news J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 VOLUME 23, NUMBER 4 w w w. h m n s . o r g
L ast Day on E xhibition is September 30
MEMBER ONLY EVENTS Make the most of your Museum membership and enjoy these exclusive Members-only opportunities!
H M N S M E M B E R S O N LY
through entertainment, arts and crafts and more. This August, we’re heading off to Belize. But no need to pack your bags — HMNS brings the world to you with World Trekkers!
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2nd 2ND SATURDAYS
Open Early for Members Only at 8 a.m. Saturday, July 14 – Tours of the Wiess Energy Hall Saturday, August 11 – Tours of the Hall of Ancient Egypt Beat the crowds—2nd Saturdays are exclusively 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. The Museum’s permanent exhibit halls are always FREE for
Members! Each 2nd Saturday now features family programming from 9 a.m. to noon. 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 Museum 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!
WORLD TREKKERS: BELIZE Children's Craft Night Friday, August 3, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy a children’s event featuring entertainment, face painting, a balloon artist, crafts, activities and more. Bring your family to HMNS and you can travel the globe with World Trekkers! The perfect family outing, these events highlight a diverse set of cultures from around the world
SENIOR SOCIAL: WORTHAM GIANT SCREEN THEATRE
Wednesday, August 22, 9 a.m. - noon Spend the morning socializing with other seniors at HMNS! HMNS Senior Social is a quarterly event exclusively for HMNS senior Members, ages 62 and up. During this special event for seniors only, enjoy a light breakfast followed by exclusive film screenings of two films Oceans: Our Blue Planet 3D and Pandas 3D. Come and experience the Museum with us!
MEMBERS NIGHT AT THE GEORGE OBSERVATORY Friday, August 24, 8 - 10 p.m.
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 park admission.
UPGRADE YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
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!
FAMILY PLUS includes member benefits for two adults and four children, PLUS one additional adult or child. FAMILY FLEX, DISCOVERER and BENEFACTOR level memberships now allow member benefits for ten people.
$45 Number of people
1
$65 1
$85 2
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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H M N S M E M B E R S O N LY
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
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Two FREE tickets for admission to special exhibitions
Invitation for two to one President’s Circle event per year
HMNS Catalysts Young Professionals
$100
$125
$150 *Discoverer benefits value $72. Benefactor benefits value $152
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Early and discounted registration for Xplorations Summer Camps for children and grandchildren
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 Member Only Events 3 Membership Benefits 4 General Information 5 Dino Dash Mixers & Elixirs 6-7 The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes 8-9 Death by Natural Causes 10-11 Life in Stone: In Memory of Gerd Dreher 12 Curator's Choice 13 Wildlife Photographer of the Year 14 Cockrell Butterfly Center 15 George Observatory 16-17 Wortham Giant Screen Theatre 18-19 Burke Baker Planetarium 20-21 HMNS at Sugar Land 22-23 Just For Kids
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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
MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT (713) 639-4616, membership@hmns.org
HMNS MAIN CAMPUS 5555 Hermann Park Drive Houston, Texas 77030 (713) 639-4629 Monday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Summer Hours through August 19: Daily: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Labor Day Weekend Hours: September 1 - 3: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Check our website for film schedules and special closures.
24 Teens at HMNS 25 For Teachers
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HMNS MEMBERSHIP
26 Museum Store Accessibility 27 Adult Education 28 Annual Fund in Action Special Event Snapshot 29 HMNS Catalysts Take Two 30-31 Events Calendar Travel with HMNS
GET CONNECTED TO HMNS
WWW.HMNS.ORG
FREE THURSDAYS Permanent Exhibit Halls and the Planetarium are FREE from 6 to 9 p.m. on July 5, 12, 19, 26 and August 2, 9. There is no Free Thursday on August 16. Starting August 23, FREE Thursday returns to 2 to 5 p.m. ACCESSIBILITY Wheelchairs are provided at no cost and subject to availability. Closed Captioning is available at box office for most giant screen films. Visit www.hmns.org/accessibility for information for visitors with autism spectrum disorders or download HMNS Access app. TTY (713) 639-4687. PARKING GARAGE Members received discounted rate.
Natural.Science
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FIELD TRIPS
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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 Summer Hours through August 19: Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday: noon to 5 p.m. Labor Day Hours: September 3: 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
SPECIAL MEMBER PRICING Dino Dash Virtual 5k June 15 - July 15 www.hmns.org/dinodash Do you like to run? Jog? Skip? Crawl?
A virtual 5K can be run anywhere—the park, the treadmill, the gym, the Museum. Last day to sign up is July 15, pick a day to finish a 5K, completely at your pace, and you’ll receive a limited-edition Dino Dash medal for your efforts. Medals will be mailed after the race ends. T-shirts are available for purchase at registration. Share your photos with #HMNS5K Visit www.hmns.org/dinodash for more information.
HMNS DINO DASH • MIXERS & ELIXIRS
Big and small, joggers and walkers, old and young, this virtual 5K is designed for everyone.
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Mixers & Elixirs Friday, July 20, 7 - 10 p.m. Friday, August 10, 7 - 10 p.m.
Pop on over to our place to mix and mingle, clink your cocktail glass, and break out your best dance moves. The perfect party, where the science club meets the social set. Hitting this scene is a sure sign of intelligence! Doors open at 7 p.m. for the live band, dancing, cash bars and the city’s best food trucks. Mixers & Elixirs is for adults 21 and over. Tickets $25, HMNS Members $15 and free for HMNS Catalysts. Purchase advance tickets at www.hmns.org/mixers. Contact groupsales@hmns.org for group and corporate rates. Entertainment Line-Up: July 20 – Electric Circus and DJ Dame Hype August 10 – Satellite and DJ Dame Hype
www.hmns.org/dinodash • www.hmns.org/mixers
Doors open at 7 p.m. for the live band, dancing, cash bars and the city’s best food trucks.
H M N S T H E I N T E R N AT I O N A L E X H I B I T I O N O F S H E R L O C K H O L M E S
Don’t miss this it before the case is closed!
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SPECIAL MEMBER PRICING
Sherlock Holmes has inspired generations of thinkers to use observation and deductive reasoning and apply it to modern science. This interactive exhibition includes an impressive array of original manuscripts, publications, film and television props and costumes, and period artifacts. You can step into Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Victorian London and work side-by-side with his legendary detective to solve a perplexing mystery using hands-on, investigative tools and techniques such as blood-spatter and chemical tests, examining broken objects, footprint analysis and tracing a bullet’s trajectory. Test the evidence, eliminate the impossible and solve the case. The game is afoot! The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes is set in a Victorian train station and Sherlock Holmes’ library at No. 221B Baker Street. On display on the main floor of the Museum through Sunday, September 30, 2018 on the main level of the Museum. Members receive reduced admission to this special exhibition. The exhibition was developed by Exhibits Development Group and Geoffrey M. Curley + Associates in collaboration with the Conan Doyle Estate Ltd., Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and the Museum of London. Local support provided by the John P. McGovern Foundation.
On exhibition through Sunday, September 30, 2018
FAMILY FESTIVAL Crime Lab Detective Saturday, July 28, 11 a.m to 2 p.m. FREE FOR MEMBERS
BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS www.hmns.org/bts Tuesday, July 10, 6 p.m. Wednesday, August 15, 6 p.m. Take advantage of a dark, quiet night when the Museum is closed to the public to explore The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes. Instead of a traditional tour, docents will be scattered throughout the exhibition to provide you with intel and clues.
DISTINGUISHED LECTURES www.hmns.org/lectures “Sherlock Holmes, The Evolution of a Timeless Character” Warren Chaney, Ph.D. Tuesday, August 7, 6:30 p.m.
Dr. Warren Chaney will trace the ebbs and flows of Sherlock Holmes with clips from key sources. Chaney will also address the secret to Sherlock Holmes’ success and the current quintessential deerstalker cap, Inverses cloak and calabash pipe.
The original 1939 The Hound of the Baskervilles starring Basil Rathbone kicked off the legendary Sherlock Holmes films. This one-night-only screening will be introduced by Dr. Warren Chaney, who will share clips from the Sherlock film vault, including the first Sherlock Holmes, a silent film released in 1916 that was missing for nearly 100 years, recently found and restored. “Jack the Ripper: Patterns and Confusion” D. Kim Rossmo, Ph.D., Texas State University Tuesday, September 11, 6:30 p.m. Expert in Criminology and pioneer of cutting-edge geographic profiling techniques, Dr. D. Kim Rossmo will use the case of Jack the Ripper to illustrate two subjects of relevance for modern police investigations: geographic profiling and “wrongful convictions.” Dr. Kim will discuss geography of crime theory, offender hunting behavior, crime site typology, and investigative strategies.Then Rossmo will deconstruct the processes used in the past which lead to “wrongful convictions.” “Facing the Past – Cases in Forensic Sculpture” Amanda Danning, Forensic Artist Tuesday, September 25, 6:30 p.m. Forensic sculptor Amanda Danning has performed facial reconstructions for the most exciting anthropology finds in North America, including Jamestown, San Jacinto Battleground and Kennewick Man. Danning’s captivating presentation will combine history and technology, forensics and art—wrapped-up in brilliant visuals with powerful story telling to explain the science behind forensic facial reconstruction.
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www.hmns.org/sherlock
No other character has been beloved generation after generation. Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, however, has indeed evolved from Doyle’s original 54-volume cannon of Sherlock Holmes novels—to stage, radio, silver screen, and well into the digital age.
Film Screening The Hound of the Baskervilles with Warren Chaney, Ph.D. Tuesday, August 21, 6:30 p.m.
H M N S T H E I N T E R N AT I O N A L E X H I B I T I O N O F S H E R L O C K H O L M E S
Now you can be a part of a forensic investigation at the Houston Museum of Nature and Science! You’ll learn how to match fingerprints and identify tire tracks. You can link a suspect to the evidence with DNA and even interpret blood spatters. You’ll also find out if you’d be a good eyewitness. Located on the main floor in Glassell Hall.
H M N S D E AT H B Y N AT U R A L C A U S E S
SNAKE BITE SAVVY
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The bite of a venomous snake can be deadly if left untreated, but these snakes also make every effort to avoid contact with humans. Only when the snake feels like there is no other option will they strike. The bite, a purely defensive reaction, should not be considered an act of aggression. If you do not attempt to capture, handle or deliberately interact with a snake, your odds of being bitten are very slim. If you are bitten by a venomous snake, here are some things to keep in mind: Many are surprised to discover the Museum has an extensive collection of live animals which are used in educational settings and include venomous and poisonous snakes found in the United States. We want individuals to be able to examine and identify these potentially dangerous creatures in a safe setting and to discover the important ecological niche they hold. We are excited to be able to share some of these wonderful creatures as part of the Death by Natural Causes exhibit currently on display at HMNS.
SNAKE SMARTS One of the most popular specimens is the western diamondback rattlesnake. Rattlesnakes are most commonly encountered in spring and fall, but are sometimes seen in the early evening and after dark during the heat of the summer. Keeping yourself safe from venomous snakes as you explore the outdoors is pretty simple: Wear close-toed shoes, preferably that cover your ankles, and loose fitting long pants; do not put your hands or feet where you cannot see them, such as unseen ledges and under logs; and if you become aware of a snake in your path, take another route.
DON’T suck the venom out of the wound DON’T use venom extraction devices DON’T cut the wound to let it bleed DON’T apply a tourniquet DON’T give medications, food or drink DON’T apply ice DON’T apply electrical shock DON’T use herbal remedies DON’T bring the snake to the hospital! Snake bites often occur due to poor decisionmaking—deliberately attempting to handle or disturb a snake. If you are bitten by a snake, the odds it was venomous are reasonably low. In the off chance that you are envenomated, do the following: Call 911 and go to the hospital as soon as possible Stay still, stay calm Leave the snake alone Note the time of the bite Remove potential constrictions such as jewelry and restrictive clothing Take photos of the wound every 15 minutes so medical personnel can track progress Raise the wound to the level of the heart Cover the bite with a loose, clean dressing
ECO-FRIENDLY SNAKES SPECIAL MEMBER PRICING
Some may prefer that snakes disappear altogether, but nature would suffer the consequences. When a predator loses a food source, their populations may decline. The animals on which a snake preys would thrive in the short term, but large percentage of the
population would eventually die of starvation. Snakes are important in keeping a populations in check and the environment healthy.
TOXIC TO TONIC Science has recently been making great strides in the potential applications of toxins in medicine. Although in many instances the studies have just begun, the initial trials seem promising. If you’d like to learn more about the amazing world of poisonous and venomous animals, visit Death by Natural Causes!
Interested in delving deeper? Try a Discovery Guide tour or participate in exhibit-related programming throughout the summer. And as always, we hope you survive a dose of Death by Natural Causes!
DISTINGUISHED LECTURES www.hmns.org/lectures
Calling all fans of true crime! Join exhibit curator and fellow true-crime enthusiast Nicole Temple for a lecture regarding the darker side of Death by Natural Causes. As this lecture will contain a bit of murder and mayhem, it is not recommended for children under 12. Following the presentation, Temple will invite you into the exhibition to examine the evidence presented.
MULTI-SENSORY EXTRAVAGANZA “Tasty Toxic Tuesday” Tuesday, July 24, 7 p.m. Learn about things in nature that are potentially deadly but have been prized and eaten by humans for thousands of years. David Temple, Associate Curator of Paleontology and co-curator of the new exhibition Death by Natural Causes, will lead this evening of gustatory mayhem.
Recipes for hornets, scorpions, locusts, reptiles, mammals, amphibians, the obligatory vegetarian option and other tasty toxins will be shared with attendees as well as sourcing information. For those who want to face your fears and then eat them, a variety of samples will be served. Attendees will also have exclusive access to the exhibition afterwards. Advance ticket purchase required.
BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS www.hmns.org/bts Wednesday, July 18, 6 p.m. Wednesday, September 12, 6 p.m.
NATURAL BORN KILLERS FILM FESTIVAL Wortham Giant Screen Theatre August 4 & 5 MEMBER TICKETS ONLY $3 One weekend, four killer movies Who are the real natural born killers? Why, spiders, snakes and carnivorous vines, of course. Don’t miss these special screenings on the giant screen! Saturday, August 4: Snakes on a Plane R, 7 p.m. The Ruins R, 9 p.m. Sunday, August 5: Arachnophobia E, 7 p.m. Anaconda E], 9 p.m.
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“Murder, Mayhem and Death by Natural Causes” Nicole Temple, Exhibition Curator Tuesday, July 17, 6:30 p.m.
This multi-media presentation will engage all your senses, including smell and taste through cutting edge technologies—the knife and fork. There is danger, and then there is dangerously delicious. The line is blurrier than a person would think, especially for those predisposed to try the curious.
H M N S D E AT H B Y N AT U R A L C A U S E S
Death by Natural Causes is on display from March 9 through September 3 on the third floor of the Dan L Duncan Wing. This exhibition was organized by the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Local support for the exhibition is provided by the Harriet and Truett Latimer Endowment Fund and the John P. McGovern Foundation. Members receive reduced admission. Due to the content of the exhibit, it is recommended for visitors aged ten and up. Audio guide available on your smart phone.
NOW ON EXHIBITION
HMNS LIFE IN STONE: IN MEMORY OF GERD DREHER
For centuries, the picturesque twin villages of Idar-Oberstein, nestled near the Rhine and Mosel River Valleys in Southwestern Germany, have supported a very important gem carving tradition. Agate and other hard stone carvings have always been Idar’s signature.
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The House of Dreher has produced five generations lapidary artists in Idar-Oberstein. The most well-known is Gerd Dreher (1939- 2018) who specialized exclusively in fine animal sculptures. The Dreher carvings are among the most sought-after in the lapidary world.
FREE FOR MEMBERS
These detailed life-like animal sculptures are crafted from various valuable gemstones, mainly from quartzes and beryls, but rubies, obsidian and other precious stones are also employed. The Drehers’ favorite stone, however, is natural agate from Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. The carvings are complemented by natural mineral crystals and gem carving rough. Over 50 of Dreher’s life-like animal carvings will be on display in this special exhibition. Life in Stone, In Memory of Gerd Dreher was organized by the Houston Museum of Natural Science. It is on display in the Hamill Gallery on the main floor. Local support is provided by John P. McGovern Foundation. LECTURE & TOUR www.hmns.org/lectures “Gem Carvings of Gerd Dreher” Tuesday, November 27, 6:30 p.m.
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www.hmns.org/exhibits
H M N S C U R AT O R ’ S C H O I C E
The Aztec capital was built on an island in Lake Texcoco, central Mexico. The lake and the city are now long gone. The lake was drained, while the temples and palaces have crumbled to dust. However, there remains great interest in the history of the ancient Aztecs. Among those fascinated by Aztec history were Stuart and Scott Gentling, two brothers who lived in Fort Worth. They painted large canvases of city views, capturing the feel of a Precolumbian metropolis, and made a series of detailed scale models of temples and palaces in the city.
Recent Acquisitions of the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Three of these models and two of these paintings, all now in the Museum’s collection, are part of the new exhibition Curator’s Choice:
Curator’s Choice: Recent Acquisitions of the Houston Museum of Natural Science is organized by the Houston Museum of Natural Science and
One of the models on display represents the Temple of TezcatlipocaOmeteotl. In Aztec religion, Tezcatlipoca was associated with fire, obsidian, storms and death. He was depicted wearing a black mask and holding a smoking mirror. Together with Quetzalcoatl, Huitzilopochtli and Camaxtle, he was a son of the creator god. Spanish chroniclers tell us that Tezcatlipoca was one of the most terrifying gods for the Aztecs.
admission is free for HMNS Members. It is located in the Jones Gallery on the main floor. It is supported by the John P. McGovern Foundation.
BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR www.hmns.org/bts HMNS Offsite Collections Storage Wednesday, June 18, 1:30 and 6 p.m. Millions of artifacts and specimens are housed at the Museum’s offsite collections storage. For a chance to see old favorites no longer on display and new acquisitions that have not been seen by the public yet, HMNS is allowing the public to tour this facility. This truly behind-the-scenes tour of the Museum collections will be led by Lisa Rebori, HMNS VP of collections.
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FREE FOR MEMBERS
Curator’s Choice Spotlight: Fire Temple and House of the Gods of Springtime in Xochicalco, Temple of the Knights of the Sun, Temple of Tezcatlipoca-Ometeotl Models by Scott and Stuart Gentling (late 20th c.) • Photo by Ken Groue
Glimpse of a Lynx © Laura Albiac Vilas
Celebrating fifty-three years, the world-renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition provides a showcase for the world’s most outstanding nature photography. Judged by a panel of industry-recognized professionals, the images are selected for their creativity, artistry and technical complexity, showcasing nature’s extraordinary beauty and highlighting the fragility of wildlife on our planet.
The integrity of the competition is of the utmost importance. In fact, the winning image in the category ”Animals in their Environment” was disqualified after it was discovered that it was in violation of one of the competition rules.
FREE FOR MEMBERS
Translated into several languages and sold across the world, the celebratory book, Wildlife Photographer of the Year Portfolio 27, contains all of the images from this year’s competition is available and in the Museum Store.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is organized by the Natural History Museum. Local support is provided by John P. McGovern Foundation. It will be on view in the Fondren Gallery on the main floor through September 3, 2018.
Arctic Treasure © Sergey Gorshkov
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Entrants are required to report on the natural world in a way that is both creative and honest. Entries must not deceive the viewer or attempt to disguise or misrepresent the reality of nature. The photo caption information supplied must be complete, true and accurate.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind, providing a global platform that showcases the natural world’s most astonishing and challenging sights for over 50 years. Launched in 1965 and attracting 361 entries that year, today the competition receives over 45,000 entries from over 90 countries highlighting its enduring appeal. This year’s 100 award-winning images will embark on an international tour that allows them to be seen by millions of people across the world from fascinating animal behavior to striking wild landscapes.
The Jellyfish Jockey © Anthony Berberian
HMNS WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
The Power of the Matriarch © David Lloyd
SUMMER FESTIVITIES Continues through August 24
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
Wing it! Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.
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Get up close and personal with the fascinating residents of the Cockrell Butterfly Center in three exciting ways this summer! The fun begins with Wing it!
KOLTER ELEMENTARY, IN BLOOM AFTER HARVEY Along with the school building and all contents, Kolter Elementary in Bellaire lost its award-winning prairie, pond and garden during Hurricane Harvey. This beloved green space was used to teach children about the importance of nature and gardening. Upon relocating the entire school to a temporary location, teachers and parents were concerned by the lack of this important outdoor space—and that the children would be missing a part of the school they had come to know and love. The school reached out to HMNS and our Cockrell Butterfly Center was able donate 40 beautiful and healthy pollinator plants to Kolter Elementary. CBC Staff delivered them on October 3, 2017 where a large empty garden space was waiting to be filled. Our friends at Kolter Elementary have been enjoying their garden, and we are happy to share this year-end update: Since we last saw you, it has been determined that we will not be able to return to our campus for several years while they build us a new school. What
was originally intended to be a temporary butterfly garden has now evolved into a flourishing vegetable/butterfly garden that will be enjoyed for a few years. As a kindergarten class was visiting the garden last week, a butterfly casually flitted by right in front of the students, visited a few plants, and flitted away. We all got chills; the moment was so perfect. The garden has truly become the blooming heart of our campus and we cannot thank you enough for your generosity. Our kids went through so much after Harvey hit, and it’s wonderful to see them enjoying their new outdoor learning space. Every student will immediately tell you that the garden is their favorite part of the school. You can see the transition below in the photos I attached. It’s hard for us to believe, looking back, that it was ever so bare. HMNS is thrilled to have made such an impact on this school. We are truly inspired by Kolter Elementary and their dedication to incorporating gardening into their student’s education. Get Gardening! Visit www.hmns.org/pollinator for information on butterfly gardening in Houston.
Introduce yourself to your favorite flutterers and watch the release of 100 to 200 newly emerged butterflies into the rainforest conservatory. Get schooled on Lepidoptera in a Q&A with the CBC team during the release. Thrilling Thursdays Thursdays, 3 - 5 p.m. Face your fears and try petting one of the CBC’s famous tarantulas. Friday Feeding Frenzy Fridays, 9:30, 10:30, 11:30 a.m. FREE FOR MEMBERS Finally, leave your table manners at the door during the Friday Feeding Frenzy at the Cockrell Butterfly Center. Watch our staff feed members of their live animal collection, including snakes, centipedes and praying mantises. See science in action and learn how these creatures keep themselves fit and fierce!
BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR www.hmns.org/bts Cockrell Butterfly Center Plus Tuesday July 10, 6 p.m. Go behind the scenes with Museum entomologists and horticulturalists who care for the plants and animals in the three-story rainforest terrarium. The tour includes areas not open to the public—the greenhouses on the 7th floor of the parking garage and containment room.
GEORGEOBSERVATORY late August, the closer to us Mars will be, and the brighter in our sky it will appear. That’s why this opposition in late July 2018 is so spectacular.
SUMMER EVENTS www.hmns.org/observatory
MARS IN OPPOSITION SUMMER 2018
As a result, Mars will outshine all of the stars in the night sky. For two months, Mars will even outshine the gas giant Jupiter! The exact alignment, called “opposition,“ occurs on July 27, but Mars is spectacular the entire month and in fact outshines Jupiter until September 7. Although Earth overtakes Mars about every two years and two months, not every opposition is the same. Mars’ orbit is five times as elliptical (out-ofround) as Earth’s. Therefore, when Earth aligns with Mars, it matters whether Mars is near perihelion (close as possible to the Sun) or near aphelion (as far as possible from the Sun). As it turns out, Mars’ perihelion aligns with Earth’s position in late August. Thus, the nearer an opposition is to
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. The Moon phase will be perfect for a good show. Observatory telescopes will be available for viewing. Tickets $7. ROCKET DAY FOR KIDS Saturday, August 18, 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)
MEMBER’S NIGHT Friday, August 24, 8 - 10 p.m. More info on page 2. 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.
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Dominating this summer’s night skies at George Observatory, and everywhere else, will be the red planet Mars. That’s because this summer, Earth overtakes Mars on its faster orbit, putting both planets on the same side of the Sun and bringing Earth much closer to Mars.
PERSEID METEOR SHOWER Sunday, August 12, 5 p.m. - Monday, August 13, 5 a.m.
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)
H M N S G E O R G E O B S E R VAT O R Y
At the next opposition in October 2020, Mars will be almost, but not quite as bright as in 2018. Oppositions in December 2022, January 2025, and February 2027 won’t be nearly as impressive as this one. In fact, we won’t see Mars brighter than this until September 2035.
BABY BOOMERS Saturday, August 18, 11 a.m. - noon
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
SPECIAL MEMBER PRICING
www.hmns.org/giantscreen
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PANDAS 3D: WILD AT HEART Pandas 3D, an adventure story perfect for the whole family, follows the story of one researcher whose passion leads her to initiate a new technique inspired by the work of wildlife conservationists a world away. Audiences will witness young panda Qian Qian’s first steps outside her protected habitat, discovering her true nature and facing the challenges of the unknown.
PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF ALL WORTHAM GIANT SCREEN FILM TICKETS HELP FURTHER TH
SCREEN THEATRE
mes and more information about each film.
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 17
Hurricane 3D explores the chaos and disruption of homes and lives, it reveals the amazing stories of emergency management teams and first responders, who bring hope to those living in the path of the hurricane, and the strength of new purpose in their recovery efforts. With visions of resilient nature and rainforests revitalized by the storm, Hurricane 3D captures a timeless cycle of destruction and renewal. Generously supported by Phillips 66.
OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET 3D Oceans: Our Blue Planet 3D takes viewers on a revelatory and magical journey into the mesmerizing world of our oceans—tempestuous and serene, exquisitely beautiful and bleakly forbidding.
THURSDAY SPECIAL LINEUP June 7 - August 9
This summer during the Museum’s extended hours on Thursday, you can enjoy special short versions of films presented from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Oceans: Our Blue Planet 3D Waking the T. Rex: The Story of Sue 3D Hurricane 3D
HE HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE’S NONPROFIT MISSION. YOUR SUPPORT COUNTS! R
www.hmns.org/giantscreen
HURRICANE 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
SPECIAL MEMBER PRICING
Grouped in clusters by the binding force of gravity, we discover that galaxies exist in many different sizes and shapes beyond our Milky Way. Gravity connects these clusters of galaxies in still larger groups called superclusters. As your voyage continues to the edge of the known universe, over 13 billion light years from Earth, you will look back and try to find the Milky Way Galaxy and home.
www.hmns.org/planetarium
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Planning a summer vacation? How about the ultimate cruise to the stars? A vacation like no other in the Burke Baker Planetarium! In the new Passport to the Universe full-dome film, narrator Tom Hanks takes you on an incredible journey through the observable universe. Fly beneath the rings of Saturn, into the heart of the Orion Nebula, and out into the vastness of space to experience stunning cosmic destinations simulated in high fidelity, like you’re really there! Your virtual voyage departs from Earth to the edge of the Solar System, then to our arm of the Milky Way Galaxy, past our local group of galaxies, into
the Virgo Supercluster, and on to the farthest limits of the observable universe. This is your cosmic address: Planet Earth, 3rd world in our Solar System, on the inside of the Orion spur, near the Orion nebula, within our Milky Way Galaxy. The Milky Way, in turn, belongs to a local group of galaxies, which in turn is part of the Virgo Supercluster. Superclusters then combine into our observable universe—the limit of your cosmic address. Your sightseeing features the nearby Orion Nebula, a vast cloud of gas and dust where new stars and planets form—a stellar nursery. The Sun was born in a cloud like the Orion Nebula almost 5 billion years ago.
After reaching the edge of our known universe, your tour takes a “virtual shortcut” back to Earth via free fall through a black hole. Passport to the Universe is the ultimate vacation. Passport to the Universe was developed by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh. org) in collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Major support for the new version provided by the California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco.
DISTINGUISHED LECTURE www.hmns.org/lectures “Grand Tour of the Universe — Updated with the Latest Discoveries” Carolyn Sumners, Ed.D., HMNS Tuesday, August 14, 6:30 p.m.
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 H M N S AT S U G A R L A N D
HMNS AT S U
www.hmns.org/sugarland
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Now on Exhibition Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!
SPECIAL MEMBER PRICING
Imagine you are visiting the home of world traveler Madame Curious. Our full mount animals point you to eight small galleries, where curiosity is your only guide. Each themed chamber tells the story of Madame Curious’ collection—strange and wonderful objects from near and far, natural and manmade, ancient and modern. Explore the mysterious wonders at your own pace, as you open ninety
drawers to uncover rare treasures or get hands-on with what’s on the shelves. In this family-friendly space, when we say “Do Touch,” we mean it! We learn by touching, and in these discovery galleries, there are no
U GAR L AND Collection of History, Mystery and Wonder is an exclusive exhibition to HMNS at Sugar Land. It is on display through October 14, 2018. Tickets are reduced for Members.
SCIENCE IN PROGRESS! NEW FOSSIL LAB OPEN
Fossils, encased in rock and soil, are carefully removed from the ground. Minimally, the surrounding rock must be removed from the fossil. Depending on the surrounding rock, and the delicacy and complexity of the fossil, this process can take thousands of hours, before it is ready to be displayed. HMNS at Sugar Land has opened an interactive station, where you can view the preparation process. Preparators will be cleaning Permian aged fossils from Texas. Now visitors can see and learn about the tools and techniques in this process which used to take place only behind closed doors. The experience is included with general admission.
Now through August 3 Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. FREE FOR MEMBERS
HMNS at Sugar Land’s elite group of dedicated teen volunteers, the Sugar Land SciTeens, are making science fun with hands-on interactive stations throughout the Museum—including the Fossil Prep Lab. Look for the blue t-shirts every weekday, for some kid-to-kid learning that’s also a blast! No appointment needed—just walk up to the fun!
HMNS@SUGAR LAND EVENTS www.hmns.org/SLevents SPACE OUT Friday, July 20 FREE FOR MEMBERS Life on Earth may seem all-consuming, but there’s an entire universe out there to explore! Get ready for liftoff as we journey beyond Earth to explore the final frontier, with HMNS docents and a NASA volunteer as our guides. Space has captured our imaginations since early man looked up into the sky. Join us to learn how our galaxy fits into the universe, and about the biggest
and newest discoveries in space. Cool crafts and a planetarium presentation will leave you inspired to Space Out in Sugar Land! Free for Members! A CURIOUS TEA PARTY! Friday, July 27, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. REDUCED FOR MEMBERS Meet Madame Curious! Join us for a fantastic behind-the-scenes tour of Collection of History, Mystery & Wonder, by the famous collector herself! Discover why she began collecting these unusual objects, be amazed as you follow her travels around the world and participate in an eccentric scavenger hunt. Be a hands-on explorer and celebrate curiosity with tea, biscuits and crafts!
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www.hmns.org/sugarland
Fossils are interesting, beautiful, and the key to understanding life through time on our planet. In nearly all cases, the fossils you see in museums were not found exactly as you see them displayed. A lot of science happens between the moment a fossil is discovered when it is installed on display in a museum.
SUMMER SCIENCE FUN
H M N S H M N S AT S U G A R L A N D
boundaries to your imagination. Find the item that intrigues you the most and experience an exhibit that’s great for everyone from young to old!
www.hmns.org/scouts
HMNS JUST FOR KIDS
SUMMER SCOUTS 2018 Registration now open!
www.hmns.org/kids
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Interested in Summer Scouts?! HMNS offers weeklong classes for scouts to earn multiple merit badges for Boy Scouts, Webelos, Bear Cubs, Wolf Cubs, Girl Scouts, Girl Scout Brownies, Cadettes, Daisies, Juniors and Senior Journeys. Below is the large array of weeklong classes, with the badges awarded upon completion noted in parentheses at the end of the week. Visit www.hmns.org/summerscouts or e-mail scouts@hmns.org for class schedule and more information. HMNS, Hermann Park June 18-22 July 9-13 July 30-August 3 HMNS at Sugar Land
(Crime Prevention, Fingerprinting, and Law badges); The Environment (Environmental Science and Soil and Water Conservation); That’s Entertainment! (Animation, Movie Making and Radio); Designing Your World (Architecture and Landscape Architecture), The Power of Engineering (Electricity, Engineering and Nuclear Science), Strategy and Exploration (Chess, Game Design and Geocaching); Robot Inventors (Robotics and Inventing); The Final Frontier (Astronomy and Space Exploration); Be Prepared (Emergency Preparedness, First Aid, Fire Safety and Safety); Capture Light (Art, Graphics Arts and Photography); Code Talkers (Communication and Signs, Signals and Codes); and Your Community and Heritage (American Heritage, Citizenship in the Community and Genealogy) Webelo Classes
June 11-15 July 2-3, 5-6 (4 day week) July 23-27 August 13-17
Webelos Science Explorer (Adventures in Science, Earth Rocks, Engineer, Into the Wild and Into the Woods) and Webelos World Pioneer (Aware & Care, Build a Better World, Build It, First Responder and Webelos Walkabout)
Boy Scout Classes
Bear Cub Classes
Death by Natural Causes (Medicine, Public Health and Reptile and Amphibians); Planes, Trains and Submarines (Aviation, Railroading, and Oceanography); Citizenship (Citizenship in the Nation and Citizenship in the World); Digital World (Digital Technology and Programming); Law and Order
Bear Necessities (Fur, Feathers, and Ferns, Forensics, Marble Madness, Roaring Laughter and Robotics) Wolf Cub Classes Wolf Tracks (Call of the Wild, Council Fire Duty to Country, Paws on the Path, Digging in the Past and Motor Away)
Girl Scout Classes Brownie Engineers (Think like an Engineer Journey, Race Car Challenge, Leap Bot Design Challenge and Fling Flyer Challenge); Junior Journeys (Junior Agent of Change and Get Moving Journeys); Program Your World (Think like a Programmer Journey, Programming Robots badge, Designing Robots badge and Showcasing Robots badge), Cadette Journeys (Cadettes MEdia and Amaze Journeys); Cadette Career Carousel (Comic book artist, First Aid, New Cuisines Badge, Screenwriter and Special Agent); Designing Daisies (Think like an Engineer Journey, Model Car Design Challenge, Roller Coaster Design Challenge and Board Game Design Challenge); and Senior Journeys (Sow What? and GIRLtopia Journeys)
New and Improved Drop-Off and Pick-Up for Summer 2018!
REGISTER TODAY! Great camps still available!
Camps are held Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For an additional weekly fee, care is available
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! We have themes for all ages and interests: Dinosaur, Ancient Egypt, Butterfly/Bugs,
June 26-30 July 2-3, 5-6, (4-day camp week) July 16-20 July 23-27 August 6-10 August 13-17 HMNS at Sugar Land
If you haven’t received your Xplorations catalog, please email xplorations@hmns.org or call the Education Department at (713)6394625. For more information on all of our camp offerings please visit www. hmns.org/xplorations.
Astronomy, Wildlife and Expedition. Be sure to check out our NEW Energy theme highlighting our state-of-theart Wiess Energy Hall. 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, testimonials, and accessibility. For Sugar Land parties, visit www. hmns.org/sugarlandbirthdays for more information!
June 25-29 July 9-13 July 16-20 July 30 - August 3 August 6-10
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www.hmns.org/kids
BIRTHDAYS WITH A LITTLE BRAIN POWER! www.hmns.org/birthdays
Favorite new topics for 2018: Advanced Food Science, Camp Half Blood and Maker Lab Alpha. The complete camp catalog is now available online at www.hmns.org/ xplorations. Register now to secure your camp spots!
HMNS, Hermann Park
HMNS JUST FOR KIDS
With more sensational science than ever before, 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.
before camp begins each day, from 8 to 10 a.m., and after camp ends, from 3 to 5:30 p.m.
Free reserved parking in the Museum garage is available for exclusive use by summer camp patrons, plus a limited camper drop-off and pick-up carpool line. Please visit www.hmns.org/pickup-drop-off for details.
H M N S T E E N S AT H M N S
TEENS AT HMNS
www.hmns.org
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interact with Museum patrons by explaining touch cart items and exhibit hall content. Their smiles as they share their knowledge are clear evidence of their enthusiasm toward science and learning.
Experience the future with tomorrow’s science plus build your resume—only at HMNS. Visit www.hmns.org/teentech for registration and more information.
The application period for the 2019 Moran Ecoteen Program opens December 1, 2018. Those interested in learning more can contact Marce Stayer, Moran Ecoteen director, at mstayer@hmns.org.
The Engineering and Scientific Council of Houston (ECH) has awarded 9 internships to the Museum’s Astronomy Department. These interns will help design the Deep Dive mission of the Expedition Center and the OpenSpace public program for the Discovery Dome in the Arnold Hall, under the Burke Baker Planetarium.
SCITEENS AT HMNS@SL
MORAN ECOTEENS The Moran Ecoteens are a special group of high school students whose love of science and natural history has brought them to HMNS as summer volunteers. The group spends time learning about all the amazing exhibits on display throughout our halls and sharing this knowledge with our Xplorations campers and with patrons throughout the Museum. During Xplorations summer camp, the Moran Ecoteens are exposed to a variety of mentoring opportunities. They may spend one week building robots and the next week handling insects. They give exhibit hall tours and perform entertaining chemistry and physics demonstrations for the summer camp classes. Outside the classroom, the Ecoteens
HMNS at Sugar Land’s elite group of dedicated teen volunteers, the Sugar Land SciTeens, are making science fun with hands-on interactive stations throughout the exhibit halls of the Museum for kids to enjoy hands-on science activities. The application period for the 2019 SciTeen Program opens January 2019. Teens can contact Kavita Self, Program Manager for HMNS Sugar Land at kself@hmns.org. TEEN TECH www.hmns.org/teentech Monday, July 30 – Thursday, August 2 This science adventure puts you on the cutting edge of programming and software pilot testing. Participants will be the first to explore the ocean floor in a new Expedition Center’s Deep Sea mission. The adventure begins with a deep dive to the wreck of the Titanic and then an exploration of a coral reef. With emergencies and unexpected challenges, you will be on the first shakedown cruise of our new submarine simulator. Other adventures include designing and programming your own 3D game and exploring the planets with new Open Space software on a computer monitor and in a full-dome experience.
SUMMER RESEARCH INTERNS
They will also plan interactive exhibits for a proposed Frensley Hall of Astronomy. Each student entered a science project in the Science and Engineering Fair of Houston and was selected for the student’s enthusiasm for describing his/her project and eagerness to try new science projects. 2018 Research Interns: Sebastian Saenz, Duke Blaney, Conrad Schmitt, Dorian Duvai, Sydney Brown, Joelliane Langevine, Augustina Demagistris, Christina Kuruvilla, Malay Shah EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE OR MATHEMATICS AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS Deadline extended until September 14, 2018 www.hmns.org/awards-scholarships Through the generosity of the Cockrell Foundation, HMNS awards the Evelyn Frensley Scholarship of $2,000 to two high school juniors in the Houston area and the Wilhelmina C. Robertson Teaching Award of $2,000 to one K-5th grade science or math teacher, and one 6th-12th grade teacher. The extended deadline for applications is September 14, 2018. You can nominate a student or teacher at www.hmns.org/awards-scholarships. Contact (713) 639-4651 or sstevenson@ hmns.org with questions.
MORE INFO FOR ALL WORKSHOPS AND OVERNIGHTS AT 713-639-4629 OR WWW.HMNS.ORG.
FOR
TEACHERS For more information and scheduling: www.hmns.org/outreach, outreach@ hmns.org, (713) 639-4758. Choose from these HMNS Outreach Programs: Bugs on Wheels Chevron Earth Science on Wheels ConocoPhillips Science on Stage Docents to Go
“Differentiating with the Museum: Empowerment through Awareness and Self-Advocacy” July 30, 31; August 15, 20
With dynamic presenters, engaging sessions, and the Museum 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.
Wildlife on Wheels
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.
To register visit www.hmns.org/GT. For questions, email giftedandtalented@ hmns.org or call (713) 639-4659.
SEPTEMBER LAB TOPICS Wildlife Lab, Grades 1-8 South American Adventure Rainforests! Grasslands! Deserts! Savannahs! South America has it all! Take your imagination on a trek through some of the most famous habitats in the world as we study South American wildlife. (September 27 in Sugar Land) Dissection Lab, Grades 5-10 Colossal Calamari - What animal uses jet propulsion and has its own ink supply? Discover this and more as you delve deep into this intriguing cephalopod, the squid. Includes squid dissection. (September 28 in Sugar Land)
OUTREACH PROGRAMS Bring the Museum to Your Classroom! 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.
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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
ConocoPhillips Techno Science Lab, Grades 1-8 Optical Illusions - Investigate ambiguous pictures, impossible shapes, strobe effects and other amazing illusions.
www.hmns.org/education
How do you empower students to own their giftedness? In this workshop, explore the importance of differentiating by offering choice to increase academic courage. Boost your classroom strategy with ready-toimplement activities such as advanced menus and product ideas.
Discovery Dome
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 2018-2019 school year.
HMNS FOR TEACHERS
GIFTED AND TALENTED SUMMER WORKSHOP
and laboratory equipment. Students examine ancient objects, investigate technology, meet live animals and conduct scientific experiments in five different, themed labs.
HMNS MUSEUM STORE Summer Trunk Shows HMNS MUSEUM STORE • ACCESSIBILITY
Rebecca Lankford - July 27 Mirta Tummino - August 10 Claudia Lobão - August 17
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Join us noon to 4 p.m. for our trunk show series spotlighting Texas designers. Each artist’s designs will be 20% off the day of the show in addition to your member discount!
MAKING THE MUSEUM MORE ACCESSIBLE
www.hmns.org/accessibility
• museumstore.hmns.org
www.hmns.org/accessibility
Sensory Friendly events
Saturday, September 15 8-10 a.m. Enjoy modified exhibits and sensory-friendly Wortham Giant Screen Theatre and Burke Baker Planetarium shows!
ACCESS HMNS
www.hmns.org/access Accessibility resources for visitors with sensory sensitivities are now available for our Sugar Land location! Download our accessibility app, Access HMNS, to prepare for your visit and use it while you’re at HMNS to create a personalized Museum experience for you and your family. Access HMNS is available for both Apple and Android devices.
ADULT EDUCATION To register, visit www.hmns.org/adults or call (713) 639-4629.
DISTINGUISHED LECTURES www.hmns.org/lectures
shapes shift. Documentary filmmaker, Lois Farfel Stark, will use beautiful photography and fresh perspective of history to take us on a remarkable journey from tribal ceremonies in Liberia and the pyramids in Egypt, to the gravity-defying architecture of modern China, with many places and shapes in between.
“Dinosaurs of Hollywood, Truth is Better than Fiction” James Washington, HMNS Tuesday, July 31, 6:30 p.m.
“Dinosaurs of the Jurassic” August 8 “Dinosaurs of the Cretaceous” August 22 “The Reign of Mammals: Giants of the Pleistocene” September 5
URBAN HARVEST GARDENING CLASSES www.hmns.org/aedclasses
“Fall Vegetable Gardening” Instructed by Bob Randall, Ph.D. and Andrew Cobb Saturday, July 21, 9:30 a.m.
DAY EXCURSION
www.hmns.org/excursions
Buildings, behaviors and beliefs reflect humans’ search for pattern and meaning. We can read the past and glimpse the future by watching when
“Earliest Life on Earth” July 11 “Terrestrial Life Debuts” August 1
“Basic Organic Vegetable Gardening” Saturday, September 8, 9:30 a.m. Instructed by Angela Chandler
“The Telling Image: Shapes of Changing Times” Lois Farfel Stark, Photographer and Filmmaker Tuesday, August 28, 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. All sessions are Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m.
Behind the Scenes of the National Weather Service Saturday, August 25, 10 a.m. Tour the state-of-the-art facility with NWS meteorologists who track threatening weather along the Texas coastline. Participants will meet at the National Weather Service in Dickinson. Map and directions will be e-mailed © XL Catlin Seaview Survey prior to trip. Limited to 20 participants.
“The Age of Man: Primates and Humans” September 26 Tickets $25, Members $15 per session. Early Bird Special: Purchase entire 6-session package by July 11 to receive discount pricing: Nonmembers $130, Members $70.
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www.hmns.org/adults
1914 saw the first dinosaurs on the silver screen and the public has been in love ever since. The summer of 1993 was a turning point not only in film history and techniques, but also a resurgence of interest within the field of paleontology. But what does science have to say about how media depicts dinosaurs? Inspired by summer blockbusters, HMNS’ own “Jurassic James” Washington will reveal the truth about dinosaur species depicted in film.
Hall of Paleontology
H M N S A D U LT E D U C AT I O N
More lectures listings: Sherlock Holmes on page 7, Death by Natural Causes on page 9, Astronomy on page 18.
BEHIND-THE-SCENES SERIES
www.hmns.org/bts
HMNS ANNUAL FUND IN ACTION • SPECIAL EVENT SNAPSHOT
Youth Education Outreach program travels over 32,000 miles or 1.28X around the globe
HMNS Volunteers donated as much time to
60,000 hours
serve our visitors as it took
the Cassini spacecraft
to reach Saturn
The Cockrell Butterfly Center is home to over
500,000
The newly renovated
527 visitors
participated in the Museum’s inaugural Sensory Friendly Day.
4.88X of previous resolution 9 million pixels previoulsy
Burke Baker Planetarium’s 8K projection system boasts an astounding
50 million pixels
www.rentthemuseum.com
butterflies
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sheep eyeballs are dissected by young scientists during our summer Xploration camps
Donate to our Annual Fund and be a part of the Museum in Action! www.hmns.org/annualfund
• www.hmns.org/annualfund
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Last year
SPECIAL EVENT SNAPSHOT HMNS can help make your event truly unforgettable. www.rentthemuseum.com • specialevents@hmns.org • (713) 639-4749
SAVE THE DATE HMNS Catalysts: Cockrell Butterfly Center Young Professionals Thursday, August 16 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Walk through a living butterfly habitat, marvel at spectacular live and preserved specimens of some of the world’s largest and weirdest arthropods, and enjoy crafts and activities. Complimentary drinks, light bites, crafts and more. Strictly for adults ages 21 and up!
HMNS Catalysts are a diverse, vivacious group of young 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 upcoming HMNS Catalysts’ events. HMNS Catalysts enjoy basic Museum member benefits, plus invitations to exclusive HMNS Catalysts social events and discounted tickets for a friend, and a free ticket to all HMNS Mixers & Elixirs (page 5). See page 3 for Catalysts membership options or visit www.hmns.org/catalysts for more information.
FREE for HMNS Catalysts Members! Museum Members (all other levels and HMNS Catalysts guests) $15, general public $25. Please call (713) 639-4629 for advance registration. 2018 Steering Committee Brynn Bossart • Autumn Breese • Celeste Byrom • Anna Caudle • Ben Clemenceau • Cary Corral • Anna Domning • Christine Dubbert • Allison Flick • Sam Li • Hunter Lockhart • Brooke McCallum • Will McCallum • Maggie McDaniel • Cassie Reid McGarvey • Vanessa Neutzler • Christa Clarke Owolabi • Jacob Owolabi • Sahil Patel • Julia Russell • Katherine Sermas • Patrick Sermas • Chase E. Simpson • Kate McLarney Speck • Charley Tauer • Eugene Terry • Kelley Trier • Emalie Vann Ghonima
The Sandlot W Friday, August 17, 7:15 p.m.
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Frozen W Friday, August 31, 7:15 p.m.
www.hmns.org/catalysts • www.hmns.org/taketwo
Natural Born Killers Film Festival August 4-5 (page 9) NEW! Take Two Members Season Pass! SPECIAL MEMBER PRICING
Don’t Miss these Classics in the 6th Annual Take 2 Film Festival! See these classics in the best theatre for the best price in town. Rocky E Friday, July 13, 7:15 p.m. Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl E Friday, July 27, 7:15 p.m.
H M N S H M N S C ATA LY S T S • TA K E T W O
Looking to mix things up? Join the Museum’s Young Professionals group, HMNS Catalysts, and cause a reaction!
Receive a punch for every Take Two film you watch. After five punches, your sixth movie is FREE! Offer valid with current membership and for Take Two film series only. Not valid for other films showing at the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre. One pass per member. One punch per Take Two film. Member tickets are only $4! Visit www.hmns.org/ taketwo for the complete 2018 Take Two lineup. SAVE-THE-DATE Come for the Movie, Stay for the Facts Avatar 3D E Wednesday, September 19, 6:15 p.m. By special permission from James Cameron, this 3D screening of Avatar will include a presentation by our noted Director of the Cockrell Butterfly Center, Erin Mills.
HMNS EVENTS CALENDAR
BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS Cockrell Butterfly Center (page 14) The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes (page 7) Tuesday, July 10, 6 p.m.
www.hmns.org/calendar
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PALEO HALL TOUR Earliest Life on Earth Wednesday, July 11, 6 p.m. (page 27) TAKE TWO Rocky Friday, July 13, 7:15 p.m. (page 29) MEMBERS ONLY EVENT 2nd Saturdays Saturday, July 14, 8 a.m. (page 2) DINO DASH VIRTUAL 5K Last Day to Register Sunday, July 15 (page 5) DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Murder, Mayhem and Death By Natural Causes Lecture” Tuesday, July 17, 6:30 p.m. (page 9)
J U LY
BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR HMNS Offsite Collections Storage Wednesday, July 18, 1:30 and 6 p.m. (page 12) BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Death by Natural Causes Wednesday, July 18, 6 p.m. (page 9)
HMNS AT SUGAR LAND EVENT Space Out Friday, July 20 ,10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (page 21) MIXERS & ELIXIRS Electric Circus and DJ Dame Hype Friday, July 20, 7 - 10 p.m. (page 5) URBAN HARVEST CLASS “Fall Vegetable Gardening” Saturday, July 21, 9:30 a.m. (page 27) MULTI-SENSORY EXTRAVAGANZA “Tasty Toxic Tuesday” Tuesday, July 24, 6:30 p.m. (page 9)
HMNS AT SUGAR LAND EVENT A Curious Tea Party! Friday, July 27, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (page 21) TAKE TWO Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl Friday, July 27, 7:15 p.m. (page 29) FAMILY FESTIVAL Crime Lab Detective Saturday, July 28, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. (page 7) TEEN TECH Monday, July 30 – Thursday, August 2 (page 24) GIFTED AND TALENTED SUMMER WORKSHOP “Differentiating with the Museum: Empowerment through Awareness and Self-Advocacy” Monday, July 30 (page 25) DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Dinosaurs of Hollywood, Truth is Better than Fiction” Tuesday, July 31, 6:30 p.m. (page 27)
T R AV E L W I T H H M N S TRAVEL NIGHT “Belize 2018 –Maya Archaeology and Caribbean Reefs” Tuesday, September 18, 6 p.m. www.hmns.org/travel
amazing Maya sites and wildlife and bountiful coral reefs off the private island of South Water Caye, where marine geologist Dr. André Droxler of Rice University has conducted research for 30 years.
This once-in-a-lifetime journey encompasses the best of both worlds—the inland jungles with
Dr. Van Tuerenhout, HMNS curator of anthropology, completed his Ph.D. work in Belize and is excited for the Museum’s
first trip there. This evening you can learn more about the Museum’s April 2019 trip to Belize and meet the experts accompanying the trip. A daytrip to Tikal in Guatemala, all meals and international airfare are included. Visit www.hmns. org/travel for trip itineraries and registration information.
For tickets to all events, visit www
PALEO HALL TOUR “Terrestrial Life Debuts” Wednesday, August 1, 6 p.m. (page 27)
AUGUST
MEMBERS ONLY CHILDREN'S CRAFT NIGHT World Trekkers: Belize Friday, August 3, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (page 2)
NATURAL BORN KILLERS FILM FESTIVAL Arachnophobia - 7 p.m. Anaconda - 9 p.m. Sunday, August 5 (page 9)
PALEO HALL TOUR “Dinosaurs of the Jurassic” Wednesday August 8, 6 p.m. (page 27)
w.hmns.org or call (713) 639-4629.
FAMILY EVENT AT THE GEORGE OBSERVATORY Perseid Meteor Shower Sunday, August 12, 5 p.m. - Monday, August 13, 5 a.m. (page 15) DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Grand Tour of the Universe—Updated with the Latest Discoveries” Tuesday, August 14, 6:30 p.m. (page 18) BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes Wednesday, August 15, 6 p.m. (page 7) YOUNG PROFESSIONALS HMNS Catalysts: Cockrell Butterfly Center Thursday, August 16, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (page 29) TAKE TWO The Sandlot Friday, August 17, 7:15 p.m. (page 29)
FILM SCREENING The Hound of the Baskervilles Tuesday, August 21, 6:30 p.m. (page 7) MEMBERS ONLY EVENT Senior Social: Wortham Giant Screen Theatre Wednesday, August 22, 9 a.m. - noon (page 2) PALEO HALL TOUR “Dinosaurs of the Cretaceous” Wednesday August 22, 6 p.m. (page 27) MEMBERS NIGHT AT THE GEORGE OBSERVATORY Friday, August 24, 8 - 10 p.m. (page 2) DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “The Telling Image: Shapes of Changing Times” Tuesday, August 28, 6:30 p.m. (page 27) TAKE TWO Frozen Friday, August 31, 7:15 p.m. (page 29)
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www.hmns.org/calendar
DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Sherlock Holmes, The Evolution of a Timeless Character” Tuesday, August 7, 6:30 p.m. (page 7)
MEMBERS ONLY EVENT 2nd Saturdays Saturday, August 11, 8 a.m. (page 2)
FAMILY EVENT AT THE GEORGE OBSERVATORY Rocket Day for Kids - 10 a.m. Baby Boomer - 11 a.m. Saturday, August 18 (page 15)
HMNS EVENTS CALENDAR
NATURAL BORN KILLERS FILM FESTIVAL Snakes on a Plane - 7 p.m. The Ruins - 9 p.m. Saturday, August 4 (page 9)
MIXERS & ELIXIRS Satellite and DJ Dame Hype Friday, August 10, 7 - 10 p.m. (page 5)
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www.hmns.org/magazine
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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.
NOW SHOWING IN THE WORTHAM GIANT SCREEN THEATRE PAGE 16
NOW SHOWING IN THE BURKE BAKER PLANETARIUM PAGE 18
Summer Trunk Shows IN THE HMNS STORE PAGE 26
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN PAGE 5