Houston Museum of Natural Science News March/April 2016

news MARCH / APRIL 2016 VOLUME 21, NUMBER 2 w w w. h m n s . o r g

THE WORLD’S FIRST TRUE8KTM DOME THEATER: THE ULTIMATE PLANETARIUM EXPERIENCE

OPENS MARCH 11

H M N S I N T H I S I S S U E • H M N S C ATA LY S T S • H M N S M U S E U M S T O R E

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2 HMNS Catalysts HMNS Musuem Store 3 Party Smarty General Information 4 Wildlife Photograhper of the Year 5 Amber Secrets: Feathers from the Age of Dinosaurs 6 Out of the Amazon: Life on the River 7 La Virgen De Guadalupe: Empress of the Americas 8 HMNS @ Sugar Land 9 George Observatory 10 - 11 Wortham Giant Screen Theatre 12 - 15 Burke Baker Planetarium 16 Cockrell Butterfly Center 17 Adult Education 18 - 19 For Teachers 20 - 21 Just For Kids 22 - 23 Events Calendar

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YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP Looking to mix things up?

Join the Museum’s Young Professionals group—HMNS Catalysts—and cause a reaction!

Available as Individual or Dual Museum memberships, Catalysts enjoy all basic HMNS member benefits, admission to exclusive Catalysts social events, free tickets to Mixers & Elixirs, and discounted tickets for a friend to all HMNS Catalysts events.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS EVENT Cinco de Mayo Thursday, May 5, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

FREE for HMNS Catalysts Members.

Non-Catalysts Museum Members and Catalysts guests: $15. General public: $20. Ages 21 and up only.

Please call (713) 639-4629 to join the HMNS Catalysts and to reserve your tickets. Many thanks to Occidental Petroleum Corporation, the 2016 Young Professionals Partner.

HMNS MUSEUM STORE MOTHER. WIFE. DAUGHTER.

Celebrate the women you love with a gorgeous bracelet made with the upcycled wings of the dazzling blue morpho butterfly set in sterling silver.

And for even more gift ideas, look for exclusive designers, local artisans, and fashion-forward finds that are always on-trend at museumstore.hmns.org.

From decorations, entertainment, crafts, party favors and more—let HMNS plan your child’s birthday party for you!

Designed for ages 11 and younger, party packages begin at $350. Optional add-ons, from live animals and magic shows to invitations and photography.

Themes: Dinosaur, Ancient Egypt, Butterfly/Bugs, Astronomy, Wildlife and Expedition, Block Party Deluxe packages also available that include upgraded party spaces and add-ons: Partysaurus, Winged Wonderland, Galactic Gathering, Deluxe Wildlife, Deluxe Egypt

Birthdays with a little Brain Power!

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

GENERAL INFORMATION MAIN CAMPUS

GEORGE OBSERVATORY SPECIAL SERVICES

HOURS OF OPERATION

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

Special Closure Closed Saturday, March 5 for Museum Gala Spring Break March 12-20: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Easter Weekend March 25-26: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

March 27: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Permanent Exhibit Halls FREE after 2 p.m. on Thursdays and after 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 17.

ADVANCE PURCHASES

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

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

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

PARKING GARAGE

MEMBER TICKETS

Membership level determines the number of discounted tickets you may purchase: Individual, Student & Senior, 1; Dual, 2; Family level & above, 2 adults & 4 children.

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

BUILDING RENTAL (713) 639-4749

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Museum Parties for Main Campus and Sugar Land (713) 639-4773; Challenger Birthday Mission at the George Observatory (281) 242-3055.

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

Park entrance fee: $7 per person; free for ages 12 & under. S

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

HOURS OF OPERATION

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

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

Sunday: noon to 5 p.m.

Spring Break March 14-19: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

March 20: noon to 5 p.m.

Easter Weekend March 25-26: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

March 27: noon to 5 p.m.

BUILDING RENTAL (281) 313-2277, x. 101

www.hmns.org/visit

(713) 639-4629 www.hmns.org 5555 Hermann Park Drive Houston, Texas 77030 Monday through Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

H M N S PA R T Y S M A R T Y • G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

These birthday parties that you and your child will remember for a lifetime are available at HMNS main campus in Hermann Park and HMNS at Sugar Land.

©David Doubilet (United States) Turtle Flight

HMNS WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

©Audun Rikardsen (Norway) Deep Sleeper

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Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London

Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the most prestigious photography event of its kind, provides a global platform that has showcased the natural world’s most astonishing and challenging sights for over 50 years.

On loan from the Natural History Museum in London, this exhibition of the 100 award-wining photographs of the 2015 international contest features awe-inspiring images, from fascinating animal behaviour to breathtaking wild landscapes.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is proud to be selected as a host of the international tour that allows the exhibition to be seen by millions of people across six continents.

©Petr Bambousek (Czech Republic) Reflection in Black

©Klaus Tamm (Germany) Wings of Summer

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

With Professional Nature Photographer and Instructor Amy Shutt. More info at www.hmns.org/adults.

“Advanced Nature Photography” Friday, April 8, 2:30 - 6 p.m.

“Beginning Nature Photography” Saturday, April 9, 2:30 - 6 p.m.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS Wednesday, March 23, 6 p.m.

Monday, May 23, 6 p.m.

©Morkel Erasmus (South Africa) Natural Frame

H M N S A M B E R S E C R E T S : F E AT H E R S F R O M T H E A G E O F D I N O S A U R S 5 99 million-year old-feather preserved in amber.

Amber Secrets: From the Age of Dinosaurs is a window to the early Cretaceous landscape. A hundred million years ago, certain species of conifer trees damaged by insects or storms exuded copious amounts of resins—a liquid “Band-Aid” that created the perfect environment for preserving tiny traces of ancient life. Plants, insects, and vertebrates were captured and preserved in exquisite detail.

A wide range of plant and insect species is featured, as well as 20 feathers. The early Cretaceous environment contained two related feathered groups: birds and dinosaurs.

Today, distinguishing bird feathers from those of dinosaurs remains a hotly debated topic in paleontology.

This special exhibition will only All photos on this page: ©David Grimaldi, AMNH

be on view at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

ADULT CLASS & TOUR “Amber Workshop” Tuesday, April 19, 6 p.m.

Tickets $45, Members $35

Join paleontologist David Temple for an examination of these amazing natural time capsules. This amber workshop includes time in the Amber Secrets exhibition, the Morian Hall of Paleontology, and in the classroom where you will polish a piece of raw amber that will be yours to keep.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS Monday, March 7, 6 p.m.

Monday, April 11 7, 6 p.m.

Tickets $27, Members $17

www.hmns.org/exhibits

CURRENTLY ON EXHIBITION

HMNS OUT OF THE AMAZON: LIFE ON THE RIVER

CUR R ENTLY ON EX HIBITION

The main crop of the Ye’kuana is bitter manioc, which they process through a basketry press in order to remove the poisonous hydrocyanic acid it contains.

The flour is then cooked into loaves of bread, which are stored and later fermented into an alcoholic drink.

Some of the bread is kept for eating, served on flat basketry trays decorated with different aspects of Ye’kuana mythology. Examples of the basketry press and the serving trays with their sometimes dazzling decoration can be seen in the exhibit.

www.hmns.org/exhibits

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Known as the “canoe people,” the Ye’kuana live along the upper Orinoco River in both Venezuela and Brazil.

Women farm the crops, which include sweet manioc, sugar cane, bananas, peppers and tobacco.

This exhibit is accompanied by a beautifully illustrated catalogue, containing 292 color images and essays. It is available for purchase in the Museum Store and online at museumstore.hmns.org.

Out of the Amazon: Life on the River features selected works from the Museum’s Amazonia collection, celebrated as one of the best and most extensive in the world. This exhibition was organized by Adam Mekler, curator of HMNS’ vast ethnographic Amazonia collection.

CULTURAL FEAST

“Amazonian Culinary Adventure” Wednesday, April 20, 7 p.m.

Tickets $118, Members $98 Hosted by Chef David Cordúa at Américas on West Gray During the 16th century, Spanish and Portuguese explorers searching for gold and other valuable commodities in the Amazon often suffered from food shortages. They had little or no interest in the exotic flora on which the native population thrived. With more scientific exploration by scholars beginning in the 18th century, the value of many of the native Amazonian plants and trees was soon recognized, as reflected in their impact on industry, medicine and cuisine. Chef David Cordúa will create innovative dishes featuring ingredients

native to the Amazon, while culinary historian Merrianne Timko places the edible Amazon in historical context.

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE

“Shamans and the Supernatural World, Pre-Columbian Iconography of Peru” Edwin Barnhart, Ph.D., Director Maya Exploration Center Tuesday, March 22, 6:30 p.m.

The groundbreaking work of Dr. Edwin Barnhart has unlocked the meanings and iconography of pre-Columbian Peru, which have been a mystery for centuries. Revealing shamanic healing ceremonies, the calling of supernatural spirits, and decapitation practices, Dr. Barnhart will present a fascinating reinterpretation of the themes that the ancient artists intended to convey— warfare, human sacrifice, erotic sex and a pantheon of bizarre deities.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Wednesday, March 23, 6 p.m.

HMNS LA VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE: EMPRESS OF THE AMERICAS

NOW ON EXHIBITION THROUGH SEPTEMBER 5 La Virgen de Guadalupe: Empress of the Americas explains the historical climate that preceded the Virgin’s appearance, as well as the increasing role she played in society.

The conquest story is presented in a compressed version on one side. In the upper right hand corner we see Cortés and Aztec Emperor Montezuma meeting on a causeway. What happened shortly thereafter—all-out war for about two years—is shown in the remaining portion of the screen. The central panels depict the death of Emperor Montezuma. He had been taken hostage by the Spanish and was eventually murdered. History is not set on Montezuma’s death—some sources cite that he was killed by the

Spanish, others say he was killed by his own people, the Aztecs.

structures that once marked the spot of the Guadalupan apparition.

The reverse side of the screen shows early colonial Mexico City. There are no roiling masses of warriors here; instead we see an orderly arrangement of European-style houses, separated by canals. The Aztecs had built an aqueduct to bring fresh water into the city, which continued to function under Spanish rule.

It can be seen starting in the lower right hand corner and continuing toward the center of the screen.

Translation services for La Virgen de Guadalupe: Empress of the Americas are generously supported by Trini and O. C. Mendenhall Foundation.

On the far left side of the screen, we see a causeway connecting the capital to two small chapels. This is Tepeyac Hill, and the chapels represent the early

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Historical View of Guadalupan Faith, Origin and Development”

Ana Rita Valero de Garcia Lascurain, Ph.D.

Tuesday, May 10, 6:30 p.m.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS Monday, March 7, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, April 19, 6 p.m.

Tickets $27, Members $17

www.hmns.org/exhibits

A featured object in the exhibition is a beautiful screen that depicts the conquest of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan by the Spanish conquistadors on one side, and early colonial Mexico City on the other. A replica of an original dated ca. 1690, it documents these historical periods of Mexico on ten folding panels.

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

HMNS AT SUGAR LAND

SPECIAL EXHIBITION THROUGH MAY 15 You’re a caterpillar. Go earn your wings! Shrink down into the undergrowth to become one of the most extraordinary creatures on Earth.

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You’ll enter the interactive, life-size maze through the huge monarch caterpillar tunnel, then become a caterpillar and find your way through a secret, wild world as grass and leaves tower above your head. But beware and choose your path wisely!

www.hmns.org/sugarland

The maze includes dead ends, down which lurk poisonous plants and predators waiting to pounce.

Adventure through the leaves, learn how to move like a caterpillar, discover an ant that reaps the reward of an unusual friendship, then transform into a butterfly and take flight on the minizip line! Together, families will explore this interactive experience and learn the surprising challenges butterflies face every day.

SPECIAL EVENTS MEMBERS NIGHT

PI DAY 3.14

Flutter by for children’s crafts, cash bar and refreshments, and the special exhibition Amazing Butterflies.

Reserve early—this event will sell out! Please call (713) 639-4629 for reservations.

Visit the Museum for Pi Day on this special date—3.14—during Spring Break! Indulge your inner geek with fun activities for all ages! We’ll even have pi (with an “e”) to munch on. Feed your brain and your belly—a genius idea!

Amazing Butterflies Friday, April 8, 6 - 10 p.m.

Tickets $3

Monday, March 14, 10 a.m. - noon Tickets $3, plus Museum entry for non-members

GEORGEOBSERVATORY

H M N S G E O R G E O B S E R VAT O R Y 9

FAMILY SPACE DAY

Saturday, April 16 Mission Times: 3, 4, 5:30, 6:30 p.m.

Participate in real astronaut training!

Astronauts of all ages—kids and adults—can fly to the Moon with NASA volunteers in the Expedition Center’s Space Station Observer—with no danger involved. Tickets are available online only: www.hmns.org/observatory.

SPRING BREAK NIGHTS Tuesday, March 15, 5 - 11 p.m.

Friday, March 18, 5 - 11 p.m.

Bring the family to a star-studded Spring Break escape. In addition to our normal Saturday night hours, we have added observation hours on Tuesday and Friday nights. Enjoy Brazos Bend State Park during the

SATURDAYS AT THE GEORGE Enjoy viewing through the large Observatory telescopes every Saturday evening until 11 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. Viewing begins at dusk. Telescope Tickets: $7, Members $4; Discovery Dome Tickets $3, Members $2.50.

DIRECTIONS & ADMISSION

MEMBERS NIGHT

The George Observatory is located in Brazos Bend State Park (park entrance fee: $7, kids 12 and under free).

Jupiter will be nearing its closest approach to Earth this evening. The beautiful sight will be accompanied by the bright spring constellations.

Call (713) 639-4629 for reservations.

Directions are posted at www.hmns. org/observatory. Current observatory weather conditions can be accessed at www.weatherbug.com, zip code 77461.

Entrance to park is not permitted after 9:30 p.m.

Friday, April 22, 7:30 - 10 p.m.

Free with paid park admission

www.hmns.org/observatory

daytime, then after dark, turn your eyes to the skies. Jupiter is at opposition and will be visible along with other celestial delights.

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

WORTHAM GIANT S 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

Sponsored by The H

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NATIONAL PARKS ADVENTURE 3D

NOW SHOWING The U.S. National Park Service is celebrating its 100th anniversary. National Parks Adventure celebrates this significant milestone by taking audiences on the ultimate off-trail adventure into America’s awe-inspiring great outdoors. National Parks Adventure is a wondrous visual and musical journey that reminds us of America’s great natural heritage. From the majesty of our first national park, Yellowstone, to the red-rock wonderland of Arches National Park, to the tallest trees in the world towering over Redwood National Park, experience the birth of this vast park system and America in all her natural splendor.

Join climber extraordinaire and park ambassador Conrad Anker, artist Rachel Pohl, and adventure photographer Max Lowe, as they hike, bike, and raft across America’s most pristine parks, discovering that America’s wilds still offer some of the greatest adventures and beauty known to man. Narrated by Academy Award® winner Robert Redford and captured in full glory with IMAX® 3D cameras.

National Parks Adventure 3D is a MacGillivary Freeman film presented by Expedia, Inc. in association with Brand USA and Subaru.

Proceeds from the sale of all Wortham Giant Screen film tickets help further the

g for current schedule and more information about each film.

SCREEN THEATRE

Hamill Foundation.

NOW SHOWING Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of ocean pioneer Jacques Cousteau, offers a breakthrough look at a secret world within the ocean that is perhaps the biggest story of all—that the smallest life in the sea is the mightiest force on which we all depend. Dive into this whole new world that will leave you in awe of the beauty and diversity of the ocean—the source of all life on our planet—and inspire an even stronger desire to protect what you have either seen for the first time or perhaps re-discovered along the journey. Supported by the Hamill Foundation.

DINOSAURS ALIVE 3D

Since September 1989, more than 14 million students, families, seniors and Museum members have enjoyed the Wortham IMAX®/Giant Screen Experience. Thank you for your continued support! Experience science adventures on our big screen! Our six-story giant screen—the first and largest in Houston—brings to life worlds as small as an atom and as vast as the universe. By purchasing tickets to HMNS’ Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, you not only enjoy the most immersive and ultimate theatergoing experience in Houston; you also support our mission to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone.

e Houston Museum of Natural Science’s nonprofit mission. Your support counts!

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www.hmns.org/giantscreen

NOW SHOWING Audiences will journey with some of the world’s preeminent paleontologists as they uncover evidence that the descendants of dinosaurs still walk—or fly—among us. Through the magic of scientifically accurate, computer-generated animation, these newly discovered creatures—along with some familiar favorites—will come alive… in a big way! Major funding for Dinosaurs Alive is provided by the National Science Foundation.

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

SECRET OCEAN 3D

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

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Opens March 11 The renovated Burke Baker Planetarium and its Friedkin Theater is the first planetarium in the world to display a true 8K image with over 8,000 pixels across every meridian and over 50 million pixels filling the new Radoff Dome—creating the sharpest and most dramatic fulldome astronomy adventures and the richest starry night.

We challenged digital planetarium technology firm Evans & Sutherland to design a projection system that would approach the limits of the human eye, giving visitors the best possible experience. Our new E&S Digistar 5 system delivers 50,602,000 unique pixels to the dome at 60 frames a second using 10 new Sony laser projectors.

Fifty years ago, the Burke Baker Planetarium had a giant opto-mechanical machine that replicated the starry night, but kept audiences firmly on Earth. We wanted to recreate the dark night sky of West Texas and be able to travel anywhere our data could take us with all the contrast and color that the human eye can see. Our new laser projectors have a 20,000:1 contrast ratio that makes this possible, delivering a very black night sky with bright stars and a rich Milky Way. The extended color space of the projector’s laser-generated light source also gives visitors the rich color palette they see in movie theaters.

To accommodate the physical limitation of our iconic exterior dome, a seamless 50-foot diameter Spitz NanoSeam™ dome tilted at 20° was chosen. The new Radoff Dome provides a boundless visual experience facilitated by this forward tilt. Elevated stadium seating with an elevator and “sky boxes” in the back can accommodate 187 visitors.

www.hmns.org/planetarium

The World’s First True8K™ Dome Theater: The Ultimate Planetarium Experience

H M N S B U R K E B A K E R P L A N E TA R I U M www.hmns.org/planetarium

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The new Burke Baker Planetarium opens to the public on March 11, 2016, the first day of Spring Break. We will offer 3 new shows, featuring the most dynamic, dramatic, vivid and detailed imagery ever created for planetarium domes, combined into engaging educational experiences that take full advantage of the projector power of the world’s first true 8K full-dome theater.

Prepare to leave Houston behind for a cosmic journey through space and time.

known. Our full-dome experience now has the brightness, resolution, and vividness of the best theater screens, surrounding the audience in every direction. The Burke Baker Planetarium and its Friedkin Theater, the cornerstone of our institution when we opened in 1964, is now a crowning jewel in our 21st century museum.”

Museum President Joel Bartsch summarized the larger context of this ambitious renovation, “The Houston Museum of Natural Science strives to offer world-class experiences in its exhibits and theaters. With the world’s first True8K™ planetarium, our star field is now an immersive exhibit that more closely and dramatically replicates reality than any other system currently

• 5 times the brightness • 13 times the contrast • 7 times the resolution • 2-4 times the frame rate • 50,918,000 pixels—the most ever on Earth! (Existing “8K” planetariums display about 30 million pixels, only 60% of what is required to be a True8K™ theater.)

Out-of-this-World Planetarium Upgrade:

The Museum is grateful on a truly cosmic scale to the donors who have contributed to the campaign. Because of their generosity, the Burke Baker Planetarium will continue to serve as a resource to everyone in our community who has an interest in reaching for the stars.

Houston Endowment, Inc. The Radoff Family Foundation John P. McGovern Foundation The Burke Baker Family Hamill Foundation The Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation Patricia Reiff/E-Planetarium Go-Dome (In Kind)

Liam Neeson narrates as audiences ride along on swirling ocean and wind currents, dive into the heart of a monster hurricane, come face-to-face with sharks and gigantic whales, and fly into roiling volcanoes.

True8K™ PREMIER SHOWS

NEW Starry Night Express

Dynamic Earth Dark Universe What you can’t see will amaze you!

Narrated by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, this immersive planetarium show features exquisite renderings of enigmatic cosmic phenomena and spectacular scenes in

Dynamic Earth explores the inner workings of Earth’s climate system.

With visualizations based on satellite monitoring data and advanced supercomputer simulations, this cutting-edge production follows a trail of energy that flows from the Sun into our atmosphere, oceans and biosphere.

Enjoy this LIVE show for stargazers of all ages. Practice finding constellations, planets, the moon, meteor showers and the Milky Way band—everything you might see on the next starry night under the darkest skies on Earth. The live action adventure then zooms out to the different planets you can see, past Pluto, and on to the stars of the nearby Pleiades star cluster and into the birth clouds of the Orion Nebula. This guided tour, led by your personal astronomer, begins with the objects you can see tonight in your own backyard.

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www.hmns.org/planetarium

Enjoy an evening of planetarium shows in the newly renovated Burke Baker Planetarium. This star-studded evening includes children’s crafts, cash bar and refreshments. Reserve early—this event will sell out! Please call (713) 639-4629 for reservations.

deep space. Dark Universe plunges audiences into two of today's biggest cosmic mysteries—dark matter and dark energy. Fly through Jupiter’s atmosphere, sail out to the far reaches of space, and be there for the birth of our own galaxy as you explore how our understanding of the Universe has evolved.

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

MEMBERS NIGHT Saturday, March 26, 6 - 10 p.m.

Tickets $4

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 www.hmns.org/butterflycenter

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ORCHIDS AROUND THE WORLD: HOUSTON ORCHID SOCIETY’S ANNUAL SHOW AND SALE Saturday, April 2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, April 3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

HMNS Grand Hall, Free admission

HMNS is hosting the Houston Orchid Society’s fabulous annual show and sale for the seventh year running.

This two-day extravaganza of exotic blooms, free to the public, brings you over 20 lavish exhibits featuring orchids, orchid arrangements, corsages, orchid collectibles, and educational information. Orchids and exhibits will be officially judged before the show opens, so you will be able to see what the experts are looking for in a prizewinning plant or display. Bring your camera for some gorgeous photographs!

And, if you’d like to try growing these masterpieces of nature yourself, or want to add new varieties to your existing collection, a great selection will be available from vendors both local and from as far away as Hawaii. Orchid pots, potting medium, fertilizers and other materials will also be available, with plenty of experts on hand to advise you on your purchases.

For more information about this event visit: http://houstonorchidsociety. org/show.html.

SPRING PLANT SALE

Saturday, April, 9 a.m. to noon 7th Floor, HMNS Parking Garage April flowers bring May… butterflies!

So April is the perfect time to install— or spruce up—your butterfly garden.

Our Spring Plant Sale focuses on the plants you need to bring in butterflies (and their very hungry babies, a.k.a. caterpillars) throughout the coming seasons.

Pick up both tried-and-true varieties as well as new selections of food plants for caterpillars, and nectar plants for butterflies. Plenty of Cockrell Butterfly Center staff and volunteers will be on hand to help you choose a perfect mix.

Museum members receive a 10% discount on their purchases, and parking is free if you spend $30 or more. Don’t miss this fun sale with a spectacular view of the Museum District. Come early, plants go fast!

ADULT EDUCATION To register, visit www.hmns.org or call (713) 639-4629.

DISTINGUISHED LECTURES www.hmns.org/lectures

“The Poison in Our Food Supply” Thierry Vrain, Ph.D., Soil Biologist and Genetic Engineer Tuesday, March 29, 6:30 p.m.

With an astonishing degree of openness and flexibility, society accepted and integrated many seeminglyincompatible creation stories.

“The McFerrin Fabergé Collection: A Collector’s Tale” Dorothy McFerrin Monday, April 18, 6:30 p.m.

Providing an insider’s perspective on collecting priceless gemstone pieces, collector Dorothy McFerrin will share entertaining tales of the acquisitions for the pieces on display at HMNS. Film Screening Fabergé: A Life of Its Own with Dorothy McFerrin Monday, April 25, 6:30 p.m.

The discovery and analysis of 63 bodies buried beneath Stonehenge has overturned the accepted view on construction and use of perhaps the greatest of all prehistoric monuments.

Cosponsored by AIA, Houston Society with support from Apache “Solving Stonehenge: New Discoveries” Michael Parker-Pearson, Ph.D. Univ. College London’s Institute of Archaeology Thursday, April 7, 6:30 p.m.

Archaeology is revealing secrets of Stonehenge and the Neolithic people who built the iconic monument.

Cosponsored by AIA, Houston Society, with support from Apache

RICE CONTINUING STUDIES COURSE

“Rocks and Environments: Supporting Evidence of Plate Tectonics” Saturday, March 26, 1 - 4 p.m.

“Life in the Permian and Mesozoic: Dinosaurs, Their Kin and Contemporaries” Saturday, April 23, 9 a.m. - noon “Cenozoic the Age of Mammals: Life after Dinosaurs” Saturday, April 23, 1 - 4 p.m.

GARDENING WORKSHOPS www.hmns.org/adults Sponsored by Urban Harvest

“Growing Great Tomatoes” Wednesday, Mar 30, 10 a.m. - noon Saturday, April 2, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

“Contain Yourself: Organic Gardening for City Lifestyles” Saturday April 9, 10 a.m. - noon Wednesday April 13, 10 a.m. - noon

HMNS TRAVEL

www.hmns.org/travel Hill Country Cambrian Kayak Trip March 31 - April 3, 2016

h“All That Glitters: The Geology and Glory of Gems” Begins March 23

With geologist Dr. André Droxler of Rice University and paleontologist David Temple of HMNS.

A multifaceted look at the science, art and compelling histories of gems—this five session course features geochemist Cin-Ty Lee and collector Dorothy McFerrin. HMNS Members receive discounted registration. Visit http:// glasscock.rice.edu/Geology-of-Gem for more information.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES

PALEONTOLOGY-GEOLOGY WORKSHOPS Instructed by James Washington www.hmns.org/adults

www.hmns.org/bts

HMNS Offsite Collections Storage Monday, April 4, 1:30 and 6 p.m.

Millions of artifacts and specimens are housed at the Museum’s offsite collections storage. For a chance to see old favorites no longer on display, and new acquisitions that have not been seen by the public yet, HMNS is allowing the public to tour this facility. This truly behind-the-scenes tour will be led by Lisa Rebori, HMNS VP of collections.

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www.hmns.org/adults

Film Screening Secrets of Stonehenge Skeletons Wednesday, April 6, 6:30 p.m.

This new film tells the fascinating story behind of one of the most prestigious names in luxury—from the Russian revolution to today.

“Introduction to Minerals: Origins, Classifications and Uses” Saturday, March 26, 9 a.m. - noon

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

Gain insight of the damage done to our bodies by the proliferation of glyphosate (Round-Up) and genetically modified foods (GMOs) in our food supply.

Hosted by the Organic Benefits Alliance of Houston, Urban Harvest and Anume with sponsorship by MicroLife.

“Creation of the World, Ancient Egyptian Creation Myths” Regine Schultz, Ph.D., RoemerPelizaeus Museum, Germany Monday, April 18, 2:30 p.m.

FOR TEACHER MARCH LAB TOPICS Time Lab Grades 1-8 “Aztecs”

HMNS FOR TEACHERS

Meet the Mesoamerican people who lived in what is now Mexico City and the surrounding territory beginning in the 14th century. They established a broad empire that lasted roughly 200 years and was one of the most advanced for its time.

www.hmns.org/education

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Wildlife Lab Grades 1-8 “One of These Things is Not Like the Other”

EDUCATOR GUIDE IS YOUR TICKET TO WIN! Each month during the 2015-2016 school year, we will give away two tickets to our permanent exhibit halls in a random drawing to a teacher who has submitted a picture of the calendar open to the current month.

Pictures of your #educatorguide may be submitted by tagging @HMNS on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook, or by emailing educatorevent@hmns.org.

Winners of each monthly drawing will be announced in the educator e-newsletter.

WEEKDAY

LABS

Coming to HMNS for a field trip? Try one of our Weekday Science Labs.

These self-contained investigations feature Museum specimens, artifacts and laboratory equipment. Each lab is one hour long and includes admission to the Museum’s permanent exhibit halls.

Available at HMNS in Hermann Park and HMNS at Sugar Land. Capacity is 25 students per lab. Cost per lab is $165 - $200. Visit www.hmns.org/ weekdaylabs for the Weekday Lab schedule for the 2015-2016 school year.

Study characteristics of living things and sort them into their taxonomic groups. Then, meet the animals you sorted!

Dissection Labs Grades 5-10 “Think About It” Examine the body’s most complex organ, the brain. Put your axons to work as you model nerves and neurotransmitters. Includes sheep brain dissection.

APRIL LAB TOPICS Earth Science Grades 1-8 “Layers of the Ocean” Take a journey into the depths of the ocean! Learn about the layers of the ocean and the pressures it creates for the living and nonliving things in each layer.

move around, how they navigate and why they love to visit the Lone Star State so much.

ConocoPhillips Techno Science Lab Grades 1-8 “Falling Fast” Explore parachutes and other ways to cushion a fall or protect a passenger from a crash.

MAY LAB TOPICS Wildlife Lab Grades 1-8 “Beetlemania” Adults know there are only 4 Beatles (6 if you count Pete Best and Stuart Sutcliffe), but did you know there are almost 400,000 described beetle species? Come Together to study A Day in the Life of the most popular insect Across The Universe.

Earth Science Lab Grades 1-8 “Landforms: Part 2” In the second series of our Landforms lab, we’re examining waterways. Follow our water from spring to shore!

ConocoPhillips Techno Science Lab Grades 1-8 “Pressure” Lift, crush and hover with the amazing power of air pressure.

LABS ON DEMAND

Wildlife Lab Grades 1-8 “Movin’ on Up!”

Need help with a TEKS objective?

Want a lab experience for your field trip? Each lab is tailored to your grade level.

Texas is the perfect place to study migration as we are a common destination for many traveling animals.

Get the low down on why these animals

Topics Available: Chemistry, Force and Motion, Electricity, Light and Optics, Magnets, Storm Science, Ancient Egypt,

RS

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND FOR ALL EDUCATORS PROGRAMS, VISIT WWW.HMNS.ORG/EDUCATORS OR CONTACT EDUCATIONQUESTIONS@HMNS.ORG

Cells, Earth Science, and Dissection. $200 per presentation (maximum 25 students), plus $75 travel fee for onsite presentations.

GT WORKSHOP “Differentiating with the Museum” June: 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 21, 22, 28, 30 August: 1, 2, 4

“Forensics in the Classroom” Tuesday, May 3, 5 p.m.

Popular culture meets natural science with high student interest. Come learn about how you can incorporate simple forensics into your classroom to engage students in science.

EDUCATOR LATE NIGHT

OUTREACH PROGRAMS Bring the Museum to Your Classroom!

EXXONMOBIL TEACHER TUESDAY WORKSHOPS

Get down and dirty with soil and decomposers as we explore the benefits that these little-noticed workers contribute to the environment.

“Vikings” Tuesday, April 5, 5 p.m.

Boat builders, farmers, and fierce warriors are but a few descriptors for the amazing people known as the Vikings. Experience Viking culture and activities in this hands-on class.

“The Rock Cycle with James Washington” Tuesday, April 12, 5 p.m.

Join James Washington, Lead Concierge and Discovery Guide, for an interactive journey through the rock cycle using hands-on specimens and his unique and exciting presentation style.

“Aztec, Inca, Maya” Friday, March 25, 5 - 11 p.m. $60 per educator The three most dominant and advanced civilizations that developed in the Americas prior to the arrival of the Europeans were the Aztecs, Maya and Inca. Come explore the Hall of the Americas and engage in hands-on learning activities. Dinner and 6 hours of CPE credit is provided.

EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE OR MATHEMATICS AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS Nominations and Applications deadline is April 22.

HMNS offers the Evelyn Frensley Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement in Science or Mathematics through the generosity of the Cockrell Foundation. Two awards of $2,000 will go to two high school juniors in Harris County.

Extended day, weekend and evening scheduling is also available. Special Science Night activity station packages are also available.

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

Choose from these HMNS Outreach Programs: Bugs On Wheels TOTAL Wildlife On Wheels Chevron Earth Science On Wheels ConocoPhillips Science On Stage Discovery Dome Docents To Go Science Start

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www.hmns.org/education

“Decomposers” Tuesday, March 1, 5 p.m.

Aligned to grade-level TEKS objectives, pricing ranges from $100 $625. Presentations last 30 - 45 minutes, and multiple presentations may be scheduled in a day.

HMNS FOR TEACHERS

Nominations and applications for the 2016 Excellence in Science or Mathematics Teaching Awards and Student Scholarships are now available at www.hmns.org/education.

The deadline for applications is April 22, 2016.

Enhance your classroom strategy with tons of ready-to-implement activities and techniques. With dynamic presenters, engaging sessions, and the whole world of HMNS to explore, this is a workshop like no other. Receive six hours of TAGT-approved credit or a 6-hour update credit. Call (713) 6394659 to register. $50 until May 1, then the price increases to $60.

$30 per educator Participants receive 3 hours of CPE credit. Dinner is provided. Adults only.

In recognition of the fine educators of Houston we also offer the Wilhelmina C. Robertson Excellence in Science or Mathematics Teaching Award. This award of $2,000 will go to one K-5th grade science or math teacher, and one 6th-12th grade science or math teacher who demonstrates significant ability and dedication to teaching in either discipline in Harris County.

HMNS JUST FOR KIDS www.hmns.org/kids

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NOW OPEN Enter the Block Party construction zone and engineer your own creations!

Take playtime to the next level at the brand new Block Party! This interactive exhibit features building materials of all kinds, as well as posters that detail the forces and concepts that keep our greatest structures standing. Then, take what you learned and apply it to your own creation! Construction will continue through August 7!

SUMMER 2016 A summer of education and adventure awaits your child at HMNS—both at the main campus Museum in Hermann Park and HMNS at Sugar Land. If you haven’t received your Xplorations catalog, please email Xplorations@ hmns.org or call the Education Department at (713) 639-4625.

Visit www.hmns.org/summercamp for complete camp info.

Movie Monster Making, Freeze Frame, Nature’s Fury, and Star Warriors Academy II; and returning 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.

Early registration for Museum Members is now open. Registration for general public opens March 21. Register early to secure your camp spots!

HMNS, Hermann Park:

July 5-8 & July 25-28

June 6-10, June 13-17, June 27-July 1, July 5-8 (4 day camp week), July 18-22, July 25-29 and August 8-12

Taught by curators and astronomy department programmers and designers.

Visit the www.hmns.org/teens for details.

all ages of Boy and Girls Scouts on Saturdays throughout the school year.

Go to www.hmns.org/scouts for the complete schedule and registration. For questions, contact scouts@hmns.org.

SUMMER SCOUT ACADEMY

May 31-June 3 (4 day camp week), June 6-10, June 20-24, June 27-July 1, July 11-15, July 18-22, August 1-5, and August 8-12

Earn your Architecture, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, and Environmental Science merit badges in just three days during Spring Break at HMNS at Sugar Land. Members $150, Nonmembers $180

Attention Brownies, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Webelos, Bear Cubs and Wolf Cubs! Earn multiple badges in weeklong fun at HMNS. Registration is now open! Secure your spot now. Visit www.hmns.org/summerscouts or e-mail scouts@hmns.org for more information.

HMNS, Hermann Park: June 6-10, June 13-17, July 5-8 (4 day week), and July 25-29 HMNS, Sugar Land: June 20-24, July 11-15, and August 1-5

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HMNS, Sugar Land:

A summer crash course for teens who want to know how to make things work!

Professional photography, programming 3D games, flying the new Planetarium, creative chemistry, digging up fossils, talking live to a ship at sea, even making toys for astronauts—all in four days.

SPRING BREAK SCOUTS HMNS at Sugar Land March 15-17, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

The Scout Program at HMNS continues to grow with the addition of classes for boys and girls. Scouts@HMNS offers a wide array of badges and classes for

TEEN TECH

HMNS JUST FOR KIDS

New topics for 2016:

Our week-long, hands-on science camps are designed for children ages 6-12 and are held Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For an additional weekly fee, care is available each day before camp begins 8-10 a.m., and after camp ends 3-5:30 p.m.

HMNS EVENTS CALENDAR

NOW ON EXHIBITION From elegantly simple to breathtakingly ornate, objects in this collection were thoughtfully selected to exemplify extraordinary materials and workmanship.

Organized by the Houston Museum of Natural Science with the McFerrin Collection. Fabergé Lecture and Film Screening on Page 17.

www.hmns.org/museumcalendar

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EXXONMOBIL TEACHER TUESDAY “Decomposers” Tuesday, March 1, 5 p.m. (page 19)

MARCH

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS Amber Secrets: Feathers From the Age of Dinosaurs La Virgen de Guadalupe: Empress of the Americas Monday, March 7, 6 p.m. (pages 5, 7)

FAMILY EVENT HMNS Sugar Land Pi Day 3.14 Monday, March 14, 10 a.m. - noon (page 8)

SPRING BREAK AT THE OBSERVATORY Tuesday, March 15, 5 - 11 p.m.

Friday, March 18, 5 - 11 p.m. (page 9)

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Shamans and the Supernatural World, Pre-Columbian Iconography of Peru” Tuesday, March 22, 6:30 p.m. (page 6) BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS Wildlife Photographer of the Year Out of the Amazon: Life on the River Wednesday, March 23, 6 p.m. (page 4, 6) EDUCATOR LATE NIGHT “Aztec, Inca, Maya” Friday, March 25, 5 - 11 p.m. (page 19)

PALEO-GEOLOGY WORKSHOPS, ADULTS “Introduction to Minerals: Origins, Classifications and Uses” Saturday, March 26, 9 a.m. - noon

“Rocks and Environments: Supporting Evidence of Plate Tectonics” Saturday, March 26, 1 - 4 p.m. (page 17) MEMBERS NIGHT Burke Baker Planetarium Saturday, March 26, 6 - 10 p.m. (page 15) DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “The Poison in Our Food Supply” Tuesday, March 29, 6:30 p.m. (page 17) HANDS-ON CLASS “Growing Great Tomatoes” Wednesday, March 30, 10 a.m. - noon (page 17)

For tickets to all events, visit www

HANDS-ON CLASS “Growing Great Tomatoes” Saturday, April 2, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. (page 17)

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR HMNS Offsite Collections Storage Monday, April 4, 1:30 and 6 p.m. (page 17) EXXONMOBIL TEACHER TUESDAY “Vikings” Tuesday, April 5, 5 p.m. (page 19)

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Solving Stonehenge: New Discoveries” Thursday, April 7, 6:30 p.m. (page 17) HANDS-ON CLASS “Advanced Nature Photography” Friday, April 8, 2:30 - 6 p.m. (page 4) MEMBERS NIGHT HMNS Sugar Land Amazing Butterflies Friday, April 8, 6 - 10 p.m. (page 8) SPRING PLANT SALE Saturday, April, 9 a.m. - noon (page 16)

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

“Beginning Nature Photography” Saturday, April 9, 2:30 - 6 p.m. (page 4) BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Amber Secrets: From the Age of Dinosaurs Monday, April 11 7, 6 p.m. (page 5) EXXON MOBIL TEACHER TUESDAY “The Rock Cycle with James Washington” Tuesday, April 12, 5 p.m. (page 19) FAMILY SPACE DAY George Observatory Saturday, April 16 Mission Times: 3, 4, 5:30, 6:30 p.m. (page 9) DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Creation of the World, Ancient Egyptian Creation Myths” Monday, April 18, 2:30 p.m. (page 17) DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “The McFerrin Fabergé Collection: A Collector’s Tale” Monday, April 18, 6:30 p.m. (page 17)

Science Hack Day Houston Organized by Brightwork CoResearch and Digital Schematics April 2-3

ADULT CLASS “Amber Workshop” Tuesday, April 19, 6 p.m. (page 5) BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR La Virgen de Guadalupe: Empress of the Americas Tuesday, April 19, 6 p.m. (page 7) CULTURAL FEAST “Amazonian Culinary Adventure” Wednesday, April 20, 7 p.m. (page 6) MEMBERS NIGHT George Observatory Friday, April 22, 7:30 - 10 p.m. (page 9) PALEO-GEOLOGY WORKSHOPS, ADULTS “Life in the Permian and Mesozoic: Dinosaurs, their Kin and Contemporaries” Saturday, April 23, 9 a.m. - noon “Cenozoic the Age of Mammals: Life after Dinosaurs” Saturday, April 23, 1 - 4 p.m. (page 17) FILM SCREENING Fabergé: A Life of Its Own Monday, April 25, 6:30 p.m. (page 17)

This 48-hour, all-night event brings together inquisitive and creative minds to make wonderful things. Anyone who is excited about making things with science is welcome to attend—no experience necessary, just an insatiable curiosity. By collaborating on focused tasks, small groups of makers are capable of producing remarkable results. For more information visit ScienceHackDayHouston.com.

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www.hmns.org/museumcalendar

FILM SCREENING Secrets of Stonehenge Skeletons Wednesday, April 6, 6 p.m. (page 17)

HANDS-ON CLASSES “Organic Container Gardening” Saturday April 9, 10 a.m. - noon (page 17)

HMNS EVENTS CALENDAR

HOUSTON ORCHID SOCIETY SHOW & SALE Saturday, April 2, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday, April 3, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (page 16)

APRIL

POSTMASTER: Dated material enclosed.

Please deliver IMMEDIATELY!

www.hmns.org/magazine

HMNS NEWS • MARCH / APRIL 2016 • VOLUME 21, NUMBER 2

5555 Hermann Park Drive Houston, Texas 77030

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

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

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.

LA VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE Empress of the Americas NOW ON EXHIBITION PAGE 7

NOW ON EXHIBITION PAGE 5

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