HMNS News July/August 2017

news J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 1 7 VOLUME 22, NUMBER 4 w w w. h m n s . o r g

MEMBERS NIGHT George Observatory Friday, August 11, 8 - 10 p.m.

HMNS NEW MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Enjoy an evening under the stars at the George Observatory inside Brazos Bend State Park. Expert astronomers are available to let Members look at a variety of celestial objects through the Observatory telescopes, as well as privately owned telescopes. Viewing is always weather dependent. State Park entrance fees apply. Free for Members with paid State Park admission.

w w w. h m n s . o r g / m e m b e r

2

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!

! !

N EW N EW

$45 Number of people

1

$65

$85

1

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

10

10

10

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!

SENIOR SOCIAL FOR MEMBERS

Children's Craft Night for Members Friday, August 4, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 23, 9 a.m.

We're heading to Vietnam! No need to pack your bags— HMNS brings the world to you with World Trekkers! The perfect family outing, these events highlight a diverse set of cultures from around the world through entertainment, face painting, balloon artists, arts and crafts and more. Member tickets are $7.

Enjoy a light breakfast and an exclusive tour of the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals 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' Senior Social is a new quarterly event exclusively for HMNS' senior Members, ages 62 and up. Tickets are $2.

2nd NEW! EXTRA KID'S PASS PERK! New benefit with 2nd Saturday Kid's Pass!

Show your Kid's Pass at the Museum gift shop during each 2nd Saturday visit 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!

Open Early for Members at 8 a.m.

July 8, 8 a.m. – Tours of Hall of Ancient Egypt August 12, 8 a.m. – Tours of Cullen Hall of Gems

and Minerals 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 now features family programming from 9 a.m. to noon.

2nd SATURDAY AT SUGAR LAND July 8, 10 a.m. – A special reading program event for young members August 12, 10 a.m. – A FREE dig pit ticket 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!

3

w w w. h m n s . o r g / m e m b e r

2nd SATURDAY

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

WORLD TREKKERS: VIETNAM

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

2 4

GENERAL INFORMATION

In 2 Membership Benefits 3 Member Only Events 4 General Information 5 Mixer & Elixirs Take Two 6 HMNS Catalysts Travel with HMNS 7 Special Event Snapshot Wiess Energy Hall 3.0 8 Fly! Be Free!

OpenSpace 2017 9 Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum 10-11 Morian Hall of Paleontology 12-13 Mapping Texas: From Frontier to the Lone Star State 14 Fabergé: Royal Gifts 15 Faces from the Southern Ocean 16-17 Wortham Giant Screen Theatre 18-19 Burke Baker Planetarium 20 George Observatory 21 Cockrell Butterfly Center 22 Out of the Amazon: Life on the River Cabinet of Curiosities 23 Vanishing Arts: Highlights from the Beasley-Hwang Collection Gems of the Sea: The Guido T. Poppe Collection 24-25 HMNS at Sugar Land 26 Adult Education 27 For Teachers 28-29 Just For Kids 30-31 Events Calendar HMNS After Dark Sensory Backpacks

HMNS MEMBERSHIP

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

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

HMNS MAIN CAMPUS 5555 Hermann Park Drive Houston, Texas 77030 (713)639-4629 EXTENDED SUMMER HOURS: June 3 - August 20: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

REGULAR HOURS RESUME AUGUST 22: Monday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

DIRECT ENERGY FREE THURSDAYS Permanent Exhibit Halls and Planetarium FREE after 2 p.m. on Thursdays, and after 3 p.m. during summer hours SPECIAL SERVICES Wheelchairs are provided at no cost and subject to availability.

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

GET CONNECTED TO HMNS

WWW.HMNS.ORG Natural.Science

@hmns

@hmns

naturalscience1

hmns

hmns

hmns

blog.hmns.org

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

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

EXTENDED SUMMER HOURS: May 28 - August 21: Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday: noon to 5 p.m.

REGULAR HOURS RESUME AUGUST 22: 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 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

Band Line-Up for Upcoming Mixers & Elixirs Electric Circus Friday, July 21, 7 - 10 p.m.

Mixers and Elixirs is for adults 21 and over. Tickets $25, HMNS Members $15 and free for HMNS Catalysts. HMNS Catalysts members receive FREE admission, a drink ticket and a Catalysts cookie! Purchase advance tickets at www.hmns.org/mixers.

Contact groupsales@hmns.org for group and corporate rates.

H M N S M I X E R S & E L I X I R S • TA K E T W O

Grupo KaChe Friday, August 11, 7 - 10 p.m.

5

Top Gun (1986) W Friday, July 14, 7:15 p.m.

$4

Titanic (1997) E Friday, July 28, 7:15 p.m.

The Princess Bride (1987) W Friday, August 4, 7:15 p.m.

UN TOP G IC TITAN BRIDE S S E C RIN WAR TH E P IVIL C A C

I AMER N I A CAPT

Captain America - Civil War (2016) E Friday, August 18, 7:15 p.m.

NEW! Take Two Members Season Pass!

Buy 5 Take Two films, get the 6th film free!

Offer valid with a current membership and Take Two film series only (both summer and fall options). Not valid for other films showing at the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre. One pass per member. One punch per Take Two film.

www.hmns.org/mixers

Our popular Friday night classic film program is back for its fifth year! Now with an extended schedule, May through November. Visit www.hmns.org/taketwo for complete schedule.

H M N S H M N S C ATA LY S T S • T R AV E L W I T H H M N S www.hmns.org/catalysts • www.hmns.org/travel

6

HMNS Catalysts: Hall of Ancient Egypt Thursday, August 17, 6:30 p.m.

HMNS Catalysts enjoy basic Museum member benefits, plus invitations to exclusive HMNS Catalysts social events, discounted tickets for a friend, and a free ticket to all HMNS Mixers & Elixirs. See page 5 for July and August Mixers & Elixirs event info.

Catalyst Memberships are available in three levels: Individual, Dual and Family.

Enjoy complimentary drinks, light bites, crafts and more. FREE for HMNS Catalysts Members! General Public: $25, Museum Members – All Other Levels and HMNS Catalysts guests: $15.

This event is only for adults ages 21 and up. For guest tickets and Museum Members (all other levels), please reserve tickets at the Museum box office or by calling 713-639-4629.

HMNS would like to recognize the 2017 Catalysts Steering Committee: Allison Bland Brynn Bossart Autumn Breese Anna Caudle Ben Clemenceau Cary Corral Jessica L. Crutcher Anna Domning Christine Dubbert Emalie Vann Ghonima David Lach Sam Li Hunter Lockhart Tom Lockwood Dancy Lukeman Will McCallum Maggie McDaniel John McDougal Raj Natarajan Jacob Owolabi Christa Clarke Owolabi Sahil Patel Cassie Reid McGarvey Esther Rios Julia Russell Katy Sermas Patrick Sermas Charley Tauer Kelly Trier

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

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE

DAY EXCURSION

“Conversation with Author Kathy Reichs” Tuesday, July 11, 6:30 p.m.

“Behind the Scenes of the National Weather Service” Saturday, July 15, 10 a.m. - noon

As a practicing forensic anthropologist, Dr. Kathy Reichs consults for medical examiners, trains FBI agents, and assists at mass graves. She weaves her work experience into her forensic thrillers as a best-selling author and producer of the TV series “Bones.”

Tour the state-of-the-art facility with National Weather Service meteorologists who track threatening weather along the Texas coastline.

Participants will meet in Dickinson, Tx.

www.hmns.org/lectures

This evening Murder By the Book and HMNS bring you a special evening with Kathy Reichs in conversation format with the audience. Your ticket includes a hardback copy of “Two Nights.” Book signing after the program.

www.hmns.org/excursions

HANDS-ON CLASS

www.hmns.org/aedclasses “Fall Vegetable Gardening” Saturday, July 22, 9:30 a.m. - noon It is time to plan your fall gardens! Dr. Jean Fefer and Dr. Bob Randall will teach you what, when and where to

plant your vegetables; along with soil, seed and planting techniques.

No space for a garden? Not to worry, containers will work. This class is cosponsored by Urban Harvest.

CULTURAL FEAST www.hmns.org/feasts

“Oktoberfest: The History and Science of Beer” Wednesday, September 28, 7 p.m.

Hosted at King’s Bierhaus HMNS is commemorating this tradition at King’s Bierhaus in the Heights. In addition to learning the history and science of beer making with Scott Birdwell of DeFalco’s Home Wine and Beer, we will enjoy several traditional Bavarian dishes—and beer of course. 21 and up only.

Call now to book HMNS for your holiday party! Dates still available in the new Wiess Energy Hall. www.rentthemuseum.com • specialevents@hmns.org • (713) 639-4749

WIESS ENERGY HALL 3.0

Naming Opportunities Availability The Houston Museum of Natural Science is now offering the electrifying opportunity to name physical spaces within the Wiess Energy Hall, which is re-opening this November.

There are a variety of new naming opportunities for the highly anticipated third iteration of this popular hall, as it will grow from its previous 8,500 square feet to an expansive 30,000 square feet—almost the size of a football field! Permanent

These opportunities are limited in availability and range from $250,000 to $5,000,000. All donations to the Wiess Energy Hall 3.0 Capital Campaign support one of our most ambitious and high-profile projects to date—to make the hall the most contemporary, comprehensive and technologically advanced exhibition on the science of energy anywhere in the world.

For a complete list of available naming opportunities contact Amy Chaisson, Director of Corporate Giving, at achaisson@hmns.org or (713) 639-4746.

Wiess Energy Hall is generously underwritten by Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, ConocoPhillips, Chevron,

The Elkins Foundation, Enterprise Products Partners L.P., EOG Resources, Inc., Exxon Mobil Corporation, GeoSouthern Energy Partners GP, LLC, Halliburton Foundation, Inc., Phillips 66, Walter Oil & Gas Corporation, Aramco, The Cockrell Foundation, Constellation and Exelon Foundation, EnCap Investments L.P., HMW Entertainment, Claire and Joe Greenberg, William S. and Lora Jean Kilroy Foundation, LINN Energy, LyondellBasell, Marathon Oil Corporation, Kelly and Bill Montgomery, Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Simmons & Company International, Carolyn and Garry Tanner, Texas Crude Energy, LLC - K.C. Weiner & Peter J. Fluor, Total, Jennifer and Wil VanLoh, Michele and Dheeraj Verma, Oasis Petroleum, The Brown Foundation, Inc., David Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Carl A. Davis and The Alan & Michelle Smith Family Fund.

7

rentthemuseum.com

naming rights are meaningful ways for individuals, corporations and foundations to be recognized in perpetuity at the Museum.

HMNS SPECIAL EVENT SNAPSHOT • WIESS ENERGY HALL 3.0

SPECIAL EVENT SNAPSHOT

H M N S F LY ! B E F R E E ! • O P E N S PA C E 2 0 1 7 www.hmns.org

8

The Ultimate Dream of Flying For millennia, humans have longed to fly like birds—to take to the sky, arms outstretched, with the power and innate grace of the avian masters.

While human biomechanics will never allow for the facility of unfettered flight, today’s virtual reality (VR), coupled with robotics and simulation technology, can deliver an experience like never before, fulfilling our ultimate dream of flying like a bird.

½ PRICE FOR MEMBERS

Birdly, a spectacular VR experience, is presented by D3D Cinema. Tickets for Members are half price!

OpenSpace 2017 OpenSpace 2017 Weekdays: 12:30, 1:15, and 2 p.m.

Be a test pilot for the new way of flying through the Universe!

The Houston Museum of Natural Science has joined OpenSpace, a collaboration developed by the American Museum of Natural History and partially funded by NASA. OpenSpace software uses interactive data visualizations to show how scientists investigate the cosmos.

This summer, HMNS visitors can watch images from spacecraft tile together to create close up full-dome views of distant worlds—from Mars to Pluto.

Every visitor will participate directly in each space adventure using interactive clickers. Ultimately OpenSpace will enable simultaneous connections across the globe, creating opportunity for shared experiences among audiences worldwide. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the test pilot for this new way of flying through the Universe.

To experience OpenSpace visit the inflated dome in the Arnold Hall of Space Science directly below the Burke Baker Planetarium. OpenSpace is free for Museum visitors with shows at 12:30, 1:15, and 2 p.m. on weekdays through August 18.

Imagine being a Roman citizen attending gladiatorial games at the Colosseum. What would you do when you got hungry? What if you got bored? Answers to these two simple questions can be found in the exhibit Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum.

It appears Romans had a good appetite watching gladiators. Fish, chicken, and even mutton were consumed, while dessert may have been a juicy peach.

Sometimes spectators got bored and they whiled away the hours playing dice, or even carving graffiti in their seats. Pretend to be a Roman and come see tangible evidence of these very human activities at the Museum.

Don’t miss this special exhibition that explores the behind-the-scenes lives

of the gladiators and the infamous spectacle of the Colosseum. On display for the first time in the US are original armor and related archaeological artifacts from the Colosseum and other Italian museums.

Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum is organized by Contemporanea Progetti, srl and Expona in collaboration with the Colosseum, Rome. This exhibition is sponsored by HMW Entertainment and The Hamill Foundation. It will be on display in on the 3rd floor of the Dan L Duncan Family Wing through September 4, 2017. Members receive reduced admission!

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS Tuesday, July 18, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, August 22, 6 p.m. www.hmns.org/bts

H M N S G L A D I AT O R S : H E R O E S O F T H E C O L O S S E U M

Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum On exhibition through September 4

9

www.hmns.org/gladiators

MEMBERS RECEIVE REDUCED ADMISSION!

MORIAN HALL OF H M N S M O R I A N H A L L O F PA L E O N T O L O G Y

IT’S A PLANT, IT’S AN ANIMAL, IT’

www.hmns.org

10

Though it resembles a flower, the Museum’s newest installation in the Morian Hall of Paleontology is actually an animal. The newest addition is a spectacular fossil of the crinoid Seirocrinus subangularis.

environment become fossils. These conditions allowed complete crinoids and other exquisitely preserved animals to be found at this locality.

This slab is a large colony, measuring 17 feet high by 12 feet across.

Though fragments of crinoids are common in the fossil record, complete examples are rare and require unique circumstances in the paleo

This exquisite example is from Holzmaden, Germany. It was contained in a formation of oil shale that is 185 million years old from the

lower Jurassic. These crinoids were exquisitely preserved because they had settled on the sea bed in soft mud. The currents were gentle and the mud was soft and anoxic.

The lack of oxygen prevented decomposition or burrowing animals to break apart the crinoid. The depth and stillness of the water prevented currents from scattering the remains.

F PALEONTOLOGY

’S SEIROCRINUS SUBANGULARIS!

Other items in the HMNS collection from Holzmaden that are on display in the Morian Hall of Paleontology include an Icthyosaur notable for being preserved giving birth and the crocodilian Steneosaurus. There is also an Icthyosaur on display at HMNS at Sugar Land. You can easily spot fossils from Holzmaden by their dark grey color.

Crinoids belong to the phylum Echinodermata and are related to modern starfish, sea urchins and sand dollars. Echinoderm skeletons are made up of calcium carbonate plates embedded in soft tissue. Crinoid pieces are one of the most common fossils, as each skeleton can be composed of hundreds or thousands of pieces that separate after death.

Crinoid fossils are common in many Paleozoic age rocks in Texas.

CRINOID FACTOIDS

The modern crinoid species live at varied ocean depths but many are found between 100 and 200 meters deep. Some modern forms are no longer sessile and anchored with a stalk. These beautiful but otherworldly examples are able to move about on the sea floor searching for food and avoiding predators.

www.hmns.org/lectures “Crinoids – Drifting Ecosystems of Ancient Seas” David Temple HMNS Paleontologist Tuesday, July 25, 6:30 p.m.

Because the Morian Hall of Paleontology is too large to tour in one evening, we are bringing back this popular series that covers the hall section by section with James Washington—now expanded to 6 sessions. All sessions are Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m.

Early Bird Special: Purchase entire 6-session package by July 5 to receive discount pricing Seirocrinus would attach to driftwood and travel on the oceans currents. These hanging gardens would create a habitat that could be used by other animals. When the driftwood became waterlogged and sank the crinoids would become anchored to the sea floor.

There are no living direct descendants of Seirocrinus alive today.

Seirocrinus fed on algae, larvae and small bits or organic materials. The bits were captured by tube feet and fed along grooves in the arms into the stomach.All crinoids have three

Earliest Life on Earth July 5 Terrestrial Life Debuts July 19 Dinosaurs of the Jurassic August 2 Dinosaurs of the Cretaceous August 16 The Reign of Mammals: Giants of the Pleistocene August 30 The Age of Man: Primates and Humans September 13

11

www.hmns.org

During the Paleozoic these animals would have created a virtual forest on the sea floor and created an important ecosystem.

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE

BEHIND-THE-SCENES SERIES HALL OF PALEONTOLOGY

These fossils are frequently referred to as “sea lilies” because of their resemblance to flowers. The name crinoid is derived from the Greek word krinon, meaning “lily form.” However crinoids are actually animals.

Crinoids are an ancient animal that experienced their greatest diversity in the Paleozoic. Some species survived into the Mesozoic and a few live in the deep ocean depths today. The earliest crinoid that is universally agreed upon is from the Mid-Ordovician around 460 million years ago.

basic body parts, the stem, the calyx, and the arms. The calyx contains the crinoid’s digestion and reproductive organs. The mouth and the anus are both on the top of the calyx. The arms contain cilia that move food particles to the mouth.

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

Due to these conditions in the ancient environment nearly complete crinoids, and many other exquisitely fossilized animals, have been discovered at this locality.

HMNS MAPPING TEXAS www.hmns.org/mappingtexas

12

Stephen F. Austin

More than forty rare maps are on display together for the first time in Mapping Texas: From Frontier to the Lone Star State —many on public view for the first time ever.

The maps, dating from the sixteenth through the nineteenth centuries, document the birth of Texas, the evolution of the physical and political boundaries of the state and the rise of the Alamo and San Antonio Missions. The exhibition shows how cartography, the science of drawing maps, played a key factor in exploration and development of the New World and also in studying history today.

Two important cartographers of Texas history are Alexander von Humboldt and Stephen F. Austin.

Alexander von Humboldt Alexander von Humboldt (1769–1859) was the most famous explorer, naturalist, geographer and cartographer of the early 19th century. He is considered the founder of physical geography, climatology and ecology. The son of a Prussian nobleman, Humboldt attended the University of Göttingen and the Mining Academy of Freiburg, where he trained in engineering and developed his interest in botany.

Stephen F. Austin (1793–1836) is known as the father of Anglo-American Texas and Texas cartography. Born in Virginia, Austin came to Spanish Texas as part of a settlement venture in New Spain. His father, Moses Austin, negotiated a contract with the Spanish colonial government to settle AngloAmerican families in Texas.

In 1799, he obtained permission from the Spanish government to visit its colonies in the Americas.

Humboldt traveled throughout Latin America for five years, spending the final year (1804) in Mexico. His Political Essay on the Kingdom of New Spain provided information on the geography and geology of Mexico, including a section on Texas.

The maps that Humboldt produced for this work are considered landmark maps of Texas and Mexico. Based on astronomical observations and other collected data, his maps remained the most accurate, important and influential maps of the region for decades after their publication.

Moses’ untimely death left young Austin to renegotiate the terms of the empresario contract with Mexico upon its independence from Spain in 1821. Austin took his role of empresario seriously and fulfilled the contract, settling the first 300 Anglo families in Coahuila y Tejas.

Considered the “Father of Texas cartography,” Austin organized surveyors to record the lands granted to colonists arriving in Texas, and he mapped the inner portions of the territory in more detail than anyone before. He also produced maps that became the primary cartographic references of the territory for decades, promoting further immigration and colonization to Texas.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Tuesday, August 1, 6 p.m. www.hmns.org/bts

DISTINGUISHED LECTURES www.hmns.org/lectures

Religious dynamics played a part in shaping the fortunes of Texas starting in her days as the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas.

Mexico’s rupture with Spain in 1821 raised new questions about the place of the powerful Catholic Church in an independent republic. This socalled “Religious Question” quickly came to occupy a dominant place in the public debate in Mexico, driving partisan rancor, diplomatic conflicts, and even armed insurrection.

Texas, then a frontier outpost, was not immune to these conflicts, and was in some ways on the frontline as it was quickly filling with nonCatholic immigrants.

brought a screeching halt to the government of the Republic of Texas, and showed the power of archives.

The Archives War was a seminal moment in the history of Texas--and our city Houston. The Archives War helped settle the debate on where the capital of Texas would be, and very few know about it. During this incident, the citizens of Austin that shot a cannon at government officials are often lauded as heroes. A statue was erected in their honor. But, their actions had consequences.

“Mapping the Culinary Roots of Texas” Hosted at Cafe Annie Tuesday, November 7, 7 p.m.

Historian Dr. James Harkins will examine what happened to cause the Texas Land Commissioner to dodge grape shot, how the resulting stalemate

CULTURAL FEAST www.hmns.org/feasts

This evening legendary Chef Robert Del Grande and culinary historian Merrianne Timko will trace the culinary history of dining in the Lone Star State.

Our colorful menu will be matched by equally vibrant tales of how the featured spices, foods and drinks made their way to Texas tables. No less would be expected for this flavorful journey of “the six forks over Texas.”

13

www.hmns.org/mappingtexas

“The Religious Question: Texas Colonization, Mexico and the Church, 1770-1836” Brian Stauffer, Ph.D. Texas General Land Office Tuesday, September 19, 6:30 p.m.

“The Archives War - The True Story of Moving the Capital of Texas from Houston to Austin” James Harkins Texas General Land Office Tuesday, October 17, 6:30 p.m.

HMNS MAPPING TEXAS

Mapping Texas: From Frontier to the Lone Star State is organized by the Texas General Land Office with special thanks to Frank and Carol Holcomb.

Additional lenders to the exhibition are the Witte Museum in San Antonio and the Bryan Museum in Galveston.

It is on display in the Hamill Gallery on the main floor through January 15, 2018. Admission is free for Members.

H M N S FA B E R G É : R O YA L G I F T S www.hmns.org/faberge

14

Fabergé: Royal Gifts featuring the Trellis Egg Surprise In 1885 the House of Fabergé was named “Goldsmith by special appointment to the Imperial Crown.”

The McFerrin Fabergé Collection is the largest private collection of Fabergé in the world. Currently numbering over 600 pieces, the collection is a treasure trove reflecting the artistry of the Fabergé firm.

Fabergé: Royal Gifts featuring the Trellis Egg Surprise explores the international politics, diplomacy, economics and innovation in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Beginning with the magnificent crown jewels of Catherine the Great, the development of Peter Carl Fabergé’s techniques and inspiration are explored.

There are over 70 eggs in the McFerrin Collection including two other Imperial-sized eggs made for special clients: the Nobel Ice Egg (c. 1913) created for Emanuel Nobel (18591932), and the Kelch Rocaille Egg created for Barbara Petrovna Kelch and presented by her husband Alexander Ferdinandovich Kelch in 1902.

Peter Carl Fabergé is known for equipping the Imperial Easter Eggs with a “surprise” inside for the recipient of the gift to find when he or she opens the egg. A surprise might be a realistic, jeweled figure, an embellished picture frame with photo of a loved one, or perhaps

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

the most cherished—a mechanical animal figurine.

The highlight of Fabergé: Royal Gifts featuring the Trellis Egg Surprise is the surprise for the Diamond Trellis Egg, an Easter gift from Tsar Alexander III to Tsarina Maria Feodorovna in 1892. This Imperial Easter Egg is exhibited with its original surprise, a small jeweled mechanical elephant.

The reunion of the two pieces is made possible by a loan from the British Royal Collection on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen. It is the first time the pieces have been seen together in over 80 years.

Fabergé: Royal Gifts featuring the Trellis Egg Surprise is the inaugural installation of the Dorothy and Artie McFerrin Gallery in the Cullen Hall of

Gems and Minerals on the 2nd floor.

This new permanent gallery, which opened this spring is made possible by the generous underwriting of the Artie and Dorothy McFerrin Foundation.

Admission is free for Members.

HMNS FACES FROM THE SOUTHERN OCEAN

From the Artist

Along the way a larger insight into Antarctica and its history developed.

To succeed in getting to such places as Cape Royds in the Ross Sea involves a long and difficult sea voyage as well as the high probability that one will not be able to land due to conditions such as sea ice or terrible weather.

Once having landed there is a long, uphill climb in icy and windy conditions past a huge Adelie penguin colony. The small, unpainted hut is at the end of this struggle as it was for

Entering the hut and getting out of the constant wind and cold brought for me a sense of accomplishment.

Then there is the interior of the hut itself, stacked with the supplies and equipment necessary for the original expedition to survive. They left their supplies, clothing, coffee pot on the stove and other direct statements of what was going on physically at the moment of their departure.

I was immediately struck by the focal point of the hut… the stove. The stove was the sole generator of warmth and also the center of social as well as physical survival for the men. This Shackleton series is my homage and celebration to the spirit of the place.

Except for the sounds of the rookeries and the wind, there is a complete absence of industrial sound. Photographs lack sound or any suggestion of it. It is as if each scene has been encapsulated and frozen in crystal pure ice.

It was overwhelmingly clear to me that there was much more than ice and snow here and I would be able to create a number of different series of work. Landscape has always been an important element in my paintings, but the white on white wilderness and purity of Antarctica, its amazing wildlife and history soon convinced me to continue to work on the color field paintings but also to expand my vision in a number of other directions with photographs.

My Antarctic photography has opened a more immediate and accessible expression of my concern, attraction and enthusiasm for documenting the environment, its wildlife and history.

J. J. L’Heureux Faces from the Southern Ocean is organized by Katharine T. Carter & Associates. Local support is provided

by The Hamill Foundation. It will be on view at HMNS through March 18, 2018 in Jones Gallery on the main floor.

Admission is free for Members.

15

www.hmns.org/southernocean

My Sir Ernest Shackleton Hut photographs are intended to illuminate and celebrate Shackleton’s time at Cape Royds. This project is an unfinished chapter in a fourteen-year odyssey in Antarctica that contains 13 different expeditions. Like Frank Hurley, Shackleton’s expedition photographer, my first purpose was to photograph the rich environment of ice, the diversity of surprising colors, shapes and monumental sizes.

Shackleton and the men who lived there for more than a year.

WORTHAM GIANT S

Visit www.hmns.org/giantscreen for showtim

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

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.

www.hmns.org/giantscreen

16

PENGUINS 3D NOW SHOWING

Penguins 3D celebrates the destiny of a very special King Penguin, who returns to his birthplace in the sub-Antarctic.

Known as Penguin City, the island is home to hundreds of albatrosses, fur seals and brawling elephant seals—as well as six million penguins! Somehow our hero must earn his place among the island inhabitants and fulfill his destiny by finding a mate and raising a family.

What follows is the story of the most challenging time in a King Penguin’s life, when he is driven to nurture and defend his offspring against harsh weather and fierce predators.

This cosmic drama plays out in one of Earth’s last great wildernesses, amid steep mountain ranges and windblown plains half buried beneath snow and ice. Penguins 3D is an unforgettable tale of one King Penguin’s journey through his species’ central rite of passage.

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

SCREEN THEATRE

mes and more information about each film.

AMAZON ADVENTURE 3D NOW SHOWING

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

Amazon Adventure 3D tells the epic, true story of explorer Henry Bates' fascinating 11-year journey through the visually stunning and biodiverse Amazon rainforest as a young man who risks his life for science in the 1850's. Bates made crucial contributions to biology: identifying 8,000 species new to science. Audiences will be wowed by the mind-boggling examples of camouflage and mimicry and inspired by Bates' endless curiosity and determination to explore the wilds of nature from the time he was a young boy. Local support provided by The Hamill Foundation.

17

NOW SHOWING

A film engineered to inspire, Dream Big is a breathtaking documentary about engineering that celebrates those who build, design, invent and construct—these are the pioneers who harness the power of imagination in order to enhance our human experience. The giant screen film offers gorgeous panoramas of natural and man-made marvels as well as intimate snapshots of men and women using their human ingenuity to achieve amazing feats.

Dream Big illustrates how engineering isn’t just about math and science; it’s also about compassion. It is an educational film that every adult will want their child to see.

A MacGillivray Freeman Film in partnership with the American Society of Civil Engineers. Presented by Bechtel Corporation. Local support provided by Phillips 66 and The Hamill Foundation.

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

www.hmns.org/giantscreen

DREAM BIG 3D

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

18

This summer we opened Edge of Darkness to take visitors to the most distant and mysterious worlds in our solar system—comets, asteroids and Pluto—which were all just photographed by space probes.

This summer also brings a new Starry Night Express featuring Data-to-Dome. For the first time, we can capture the latest images from research observatories and include them in our live presentations in Starry Night Express.

This July and August, we will highlight the Milky Way, which is dramatic in the summer sky. Starry Night Express also provides the information and images you will need to observe the solar eclipse on August 21.

THE GREAT AMERICAN ECLIPSE Monday, August 21, 2017 On August 21, the Moon’s shadow will bring totality to everyone in a narrow band from Oregon to South Carolina, going through Casper, WY; Lincoln, NE; Jefferson City, MO; Nashville, TN and Columbia, SC. To see the Sun disappear and darkness surround you at midday is a dramatic event worthy of planning a trip to the centerline.

All of the United States, however, will see at least half of the Sun covered by the Moon in a partial solar eclipse. In Houston, we will have 67% coverage, beginning at 11:46 a.m., reaching maximum at 1:19 p.m. and ending at 2:45 p.m. The HMNS Museum Store will have the filtered glasses you will need to observe the eclipse safely.

Telescopes will be set up outside on the Sundial Plaza at the front entrance of the Museum.

On this day, the Burke Baker Planetarium will have programs between 12:00 and 2:00 explaining the aspects of the eclipse, what it looks like from Houston, from the line of totality and even from the Moon.

The program will include images of

totality as they are posted from sites along the center line, including the Museum group of 230 travelers in Casper Wyoming. Visit www.hmsn.org/ eclipse or more details.

To prepare for the eclipse, attend the Starry Night Express program in the Burke Baker Planetarium. A portion of each live show is devoted to the upcoming eclipse and how to prepare.

The next total solar eclipse in the US will be on April 8, 2024.

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Solar Eclipse Primer” Carolyn Sumners, Ed.D. HMNS VP of Astronomy Thursday, July 6, 6:30 p.m.

Whether you are headed to the centerline for the total solar eclipse on August 21 or staying in Houston where you can see a partial eclipse, Dr. Carolyn Sumners will give the essential solar eclipse primer so you can make the most of your eclipse viewing experience. Everyone in attendance will receive a free pair of protective eclipse-viewing glasses, needed in Houston and the centerline.

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 19

www.hmns.org/planetarium

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

GEORGEOBSERVATORY

www.hmns.org/observatory

20

Rocket Day for Kids Saturday, July 29, 10 a.m. - noon Saturday, August 26, 10 a.m. - noon Construct and launch water rockets then go on an expedition to the Moon in the newly redesigned Expedition Center. Fuel your imagination in this interactive simulation! Fun for kids and adults. (Ages 7 and up.)

The brilliant Milky Way and the planet Jupiter are spectacular to see this summer outside the city at the George Observatory.

SPECIAL EVENTS www.hmns.org/observatory

Member’s Night Friday, August 11, 8 - 10 p.m.

More info on page 2.

Perseid Meteor Shower Saturday, August 12, 3 p.m. Sunday, August 13, 2 a.m.

The early meteors of this annual meteor shower hit and graze along the top of our atmosphere, forming long tails and beautiful “shooting stars” between 10 p.m. and midnight. The later meteors are short and fast.

If the skies are clear, the conditions will be perfect for seeing a good show of meteors as the Moon will be at a lowlight phase. Observatory telescopes will be available for viewing. Tickets $7.

Baby Boomers Saturday, July 29, 11 a.m. - noon Saturday, August 26, 11 a.m. - noon A special tykes edition of Rocket Day is ready for launch! 3 – 2 – 1 – lift off!

Through fun activities, children will learn about rockets while they build a water rocket and then launch it. (Ages 3-7, accompanied by an adult) Starry Night: A VIP Experience Friday, August 25, 8 p.m. - midnight Tracy Knauss, Director of Astronomy at the George Observatory, is hosting a special summer stargazing session using the Observatory’s researchgrade telescopes. This exclusive VIP experience is the best opportunity for a guided tour of our galaxy in an intimate setting. All participants will receive Astro Swag Bags.

Saturdays at the George Enjoy the stellar views 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. Telescope tickets available in the gift shop. Viewing begins at dusk. Members receive discounted Telescope and Discovery Dome tickets.

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

COCKRELL BUTTERFLY CENTER IS BLOOMING WITH SUMMER FUN! These events are included with admission to the Cockrell Butterfly Center—reduced for Members!

Tuesday, August 8, 6 p.m.

FRIDAY FEEDING FRENZY Fridays, 9:30, 10:30 & 11:30 a.m.

WING IT! Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.

STORY TIME IN THE HIVE Mondays - Fridays, 11 a.m.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Story time is commencing in the Cockrell Butterfly Center—the perfect place for children to enjoy bug tales. From those that fly through the air, dwell underground and crawl all over, you will also meet the main characters who make their home in the Cockrell Butterfly Center and Brown Hall of Entomology, a.k.a. the insect zoo. Meet in the kid’s area on the honeycomb stage. Through August 18.

21

www.hmns.org/butterflycenter

Meet the Museum’s butterfly experts at the butterfly hatcheries for Wing It! every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. this summer starting May 30. You will experience a day in the life of a newly emerged butterfly and learn about a butterfly’s journey from its tropical home to here at HMNS. Then witness a live butterfly release as the fluttering youngsters are introduced into their new home, the beautiful three-story terrarium of the Cockrell Butterfly Center.

You are cordially invited to attend…

Friday Feeding Frenzy! Watch our most captivating carnivores—such as snakes, tarantulas and mantises— dine on their catch of the week. Every Friday during the summer, be sure to catch Friday Feeding Frenzy through August 25. Free for members.

On this special behind-the-scenes tour led by Butterfly Center staff, you will visit the containment room and rooftop greenhouses—areas not open to the public—where staff cares for the Museum’s caterpillars, butterflies, other insects, food plants for the butterflies. In addition to the behindthe-scenes zones, you will also tour the Cockrell Butterfly Center rainforest and Brown Hall of Entomology. Kids 5 and above welcome. Tickets $27, Members $20.

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

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR

HMNS OUT OF THE AMAZON: LIFE ON THE RIVER • CABINET OF CURIOSITIES www.hmns.org/tourmaline • www.hmns.org/amazon

22

Last Day on Exhibition is October 1, 2017

upstream, then the paralyzed fish float downstream to be easily gathered.

The Shuar: More than Headhunters

Using blowguns, hunters target birds with colorful plumage to create intricate ceremonial headdresses made of toucan pelts and body ornaments made of beetle wing casings, seeds and vines. Though the Shuar have a bloody reputation, they are more than just headhunters.

Tucked away in the Amazon, the Shuar are primarily known for headhunting and the manufacture of shrunken heads.

More than just warriors, the Shuar are also strategists and craftspeople.

Homes are built on the tops of hills to allow for easier spotting of surprise attacks. In fishing, poison is discharged

PLEASE TOUCH! Discover something new in the endless numbers of drawers and cabinets waiting to be explored. First appearing in the Renaissance and reaching their pinnacle of popularity in the Victorian Era, cabinets of curiosity were filled with wondrous specimens, and ours is no exception!

Indulge your curiosity with this exhibition that contains thousands of extraordinary natural and manmade objects—from the 9-foot man-eating crocodile to fanciful sea creatures— nestled in countless nooks and crannies, just waiting to be discovered.

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

Out of the Amazon: Life on the River is organized by the Houston Museum of Natural Science and located on the 3rd floor of the Dan L Duncan Family Wing. Admission is free for Members.

For about three decades, Drs. Beasley and Hwang researched hepatitis B in Asia, giving papers at conferences and then took time to travel in the region.

They also collected. A selection of what they brought back to Houston is currently on display. These artifacts are often art forms. They are vanishing in front of our eyes, as communities – the people who make these objects – come and go.

Vanishing Arts: Highlights from the Beasley-Hwang Collection is organized by the Houston Museum

© The Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage (ARCCH), 2013, with the permission of UNESCO.

of Natural Science. The collection was recently donated by Dr. LuYu Hwang and her late husband Dr. Palmer Beasley. The exhibition will be on display in Fondren Hall on the main floor through October 22, 2017.

Admission is free for Members.

H M N S VA N I S H I N G A R T S • G E M S O F T H E S E A

We live in a fast-changing world. Things come and go in a blink of an eye. A new exhibit, Vanishing Arts: Highlights from the Beasley-Hwang Collection, elegantly illustrates this notion.

23

The Guido T. Poppe Collection

On display in the Lester and Sue Smith Gem Vault, Gems of the Sea: The Guido T. Poppe Collection certainly fits the prestigious setting, considering the quality and rarity of these specimens. Many are so new to science they have not yet been named.

Gems of the Sea features a selection of nearly 130 exquisite shells which represent 60 species from the unparalleled Poppe Collection, which was recently acquired by HMNS. The specimens on display were selected from a larger collection of about 3 million shells for their scientific importance and breathtaking beauty.

It is the most extensive and complete assemblage of marine mollusks from a single Indo-Pacific region.

Gems of the Sea: The Guido T. Poppe Collection was organized by the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

With the support of the Lillie and Roy Cullen Endowment and the Fox and Monica Benton Foundation, this exhibition is in honor of Ann Brinkerhoff. It is on display in Smith Gem Vault within the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals on the second floor. Admission is free for Members.

www.hmns.org/planetarium

GEMS OF THE SEA:

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

24

$2

U GAR L AND SPECIAL EXHIBITION SWEET – A TASTY JOURNEY Last Day on Exhibition August 6, 2017

Get the stories behind the label, go on an educational journey into the nuts and bolts of the candy and chocolate-making process, and read the fascinating stories of famous candy

From artistic graphics, to the Rock Candy Mountain, to video and audio displays, this exhibit holds the perfect blend of education techniques… plus all out fun!

Sweet – A Tasty Journey is organized

by Stage Nine Exhibitions, LLC and is locally sponsored by City of Sugar Land and visitsugarlandtx.com. This special exhibition is open through August 6, 2017. Members receive discounted admission!

Earth Science Under the Microscope Thursday, August 10, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

SCIENCE IS SWEET! CANDIES AROUND THE WORLD Friday, July 21, 6 - 9 p.m.

This summer science extravaganza for families takes all its cues from our special exhibition, Sweet — A Tasty Journey.

Play giant Candy Land, watch sugarrelated chemistry demonstrations, create sweet crafts, explore different cultures as you taste treats you create, and learn all about the world of candy.

Only $5 for Members!

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

Unwrap a world of flavorful fun in an interactive and magical setting!

Explore the world of all that’s sweet, as you learn about candy ingredients from a 'farm to fork' perspective.

makers and chocolatiers. You’ll think about candy in a new way, as you learn the role it plays in celebrations and special occasions around the world.

25

UNDER THE MICROSCOPE Life Science Under the Microscope Thursday, July 13 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Fun with microscopes with a twist— it’s all about living things and how they interact with their environment.

You’ll check out seeds, leaves, pollen, insects and other outdoor specimens, compare hair to fur… maybe even look at a drop of pond water or skin cells on a micro scale. It’s the basics of life as you’ve never seen them before.

Free for Members!

Look at microfossils, shells and other natural objects, or bring an item from home and check it out under the scope. Our interactive demo stations with docents will help guide you through the amazing visuals you’ll see as you peer through the lens.

Free for Members!

ALSO AT HMNS AT SUGAR LAND Xplorations Summer Camp (page 28) Summer Scout Academy (page 29) Birthday Parties (page 29) Field Trips (page 4) Field Trip Weekday Labs (page 27) Special Event Rentals (page 4)

www.hmns.org/sugarland

In our final Under the Microscope session, travel the world as you view grains of sand collected from various continents, and learn about their origin, composition and transport.

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

T R AV E L W I T H H M N S

www.hmns.org/adults

26

What’s on your bucket list? HMNS offers amazing once-in-a-lifetime journeys! Each experience is designed with our expert curators so you can get the most out of your vacation.

Space is limited for all expeditions, so register today! Visit www.hmns. org/travel for trip itineraries and registration information.

NORTHERN LIGHTS & VIKINGS VOYAGE: ICELAND AND NORWAY March 17 - 25, 2018 Register deadline is July 15, 2017!

With several days above the Arctic Circle to spot the magnificent auroras dancing in the night sky, this trip is timed to also have ample daylight

to enjoy the stunning scenery and diverse shore excursions. This southbound journey meanders along the scenic coastline of Norway and includes historic Viking sites, picturesque Scandinavian villages and medieval architecture. An unforgettable Viking feast and native Sami lunch, and optional dog sledding adventure will let travelers truly experience Norwegian culture and heritage.

daily deliveries and shipments of food and supplies. Dr. Carolyn Sumners, HMNS VP of Astronomy and Dr. Dirk Van Tuerenhout, HMNS Curator of Anthropology will lead this this Norwegian voyage. Prices and availabilities for registrations received after July 15 are not guaranteed.

This is a cruise like no other—our ship MS Finnmarken has been designed

by Hurtigruten to offer travelers the utmost comfort and ease of visiting Norway, while continuing as the lifeline for coastal towns providing Photo courtesy of Austin Madison

DINOSAUR EXCAVATION The Black Hills of Wyoming with Peter Larson August 22 - 27, 2017 It isn’t too late to register for this summer’s bone-tingling adventure!

Limited space remains.

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

FOR

TEACHERS

WEEKDAY LABS

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.

Coming 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 and includes admission to the Museum’s permanent exhibit halls.

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

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

Choose from these HMNS Outreach Programs: Bugs on Wheels

LABS ON DEMAND

Wildlife Lab, Grades 1-8 “Young Wonders” - Do you know which animal begins its life as a rock climbing kidney bean with no hind legs? What about the animal that starts its life as a pinhead-sized ninja star only to grow into a 2,000 pound powerhouse? Take this lab to find out!

(September 28 in Sugar Land)

Need help with a TEKS objective?

Want a lab experience for your field trip? Try our Labs On Demand!

Each lab is tailored to your grade level needs. $200 per presentation (maximum 25 students), plus $75 travel fee for presentations at your school. Capacity is 25 students per lab.

Dissection Lab, Grades 5-10 “Cosmopolitan Crawdads” - Crayfish are found throughout the world in freshwater streams. Take an inside look at this crawling crustacean through dissection. Includes preserved crayfish dissection. (September 29 in Sugar Land)

OUTREACH PROGRAMS www.hmns.org/outreach

ConocoPhillips Techno Science Lab, Grades 1-8 “Storm Science” - Explore weather and the tools we use to measure and predict it.

Bring the Museum to Your Classroom!

Aligned to grade-level TEKS objectives, pricing ranges from $100 - $625.

Presentations last 30-45 minutes

ConocoPhillips Science on Stage Docents to Go Discovery Dome Wildlife on Wheels

GIFTED AND TALENTED SUMMER WORKSHOP “Differentiating with the Museum – Icon” Available dates: August 3, 4 Enhance your classroom strategy with ready-to-implement STEM activities and techniques influenced by our 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. Receive six hours of Gifted and Talented credit or a 6-hour update credit. To register, email giftedandtalented@hmns.org or call (713) 639-4659. $60 per educator.

27

www.hmns.org/education

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 your group, please e-mail educationquestions@hmns.org.

Chevron Earth Science on Wheels

HMNS FOR TEACHERS

SEPTEMBER LAB TOPICS

HMNS JUST FOR KIDS www.hmns.org/kids

28

A summer of education and adventure awaits your child at HMNS. Xplorations Summer Science Adventures are week-long, hands-on science summer camps featuring science activities for children ages 6 - 12.

Camps are held Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

For an additional weekly fee, care is available before camp begins (8 - 10 a.m.) and after camp ends (3 - 5:30 p.m.). Register early to secure your camp spots!

With more sensational science than ever before, a summer of adventure awaits you at HMNS. New topics for 2017: Riveting Robots!, Super Human Science School for X-ceptional Children, Nature Unleashed: Journey to the Center of the Earth, and Advanced Crime Scene Investigators.

HMNS, Hermann Park: July 5-7 (3 day week) July 17-21 July 24-28 August 7-11 August 14-18

HMNS at Sugar Land: July 10-14 July 17-21 July 31-August 4 August 7-11

Visit www.hmns.org/xplorations for complete camp information. To receive a printed Xplorations catalog by mail, please contact xplorations@hmns.org or (713) 639-4625.

Also new for 2017, we’ve upgraded to the newest form of LEGO Mindstorms EV3 in Lego Robotics and Advanced Lego Robotics. Returning this summer are favorites including Junior Paleontologist, Dino Claws and Shark Jaws, Paleontology 101, Amazing Animals, Master Spy Camp, Test for the Best, Puzzler, Wizard Science Academy, Star Warriors Academy, Extreme Machines, Movie Monster Maker, and Freeze Frame.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN

www.hmns.org/scouts SUMMER SCOUT ACADEMY www.hmns.org/summerscouts

HMNS JUST FOR KIDS

Our weeklong classes help scouts to earn multiple badges in one week of fun at the Museum. Sessions are designed specifically for Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts (Webelos, Bear and Wolf ranks) and Girl Scouts (Brownie, Junior, Cadette and Senior ranks).

HMNS, Hermann Park: June 19-23, July 10-14, July 31-August 4.

HMNS at Sugar Land: June 12-16, July 5-7 (3 day week), July 24-28, August 14-18.

Registration is now open. Complete schedule and registration information posted online at www.hmns.org/summerscouts. E-mail scouts@hmns.org for more information.

TEEN TECH 2017

From exploring the ocean floor in a submersible to flying through the universe to Mars and through the International Space Station, Teen Tech 2017 is an exceptional week of handson design, construction, programming and creating for teens focusing on testing new software.

PARTY SMARTY www.hmns.org/birthdays www.hmns.org/sugarlandbirthdays Let HMNS handle all of your birthday party planning — the decorations, entertainment, craft project, party coordinator and more! Enjoy our Summer Discount of $50 off when you book a party to be held in June, July, or August!

Party packages begin at $350.

Themes: Dinosaur, Ancient Egypt, Butterfly/Bugs, Astronomy, Wildlife and Expedition. Deluxe packages also available: Partysaurus, Winged Wonderland, Galactic Gathering, Deluxe Wildlife, Deluxe Egypt.

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!

Only HMNS can offer this unique opportunity to program a 3D game, design toys for astronauts, produce professional photography, and make chemistry magic to share with friends.

Teen Tech is taught in the Expedition Center Mission Control where each student has his/her own computer and room to experiment. Each class day is 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

29

www.hmns.org/kids

www.hmns.org/teentech Session 1: July 10 - 13 Session 2: July 31 - August 3

Wednesday, July 26, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Wednesday, August 23, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

For everyone who has wished for access to the Museum in the evenings after work, here’s your chance…

Not just the permanent halls—the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium and all of our special exhibitions will be open! Plus, a special marine biology tour in the Strake Hall of Malacology, a.k.a. sea shells.

HMNS EVENTS CALENDAR

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!

www.hmns.org/calendar

30

Save the Date! Remaining After Darks in 2017 are September 27, October 24, November 22 and December 27.

J U LY

PALEONTOLOGY BEHIND-THE-SCENES SERIES “Earliest Life on Earth” Wednesday, July 5, 6 p.m. (page 11)

SUGAR LAND EVENT Life Science Under the Microscope Thursday, July 13 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (page 25)

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Solar Eclipse Primer” Thursday, July 6, 6:30 p.m. (page 18)

TAKE TWO Top Gun Friday, July 14, 7:15 p.m. (page 5)

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT 2nd Saturday Saturday, July 8, 8 a.m. (page 3)

DAY EXCURSION “Behind the Scenes of the National Weather Service” Saturday, July 15, 10 a.m. (page 6)

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT SUGAR LAND 2nd Saturday Saturday, July 8, 10 a.m. (page 3) DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Conversation with Author Kathy Reichs” Tuesday, July 11, 6:30 p.m. (page 6)

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum Tuesday, July 18, 6 p.m. (page 9) PALEONTOLOGY BEHIND-THE-SCENES SERIES “Terrestrial Life Debuts” Wednesday, July 19, 6 p.m. (page 11) HMNS AT SUGAR LAND Science is Sweet!

Candies Around the World Friday, July 21, 6 - 9 p.m. (page 25)

MIXERS & ELIXIRS Electric Circus Friday, July 21, 7 - 10 p.m. (page 5) ADULT CLASS “Fall Vegetable Gardening” Saturday, July 22, 9:30 a.m. (page 6) DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Crinoids – Drifting Ecosystems of Ancient Seas” Tuesday, July 25, 6:30 p.m. (page 11) HMNS AFTER DARK Wednesday, July 26, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. (page 30) TAKE TWO Titanic Friday, July 28, 7:15 p.m. (page 5) GEORGE OBSERVATORY KIDS EVENTS Rocket Day for Kids: 10 a.m.

Baby Boomers: 11 a.m.

Saturday, July 29 (page 20)

For tickets to all events, visit www

AUGUST HMNS AT SUGAR LAND Earth Science Under the Microscope Thursday, August 10 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (page 25)

HMNS CATALYSTS YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Hall of Ancient Egypt Thursday, August 17, 6:30 p.m. (page 6)

PALEONTOLOGY BEHIND-THE-SCENES SERIES “Dinosaurs of the Jurassic” Wednesday, August 2, 6 p.m. (page 11)

MIXERS & ELIXIRS Grupo KaChe Friday, August 11, 7 - 10 p.m. (page 5)

TAKE TWO Captain America – Civil War Friday, August 18, 7:15 p.m. (page 5)

MEMBERS NIGHT George Observatory Friday, August 11, 8 - 10 p.m. (page 3)

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum Tuesday, August 22, 6 p.m. (page 9)

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT 2nd Saturday Saturday, August 12, 8 a.m. (page 3)

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT Senior Social for Members Wednesday, August 23, 9 a.m. (page 3)

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT SUGAR LAND 2nd Saturday Saturday, August 12, 10 a.m. (page 3)

HMNS AFTER DARK Wednesday, August 23, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. (page 30)

GIFTED AND TALENTED SUMMER WORKSHOP “Differentiating with the Museum – Icon” Thursday, August 3 or Friday, August 4 (page 27) MEMBERS ONLY EVENT World Trekkers: Vietnam Friday, August 4, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (page 3) TAKE TWO The Princess Bride Friday, August 4, 7:15 p.m. (page 5)

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Cockrell Butterfly Center Tuesday, August 8, 6 p.m. (page 21)

SENSORY BACKPACKS HMNS is excited to now offer sensory backpacks for visitors to use during their visit. These backpacks include ear defenders, sunglasses, and more to help you enjoy our halls based on your own sensory needs.

A huge thank you to Alex Hightower for donating these backpacks to HMNS as part of his Eagle Project! For more information on sensory backpacks and how you can use them during your trip, visit www.hmns.org/accessibility.

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

PALEONTOLOGY BEHIND-THE-SCENES “Dinosaurs of the Cretaceous” Wednesday, August 16, 6 p.m. (page 11)

GEORGE OBSERVATORY KIDS EVENTS Rocket Day for Kids: 10 a.m.

Baby Boomers: 11 a.m.

Saturday, August 26 (page 20) PALEONTOLOGY BEHINDTHE-SCENES SERIES “The Reign of Mammals: Giants of the Pleistocene” Wednesday, August 30, 6 p.m. (page 11)

31

www.hmns.org/calendar

SUGAR LAND EXHIBITION LAST DAY Sweet – A Tasty Journey Sunday, August 6 (page 25)

GEORGE OBSERVATORY Perseid Meteor Shower Saturday, August 12, 3 p.m. - Sunday, August 13, 2 a.m. (page 20)

HMNS EVENTS CALENDAR

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Mapping Texas: From Frontier to the Lone Star State Tuesday, August 1, 6 p.m. (page 3)

POSTMASTER: Dated material enclosed.

Please deliver IMMEDIATELY!

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

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

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

www.hmns.org/magazine

H M N S N E W S • J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 1 7 • V O L U M E 2 2 , N U M B E R 4

5555 Hermann Park Drive Houston, Texas 77030

NOW ON EXHIBITION PAGE 9

NOW SHOWING ON THE GIANT SCREEN PAGE 16

NOW SHOWING IN THE BURKE BAKER PLANETARIUM PAGE 18

REGISTER YOUR CHILD TODAY! PAGE 28