugar Land. With more sensational science than ever before, a summer of adventure awaits you at HMNS. Register early to secure your camp spots!

This year’s action-packed camps will include new topics Calamity Camp, Nature Unleashed, Treasure Hunters, and Leonardo’s Workshop, and favorites including Junior Paleontologist, Dino Claws and Shark Jaws, Paleontology 101, Lego Robotics, Advanced Lego Robotics, Amazing Animals, Master Spy

Camp, Test for the Best, Puzzler, Wizard Science Academy, Star Warriors Academy, and Extreme Machines.

For more information on all of our camp offerings please visit www.hmns.org/summercamp. For questions, email xplorations@hmns.org or call (713) 639-4625.

Main Campus Camp Dates June 2 - 6, 9 - 13, and 23 - 27 June 30 - July 3 July 14 - 18 and 21 - 25 August 4 - 8, 11 - 15

HMNS at Sugar Land Camp Dates June 9 - 13 and 16 - 20 June 30 - July 3 July 7 - 11 and 21 - 25 July 28 - August 1 August 11 - 15

Send questions to scouts@hmns.org.

For additional information, go to www.hmns.org/boyscoutsummer and www.hmns.org/girlscoutsummer.

This summer we are offering 31 Boy Scout badges, including 4 badges that are Eagle-required, and a new class in Programming and Game Design.

Webelos earn 5 badges in their weeklong class (Scientist, Engineer, Naturalist, Forester, and Geologist).

ARAMCO SUMMER SCIENCE INSTITUTE July 14 - 18 and August 4 - 8 Register at www.hmns.org.

Conduct research with Museum curators Dr. Dan Brooks, Dr. Nancy Greig, Dr. Carolyn Sumners, David Temple, and Dr. Dirk Van Tuerenhout in this handson, week-long lab course for teenagers in which students learn to use scientific instruments, pose research questions, control variables, and collect data at the Museum.

Labs topics include animal behavior in the Butterfly Center, light pollution

21 19

www.hmns.org/kids

Brownie Girl Scouts earn 5 badges in Brownie Super Science (Bugs, Home Scientist, Household Elf, Inventor, and Senses). Junior Girl Scouts also earn

Boy Scouts and Webelos

HMNS JUST FOR KIDS

New – Just For Girls

5 badges in Juniors Super Science (Product Designer, Animal Habitats, Gardener, Detective, and Flowers).

In Careers in Science, Junior and Cadette Girl Scouts can do real experiments and make discoveries in 5 areas that are not covered in our school year programs (Anthropology, Energy, Engineering, Environmental Science, and Space Exploration). Each day, girls earn a special summer careers patch to go with their school year Careers in Science patches and bars.

SUMMER SCOUTS

assessment, lessons in managing solar energy taught by Native Americans, solar energy collection, vertebrate zoology adaptations, gravity’s effect on life, interpretation of fossil finds, impact cratering and asteroid hunting.

Friday’s activities will be at the George Observatory with an optional evening stargazing with parents.

PARTY SMARTY

Birthdays with Brain Power!

Be a guest at your own child’s party this year! Let HMNS handle everything for you—the decorations, entertainment, craft project, party favors, and party coordinator. Party packages begin at $350. Themes: Dinosaur, Ancient Egypt, Butterfly/Bugs, Astronomy.

Deluxe packages also available: Partysaurus, Winged Wonderland, Galactic Gathering.

Visit www.hmns.org/birthdays for complete party planning info, including optional add-ons.

HMNS EVENTS CALENDAR

For tickets to all events, visit www

www.hmns.org/museumcalendar

22

M AY

EXHIBITION PREMIERE Bulgari: 130 Years of Masterpieces Friday, May 2 (page 4)

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “British, and American, Sensations” Wednesday, May 14, 6:30 p.m. (page 7)

ADULT CLASS “Fossil Recovery” Tuesday, May 20, 6 p.m. (page 19)

MEMBERS EVENT Bulgari: 130 Years of Masterpieces Friday, May 2, 6 - 10 p.m. (page 5)

ADULT CLASS “Calligraphy, From Quill to Pen” Thursday, May 15, 9:30 a.m. (page 7)

EXXONMOBIL TEACHER TUESDAY “Dino-Mite!”

Tuesday, May 6, 5 p.m. (page 17)

HMNS AT SUGAR LAND MEMBERS EVENT Body Carnival Friday, May 16, 6 - 10 p.m. (page 15)

CONTINUING EDUCATION CLASS “An Overview of the Energy Industry” Thursday, May 22, 8:30 a.m. (page 19)

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Mars Direct: Humans to the Red Planet within a Decade” Wednesday, May 7, 7 p.m. (page 19)

HMNS AT SUGAR LAND EXHIBITION - PREMIERE Body Carnival Saturday, May 17 (page 15)

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “The First Big Trip – Are We There Yet? Africa and the Human Journey” Tuesday, May 13, 6:30 p.m. (page 19)

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Magna Carta Tuesday, May 20, 6 p.m. (page 7)

GIANT SCREEN THEATRE PREMIERE D-Day: Normandy 1944 Friday, May 23 (page 12) DAY EXCURSION “Behind the Scenes of the National Weather Service” Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m. (page 9)

WORLD TREKKERS – BRAZIL Friday, June 27 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Tickets $ 10, Members $7

See the world, skip the jet lag!

Travel to exotic Brazil, one of the world’s most diverse countries, with food, entertainment and cultural activities for the whole family—all presented right here at the Museum. Make sure you get your passports stamped at each event as we continue on to Mexico and India.

w.hmns.org or call (713) 639-4629.

GIANT SCREEN THEATRE PREMIERE Pandas: The Journey Home Friday, June 6 (page 10) HMNS AT SUGAR LAND FAMILY FESTIVAL End of School Celebration and Carnival Friday, June 6, noon - 4 p.m. (page 15) MEMBER’S NIGHT AT THE GEORGE Friday, June 13, 8 - 10 p.m. (page 14)

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Magna Carta Tuesday, June 17, 6 p.m. (page 7)

CULTURAL FEAST “Pollinator Party” Sunday, June 22, 6 p.m. (page 18)

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Cockrell Butterfly Center Tuesday, June 17, 6 p.m. (page 18)

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Tamu Massif, The World’s Biggest Volcano is Hiding Beneath the Sea” Tuesday, June 24, 6:30 p.m. (page 9)

ADULT CLASS “Keeping Honey Bees” Wednesday, June 18, 6 p.m. (page 18) ADULT CLASS “Chain Maille Fashion” Saturday, June 21, 9 a.m. (page 7) ADULT CLASS “Calligraphy, From Quill to Pen” Saturday, June 21, 9:30 a.m. (page 7)

ARAMCO TEACHER RESEARCH INSTITUTE Wednesday, June 25, 8 a.m. (page 17) YOUNG PROFESSIONALS MEMBERS EVENT Thursday, June 26, 6 - 8 p.m. (page 3)

HMNS EVENTS CALENDAR • WORLD TREKKERS

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Battleship Texas and Her Commanders” Tuesday, June 3, 6:30 p.m. (page 12)

JUNE

23

May the 4th Be with You! Sunday, May 4, 7 - 10 p.m.

Band: Bombón Summer Solstice Saturday, June 21, 7 - 10 p.m.

Band: Royal Dukes ComicCon Friday, July 18, 7 - 10 p.m.

Band: Ishi Pluto Pity Party Sunday, August 24, 7 - 10 p.m.

Band: Space Rockers

www.hmns.org/museumcalendar

Houston, we’ve detected signs of intelligent life… at Mixers and Elixirs! Come nerd out at our May the 4th Be With You party, and cool off as things heat up in June at our Summer Solstice party.

Reveling that in a scene complete with live music, cash bars and food trucks, the smart set have their eyes set on HMNS.

POSTMASTER: Dated material enclosed.

Please deliver IMMEDIATELY!

H M N S N E W S • M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4 • V O L U M E 1 9 , N U M B E R 3

5555 Hermann Park Drive Houston, Texas 77030

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Houston, Texas Permit No. 6371

HMNS NEWS IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT WWW.HMNS.ORG/MAGAZINE HMNS activities are supported in part by funds provided by the City of Houston.

HMNS News (ISSN 1556-7478) is published bimonthly by the Houston Museum of Natural Science, 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, Texas 77030. Issues are sent every other month as a benefit to all Museum members. HMNS is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to preserve and advance the general knowledge of natural science, to enhance in individuals the knowledge of and delight in natural science and related subjects, and to maintain and promote a museum of the first class.

www.hmns.org/magazine

Magna Carta On Exhibition Through August 17

PR EMI ER ES MAY 2