HMNS News January/February 2018

news JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018 VOLUME 23, NUMBER 1 w w w. h m n s . o r g

NOW ON EXHIBITION

SENIOR SOCIAL FOR MEMBERS Wednesday, February 7, 9 a.m.

Enjoy a light breakfast and an exclusive tour of the newly renovated Wiess Energy Hall during this special event series for senior members only.

Experience the Museum with us, and spend the morning socializing with other seniors at HMNS!

HMNS NEW MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

HMNS' Senior Social is a new quarterly event exclusively for HMNS' senior Members, ages 62 and up.

Tickets are $2.

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NEW MEMBERSHIP LEVELS!

NEW! HMNS CATALYSTS FAMILY - Looking for the perfect date night away from the kids? Upgrade to HMNS Catalysts Family level to enjoy all the benefits of a Family Level Membership for two adults and four children, plus quarterly adults-only events with other young professionals. Two Memberships in one!

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$45 Number of people

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$65

$85

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2

$100

$125

Unlimited free admission to permanent exhibit halls

$115

$150

$195

$275

$550

2 adults + 4 kids

2 adults + 4 kids + 1 adult or kid

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Discount admission to all ticketed special exhibitions, Cockrell Butter�ly Center, Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, and Burke Baker Planetarium Reduced rates for lectures, classes, travel and special events Discount at the Museum Store

Subscription to MuseumNews magazine Invitations to Members-only events Members-only ticket line

Early and discounted registration for Xplorations Summer Camps for children and grandchildren Two FREE tickets for admission to special exhibitions

Invitation for two to one President’s Circle event per year

HMNS Catalysts Young Professionals

$150 *Discoverer benefits value $72. Benefactor benefits value $152

NEW! Family Plus includes member benefits for two adults and four children, PLUS one additional adult or child. Voyager level is now called Family Flex and allows membership benefits for ten people. If you are a Voyager member, you will automatically be upgraded from a Voyager to a Family Flex membership. Discoverer and Benefactor level memberships now allow member benefits for ten people.

MEMBER ONLY EVENTS

Make the most of your Museum membership and enjoy these exclusive Members-only opportunities!

WORLD TREKKERS: GERMANY Children's Craft Night for Members Friday, February 9, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Enjoy a Members craft night for young children featuring live entertainment, face painting, a balloon artist, crafts, activities and more. Bring your family to HMNS and travel the globe with World Trekkers!

NEW! EXTRA KID'S PASS PERK!

2nd SATURDAY

New benefit with 2nd Saturday Kid's Pass!

Open Early for Members at 8 a.m.

January 13 – Tours of Hall of Ancient Egypt February 10 – Tours of Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals

Show your Kid's Pass at the Museum gift shop during each Museum visit to HMNS in Hermann Park to receive a free prize! A new prize is featured each month. Don't have a Kid's Pass? Pick one up ONLY during 2nd Saturday!

Beat the crowds—2nd Saturdays are for Members!

Explore our permanent exhibition halls and get exclusive discounts to special exhibitions, enjoy arts and crafts and more. Join your Museum family on 2nd Saturdays— an exclusive benefit for Members only!

The Museum’s permanent exhibit halls are always FREE for Members! Each 2nd Saturday features family programming from 9 a.m. to noon.

2nd SATURDAY AT SUGAR LAND Exclusive Member Events at 10 a.m.

January 13 February 10 Members enjoy a special activity during each 2nd Saturday at HMNS at Sugar Land. Don’t forget your Kid’s Pass to get a special prize! 2nd Saturday at Sugar Land features family programming from 10 - 11 a.m.

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H M N S M E M B E R O N LY E V E N T S

This February, we’re heading off to Germany.

But no need to pack your bags – HMNS brings the world to you with World Trekkers!

Tickets are just $7.

HMNS IN THIS ISSUE • G HM E N ES RCAALT IANLFYOS RT M S A• T M I OI XN E R S & E L I X I R S • W O R L D T R E K K E R S

GENERAL INFORMATION

In 2 Membership Benefits 3 Member Only Events 4 General Information 5 A Buterfly Flutter Gala 2018: Jewel of the Nile 6-7 Knights 8-9 Message in a Bottle 10-11 Wiess Energy Hall

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HMNS AT SUGAR LAND

MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS www.hmns.org/member Student, Senior, Individual, Dual, Family, Family Plus, Family Flex, Discoverer, Benefactor, President’s Circle HMNS Catalysts Individual, Dual and Family

13016 University Blvd.

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

12 Trains Over Texas Reality Check

MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT (713) 639-4616, membership@hmns.org

13 Cabinet of Curiosities Fabergé: Royal Gifts

HMNS MAIN CAMPUS

14-15 Burke Baker Planetarium 18 George Observatory

5555 Hermann Park Drive Houston, Texas 77030 (713) 639-4629

19 Cockrell Butterfly Center

Monday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

16-17 Wortham Giant Screen Theatre

20-21 HMNS @ Sugar Land 22 Excellence in Science or Mathematics Musuem Accessibility 23 Adult Education 24-25 For Teachers

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HMNS MEMBERSHIP

26-27 Just For Kids 28 HMNS Catalysts Museum Store 29 Special Event Snapshot Mardi Gras Mixers & Elixirs 30-31 Events Calendar HMNS After Dark GET CONNECTED TO HMNS

WWW.HMNS.ORG Natural.Science

@hmns

@hmns

naturalscience1

hmns

hmns_museum

Holiday Hours: December 23 - 31: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Christmas Day: closed January 1 - 7: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

MLK Weekend: January 13 - 15: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

President’s Day Weekend: February 17 - 19: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Permanent Exhibit Halls and the Planetarium FREE after 2 p.m. on Thursdays and FREE after 3 p.m. during holiday hours. Check our website for film schedules and special closures.

SPECIAL SERVICES Wheelchairs are provided at no cost and subject to availability.

CC is available at box office for most giant screen films. Visit www.hmns.org/ accessibility for information for visitors with autism spectrum disorders. TTY (713) 639-4687 PARKING GARAGE Members received discounted rate. $5 All Day for Members, $20 All Day for Non-Members

FIELD TRIPS hmns

blog.hmns.org

For all HMNS locations. www.hmns.org/fieldtrips fieldtrips@hmns.org (713) 639-4659

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

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

Sunday: noon to 5 p.m.

Monday - Wednesday: field trips only Holiday Hours: December 18 - Jan. 5: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sundays: noon to 5 p.m.

Christmas Day: closed New Year’s Day: closed January 15: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

February 17: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SPECIAL EVENT RENTALS www.hmns.org/sugarlandrentals sugarlandprograms@hmns.org (281) 313-2277, ext. 101

GEORGE OBSERVATORY Located in Brazos Bend State Park 21901 FM 762 Needville, Texas 77461 (281) 242-3055 www.hmns.org/observatory State park entrance fee is $7, kids 12 and under are free. Entrance to park is not permitted after 9:30 p.m.

Private groups can schedule scout troop experiences, Friday night star parties, Discovery Dome planetarium shows, tours, Expedition Center missions, astronomy classes and birthday parties.

Current observatory weather conditions can be accessed at www.weatherbug. com, zip code 77461.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES www.hmns.org/birthdays birthdays@hmns.org (713) 639-4646

SPECIAL EVENT RENTALS www.rentthemuseum.com specialevents@hmns.org (713) 639-4749

A Butterfly Flutter Saturday, February 24, 10 a.m. - noon

Please join Alex and Bobby Stillwell and Katie and Robby Zorich, the 2018 A Butterfly Flutter Chairs, for a morning of family fun at the best butterfly center in the Southwest!

Proceeds from A Butterfly Flutter will benefit the operating budget of the Cockrell Butterfly Center and education programs at HMNS. Tickets begin at $50. To be a part of the excitement please contact Emily Brents at (713) 639-4729 or ebrents@hmns.org or register online at www.hmns.org/flutter.

H M N S A B U T T E R F LY F L U T T E R • G A L A 2 0 1 8 : J E W E L O F T H E N I L E

Come spread your wings and fly.

This children’s event offers a variety of exciting activities, including papilio arts and crafts, metamorphic face painting, a squirmy insect petting zoo, and so much more! Of course, there will be lots of nectar to drink to keep those wings fluttering, and other munchies for hungry caterpillars!

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We are honored to have Jenna and Harris Junell and Kay and Brandon Lobb co-chairing the annual HMNS Gala: Jewel of the Nile.

Please set your sundials for Saturday, March 3. This year’s Gala pays homage to the HMNS Hall of Ancient Egypt,

and the rich culture and history of the fertile Nile River. We welcome you to walk like an Egyptian through the halls of HMNS and enjoy this unique and fun night with friends. Royal guests will enjoy drinks, dancing, a one of a kind gem and minerals auction that would leave Nefertiti speechless, and dine on a feast fit for a Pharaoh.

By supporting the 2018 Gala, Jewel of the Nile, you help educate and inspire the next generation of explorers.

Tickets start at $500 and tables start at $5,000. For sponsorship and ticket inquiries, contact Emily Brents at (713) 639-4729 or ebrents@hmns.org or register online at www.hmns.org/gala.

www.hmns.org/flutter • www.hmns.org/gala

GALA 2018: JEWEL OF THE NILE

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HMNS KNIGHTS

Knights was organized by Contemporanea Progetti in collaboration with the Museo Stibbert, Florence, Italy. Local support is provided by The Hamill Foundation. It is on display through May 13, 2018 on the 3rd floor of the Dan L Duncan Wing.

Members receive reduced admission.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS www.hmns.org/bts

SPECIAL MEMBER PRICING Gallant knights. Chivalry. Jousting. All terms we associate with the Middle Ages. For a few months, these are also terms we can associate with the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Full sets of armor await you here.

Firearms heralded the end of plate armor as an effective form of body protection, but did not mark the end of an obsession with all things Medieval. At HMNS you can get your Medieval fix. More than 100 items of armor and arms are on display in Knights; all of them are from the extensive collections of the Stibbert Museum in Florence, Italy. Also from the period, on loan from Rice University, are five replicas of medieval and Renaissance-era musical instruments.

Press a button and listen to what they sounded like. Wait a while, and you may see a fair maiden appear and perform songs of the period.

Family Knights Festival Saturday, January 27, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Explore the world of knights in the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

Experience their daily lives and meet knights and their horses. Presented by the Society of Creative Anachronism.

Ancient Games Tournament Saturday, January 27, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Let the games begin! Try your hand at Senet, the Royal Game of Ur, Parcheesi, Go and Chess with 12th century Lewis chessmen. This popular family event is sponsored by AIA, Houston Society. Free with general Museum admission.

ADULT CLASS www.hmns.org/aedclasses “Chainmaille Class” Saturday, February 10, 9 a.m.

Wednesday, April 11, 6 p.m.

Once used as a type of flexible armor made of interlocking metal rings, chainmaille has an extended history across the ages and around the world.

Even today, it is being re-invented in a variety of ways, from protecting against shark bites to elaborate jewelry.

In this class, instructor Corey Green will explain historical chainmaille and its uses. You will learn techniques using the provided tools and materials to fashion “weaves,” as they are called, for different patterns. Go home with a finished piece of chainmaille jewelry and an understanding of the history of this art form. Advance registration recommended.

Art, warfare, intrigue, and cuisine often melded during the Italian Renaissance. Places such as Milan and northern Italy were important centers for the manufacture of the exquisite armor worn by kings and nobles throughout Europe during battles.

Artists including Leonardo da Vinci often designed fortifications and siege weaponry. And, mercenaries known as condottieri found fame and fortune as military leaders for Italian city-states, duchies, and kingdoms. Many of these condottieri, known for their luxurious lifestyles and elaborate banquets, are memorialized by monuments located in Venice, Florence, and other Italian cities, as well as in historical literary works and today’s popular culture.

Inspired by the condottieri, Chef Danny Trace of Osso & Kristall and sister restaurant Potente has created a menu that captures the flavors and ingredients of the Italian places associated with their careers.

Culinary historian Merrianne Timko will highlight some of the more interesting condottieri and the cuisine of their time.

THE MAIN EVENT www.hmns.org/joust Jousting Tournament Saturday, May 5 Save the date for an event like no other! For the first time, the International Jousting League will compete in Houston. Competitors and horses in full historicallydocumented armour styles will be tested in several aspects of mounted combat, plus the large melee format with all combatants fighting one another. Competitors will be scored by their skills and demonstration of the traditional virtues of chivalry.

This special event is presented by a’Plaisance with HMNS.

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www.hmns.org/knights

Two knights on horseback head towards you as you enter the exhibit— both horse and rider in elaborate armor.

Just around the corner is a massive two-handed sword, too tall to sheathe.

It makes you wonder how a foot soldier carried it around. Models and a video explain jousting, the contact sport par excellence in the Middle Ages.

FAMILY EVENTS

“Renaissance Condottieri Banquet … A Knight to Remember” Tuesday, February 13, 7 p.m.

Hosted at Osso & Kristall

HMNS KNIGHTS

Reduced for Members Now Open

Wednesday, January 17, 6 p.m.

Wednesday, February 21, 6 p.m.

CULTUR AL FEAST www.hmns.org/feasts

www.hmns.org/bottle HMNS MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

Message in a Bottle

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OPENS FEBRUARY 2 Throughout history, the Message in a Bottle phenomenon makes many appearances—Greek water current studies, Japanese epics, Poe, Dickens, and the rock band The Police.

Message in a Bottle is organized

by Chad Pregracke and Message in a Bottle LLC. It is generously supported by the John P. McGovern Foundation.

The exhibition is owned and curated

by Chad Pregracke, Founder & President, Living Lands & Waters.

It is on display February 2 to May 13, 2018 in the Hamill Gallery on the Main Floor. This special exhibition is free for Members.

DISTINGUISHED LECTURES www.hmns.org/lectures “Making Houston a Resilient City: Flooding, Carbon and Food” Jim Blackburn, J.D. Rice University Tuesday, February 27, 6:30 p.m.

Environmental lawyer and planner Professor Jim Blackburn will discuss the

“River of Dreams: the Ecology of Coastal Waterbodies” George Guillen, Ph.D., UHCL Tuesday, March 6, 6:30 p.m.

Streams, bayous, rivers, estuaries and the Gulf of Mexico form an intricate network of waterways that are linked by their hydrology, water quality and biology. Dr. George Guillen will explain the hydrology and ecology of the waterways of southeast Texas— and how humans have altered the delicate balance of freshwater inflow, nutrients and sediments that maintain the amazing diversity of life within these systems. Measures to conserve and restore these resources and ecological services that most people take for granted will also be discussed.

Dr. George Guillen is executive director of the Environmental Institute of Houston at University of HoustonClear Lake.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR www.hmns.org/bts Wednesday, March 7, 6 p.m.

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www.hmns.org/bottle

Established in 1998 by Chad Pregracke, Living Lands & Waters is committed to the protection, preservation, and restoration of the natural environment of the nation’s major rivers and their watersheds. Living Lands & Waters crew spend up to 9 months a year living and traveling on a barge, hosting river clean-ups and other watershed conservation efforts. The messages presented in this exhibit were found in bottles discovered in these efforts.

The future of Houston as a serious competitor in the global marketplace lies in many of the choices that will be made in the next few years. Are we ready to take our place as a truly world-class city, showing the way for the world, or will we be left behind?

A book signing of A Texan Plan for the Texas Coast, released in October 2017, will follow the presentation.

HMNS MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

This special exhibit continues the tradition, capturing the zeitgeist of the Message in a Bottle through American eyes. No single artist is featured, but the personal voices of everyday Americans are on display in this rare collection of messages found in bottles along the Mississippi River and other U.S. rivers. The Living Lands & Waters crew and many volunteers discovered these messages over the past 20 years while carrying out waterway clean-up efforts and education.

challenges and opportunities that lie before Houston, a key city in the global response to changing weather patterns, emerging economies and changing consumer preferences and needs.

NEW PERMANENT EXHIBITION NOW OPEN

HMNS WIESS ENERGY HALL

The new Wiess Energy Hall 3.0 features a bonanza of cutting-edge exhibits, making the new hall the most contemporary, comprehensive and technologically advanced exhibition on the science and technology of energy anywhere in the world. Three favorites are Energy City, the Geovator and the Eagle Ford Shale Experience (EFX). Here are some fascinating facts about these exciting exhibits.

The Geovator

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This 20-foot by 20-foot octagon weighs 10 tons.

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It transports 35 grown adults—so a couple of classes of kiddos—through the Earth, and back in time.

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Captain Mercaptan, host of “Geovator 1.0” for 24 years, returns in “holographic” form to guide passengers in an all-new adventure aboard Geovator 3.0.

The Eagle Ford Shale Experience, aka EFX3000 •

This 20 ton transporter is 32 feet long and 20 feet wide.

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This mesmerizing model is 2,200 square feet, made up of 193 40 inch by 40 inch tiles, and rests on a base made of square steel tubing weighing 5 tons.

It transports 42 individuals from the Museum to Karnes County, Texas and then into the crevices of a hydraulic fracturing job in the Eagle Ford Shale formation.

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The EFX3000 is piloted by DAR-C, a crusty robot with a rebellious streak.

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The 2,148 individual assets on the map are animated using 32 laser projectors of 8,000 lumens each. It took 8,800 person-hours to design and build.

The new Wiess Energy Hall is now open on the fourth floor of the Dan L Duncan Family Wing. It is free for Members.

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It features 89 Houston-area buildings and 110 condos.

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As for energy generating assets, there are 27 wind turbines, 712 heliostats (mirrors) in the solar thermal array, plus 385 energy-related generating assets (refineries, geothermal, nuclear, etc.).

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A dozen actual downtown Houston buildings are depicted—you will recognize the skyline! See if you can point out City Hall, Esperson Building, Calpine Center, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase Tower, Pennzoil Place, Well Fargo Plaza, Enterprise Plaza, Chevron Building, Heritage Plaza, Jones Hall and Capital One Plaza.

Energy City •

FUELING THE ENERGY HALL The Houston Museum of Natural Science is grateful to the dozens of organizations and private individuals who made the state-of-the-art exhibits in the Wiess Energy Hall possible.

“Can Do! A History of Texas Leading the Way in Energy” Paul Mattingly, Author Tuesday, January 16, 6:30 p.m.

An innovative cast of characters have lead the way in the energy industry— Harry Wiess, Herman Brown, Howard Hughes, Herbert Hunt, George H.W. Bush—and established Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast as the epicenter of the international energy industry.

Author and historian Paul Mattingly will tell the fascinating, little-known stories behind the biggest projects of their time and explain the numerous interconnections including the Glomar Challenger, Apollo program robots, Texas Instruments and the proving of theory of plate tectonics. Mattingly will conclude with how Texas continues to lead the way in

In the last few decades, seismologists have mapped the Earth's interior— crust, mantle, and core—in ever increasing detail using seismic computerized tomography which occur mostly on tectonic plate boundaries. However, these receivers are primarily on dry land, leaving large volumes beneath the oceans unexplored—until now!

Geophysicist Dr. Frederik Simons of Princeton University will introduce MERMAID: a fully autonomous marine instrument that travels deep below the ocean surface, recording seismic activity and marine environmental data. Simons will also overview a century of Earth imaging, a decade of instrument design and development, and the exciting places MERMAID is discovering.

“Induced Earthquakes: Experimenting Unintentionally” Katie Keranen, Ph.D., Cornell University Wednesday, February 28, 6:30 p.m.

Induced earthquakes are triggered by humans, either by injecting fluid into the ground, extracting it, or impounding it behind dams. These unnatural earthquakes have occurred for a century, but in the past decade have become more prevalent. These induced earthquakes create a new hazard and bring public attention, but they also create opportunities to study earthquake processes at atypical rates.

Dr. Katie Keranen of Cornell will discusses the sudden rise in induced seismicity, the relationship to oil and gas production including wastewater disposal and hydraulic fracturing, mitigation efforts, and new scientific advances made possible by this unintended experiment.

This new permanent exhibition, which is larger than a football field, takes more than one session to tour. Join our master docents on a grand tour of the new Wiess Energy Hall.

“Wiess Energy Hall - Upstream: Geologic Formation to Drilling” Wednesday, January 10, 6 p.m.

Wednesday, March 7, 6 p.m.

“Wiess Energy Hall - Midstream, Downstream and Electrical Generation: Pipelines, Refining and Power” Wednesday, January 17, 6 p.m.

Wednesday, March 21, 6 p.m.

DAY EXCURSIONS www.hmns.org/excursions “Field Trip to See Earth’s Core” Saturday, March 3, 10 a.m.

Want to see what is deep beneath Earth’s surface? The Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG) Houston Research Center houses hundreds of thousands of core samples from deep within Earth that have been collected from all over the world.

Learn what they tell researchers about our planet by looking at a variety of spectacular cores samples, such as deep-water mass transport deposits and Cretaceous reef. Participants will meet at the University of Texas, BEG facility on West Little York. Advanced registration is required.

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www.hmns.org/wiess

DISTINGUISHED LECTURES www.hmns.org/lectures

“Mapping the Earth’s Interior— Through the Ocean to the Mantle with a Fleet of Floating Seismic Robots” Frederik Simons, Ph.D., Princeton University Tuesday, January 30, 6:30 p.m.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS www.hmns.org/bts

HMNS WIESS ENERGY HALL

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, The Cockrell Foundation, The Elkins Foundation, Chevron, GeoSouthern Energy Partners GP, LLC, Walter Oil & Gas Corporation, ConocoPhillips, Enterprise Products Partners L.P., EOG Resources, Inc., Exxon Mobil Corporation, Halliburton Foundation, Inc., Phillips 66, Shell Oil Company, Aramco, Cheniere Energy, Constellation and Exelon Foundation, EnCap Investments L.P., LINN Energy, Texas Crude Energy, LLC - K.C. Weiner & Peter J. Fluor, Claire and Joe Greenberg, HMW Entertainment, William S. and Lora Jean Kilroy Foundation, LyondellBasell, Marathon Oil Corporation, Kelly and Bill Montgomery, Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc., Simmons & Company International, Carolyn and Garry Tanner, Total, Jennifer and Wil VanLoh, Michele and Dheeraj Verma, The Brown Foundation, Inc., Oasis Petroleum, Susanne and William E. Pritchard III.

new sources of energy for the future.

A book signing will follow the presentation.

LAST DAY IS JANUARY 7

HMNS TRAINS OVER TEXAS • REALITY CHECK

Back by popular demand, Trains Over Texas is an impressive 2,500 square foot train exhibit and the largest indoor O scale model railroad (1:48 ratio, ¼ inch = 1 foot) in Texas. There is no better place for this Texas-size model railroad than where the state’s first railroad was opened in 1853, and by the early 1900s boasted the slogan “Houston: Where 17 Railroads Meet the Sea.” Travel across Texas in less than a day by model railroad in this scratch built in O scale. The multiple trains crisscrossing the state visit important and unique places in our great state’s geology and physiography, including oil country salt domes, prairies and wetlands of the Texas coast, and state and national monuments such as

Enchanted Rock, Pedernales Falls, The Balcones Escarpment and Big Bend.

Along the routes to these geologic wonders the trains also pass through Texas cities—Galveston, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio—with other surprises along the route.

Trains Over Texas—the largest model train exhibit in the Lone Star State is only open until January 7. The Museum’s commissioned train exhibit will be back in November when the holiday season returns.

Trains Over Texas is generously supported by Union Pacific Foundation, The Carruth Foundation, Inc. and Glen A. Rosenbaum.

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www.hmns.org/trains

DELIGHT IN DIFFERENT ADVENTURES! Travel back in time to the ancient Colosseum and see gladiators fight. Fly up into space to the International Space Station. Solve puzzles on the world’s highest vertical platform game and explore a surreal landscape miles above a fractured, alien planet. All in the same space and all… virtually.

HMNS is partnering with companies and innovators to create a dynamic and ever-changing space where visitors will be able to experience a new kind of reality.

Reality Check is organized by the Houston Museum of Natural Science in partnership with Radical VR and Simuloid.

This experience is recommended for ages 12+. It is open through April 13. Admission is reduced for Members!

SPECIAL MEMBER PRICING

DISCOVERIES AWAIT!

This gallery, exploring international politics, diplomacy, economics and innovation in the 19th and early 20th centuries is fully equipped with interactive labels, allowing visitors to

delve into the history and details of each piece on display with a touch of the screen.

Fabergé: Royal Gifts featuring the Trellis Egg Surprise resides in the Dorothy and Artie McFerrin Gallery in the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals on the 2nd floor. This new permanent gallery, which opened spring of 2017, is made possible by the generous underwriting of the Artie and Dorothy McFerrin Foundation. Admission is free for Members.

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Photo Credit: Royal Collection Trust © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

www.hmns.org/exhibits

Currently numbering over 600 pieces, the McFerrin Fabergé Collection is the largest private collection of masterfully intricate pieces created

by Peter Carl Fabergé and his master craftsmen in the world and features the history and a treasure trove of artistry of the Fabergé firm.

Cabinet of Curiosities is organized by the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Located on the 2nd floor, this exhibition is free for Members.

HMNS CABINEET OF CURIOSITIES • FABERGÉ

Extraordinary natural and manmade objects were displayed in cabinets with many compartments, each filled with “treasures” reflecting man’s desire to find his place within the larger context of nature and the divine. As the collections evolved and grew in importance, they were integrated into larger collections, eventually becoming so immense they occupied entire rooms. Many of these collections were eventually institutionalized and became the first public museums.

As an homage to its own history, this exhibition contains thousands of extraordinary natural and manmade objects nestled in countless nooks and crannies, just waiting to be discovered. Visitors have the unique opportunity to peruse various objects of curiosity and wonder, up close and in a personal way.

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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A New Year for Astronomy Adventures Damage from Hurricane Harvey extended to our George Observatory and Expedition Centers, but now all are recovering and open to the public—just in time for a new year of exciting astronomy experiences!

Our January astronomy adventure features the Moon. The full moon of January 31 is a supermoon and it’s also a blue moon. Add to that, it’s a blood moon in a predawn total lunar eclipse.

The moon is not really blue, but it will be blood red. A blue moon is the second full moon in one month.

A second full moon is rare enough to justify the phrase “once in a blue moon.” However, there are actually two blue moons in 2018 with the second one coming on March 31.

A supermoon occurs when the full moon is near the point in its orbit when it is closest to Earth (called perigee). Perigee occurs on January 30. This full moon will seem larger and brighter than other full moons because it is closer to Earth.

On January 31, this super blue moon moves into the Earth’s umbral shadow at 5:48 a.m. in the southwestern predawn sky. Totality begins at

6:51 a.m. with the Moon, low in the morning twilight, becoming blood red. The event comes to an abrupt end at 7:12 a.m. with the rising sun in the southeast. This eclipse will be visible throughout most of western North America, eastern Asia, Australia and the Pacific Ocean.

In January, the Planetarium’s Starry Night Express LIVE show features animations of this rare a blood moon lunar eclipse on January 31 and how to watch the event in the morning sky.

Our Expedition Centers offer missions to the Moon, and the Moon is a favorite for Saturday night viewing at the George Observatory.

ALSO SHOWING IN TRUE8Kâ„¢

H M N S B U R K E B A K E R P L A N E TA R I U M 15

www.hmns.org/planetarium

SPECIAL MEMBER PRICING

WORTHAM GIANT S

Visit www.hmns.org/giantscreen for showtim

Experience all of our film adventures with Giant Screen digital technology. The crystal-clear images coupled with our customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio create a unique environment that will make you feel as if you are in the movie.

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

MUSEUM ALIVE 3D

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NOW SHOWING

Ever wondered what it's like to explore a museum after dark?

The fantasy that drives sleepovers and fires the imagination of every museum visitor sits at the very heart of Museum Alive: what if the exhibits came to life? You will be captivated as they are transported into a magical, Hogwarts-like, neo-gothic museum, to enjoy a thrilling adventure as strange and exotic beasts emerge from their display cases and come back to life.

But this is not just a Hollywood fantasy—Museum Alive is the result of an extraordinary collaboration between leading museum experts and prize-winning special effects animators who together create the most scientifically accurate and photo-realistic film of extinct creatures, based on the latest interpretations of the fossil evidence.

Museum Alive unites stunning visuals, exciting story-telling and the latest science to create an experience that is spectacular, enlightening and fun for young and old.

PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF ALL WORTHAM GIANT SCREEN FILM TICKETS HELP FURTHER TH

SCREEN THEATRE

mes and more information about each film.

NOW SHOWING

Incredible Predators features the most iconic hunters on earth, from polar bears, cheetahs and leopards to blue whales, Darwin’s bark spiders and even the chameleon.

TINY GIANTS 3D LIMITED RUN

From the hidden kingdoms of the ancient forest, to the legendary and unforgiving desert of the Wild West, a diverse world of wild, mysterious and remarkable animals exists.

Come on an extraordinary adventure into these magical worlds beneath our feet that most of us never see – one where life is lived at an extraordinary intensive pace, where everything we know seems turned on its head. This is the story of a day in the life of two little heroes: a scorpion mouse and a chipmunk.

For each of them this will be a day they never forget. It’s a story of drama, danger and courage, of insight and revelation, a journey to discover and understand a new and fascinating natural history.

Using the incredibly immersive power of specialist 3D cameras, be transported in a very intimate way into their world and never see our planet the same way again.

HE HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE’S NONPROFIT MISSION. YOUR SUPPORT COUNTS! R

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www.hmns.org/giantscreen

Through stunning cinematography, you’ll follow right alongside these remarkable creatures as they hunt—on land, under the sea, and in the air. As you begin to appreciate their challenges for survival, you’ll sympathize with these predators, including a mother-cheetah who works hard to hunt impala in order to feed her babies and a desperate polar bear who must catch seal, or risk starvation. Discover why the predator-prey relationship is one of Nature’s most complex and fascinating.

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

INCREDIBLE PREDATORS 3D

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

GEORGEOBSERVATORY

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www.hmns.org/observatory

AFTER BEING CLOSED SINCE HARVEY, THE GEORGE OBSERVATORY AND BRAZOS BEND STATE PARK IS OPEN. Winter constellations dominate the evening skies—Orion the Hunter, Taurus the Bull and Canis Major the Dog. Orion has the magnificent nebula located at the tip of his sword and contains the two bright stars Betelgeuse and Rigel. Betelgeuse is a red supergiant that is 20 times as massive as our Sun! The bright open cluster “The Pleiades,” also known as the Seven Sisters, can be seen above the bull’s head. Sirius the brightest star in the night sky, is viewed in the constellation Canis Major.

Andromeda, Pegasus, Cygnus and Cassiopeia are populated with open clusters, nebulas and galaxies. All of these objects can be viewed through the George Observatory telescopes.

Photo credit: Jimmy Westlake

SATURDAYS AT THE GEORGE Enjoy looking through a variety of large research grade Observatory telescopes every Saturday evening until 10 p.m. The three domed scopes plus individual volunteer telescopes are available to show off the evening skies. Gift Shop, exhibits and Discovery Dome open at 3 p.m. Viewing begins at dusk. Members receive discounted Telescope tickets of $4 and discounted Discovery Dome tickets of $2.50.

VISITOR INFO The George Observatory is located in Brazos Bend State Park. Park entrance fee is $7, kids 12 and under free.

Entrance into the park is not permitted after 9:30 p.m. Directions are posted at www.hmns.org/observatory. Observing is always weather permitting. Current observatory weather conditions can be accessed at www.weatherbug.com, zip code 77461.

Swallowtails The giant, black, spicebush and pipevine swallowtails spend the winter in a suspended state called diapause, as a chrysalis. They are immobile, take in no food or water, and are extremely resilient. They can certainly handle the very few freezes we experience here in Houston.

Longwings The gulf fritillary is our resident longwing. This butterfly can be seen year-round in any of the four life stages. The mobile stages such as the larvae and adult will hunker down to

Here are some tips for lending Houston butterflies a helping hand during this chilly time of year:

Sulphurs

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These sunny yellow butterflies can be found all over the world, including above the Arctic Circle – how’s that for cold! Favorites like the cloudless sulphur are found throughout the entire year as adults, even during the winter. When the temperatures drop too low, they hide in crevices in trees or man-made shelters and they fly when it is warm, gathering food to carry them through the winter.

Monarchs

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Keep your garden a little wild with tall plants and plenty of places for butterflies to hunker down and shelter from the wind and weather.

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If we are going to experience a hard freeze, treat the butterflies like you would your plants. You would not dig up your plants and bring them inside, but you may cover them with a sheet or frost cloth. Doing this will not only protect your plants, but any caterpillars you have in your garden as well. You don’t need to bring them inside, it’s better if they stay out!

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If you are unsure of anything or have any questions, reach out to the staff of the Cockrell Butterfly Center, we are here to help!

These butterflies, unlike some others, cannot withstand the freezing temperatures of the North. They do not only migrate to Mexico, some find their winter homes in California, Peninsular Florida and the Keys, and even here.

We have a population that does not migrate from Houston because the temperatures are warm enough.

Monarchs can withstand most temperatures Houston can throw at them, and like other butterflies, will seek shelter during very cold days and nights.

Keep your pollinator garden going and be sure to have continually blooming or fall/winter blooming plants in your garden. This will ensure that the winter butterflies can easily find food on days that they can fly and feed.

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www.hmns.org/butterflycenter

They may seem fragile, but these small, resourceful beings have several strategies to survive the cooler winter months. Over-wintering, hibernation, migration, hunkering down; these are just a few examples. Butterflies in Houston pretty much have it made.

Our winter is very mild, with plenty of warm, sunny days. Here are some common Houston butterflies and how they survive the winter:

avoid freezing temps. The immobile stages, the egg and pupa, are more resistant to temperature.

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

HOW CAN I HELP BUTTERFLIES DURING THE WINTER?

www.hmns.org/sugarland

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

HMNS AT S U

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SPECIAL $2 MEMBER PRICING

U GAR L AND BLOCK PARTY, TOO! THROUGH FEBRUARY

The encore of the popular Block Party, Too! continues through February! Children of all ages can build something fun while being introduced to the principles of science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) in this family-friendly hands-on exhibit.

Construct a tower as tall as you can make it, balance a crane with long, long arms, build a bridge to span a great distance, or reinforce a pyramid to give it enough strength to withstand time. New creations await each and every visit.

Block Party, Too! is sponsored by Siemens Analytical Products & Solutions. Reduced tickets for Members!

2ND SATURDAYS AT SUGAR LAND

Members enjoy a special activity during each 2nd Saturday at HMNS at Sugar Land. Don’t forget your Kid’s Pass to get a special prize! 2nd Saturday at Sugar Land features family programming from 10 - 11 a.m. Learn more about the Extra Kid’s Pass Perk on page 3.

VALENTINE’S DINNER LECTURE

Wednesday, February 14, 6 p.m.

Make your Valentine’s celebration sweeter with science at HMNS at Sugar Land. The evening includes a reception in the exhibit halls, a three

Make your plans early as this fabulous evening event offers limited seating and fills quickly each year. Advance ticket purchase required by February 8. $150 per couple - Members, $170 per couple - non-members.

21 and up only.

PERMANENT EXHIBITION HALLS Paleontology—aka Dinosaur Alley Life Science—complete with collection of live frogs Earth Science—including the mustsee fluorescent mineral mine Space Science—which isn’t complete without a trip to the planetarium Discovery Works—push, turn, twist, spin and shake for physics fun

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www.hmns.org/sugarland

2nd Saturdays for Members Now at HMNS at Sugar Land 10 a.m.

Saturday, January 13 Free Dig Pit Ticket Saturday, February 10 Docent Tour

course seated meal with wine and a chance to fall in love for the first time … or all over again. A special behindthe-scenes lecture will add to this memorable evening’s unique appeal.

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

Examine how force affects structures, but with a twist—through colored plastic building bricks both giant and small, plus K’Nex®, Lincoln Logs®, gears and more. Don’t miss the enormous “big blue blocks.”

H M N S E X C E L L E N C E I N S C I E N C E O R M AT H E M AT I C S • M U S E U M A C C E S S I B I L I T Y www.hmns.org/accessibility • www.hmns.org/excellenceinscience

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EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE OR MATHEMATICS AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

2017 AWARDS The 2017 Excellence in Science or Mathematics Awards and Scholarships were presented to the winners at the Houston Museum of Natural Science on December 7, 2017.

The winners of the 2017 Evelyn Frensley Scholarships for Outstanding Achievement in Science or

Mathematics are Jasmine Huang of Bellaire High School and Joseph Hlavinka of St. John’s School.

The winners of the 2017 Wilhelmina C. Robertson Excellence in Science or Mathematics Teaching Awards are Shana Steinhardt of Garden Oaks Montessori and Richard Embrick of David Crockett Middle School.

2018 APPLICATION DEADLINE Applications for the 2018 Excellence in Science or Mathematics Teaching Awards and Student Scholarships are now available at www.hmns.org/ excellenceinscience. The deadline for applications is April 20, 2018.

MAKING THE MUSEUM MORE ACCESSIBLE www.hmns.org/accessibility

ACCESSIBILITY APP HMNS accessibility is now on your phone or tablet!

Download Access HMNS to bring those with autism spectrum and sensory disorders resources, games, and more straight to your fingertips. Available for Apple and Android devices.

Sensory Friendly Days SAVE THE DATES 2018 SENSORY FRIENDLY DAYS Saturday, April 28, 8 - 10 a.m.

Saturday, September 15, 8 - 10 a.m.

Monday, December 3, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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

CULTURAL FEAST www.hmns.org/feasts

“A Renaissance Condottieri Banquet … A Knight to Remember” Tuesday, February 13, 7 p.m. (page 7)

DISTINGUISHED LECTURES www.hmns.org/lectures more on pages 9 and 11

“Sun-Earth Interaction and Space Weather” David Alexander, Ph.D. Rice University Tuesday, January 23, 6:30 p.m.

“Mapping the Earth’s Interior— Through the Ocean to the Mantle with a Fleet of Floating Seismic Robots” Tuesday, January 30, 6:30 p.m. (page 11) “A Century of Marine Archaeology in Egypt” Emad Khalil, Ph.D. Alexandria University Thursday, February 8, 6:30 p.m.

Dr. Emad Khalil, executive director of the Alexandria Centre for Marine

Trilobites were the eyewitness to evolution. These shelled animals lived in the oceans over five hundred million years ago. And because they flourished, they can be used to glimpse a less evolved world of ancient continents and vanished oceans.

Erudite and entertaining, Richard Fortey will pay exuberant homage to a fabulously singular species and introduce new findings from soft body fossil evidence. This lecture is sponsored by Rice University’s Wiess School of Natural Science.

“Hearth, Heart, Home: Skara Brae’s Early Stone Age Dwellings” Nick Card, Orkney Research Centre for Archaeology Tuesday, February 20, 6:30 p.m.

What was it about an ancient windswept place in the remote Orkney Islands that caused people to invest so much effort in creating one of the earliest examples of permanent homes? Skara Brae, a Stone Age village and UNESCO World Heritage Site, features unique stone-built homes,

“Making Houston a Resilient City: Flooding, Carbon and Food” Tuesday, February 27, 6:30 p.m. (page 9) “Induced Earthquakes: Experimenting Unintentionally” Wednesday, February 28, 6:30 p.m. (page 11) “River of Dreams: the Ecology of Coastal Waterbodies” Tuesday, March 6, 6:30 p.m. (page 9)

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URBAN HARVEST CLASSES Instructor: Angela Chandler www.hmns.org/aedclasses

“Growing Fruit Trees in Small Spaces” Saturday, February 10, 9:30 a.m.

“Basic Organic Vegetable Gardening” Saturday, February 24, 9:30 a.m.

HANDS-ON CLASS “Chainmaille Fashioning Class” Saturday, February 10, 9 a.m.

Tuesday, April 11, 6 p.m. (page 7)

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS www.hmns.org/bts

Wiess Energy Hall (page 11) Knights (page 7) Message in a Bottle (page 9)

www.hmns.org/adults

The Sun produces a wide range of energetic phenomena, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections, that interact with the Earth system, creating an array of physical responses—from the beautiful (aurorae) to the devastating ("killer electrons"). Solar astrophysicist Dr. David Alexander will give the latest space weather report including the hazards of the active space environment during solar storms and how we can use these to learn about the possible habitation of other worlds.

“Trilobites, the Fossil Record and Evolution” Richard Fortey, Ph.D. Natural History Museum, London Thursday, February 15, 6:30 p.m.

stone furniture, and an ingenious drainage system. Nick Card, manager of the Orkney Research Centre for Archaeology, will provide insight for what this Neolithic site teaches us about the meaning of home today.

Co-sponsored by Archaeological Institute of America with support from Schlumberger, British American Business Council and Houston Highland Games Assoc.

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

“Can Do! A History of Texas Leading the Way in Energy” Tuesday, January 16, 6:30 p.m. (page 11)

Archaeology and Underwater Cultural Heritage, will overview the extensive marine archaeological sites of Egypt, the major crossroads of the ancient world. His excavation projects include The Sunken City of Heracleion, the legendary gateway to the Mediterranean prior to Alexandria once recently found near the mouth of the Nile, and Marsa Bagoush, a port city on the route between ancient Alexadria and Paraetonium with several shipwrecks. Although this site was mapped by the British Royal Navy in 1861, it is only now being properly investigated. Dr. Khalil will also introduce the use of virtual reality in these projects.

FOR TEACHER THE EDUCATOR EVENT @HMNS Saturday, January 20, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Generously supported by Shell

HMNS FOR TEACHERS

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is proud to present an exclusive opportunity for educators!

The Educator Event @HMNS is a FREE event for educators to learn about educational opportunities provided by HMNS as well as other local institutions. We will be offering workshops covering history, science, art and more!

Educators have the opportunity to earn 3 hours of CPE credit by attending three workshops during the event.

The event is FREE to all Houstonarea teachers, school administrators, education undergraduate and graduate students, and home school educators. To register and find out more information, visit www.hmns.org/ educatorevent.

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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 all month and the select listed dates at 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 2017-2018 school year.

JANUARY LAB TOPICS ConocoPhillips Techno Science Lab, Grades 1-8 “Soap Science” - Investigate bubbles, emulsification and soap films. (January 26 in Sugar Land)

www.hmns.org/education

Time Lab, Grades 1-8 “Scientific Farming” - Science and innovation made farming more productive and better for the environment, find out how! (January 25 in Sugar Land) Dissection Lab, Grades 5-10 “Spiny Yet Spineless” - Enter the underwater world of an interesting echinoderm, the sea urchin, as you study these prickly wonders of the ocean. Includes sea urchin dissection.

FEBRUARY LAB TOPICS

2017-2018 EDUCATOR’S GUIDE

Time Lab, Grades 1-8 “Lost Colony of Roanoke” - Explore what clues we have to what happened to the settlers who disappeared from this early colony.

Brighten up your school year with educational opportunities at HMNS. View it online at www. hmns.org/educatorguide or email educationquestions@hmns.org to receive your own copy!

Wildlife Lab, Grades 1-8 “Get a Grip” - Animals use everything from claws, hair, wrinkles and even microscopic spoons to get a grip.

Uncover how they hang on in this lab.

(February 22 in Sugar Land)

Earth Science Lab, Grades 1-8 “Fossil Fuels” - Dig into fossil fuels!

Explore fossil fuel formation, and discuss the characteristics of these nonrenewable resources. (February 23 in Sugar Land) MARCH LAB TOPICS Time Lab, Grades 1-8 “The Zulu Kingdom” - Discover this South African kingdom which gained fame during and after the Anglo-Zulu War. (March 30 in Sugar Land) Wildlife Lab, Grades 1-8 “Australian Wildlife” - Home to flying foxes, venomous wonders and the only two egg laying mammals in the world—Australia is a unique and fascinating biodiversity hotspot.

(March 29 in Sugar Land) Dissection Lab, Grades 5-10 “The Eyes Have It” - Blind spots, color blindness or myopia a problem? Come find out why as you take a peek at the eye and see how it functions. Includes eyeball dissection.

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. $200 per presentation (maximum 25 students), plus $75 travel fee for presentations at your school.

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

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

RS

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND FOR ALL EDUCATORS PROGRAMS, VISIT WWW.HMNS.ORG/EDUCATORS OR CONTACT EDUCATIONQUESTIONS@HMNS.ORG EDUCATOR LATE NIGHT $60 per educator, includes dinner, 6 hours of CPE credit

OUTREACH PROGRAMS

“Knights in Shining Armor” Friday, January 12, 5 - 11 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. Extended day, weekend and evening scheduling is also available. Special Science Night activity station packages are also available.

“Gifted & Talented: ICON” Friday, January 19, 5 - 11 p.m.

EXXONMOBIL EDUCATOR MAKER LABS ExxonMobil Educator Maker Labs are intended to engage learners in problem based, open-ended activities that naturally encourage high-level learning, cooperation and problem-solving.

“Automata in Action” Saturday, February 3, 8 a.m. - noon Take your simple machines to the next level! In this Maker Lab you'll investigate simple machines and cams to create a working automaton.

“Ingenious Engineering” Saturday, March 24, 8 a.m. - noon Become a tinker thinker as you create aerial photography, your own balloonbased speaker and a multiplication parabola in this Maker Lab.

Choose from these HMNS Outreach Programs:

Enhance your classroom strategy with ready-to-implement STEAM activities and techniques influenced by our permanent exhibit halls and the film Dream Big 3D. With dynamic presenters, engaging sessions, and the world of HMNS to explore, this is a workshop like no other!

Bugs on Wheels

Enjoy 6 hours of TAGT-verified credit or 6-hour update for those who have completed their 30 hours, interactive activities and techniques that can immediately be implemented into the classroom, hands-on Museum-related activities, a workshop notebook, a private screening of the new film Dream Big 3D, and much more!

GIFTED AND TALENTED SUMMER WORKSHOP

“Death by Natural Causes” Friday, March 23, 5 - 11 p.m.

Death by Natural Causes will introduce students to the range of "animal, vegetable and mineral" dangers that lurk in their everyday lives.

Through a collection of specimens, text and interactives, students will explore animal adaptations, statistics, chemistry, medicine and history.

The rich graphics, compelling visuals and surprising specimens are sure to pique interests!

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

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Wildlife on Wheels

Enhance your classroom strategy with ready-to-implement STEAM activities and techniques influenced by our permanent exhibit halls. With dynamic presenters, engaging sessions, and the world of HMNS to explore, this is a workshop like no other.

Receive six hours of credit toward the Differentiation strand or your 6-hour Gifted and Talented update.

To register, email giftedandtalented@ hmns.org or call (713) 639-4659.

“Differentiating with the Museum” June 5, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29; July 30, 31; August 1 Early bird pricing for summer sessions (January-April): $50 for Members; $60 for nonmembers. Regular pricing (May-August): $50 for Members; $70 for nonmembers.

www.hmns.org/education

Participants will learn a number of new skills and then use those skills in a group setting to solve challenges related to TEKS-based objectives and receive 4 hours of CPE credit, a kit of materials to take back to the classroom, curriculum and a coupon for discounted parking.

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

HMNS FOR TEACHERS

The Knights exhibition features stunning masterpieces of European arms and armor dating from the medieval period to the 19th century.

Separate fact from fiction as you explore cutting edge battlefield technology through the ages and discover unique aspects of the lives of everyday people during this time.

Bring the Museum to Your Classroom!

HMNS JUST FOR KIDS

Get ready for Xplorations Summer Camp offered at both HMNS in Hermann Park and HMNS at Sugar Land! Catalogs will be mailed and made available online in mid-February. Register early to secure your camp spots. For more information, visit www.hmns.org/xplorations.

www.hmns.org/kids

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BIRTHDAYS WITH A LITTLE BRAIN POWER! www.hmns.org/birthdays Back to School—too busy to plan your kid’s birthday? Don’t worry, let HMNS handle all of your birthday party planning—the decorations, entertainment, craft project, party coordinator and more!

We have themes for all ages and interests: Dinosaur, Ancient Egypt, Butterfly/Bugs, Astronomy, Wildlife and Expedition. Deluxe packages also available: Partysaurus, Winged Wonderland, Galactic Gathering, Deluxe Wildlife, Deluxe Egypt. Party packages begin at $350.

Visit www.hmns.org/birthdays for complete party planning info, including optional add-ons. For Sugar Land parties, visit www.hmns.org/sugarlandbirthdays for more information!

Priority Member registration: Thursday, February 15 Discoverer level and above Monday, February 19 Family Flex Monday, February 26 Family Plus and Family Monday, March 19 General Public

www.hmns.org/scouts

Also, plan ahead for additional Scout programming at HMNS.

SPRING BREAK SCOUTS IN SUGAR LAND March 13-15, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

HMNS at Sugar Land Registration is reduced for HMNS Members!

Boy Scouts: Citizenship in the Community (one day), Environmental Science (three days), Family Life Merit Badge (one day), Personal Management (one day) Girl Scouts: Brownie – Programming and Designing Robots (one day), Cadette – Breathe Journey (one day), Junior – Programming and Designing Robots (one day)

HMNS, Hermann Park June 18-22 July 9-13 July 30-August 3 HMNS at Sugar Land June 11-15 July 2-3, 5-6 (4 day week) July 23-27 August 13-17

Interested in Summer Scouts?! HMNS offers weeklong classes for scouts to earn multiple merit badges for Boy Scouts, Webelos, Cut Scouts, Girl Scout Brownies, Cadettes, Daisies, Juniors, and Senior Journeys.

Priority Membership Registration: Thursday, January 18 - Family level and above Thursday, January 25 - General Public

all ages can attend the event and participate in STEM activities and demonstrations. They can also visit with our Student STEM Ambassadors who created their very own STEM project to present during the GEMS event! For more information about GEMS, visit visit www.hmns.org/GEMS or email GEMS@hmns.org.

Girls Exploring Math & Science Saturday, February 17, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Call for Student STEM Ambassadors!

Join us for our annual STEM event Girls Exploring Math & Science (GEMS)! The Museum will be filled with hands-on science and math for everyone to experience. Local professionals will be at the Museum to answer questions about their careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. Families with students of

We are looking for students in grades 4 to 12 who have a passion for STEM! Work in a group of up to 4 students and create a project involving science, technology, engineering or math to present at GEMS on February 17. To apply as a Student STEM Ambassador, visit www.hmns.org/GEMS or email GEMS@hmns.org.

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www.hmns.org/kids

SUMMER SCOUTS 2018

Visit www.hmns.org/summerscouts or e-mail scouts@hmns.org for class schedule and more information.

HMNS JUST FOR KIDS

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

Go to www.hmns.org/scouts for the schedule or e-mail scouts@hmns.org for more information.

H M N S 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 museumstore.hmns.org • www.hmns.org/catalysts

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HMNS Catalysts Young Professionals: Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals Thursday, February 1, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Looking to mix things up? Join HMNS' Young Professionals group, HMNS Catalysts, and cause a reaction!

HMNS Catalysts are HMNS Members in their 20s and 30s committed to the idea that science is an action that causes a reaction! Join now to enjoy exclusive access to 2018 HMNS Catalysts’ events.

HMNS Catalysts enjoy basic Museum member benefits, plus invitations to exclusive HMNS Catalysts social events and discounted tickets for friends, and a free ticket to all HMNS Mixers & Elixirs—including the Mardi Gras Mixer (page 29). See page 2 for Catalysts membership options or visit www.hmns.org/catalysts for more information.

Enjoy an evening among the dazzling treasures of the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals. Complimentary drinks, light bites, crafts and more. Strictly for adults ages 21 and up!

FREE for HMNS Catalysts Members!

Museum Members (all other levels and HMNS Catalysts guests) $15, general public $25. For advance reservations visit www.hmns.org/catalysts or call (713) 639-4629.

HMNS MUSEUM STORE LOVE AS OLD AS TIME. VALENTINE’S DAY, FEBRUARY 14.

Find amber hearts and other love tokens at museumstore.hmns.org.

Members get 10-20% off and all proceeds benefit HMNS’ educational programming. Share the love!

HMNS SPECIAL EVENT SNAPSHOT • MIXERS & ELIXIRS

SPECIAL EVENT SNAPSHOT

HMNS can help make your event truly unforgettable. www.rentthemuseum.com • specialevents@hmns.org • (713) 639-4749

Put on your fanciest masquerade mask, grab your beads and your krewe and head to HMNS for the best Mardi Gras party this side of the delta, Mixers & Elixirs!

Doors open at 7 p.m. for the live band, dancing, cash bars and the city’s best food trucks. “Laissez les bons temps rouler!”

Mixers and Elixirs is for adults 21 and over.

Tickets $25, HMNS Members $15 and free for HMNS Catalysts. Visit www.hmns.org/ mixers to purchase your tickets. Contact groupsales@hmns.org for group and corporate rates.

www.rentthemuseum.com • www.hmns.org/mixers

Mardi Gras Mixers & Elixirs Friday, February 2, 7 p.m. - midnight

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HMNS EVENTS CALENDAR

You asked, and we answered— HMNS After Dark is back for 2018!

Save the Date!

HMNS After Dark 2018 Dates:

The entire Museum will stay open until 9 p.m.

Take a stroll, catch a flick and enjoy a wonderful evening out at HMNS After Dark. Grab a drink or a bite at McDonald’s and enjoy the Museum in the glow of the moonlight!

Wednesday, March 14 Wednesday, June 27 Wednesday, September 19 Wednesday, December 26

www.hmns.org/calendar

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JANUARY

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Wiess Energy Hall Part 1 - Upstream: Geologic Formation to Drilling Wednesday, January 10, 6 p.m. (page 11)

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Can Do! A History of Texas Leading the Way in Energy” Tuesday, January 16, 6:30 p.m. (page 11)

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Sun-Earth Interaction and Space Weather” Tuesday, January 23, 6:30 p.m. (page 23)

EDUCATOR LATE NIGHT “Knights in Shining Armor” Friday, January 12, 5 - 11 p.m. (page 25)

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS Knights (page 7) Wiess Energy Hall Part 2 - Midstream, Downstream and Electrical Power (page 11) Wednesday, January 17, 6 p.m.

FAMILY EVENTS Family Knights Festival Saturday, January 27, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Ancient Games Tournament Saturday, January 27, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. (page 7)

EDUCATOR LATE NIGHT “Gifted & Talented: ICON” Friday, January 19, 5 - 11 p.m. (page 25)

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Mapping Earth’s Interior” Tuesday, January 30, 6:30 p.m. (page 11)

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT 2nd Saturday at HMNS Saturday, January 13, 8 a.m. (page 3) MEMBERS ONLY EVENT HMNS @ SUGAR LAND 2nd Saturday at HMNS at Sugar Land Saturday, January 13, 10 a.m. (page 3)

THE EDUCATOR EVENT @HMNS Saturday, January 20, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. (page 24)

For tickets to all events, visit www

FEBRUARY MEMBERS ONLY EVENT HMNS @ SUGAR LAND 2nd Saturday at HMNS at Sugar Land Saturday, February 10, 10 a.m. (page 3)

EXHIBITION OPENS Message in a Bottle Friday, February 2 (page 8)

CULTURAL FEAST “A Renaissance Condottieri Banquet …

A Knight to Remember” Tuesday, February 13, 7 p.m. (page 7)

MARDI GRAS MIXERS & ELIXIRS Friday, February 2, 7 p.m. - midnight (page 29) EXXONMOBIL EDUCATOR MAKER LAB “Automata in Action” Saturday, February 3, 8 a.m. - noon (page 25) SENIOR SOCIAL FOR MEMBERS Wednesday, February 7, 9 a.m. (page 2)

WORLD TREKKERS GERMANY Friday, February 9, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (page 3) MEMBERS ONLY EVENT 2nd Saturday at HMNS Saturday, February 10, 8 a.m. (page 3) ADULT CLASS “Chainmaille Class” Saturday, February 10, 9 a.m. (page 7) URBAN HARVEST CLASS “Growing Fruit Trees in Small Spaces” Saturday, February 10, 9:30 a.m. (page 23)

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

XPLORATIONS SUMMER CAMP Presidents Circle, Benefactor, and Discoverer Level Registration Opens Thursday, February 15 (page 26) DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Trilobites, the Fossil Record and Evolution ” Thursday, February 15, 6:30 p.m. (page 23) GEMS – GIRLS EXPLORING MATH AND SCIENCE Saturday, February 17, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. (page 27) XPLORATIONS SUMMER CAMP Family Flex Level Registration Opens Monday, February 19 (page 26) DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Skara Brae’s Early Stone Age Dwellings” Tuesday, February 20, 6:30 p.m. (page 23) BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Knights Wednesday, February 21, 6 p.m. (page 7) CHILDREN’S FUNDRAISER A Butterfly Flutter Saturday, February 24 (page 5)

FAMILY FESTIVAL On the Trail Saturday - Sunday, February 24 - 25, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

XPLORATIONS SUMMER CAMP Family Plus and Family Level Registration Opens Monday, February 26 (page 26) DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Making Houston a Resilient City: Flooding, Carbon and Food” Tuesday, February 27, 6:30 p.m. (page 9) DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Induced Earthquakes: Experimenting Unintentionally” Wednesday, February 28, 6:30 p.m. (page 11)

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www.hmns.org/calendar

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “A Century of Marine Archaeology in Egypt” Thursday, February 8, 6:30 p.m. (page 23)

HMNS AT SUGAR LAND EVENT Valentine’s Dinner Lecture Wednesday, February 14, 6 p.m. (page 21)

URBAN HARVEST CLASS “Basic Organic Vegetable Gardening” Saturday, February 24, 9:30 a.m. (page 23)

HMNS EVENTS CALENDAR

HMNS CATALYSTS YOUNG PROFESSIONAL EVENT Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals Thursday, February 1, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (page 28)

POSTMASTER: Dated material enclosed.

Please deliver IMMEDIATELY!

www.hmns.org/magazine

H M N S N E W S • JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018 • VOLUME 23, NUMBER 1

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.

ANNUAL FUND The newly renovated

4.88X of previous resolution 9 million pixels previoulsy

Burke Baker Planetarium’s 8K projection system boasts an astounding

44 million pixels.

Youth Education Outreach program travels over

32,000 miles or 1.28X around the globe

Last year

HMNS Volunteers 60,000 hours

donated as much time to

serve our visitors as it took

the Cassini spacecraft

to reach Saturn

Message in a Bottle OPENS FEBRUARY 2 PAGE 8

108

sheep eyeballs are

dissected by young scientists during our summer

Xploration camps

The Cockrell Butterfly Center is home to over

527 visitors

participated in the Museum’s inaugural Sensory Friendly Day.

500,000 butterflies

Donate to our Annual Fund and be a part of the Museum in Action! www.hmns.org/annualfund

NOW OPEN PAGE 10