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 !

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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.) 1

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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. 4

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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.