Sparks!
APR I L – MAY 2016
A Newsletter for Members and Friends of the Museum of Science
Inside This Issue
• Fascinating Frogs
• Celebrating Science
• What’s on Your Plate?
AMERICAN BULLFROG
Fall in Love with Frogs Again
The ribbit exhibit jumps back into the Museum!
F
rogs might not have the greatest reputation. While many people love Kermit
and tales of transforming princes, the reality is less glamorous thanks to
centuries of myths and rumor. Frogs, however, can be captivating creatures if
you get to know them, as Museum visitors did several years ago with the temporary
exhibit Frogs: A Chorus of Colors. And now the popular ribbit exhibit leaps
back into action April 17 to showcase an amphibian that’s been hopping
around this planet since the days of the dinosaurs.
Flat, Poisonous, and More!
Over a dozen live species of frogs and tadpoles native
to various places around the globe are featured, and
they range in size, color, and even flatness. Meet
them eye to eye in the most advanced traveling frog
exhibition in the nation, featuring self-contained
habitats with the lighting, humidity, temperature,
and water quality control the frogs need, along with rock
ledges, live plants, waterfalls, and more. Continued on next page
TOMATO FROG
Frog Fun Facts
AFRICAN CLAWED FROG
• The difference between a frog and toad?
Not much. In fact, a toad is a frog, just
one that has warty skin with short hind
legs and lives on land.
• The world’s largest frog is the goliath.
Found in west Africa, it can grow to about
Continued from cover
Among those you’ll see are the brightly-colored
tomato frog, the Chinese gliding frog that uses
the webbing between its toes as a parachute
while leaping (so it almost looks like it’s flying!),
the African clawed frog that appears as if it were
flattened in a cartoon mishap, and the poison dart frog from the
rainforest of the Americas—used by native tribes to poison the tips of
blow darts for hunting.
15 inches and weigh up to 7 pounds—
about the size of a human newborn!
Interactive Elements Galore
Did you know not all frogs make that ubiquitous croaking sound? In fact,
many chirp, ribbit, shriek, or peep. You’ll be treated to the fluctuating
rhythms and pleasing harmonies of live frog calls in one of many interactive components. Push buttons to activate recorded calls and overlap
them to make a chorus!
You can also view photos of species blending into their environments.
Do you have a good enough eye to find these hiding frogs? Push buttons
to activate video clips of frogs jumping, swimming, walking, climbing,
gliding, and eating. With another feature, you can spin an old-fashioned
zoetrope to see how a frog jumps. Perform a virtual dissection, and be
sure to test your frog IQ in another activity featuring questions that range
from the basic to bizarre.
Plenty of people are already fascinated by frogs, but if you are not among
them, you definitely will be after seeing this exhibit and learning
more. Hop on down to the Museum to visit Frogs: A Chorus
of Colors, on exhibit April 17 – September 5.
• On the other end of the frog scale is the Paedophryne amauensis, averaging
just 7.7 millimeters long and found in the rain forests of New Guinea. Only discovered in the last few years, it is not
just the smallest known frog, it is the tiniest known vertebrate in the world.
• Frogs can breathe through their skin,
which must be kept clean and moist to
function properly.
Frogs: A Chorus of Colors was created by Peeling Productions at
Clyde Peeling’s REPTILAND.
POISON DART FROG
Frogs: A Chorus of Colors
Exhibit Opens April 17 | Member Preview April 16
Photo © Ashely McCabe
Photo © Michael Malyszko
Making Science Fun
and Accessible for All
The Museum makes it easy to get involved at the Cambridge Science Festival.
Home to half the Museum of Science and world-class research
and academic institutions, Cambridge is no doubt one of the
strongest hubs of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and
math). So there’s no better place for the tenth annual Cambridge
Science Festival featuring programs throughout the city, including many right here at Science Park!
music hosted by radio journalist Ari Daniel on Wednesday,
April 20, and Space Station, a group challenge by game
designer Jared Sorensen on Thursday, April 21. Check under
“adult offerings” in the calendar and purchase tickets for both
programs at mos.org/events.
Special Activities
Also, take part in Boston Marathon® activities throughout
the Exhibit Halls during the days leading up to the April 18
race. And while you’re here, don’t miss our newest permanent
exhibition, the Yawkey Gallery on the Charles River. Discover
the marvels of natural engineering in Animals:
Machines in Motion (on exhibit through
May 8), attend a Lightning! show, Live
Animal Story Time presentation, and
much more!
Museum activities include Solar Lunch, where you can observe
the Sun and possibly sunspots and solar flares through the
Museum’s safe solar telescope. In Shake Things Up, use your
creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills to engineer a
model building that can withstand an earthquake. Participate
in Hands-On Laboratory: What Is DNA? to discover how our
understanding of DNA has created new possibilities in science
and engineering, and stop by the Flagship Clubhouse to build
your own electrical circuit!
Programs Under the Dome
Most Museum events are free
with Exhibit Halls
admission. For more
information:
mos.org. For
a complete list
of Cambridge
Science Festival events:
cambridgesciencefestival.org.
The Charles Hayden Planetarium is hosting two key events—
Stories Under the Stars featuring live storytelling, radio, and
Cambridge Science Festival
April 15 – 24
Photo © Nicolaus Czarnecki
“It’s wonderful to be part of this large scientific community in
Cambridge, and the festival is an excellent opportunity for the
Museum to showcase special activities, and also to introduce
people to all of the amazing things that we always do and have
here,” says Susan Heilman, Museum educator and organizer
of the Museum’s portion of the festival.
Ongoing Favorites
Food for Thought
Enjoy a special menu of activities and presentations during Food Weekend!
Science is everywhere, and the kitchen table is no exception.
What you eat every day can inspire questions about its origin
and connection to a world increasingly focused on health and
sustainability. Now you can seek answers to these aspects of the
edible world through science, technology, engineering, and math
during Food Weekend, May 14 – 15 throughout the Exhibit Halls.
officer at the Best Bees Company. Also, discover new information
on nutrition and what makes a diet healthy.
Learning STEM through Food
With this event and related prior exhibitions and programs,
like the popular Our Global Kitchen and The Photography of
Modernist Cuisine temporary offerings, the Museum is com-
From Seed to Meal
mitted to providing STEM education through the topic of food.
Growing, cooking, and sharing are the three areas of focus
“Food intersects with virtually every academic discipline, and it
during the two-day experience. Learn about the seeds that kick
is essential that science centers play an active role in teaching
off the long journey toward your dinner plate. Enjoy cooking
the public about nutrition, agriculture, and our increasingly
demonstrations and learn new aspects about food from
complex food systems,” says Ioannis Miaoulis, Museum
presenters sharing their experiences and expertise.
president and director and celebrated chef.
Sustainability is a major issue for people who care about the
Enjoy a weekend that will feed your mind with new ideas about
planet and want it to thrive. Find out how we can create and
what you’re putting in your mouth, the latest in a series of themed
consume food while minimizing our carbon footprint and
offerings that include archaeology, computers, and weather.
keeping it as local as possible. Learn about urban beekeeping
during a presenation by Noah Wilson-Rich, chief scientific
Free with Exhibit Halls admission. For more information: mos.org/events.
Focused on the Mission
The Museum formed the Food Task Force two years ago.
Chaired by retired Raytheon CEO and Museum overseer
William Swanson and composed of trustees, overseers,
and friends of the Museum who all share an interest in
this topic, the task force explores how the subject of
food can fit into the Museum’s long-range plan and move
forward its STEM education mission.
Food Weekend
Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 15
Enjoy an
Exclusive Sleepover
A night at the Museum is fun for everyone!
Ever wonder what it’s like to sleep next to a dinosaur? Are you curious what the
Museum looks like in the late hours long after most visitors have gone home?
Find out the answers to these questions and more during a Member Overnight!
Photo © Ian MacLellan
Like Being in a Movie
You have two upcoming chances to enjoy this exclusive after-hours experience
for elementary-school-age children (ages 6 – 13) and accompanying adults—
on Saturday, June 18 and Friday, June 24. Purchase tickets starting April 12
for Premier members (April 14 for Basic members). Then you’re on your way
toward creating memories that you thought were only possible on the silver
screen—a real night at the Museum!
Enjoy nearly empty Exhibit Halls and special activities designed just for the
overnight. After that, a late-hour Lightning! show will brighten your night.
And when it’s time to sleep, you can cozy up to our exhibits, perhaps even
Member
Appreciation Night:
Our Home on the Charles River
Sunday, May 15 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
next to Triceratops Cliff.
The fun continues the next morning with a larger-than-life film in the Mugar
Omni Theater. It’s a big way to conclude this one-of-a-kind experience!
Overnight Details
• Fee: $50 per person. Advance registration is required. Space is limited; first
come, first served.
• Dinner options: Bring your own meal or visit the Riverview Café.
• Check-in is 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. The program officially ends at 11:00 a.m.
the next morning. Overnight parking rate is $5.
• Confirmation letters are sent along
with your overnight “survival
guide” to help you prepare
for a successful stay.
• For more information,
contact membership:
617-589-0180.
The Charles River is the theme! Explore the Museum’s newest permanent exhibition, the Yawkey Gallery on the Charles River, and other Exhibit Halls features in a less-crowded setting—just you and fellow
members. Enjoy exclusive activities and complimentary tickets to the 4-D Theater and Butterfly Garden! Free, with
complimentary parking.
Overnight Rules
To ensure a safe and enjoyable time for all:
• Children must be accompanied by adult
chaperones (21+) at all times. A minimum of
one chaperone per five children is required.
• Anyone under the influence or in possession
of alcohol or drugs will be required to leave.
Photo © Matthew Modoono
• Inappropriate behavior (including, but not limited to, ignoring
guidelines or engaging in acts
of aggression) will be grounds
for dismissal.
Member Overnight
Saturday, June 18 or Friday, June 24
Calendar of Events
April – May 2016
inspire
Information is subject to change.
Please confirm all dates and times:
617-723-2500, mos.org.
CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
April
2
Nano Days
9
Thomas & Friends 4-D and
SpongeBob SquarePants 4-D Opens
Saturday
Saturday
Special Event—Explore nanoscale science
throughout the Exhibit Halls. 11:00 a.m. –
3:00 p.m.
4-D Films—Enjoy these two new familyfriendly experiences in our immersive
4-D Theater. M ! $
May
4
Wednesday
13
Wednesday
Book Club for the Curious
14
Food Weekend
15
Member Appreciation Night
18
Cosmic Loops
25
Becoming Nicole
Thursday
14
Thursday
15
Friday
Stars of STEM Celebration
!
$
Cambridge Science Festival Begins
Citywide Event—Activities showcase the
city’s position at the forefront of science.
Through April 24.
Member Preview:
Frogs: A Chorus of Colors
20
Stories Under the Stars
Wednesday
21
Thursday
Sunday
Attend the Museum’s annual gala. 6:00 p.m.
16
Saturday
Saturday
Endless Abilities
Enjoy a fun, surprising documentary about
adaptive sports for individuals with physical
disabilities. 6:30 p.m. M !
Wednesday
Wednesday
Exclusive Member Event—Jump into the
fun with frogs from around the world. Exhibit
opens to the public April 17.
True stories and live music explore the
theme of “Light in the Dark” in the Charles
Hayden Planetarium. 7:30 p.m. ! $
Discuss Life’s Great Secret: The Race to
Crack the Genetic Code by Matthew Cobb.
Cambridge Innovation Center. 5:30 p.m.
Also April 14: The Planet Remade: How
Geoengineering Could Change the World by
Oliver Morton.
Participate in hands-on activities and watch
presentations from experts about growing,
cooking, and sharing in a celebration of food
with a STEM twist. Also, May 15.
Exclusive Member Event—Exhibit Halls
open for our special guests: you, our
members! 6:00 ­– 9:00 p.m.
Soar through nebulas, galaxies, and star
systems as virtuoso performers build a
universe of musical loops. 7:15 p.m. ! $
Identical twins Nicole and Jonas Maines discuss with Dr. Norman P. Spack their childhood
story and Nicole’s journey and transition to
female. 7:00 p.m. M !
SYMBOL KEY
M
M
embers may reserve tickets in advance and/or
receive discounts.
!
Reservations are either required or
Space Station
The entire Planetarium audience plays a
single character trying to survive a dangerous
situation in space! 7:30 p.m. ! $
Enjoy a three-course feast for your eyes and
ears, from live microscopy to interactive tastings. 7:00 p.m. M !
12
Boston Marathon® Days
Special Event—Learn how the human body
adapts to meet the demands of endurance
sports. Also, April 10, 16, and 17.
Gastropod
strongly recommended.
$
A fee is associated with this event or exhibit.
4-D Theater
For showtimes and tickets: 617-723-2500, mos.org.
Shows run approximately 15 minutes. Member price: $5.
Sign Up for Summer Courses!
New!
Thomas & Friends 4-D: Bubbling Boilers!
Opens Saturday, April 9
Join Thomas & Friends in this thrilling 4-D adventure as
they encounter big surprises while racing to an exciting
celebration on Sodor.
© 2016 Gullane (Thomas) Limited.
New! SpongeBob
SquarePants 4-D:
The Great Jelly Rescue
Opens Saturday, April 9
SpongeBob and friends
careen through Bikini Bottom,
run afoul of the Flying Dutchman and face off against the
villainous Plankton on a wildly
hilarious adventure to rescue
the Jellyfish!
Photo © Nicolaus Czarnecki
Looking for stimulating fun for your kids this
summer? Sign up for a week (or more!) of
science courses running July 11 – August 19.
Students entering grades 1 – 8 can choose
from morning, afternoon, or full-day classes!
• For more information and to register: mos.org/courses.
• Summer courses are offered early to Museum members.
Not a member? Join today: 617-723-2500,
mos.org/members.
© 2016 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Nickelodeon. Created by Stephen Hillenburg.
Frozen Planet: The 4-D Experience
Special Vacation Hours
Embark on the ultimate polar expedition and experience the
white wilderness of the Arctic and Antarctic as you have
never seen them before, and may never see them again.
Exhibit Halls hours are extended during
April school vacation week:
Frozen Planet: The 4-D Experience, a BBC and BBC Earth production. The
BBC and BBC Earth are trademarks of the British Broadcasting Corporation
and are used under license. BBC logo © BBC 1996
April 22: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (as usual)
April 16 – 21 and 23: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Photo © Joe McDonald
Charles Hayden Planetarium
For more information: 617-723-2500, mos.org/exhibits.
For showtimes and tickets: 617-723-2500, mos.org.
Service charge waived for members. Shows run approximately
35 – 45 minutes. Member price: $5.
New! Frogs: A Chorus of Colors
FEATURED SHOWS
Exhibit Halls
Opens Sunday, April 17
Get up close with frogs of various colors and sizes in the
most advanced traveling frog exhibition in the nation!
Enjoy many interactives and test your amphibian IQ.
Last Chance! Animals: Machines in Motion
Through Sunday, May 8
Discover the marvels of natural engineering and even
come face-to-face with a life-sized cast of T. rex Sue!
Yawkey Gallery on the Charles River
Learn about the natural and engineered worlds
with a new permanent exhibition that takes advantage
of the Museum’s unique Charles River location.
Butterfly Garden
Explore a living exhibit filled with sunlight, plants,
and free-flying butterflies. Timed tickets required.
Member price: $5.
Thrill Ride 360°
Take a ride on a roller coaster you design in this
full-motion experience! Timed tickets required.
Member price: $5.
FEATURED PRESENTATION
Live presentations are offered throughout the day every day
in the Exhibit Halls. For current schedules: 617-723-2500,
mos.org/daily.
Afternoon Report
Daily; 2:30 p.m.
Join our on-stage anchor in the Gordon Current
Science & Technology Center for a rapid-fire news
report touching on the latest science headlines.
Generously supported by Cabot Corporation.
Returning! Magic Tree House® Space Mission
Opens Saturday, April 9
Brother-and-sister duo Jack and Annie embark on a
wondrous journey of adventure and learning to answer
questions about space.
Inside NASA: From Dream to Discovery
Experience the extreme nature of spacecraft engineering
and the life cycle of a space mission—from concept to
completion! Produced by the Museum of Science.
Explore: The Universe
Leave the Earth behind and blast off to explore our solar
system, the Milky Way, and beyond. Journey through the
cosmos with a Planetarium educator as your star pilot.
Laser Shows
Friday and Saturday evenings
Enjoy sensational light displays set to popular music!
Lineup features pop icon Michael Jackson and
legendary rock band Pink Floyd.
Gilliland Observatory
Free, thanks to the generosity of the Lowell Institute.
Astronomy After Hours
Fridays; 8:30 – 10:00 p.m.
View stars, planets, the Moon, and other astronomical
phenomena from the Museum garage roof! On cloudy
nights, tour the inside of our Observatory and participate
in astronomy-related activities. For more details, call
617-589-0267, updated by 5:30 p.m. every Friday.
Mugar Omni Theater
Adult Offerings
Featuring New England’s only IMAX® Dome screen. For
showtimes, tickets, and a complete list of films now playing:
617-723-2500, mos.org. Service charge waived for members.
Shows run approximately 50 minutes. Member price: $5.
For more information: 617-723-2500, mos.org/events. Funded
in part by the Barbara and Malcolm L. Sherman Fund for Adult
Programs and by the David and Marion Ellis Endowment Fund.
Sponsored by
ENGINEERED WORLDS
FEATURED FILMS
New! National Parks Adventure
Visit Yellowstone, Yosemite, the
Everglades, and more on
the 100th anniversary of
the National Park Service.
Wild Africa
Explore the world and its changing environment.
Editing the Genome: Now We Can. Should We?
Tuesday, April 19; 7:00 p.m.
From yogurt to HIV to mosquitos, scientists are coming
up with new ways to use a gene-editing technique that
is more precise, efficient, and flexible. Learn about its
benefits and risks, and share your opinion about
potential applications. Refreshments start at 6:30 p.m.
Meet the amazing creatures
that call Africa home and learn
the secrets of a land where the
real world is more awe-inspiring
than any fiction.
• Free; advance registration begins Tuesday, March 29 for
members: mos.org/events (Thursday, March 31 for the
general public).
Returning! Dolphins
ON BEING HUMAN
Opens Saturday, April 9
How do we know what we know about dolphins? Join
marine biologists on a deep-sea swim to observe the
lives of dolphins in the wild.
Understanding the complexities of the human experience.
Enhancing Your Experience
This summer the Museum will unveil a renovated
lobby. In addition to refreshing and updating
this very visible and high traffic area, we are also
relocating the Information Desk to create
a unified, unobstructed space.
This is one in a series of transformations that are
improving the Museum experience for our guests.
• Presented in collaboration with the City of Cambridge.
Part of the Cambridge Science Festival.
ReelAbilities Film Festival Presents
Endless Abilities
Wednesday, April 13; 6:30 p.m.
Four best friends drive cross-country in search of
adaptive sports for individuals with physical disabilities.
Their cameras captured their adventures featuring rock
climbing with people who are blind, playing soccer with
quadriplegics, and more. Plus, introduction and conversation with Paralympian and activist
Eli A. Wolff and film producer
Will Humphrey.
• Free, thanks to the generosity of the
Lowell Institute. Additional funding
provided by the Richard S. Morse Fund.
• Advance registration begins Monday,
March 28 for members: mos.org/events
(Wednesday, March 30 for the
general public).
A Reno Family Foundation
Symposium
Becoming Nicole
SUSTAINING LIFE
An ongoing look at food, water, and climate change.
Wednesday, May 25; 7:00 p.m.
Born identical twin boys,
Nicole and Jonas Maines
discuss with Dr. Norman P.
Spack their childhood story
and Nicole’s journey and
ultimate transition to female.
Signing of the book, Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family by Pulitzer Prize-winning
journalist Amy Ellis Nutt, follows.
Gastropod
•F
unding provided by the Reno Family Foundation Fund. Free,
thanks to the generosity of the Lowell Institute.
• Advance registration begins Monday, April 18 for members:
mos.org/events (Wednesday, April 20 for the general public).
Wednesday, May 4; 7:00 p.m.
How do microbes create the flavor of your favorite
cheese? How does music affect the taste of chocolate?
Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley, co-hosts of the podcast Gastropod, serve up a feast for your eyes and ears,
from live microscopy to interactive tastings.
• Funding provided by the Barbara and Malcolm L. Sherman
Fund for Adult Programs. Free, thanks to the generosity of the
Lowell Institute.
•A
dvance registration begins Monday, May 9 for members:
mos.org/events (Wednesday, May 11 for the general public).
WHEN SCIENCE MEETS ART
Shattering the boundaries between art, science, and technology.
Stories Under the Stars
Wednesday, April 20; 7:30 p.m.
Come to the Charles Hayden Planetarium for an evening
of live storytelling, radio, and music under the stars. Hear
true stories that explore the theme of “Light in the Dark,”
all unfolding beneath the canopy of our cosmos.
• Fee: $12; purchase tickets in advance at mos.org/events.
•H
osted by science reporter Ari Daniel and co-produced by Ari
and the Museum of Science, Boston, as part of the Cambridge
Science Festival.
Space Station
Thursday, April 21; 7:30 p.m.
Join game designer Jared Sorensen in the Charles
Hayden Planetarium as we break new ground. Inspired
by the text-parsing games of the ’80s, Space Station
allows you to play a single character trying to survive a
dangerous situation…in space!
• Fee: $10; purchase tickets in advance at mos.org/events.
• Part of the Cambridge Science Festival.
Cosmic Loops
Wednesday, May 18; 7:15 p.m.
Acoustic double-neck guitarist Ian Ethan Case leads
a rare quartet performance under stunning full-dome
visuals in the Planetarium.
• Fee: $15; purchase tickets in advance at mos.org/events.
AND MORE
Find even more offerings at mos.org/events.
Stars of STEM Celebration
Thursday, April 14; 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of food, drink, and interactive
experiences as we toast the 2016 Stars of STEM—the
Deshpande Foundation, with Jaishree and Gururaj “Desh”
Deshpande accepting, and Google, with Vint Cerf, its chief
Internet evangelist and Internet co-inventor, accepting.
Plus, stay for the first-ever Sparks After Dark: The Stars
of STEM Celebration After Party (starts at 9:00 p.m.),
hosted by The Innovators.
• For more information: 617-589-0185, [email protected],
mos.org/starsofstem.
• Individual tickets start at $350, including seated dinner,
evening program, and after-party admission. (For after
party only: $75 for Innovators, $100 for general public.)
Sponsorship opportunities are available for both.
Exclusive Member Events
For more information, 617-589-0180, mos.org/members.
Photo © Ian MacLellan
Member Preview: Frogs: A Chorus of Colors
Saturday, April 16; 9:00 a.m.
Be among the first to see this new temporary exhibit and
come away with a new appreciation for an animal that’s
been hopping around since the days of the dinosaurs!
• Free. No reservations required.
• Entrance is limited to the number of Exhibit Halls admissions
permitted with your membership level. Bring your active
membership card with you.
• For more information: 617-589-0180.
Member Tips
Member Appreciation Night:
Our Home on the Charles River
• Take advantage of extended school vacation week
hours: mos.org/hours.
Sunday, May 15; 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
See the new permanent exhibit, Yawkey Gallery on
the Charles River, in a less-crowded setting and enjoy
exclusive activities, plus free Butterfly Garden and
4-D Theater admission!
•B
ring your current membership card for immediate
Exhibit Halls entry as well as discounts in the Museum
garage, store, and café.
•R
eserve tickets in advance. We’ll waive the handling
fees. Call 617-723-2500 or visit mos.org just a few days
before your arrival.
•T
ake public transportation or have a backup plan for
parking in case the Museum garage reaches capacity.
See mos.org/parking for ideas.
•A
void peak times by arriving before 10:30 a.m. or after
3:00 p.m. Museum parking is first come, first served.
Garage payment is by credit or debit card only.
•A
rrive at least one hour before scheduled shows
to allow for parking. No late entries to timed shows.
Exciting Changes Coming!
Do we have your email address? The Museum
has adopted a new database and ticketing system
and we need this address so you can set up your
online account. This system will enable us to
offer new services to members, including:
•E
lectronic bonus passes upon renewal that can be
redeemed for tickets not only by phone and in person,
but also online.
•O
nline membership and information updates.
Watch future issues for more information. If you
are not currently receiving email updates from
us, please email [email protected] or call
617-589-0180 with your name, membership
number, and email address.
• Free. No reservations required. Complimentary parking.
• Entrance is limited to the number of Exhibit Halls admissions
permitted with your membership level. Bring your active
membership card with you.
• Butterfly Garden and 4-D Theater tickets are first come,
first served.
• For more information: 617-589-0180.
Let’s Celebrate July 4th!
Ticket Sales Start in April
Celebrate with family entertainment, science activities,
and the Boston Pops Concert live via radio, capped by
fireworks over the Charles River. The annual membersonly event takes place on the Museum’s garage roof, one
of the city’s best vantage points. Detailed ticketing and
ordering information available on mos.org in late April.
• Ticket availability is limited to the number of Exhibit Halls
admissions permitted with your membership level.
• Tickets go on sale for Discoverers and Explorers
Thursday, April 28; Premier Level members
Tuesday, May 3; and Basic Level members
Thursday, May 5.
• All tickets are sold first come, first served.
Advance purchase is recommended.
Events
For more information: 617-723-2500, mos.org/events.
Cambridge Science
Festival
Nano Days
Friday, April 15 –
Sunday, April 24
Did you know that the world’s
largest air-insulated Van de
Graaff generator (star of our
famous Lightning! show) was
developed in Cambridge?
Learn about this and more
during the festival, which
showcases science, technology, engineering, and math in
one of the strongest hubs
of STEM in the US!
Saturday, April 2; 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Imagine, discover, and explore a world too small to
see. Celebrate nanoscale science and enjoy activities
throughout the Exhibit Halls, including The Amazing
Nano Brothers Juggling Show, guest research presentations, and hands-on activities.
• Free with Exhibit Halls admission.
• For more information: mos.org/nanodays.
Boston Marathon® Days
Saturdays, April 9 and 16, and Sundays,
April 10 and 17; 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Learn the science behind long-distance running from
Museum staff and volunteers, guest speakers, and
biology-related components in the Hall of Human Life.
On race day (Monday, April 18), watch a live feed of the
race—and try to spot the Museum’s marathon runners!
• Free with Exhibit Halls admission.
•F
or more information on activities: mos.org/events. For information on the Museum’s Boston Marathon® fundraising team:
mos.org/marathon.
Chemists Celebrate Earth Day
Sunday, April 10
Participate in activities and presentations
facilitated by local chemists and students as
part of a national Earth Day celebration of
chemistry. This year’s theme is The Great
Indoors—The Home Ecosystem.
• Free with Exhibit Halls
admission.
• For more information: mos.org/events and
cambridgesciencefestival.org.
Photo © Nicolaus Czarnecki
Food Weekend
Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 15
Learn about growing, cooking, and sharing through
hands-on activities and presentations from food experts.
Discover the connections between food and science,
technology, engineering, and math.
• Free with Exhibit Halls admission.
• For more information: mos.org/events.
• Free with Exhibit Halls admission.
The Museum’s exhibitions and educational programs receive
important support from individual members and donors like you.
Additional support provided by:
The Massachusetts
Cultural Council
Media Partner
Museum of Science 617-723-2500 mos.org
i
Cover Photo © Matthew Modoono
The Museum of Science gratefully acknowledges the support of our
Premier Partners:
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Museum News
EiE Director Earns Honor
IEEE, the world’s largest professional
association advancing technology, has
recognized Christine Cunningham, PhD,
director of the Museum’s Engineering
is Elementary® (EiE®) project, with the
Educational Activities Board Pre-University
Educator Award. This award recognizes
individuals who have inspired pre-K – 12
students to appreciate mathematics, science,
technology, and engineering and to pursue
careers in these fields. (Dr. Cunningham,
on the right, is shown with award-winning
teacher Vanessa Ford.)
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Museum Marathoners Fuel
Traveling Programs
Kate and Dan Relihan are on the Museum’s
17-member team running in the 120th Boston
Marathon® on April 18. “The Museum of Science
was a childhood favorite for my husband and
me,” says Kate. “As members, we are excited
to give back and support outreach to kids who
might not have the opportunity to experience the
Museum without Traveling Programs.” Since
2010, Museum runners have raised $567,989
for Traveling Programs. Meet more runners and
support the team at mos.org/marathon.
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Skyping in Space
Students from seven schools had an out-ofthis-world experience as part of the Museum’s
High School Science Series earlier in the
school year. They spoke via Skype with
astronaut Scott Kelly, who was in the middle
of his yearlong stay on the International Space
Station. Students asked Kelly many questions,
including what life is like on the station,
whether he gets homesick, and even if he
believes there is life outside our solar system.
Photo © TMP Images
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Volcanovision
Julia Sable, Museum education associate, is
featured on the History Channel program
Secret Earth: Super Volcano. A volcanologist,
Sable answered questions for TV host
Craig Beals as they flew over and toured
the Yellowstone Caldera, which was created
640,000 years ago following a massive
volcanic eruption. The program first aired in
December, but is repeated periodically.
Creative Making
The Museum’s Clubhouse Network has partnered with the MIT Media Lab to write the book
Start Making! A Guide to Engaging Young People
in Maker Activities, published by Maker Media.
Through the process of designing and making
projects, young people build confidence, camaraderie, and curiosity about science, technology,
art, engineering, and math concepts. The Clubhouse Network has provided thousands of youth
with life-changing opportunities for over 20
years. Learn more at theclubhousenetwork.org.
General Information
EXHIBIT HALLS HOURS
• Saturday – Thursday
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Open until 7:00 p.m. July 5 – Labor Day)
• Friday
9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Thanksgiving Eve and Christmas Eve 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day Closed
Subject to change and extended during
Massachusetts school vacations. See
calendar. For updates: mos.org/hours.
TICKETS AND MEMBERSHIP
Advance reservations recommended. For current prices and to purchase tickets: mos.org.
For membership information: 617-589-0180, [email protected], mos.org/members.
Photo © Michael Malyszko
DIRECTIONS AND PARKING
• P LAN AHEAD A state project on the Longfellow Bridge is rerouting traffic in front of the Museum. Please allow extra travel time or consider taking public transportation. For updates: mos.org/traveltips.
• Address 1 Science Park, Boston, MA 02114
• Detailed Directions mos.org/directions • Parking Museum garage parking is available first come, first served. Members receive a discount.
BOSTON DUCK TOURS
Tickets sold on the front plaza. DUCKs depart from the driveway near the T. rex. Tours run daily, April – November. For reservations: 617-267-3825, bostonducktours.com.
QUESTIONS? Call Science
Central at 617-723-2500.
Sparks! APRIL – MAY 2016
MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS
Director: Carl Zukroff
Editors: Christopher DelConte,
Jonathan Friedman
Art Director: Lori Sartre
EVENT PLANNING
Host your next event at the Museum of Science! Food services provided by Wolfgang Puck Catering. For information: 617-589-0125 (Monday – Friday), [email protected]. Members are eligible for special rates.
ACCESSIBILITY
For information or accommodation requests: 617-589-3102, [email protected], mos.org/accessibility. Please request ASL interpreters at least two weeks in advance.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Designers: Fanny Dines, Nicole Guzzo,
Lianne Stoddard
CONTRIBUTORS
Cynthia Berger, Anna Brophy, Gail Jennes,
Gabriel Mosse, William Walsh
Sparks is published bimonthly.
Circulation: 55,000.
© 2016 Museum of Science, Boston.
All rights reserved.
Field Trips
For information about Museum field trips and other opportunities for educators, such as the Teacher Partner Program: [email protected], mos.org/educators.
Traveling Programs
Bring a fun and interactive Museum program to your pre K – 8 school or community center! For information and reservations: 617-589-0354, [email protected], mos.org/travelingprograms.
STAY CONNECTED WITH
THE MUSEUM COMMUNITY!
For updates, special offers, and fun science:
Member
E-News at [email protected]
@
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Salem, NH
Permit #151
Frogs: A Chorus of Colors
See cover story
Sparks!
APR I L – MAY 2016
A Newsletter for Members and Friends of the Museum of Science
Member
Appreciation
Night
Sunday, May 15
Explore the new Yawkey Gallery
on the Charles River and more
with your fellow members!
Photo © Ian MacLellan
Details inside.