JUNE –JULY2014

Sparks!ANewsletterforMembersandFriendsoftheMuseumofScience

Looking for ways to beat the heat while learning about science? Two new temporary exhibits

complement the Museum’s existing offerings for a lineup of sweet summer fun now through September 1.

“Snot”Science

Curious about the causes

of bad breath, body odor,

pimples, scabs, and other

gross stuff? Learn why slimy,

mushy, oozy, and stinky func-

tions occur every day in our bodies

in GROSSOLOGY: The (Impolite) Continued on next page

InsideThisIssue

• Summer of Science

• New Theater Experience

• Researchers Revealed

Gear Up for Summer Selections Adults and children alike will find plenty to discover at the Museum this summer.

Science of the Human Body.

Based on the bestselling book series,

this interactive “science-in-disguise”

exhibit promotes learning while

having fun. The humorous

approach harnesses kids’ natural

curiosity about their bodies to

teach the science behind the

human organism using medical

definitions, cutaway art and models,

and videos.

Meet Nigel Nose-It-All, a phlegmatic

character who explains how sinuses, nostrils,

and nose hairs work. Put your own nose to the

test and match pungent body odors to their source

at the Y U Stink station.

Then pump a three-foot bottle of

soda into Burp Man and watch

as his stomach pressure

increases—when the pres-

sure reaches a threshold,

Burp Man lets loose a

giant belch!

Need more hands-on

action? Fans of video

games will be drawn

to Urine: The Game,

where you’ll experience

firsthand how the kid-

neys remove waste from

blood. Or, make simu-

lated gas noises at the

Toot Toot station, while

learning about the vibrations and physics

at work as your stomach and intestines

break down food into energy.

Round out your visit with a larger-than-life

operating table at the Patients Please! game

and a multi-player trivia game hosted by a

character dubbed “Her Grossness”!

TheTaleofaWhale

This summer, you can also track a humpback whale’s journey

from right here in Massachusetts to the Caribbean—without

leaving the Exhibit Halls!

Animals Without Passports follows Salt, a humpback whale, as

she travels from the northern Atlantic Ocean to warmer tropical

waters. She’ll travel continuously at speeds of 3 – 9 mph and

GROSSOLOGYAnimalsWithoutPassports

cover more than 1,000 miles per month during this migration,

which allows her to feed in the nutrient-rich northern waters

and give birth in warmer southern waters.

To promote awareness of the humpback’s incredible voyage,

Animals Without Passports introduces visitors to the Stellwagen

Bank National Marine Sanctuary. This 842-square-mile area at

the mouth of Massachusetts Bay is a natural haven for whales

because of the remarkable abundance of marine mammal

food sources. In fact, the sanctuary is one of the world’s top

whale-watching destinations.

Explore issues affecting marine ecosystems and examine our

own role in protecting humpback whales. For example, human

activity contributes to pollution, toxic substances in the water,

and an increasing supply of plastic that entraps smaller animals.

Sonar testing, net entanglement, and ship strikes also affect

the humpback whales’ migratory journey.

Salt’s annual trek takes

her on a journey of

nearly 3,000 miles,

but you can experience

it all in just a few footsteps!

Adding to the summer fun, you can

also explore your favorite video games,

sports, and music through the lens of

mathematics in 2theXtreme: MathAlive!

(on exhibit through September 1).

GROSSOLOGY Exhibition produced by Advanced Animations LLC., in collaboration with Science World British Columbia. GROSSOLOGY is a registered trademark of Penguin Group (USA).

Animals Without Passports courtesy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Exhibit funding provided by NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.

On Exhibit Through September 1

Have you ever watched a film that seemed so real, it felt like

you were actually there? The Museum is bringing you the next

best thing—and raising science content to a whole new level—

with a brand new 4-D Theater, opening late this summer!

Visitors will enjoy high-definition 3-D projection, delight

in exciting audioscapes, and be surprised by precisely

timed in-theater special effects. In this unique immersive

environment, you’ll actually feel the spray of water as a whale

breaches, or the howling wind and snow of an Arctic scene.

FeeltheExperience

This new multi-sensory journey starts with the seats

themselves, which simulate the rumble of an earthquake

or the thunderous feel of a plane flying close overhead.

You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of the story as real

bubbles float down from the ceiling, aromatic scents fill

the air, and a spritz of water refreshes you. Visitors of

all ages, from kids to kids at heart, will be delighted by

the effects.

State-of-the-ArtTechnology

The Museum’s technology partner, Toronto-based

SimEx-Iwerks, has captivated millions with the magic of

4-D at select North American zoos, aquariums, museums,

and theme parks. As the world leader in cinematic attractions

specializing in this innovative technology, they have

collaborated with Warner Bros., 20th Century Fox, BBC

Earth, Nickelodeon, National Geographic, and other quality

content producers.

With breezy gusts of wind, falling snow, and misting water,

the 4-D Theater is a perfect summer escape!

Check mos.org for theater opening date and film schedules. Films run approximately 15 minutes. Timed tickets required. Members receive a discount.

Step into the Next DimensionComing late summer, our new 4-D Theater immerses you in the action!

Dora&Diego’s4-DAdventure Swiper has lost control of his Robot Butterfly, and it’s up to Dora, Diego, and Boots to chase it from the warm rainforest to the icy Arctic.© 2014 Viacom International Inc. All rights reserved. Nickelodeon and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

PlanetEarth:ShallowSeas4-DExperienceDescend beneath the surface of the ocean in this adventure to explore some of the world’s richest coral reefs and shallow coastal waters.A BBC/Discovery Channel/NHK co-production, in association with the CBC. PHOTOGRAPHY © Doug Perrine/naturepl.com

HappyFeet4-DExperience!Put on your dancing shoes and boogie with Mumble and his Emperor Penguin friends—his happy feet may ultimately save their endangered colony.HAPPY FEET and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s14)

Photo courtesy of SimEx-Iwerks

COMINGATTRACTIONS

Be a Part of Science as It HappensLiving Laboratory® program breaks down barriers between scientists and visitors.

You may think that all scientists work behind closed doors in university labs filled with expensive, high-tech gadgets.

But did you know that current science research is being

conducted on the Museum floor in plain view almost every

day? Thanks to our Living Laboratory program, visitors of all

ages can even play a part!

APrimeronParticipating

Living Laboratory scientists engage the public in research

studies within dynamic Museum exhibits, including the

Discovery Center and Hall of Human Life.

Recent examples of activities include testing your balance

on a mat, counting rubber ducks within a box, searching

for objects in a virtual apple orchard, and making judgments

about original artwork and copies.

Information about the scientists and studies occurring on

a given day is posted at each site. Additionally, handouts

explaining the study in visitor-friendly terms are available.

Each handout includes suggestions of related science activi-

ties, so you can practice science within the exhibit or at home.

Collaborating researchers come from Massachusetts Eye and

Ear Infirmary, Harvard University, MIT, Boston Children’s

Hospital, and other institutions. Individual studies are capped

at 15 minutes, although you can expect to spend an average of

six minutes.

MutualProfessionalDevelopment

Graduate, undergraduate, and even some high school

students participate in Living Laboratory. To further their

professional development, the Museum trains these early-

career scientists on how to communicate with the general

Tasha Posid, a PhD candidate at Boston College, is currently studying the development of children’s understanding of numbers at the Museum.

“The interactive nature of the Museum allows us to ask some new and important questions,” Tasha says. “Living Laboratory has also aided in the evolution of exciting and interactive studies that children are eager to partici-

pate in, [involving] laptops or touch screen computers.

“Not only is this a fun experience for children and their parents, but it is a great way for members of the community to participate directly in the scientific process in a valuable and applicable way.”

Through research at the Discovery Center, Tasha and her team found that just a few minutes of practice with verbal counting can help young children develop an understanding of cardinality, or the number of elements in a set.

Photo © Nicolaus Czarnecki

TashaPosid:ACaseStudy

public. For example, they’ll learn how to use non-scientific

language to describe their studies, methods, and terms like

“controls” and “conditions.”

In return, Museum educators are exposed to current science

topics and gain increased comfort in talking with visitors

about research. Sometimes, as a result of their interactions

and observations, Museum educators have changed their

own approach to teaching in the exhibit. It’s a mutually

beneficial partnership that encourages and challenges

both researchers and educators to serve the general public

more effectively.

Science’sSupportingStars

One of the unique aspects of the

program is that study participants

and scientists are discovering answers

to questions at the same time. As

a result of this collaboration,

researchers often utilize a visitor’s

outside perspective to follow up on

past studies or ask new questions they

had not previously considered.

Visitors can therefore directly influence the scope of

real science—whether it’s the questions that are asked, the

demographics that are studied, or the conclusions that are

drawn. (Read a researcher’s perspective in the sidebar at left.)

So far, more than 500 Living Laboratory researchers

have been trained in informal science education practices,

resulting in more than 56,000 educational interactions!

LivingLaboratoryModelExpandstoNewSitesThe Living Laboratory model for child development

research in museums has spread to more than

a dozen museum sites throughout the US

and Canada.

Developed at the Museum’s Discovery Center

in 2004 and supported by the National Science

Foundation, the model has been adopted by the

Maryland Science Center, Madison Children’s

Museum, the Oregon Museum of Science &

Industry, and other sites (see below).

A growing community of scientists and early

childhood educators encourages the sharing of

information and resources about the model to

other science centers and children’s museums

in their respective regions. As part of the dynamic

relationship, the Museum provides training, evalua-

tion tools, and feedback to each institution.

Living Laboratory is also gaining attention in the

academic community: To date, at least 30 scientific

articles using data collected in the Discovery

Center have been accepted for publication in

peer-reviewed academic journals.

HUB CITIES

NORTHEAST REGION

MID-ATLANTIC/SOUTHEAST REGION

MID-WEST/SOUTHERN REGION

WEST-COAST/SOUTHWEST REGION

For more information: livinglab.org.

Calendar of EventsJune – July 2014

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explore

June July Mars and BeyondLearn the science of the stars during this space-themed weekend of live presenta-tions and activities. Journey through the solar system and beyond, guided by scientists who work on real space missions! Also Sunday, June 8. 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Book Club for the CuriousJoin a discussion about The Future of the Mind: The Scientific Quest to Understand, Enhance, and Empower the Mind by Michio Kaku. Cambridge Innovation Center. 5:30 p.m.

Member OvernightExclusive Member Event—Enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the Exhibit Halls and more! Geared for children ages 6 – 13 and their families. 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 a.m. Also Friday, June 27. $

EurekaFest™Cheer on students as they compete in the ultimate design battle, and put your own skills of invention to the test! 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTSInformation is subject to change. Please confirm all dates and times: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org.

Jerusalem ClosesFilm—Take advantage of your last chance to see the tangled alleyways and holy sites of this ancient city. You’ll also learn about the young people who call this land their home. $

Let’s Celebrate July 4th!Exclusive Member Event—Join this popular rooftop party for our country’s independence and get a great view of the fireworks over the Charles. 5:30 p.m. M ! $

Book Club for the CuriousJoin a discussion about The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert. Cambridge Innovation Center. 5:30 p.m.

SYMBOL KEY

M Members may reserve tickets in advance and/or receive discounts.

! Reservations are either required or strongly recommended.

$ A fee is associated with this event or exhibit.

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Mugar Omni TheaterFeaturing New England’s only IMAX® Dome screen. For showtimes, tickets, and a complete list of films now playing: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org. Service charge waived for members. Shows run approximately 50 minutes.

Sponsored by

FEATURED FILMS

New! Pandas: The Journey HomeLearn the inspiring story behind a team of scientists working against all odds to save these beloved, iconic animals from extinction.

Grand Canyon Adventure: River at RiskCelebrate the power and vitality of Earth’s most precious resource—water—and its vulnerability to human population growth.

Gilliland ObservatoryFree, thanks to the generosity of the Lowell Institute.

Astronomy After HoursFridays; 8:30 – 10:00 p.m.Weather permitting, join us on the roof of the Museum’s parking garage for free astronomy-themed fun. On clear nights, you can view stars, planets, the Moon, and other astronomical phenomena. On cloudy nights, tour the inside of our Observatory, and participate in astronomy-related activities run by our knowledgeable staff. For more details, and to find out if Astronomy After Hours is running (early March – late November), call our hotline at 617-589-0267, updated by 5:30 p.m. every Friday.

Journey to the South Pacific Set in the exotic cluster of Indonesia’s many islands, this film explores the region’s breathtaking ancient reefs, ocean life, and human stories.

Last Chance! JerusalemThrough Thursday, July 3 Witness the beauty and majesty of this ancient, beloved city as you discover its many hidden secrets through the eyes of the young people who call it home.

Charles Hayden Planetarium For showtimes and tickets: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org. Service charge waived for members. Shows run approximately 35 – 45 minutes.

New! Wonders of the Night SkyOpens Saturday, July 5Discover the beauty and wonder of the night sky as a live presenter takes you on an adventure through the stars, constellations, and planets.

Magic Tree House® Space MissionPrompted by a mysterious note left in their tree house, a brother-and-sister duo embark on a wondrous journey of adventure to answer questions about space.

Explore: The UniverseLeave 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.

Moons: Worlds of MysteryExperience the spectacular forces at work on these natural satellites, and discover just how complex and wild the solar system really is. Produced by the Museum of Science.

Last Chance! We Are Aliens!Through Friday, July 4Explore how our understanding of life on Earth guides the search for alien life elsewhere in the universe.

Laser ShowsFriday and Saturday eveningsExperience sensational light displays set to popular music! Our lineup features legendary rockers Pink Floyd, pop icons The Beatles, and “America’s Great-est Rock and Roll Band,” Aerosmith.

Support the Washburn Challenge

Bradford Washburn is remembered for his varied achievements—as mountaineer, photographer, and visionary founding director of the Museum of Science. He also created a map of Mount Wash-ington that is still used by climbers today.

To honor Washburn and raise much-needed support for the Museum’s Annual Fund, a team of climbers will ascend Mount Washington on Sunday, July 13.

• To join the team or support their efforts: team.mos.org/challenge.

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Exhibit HallsFor more information: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY),

mos.org/exhibits.

New! GROSSOLOGY: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body Through Monday, September 1

Learn the science behind the slimy, mushy, oozy, and

stinky functions that occur every day in our bodies in this exhibit based on

the bestselling book series.

New! Animals Without PassportsFollow a humpback whale’s migration from Massachusetts to the Caribbean—and learn about the dangers and threats posed along the way, both natural and human-made.

New! 2theXtreme: MathAlive!Through Monday, September 1Interact with sports activities, music, fashion, games, and more in this immersive experience that will reveal there is math behind everything we do!

Hall of Human LifeThrough more than 70 interactive components, you’ll learn the questions that scientists are asking today and explore for yourself how science impacts you—from the psychosocial to the molecular level.

Butterfly GardenExplore a living exhibit filled with sunlight, plants, and free-flying butterflies. Timed tickets required. Discounts available for members.

FEATURED PRESENTATION

Live presentations are offered throughout the day every day in the Exhibit Halls. For current schedules: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org/daily.

Detecting Airborne MoleculesMost days in July; 2:30 p.m.Join us in the Gordon Current Science & Technology Center to celebrate our sense of smell. How can we sniff out sweaty socks even though they are several feet away? What are odorant molecules, and how can we use them to develop machines—electronic noses—that can detect the molecules found in diseases or weapons? On weekends, drop in for an olfactory appetizer at the Smell Bar from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., just before the show.

Reserve a Traveling Program

Bring the Museum to You During the 2014 – 2015 School Year!

The Museum’s Traveling Programs bring a va-riety of Museum experiences such as portable planetariums, hands-on workshops, and exciting presentations to your school. With programs covering astronomy, physics, biology, geology, and engineering, you can enhance your curricu-lum—or simply get your students excited about science!

• To learn more: 617-589-0354, travelingprograms@mos.org.

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Join the Charles River Cleanup

The Charles River accumulates floating debris during the spring and summer—and the Charles River Clean Up Boat comes to the rescue!

The Museum donates funds to support the effort, and Museum staff account for a significant number of the program’s volunteers. Still, this privately funded nonprofit needs more help.

Volunteer for a seven-hour shift as part of the cleanup crew, and receive Exhibit Halls passes for your efforts!

• Learn more at cleanupboat.org.

EventsFor more information: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org/events.

EurekaFest™ 2014Saturday, June 21; 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.High school students from across the county will compete in this eighth annual all-day design chal-lenge. Watch the design trials, fill up your “pass-port” of activities, and win special EurekaFest magnets in a family-friendly day full of engineering and invention! EurekaFest is a local celebration designed to empower the next generation of inventors through activities that inspire youth, honor role models, and encourage creativ-ity and problem solving.

• Free with Exhibit Halls admission.

• For more information about citywide activities (June 19 – 21): 617-253-3352, eurekafest.org.

• EurekaFest is a partnership of the Lemelson-MIT program and the Museum of Science. Supported by Continuum.

Mars and BeyondSaturday and Sunday, June 7 – 8; 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.This fun-filled weekend of live pre-sentations and activities will be out of this world! Enjoy a spectacular journey

through the solar system and beyond, guided by scientists who design and work

on real space missions. Explore the surface of Mars from a rover’s point of view, grapple

with the technological challenges of sending hu-mans to Mars, look for giant magnetic storms on

the Sun, and learn about the search for planets orbiting other stars.

• Free with Exhibit Halls admission.

Exclusive Member EventsFor more information: 617-589-0180, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org/members.

Member OvernightSaturday, June 14 and Friday, June 27; 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 a.m. Ever wonder what happens after hours in our Exhibit Halls? Does the T.rex brush its teeth before bed? Do the bees buzz on past bedtime in the Hall of Human Life? Grab your sleeping bag and toothbrush and find out during our Member Overnight! Enjoy exclusive access to the Exhibit Halls, special live animal presentations, complimentary viewings in the Mugar Omni Theater and Planetarium, and more.

• Fee: $50 per person. Advance registration required. Space is limited; first come, first served.

• Children must be accompanied by adult chaperones age 21 or older.

• To purchase tickets: 617-723-2500 or mos.org/members.

Let’s Celebrate July 4th!Friday, July 4; 5:30 p.m.Celebrate the Fourth of July with a fun-filled evening of family entertainment, science activities, and the Boston Pops Concert live via radio—capped by the spectacular fireworks display over the Charles River. The annual members-only event takes place on the Museum’s ga-rage roof, which provides one of the city’s best views.

• Ticket availability is limited to the number of Exhibit Halls admissions permitted with your membership level.

• All tickets are sold first come, first served. Tickets will not be available for purchase on the day of the event.

• For more information: mos.org/members.

Member Tips

Use these tips for a smoother, more enjoyable visit:

Remember, Exhibit Halls hours are extended during summer vacation:

9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Saturday – Thursday, July 5 – Labor Day)

Fridays: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (as usual)

• Bring your current membership card for immediate Exhibit Halls entry as well as discounts in the Museum garage, store, and café.

• Reserve tickets in advance. We’ll waive the handling fees. Call 617-723-2500 or visit mos.org just a few days before your arrival.

• Take public transportation or have a backup plan for parking in case the Museum garage reaches capacity. See mos.org/parking for ideas.

• Avoid 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.

• Arrive at least one hour before scheduled shows to allow time for parking. Late entries to timed shows are not permitted.

• Visit the member specialists at the Membership Booth, open daily from 10:00 a.m. (weekends at 9:00 a.m.) until 4:00 p.m. Renew or upgrade your membership, purchase show tickets, or find information on upcoming member-exclusive events.

• Discover a variety of hands-on activities throughout the Exhibit Halls on most days. Stop by the Information Booth or the Membership Booth for schedules (morning activities are usually available by 10:45 a.m.; afternoon activities by 1:45 p.m.).

Stay Informed!

Sign up for our monthly Member E-News to receive member event reminders, late-breaking Museum news, and exclusive online offers. Sign up at mos.org/members.

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Primates and Predators Safari

Escape the doldrums of winter and bask in the sights, sounds, and sun of East Africa with the Museum of Science.

You’ll experience Tanzania’s national treasures including Ngorongoro’s breathtaking caldera; Oldupai Gorge, one of the world’s most important archaeological sites; and the wildebeest calving season in the impressive Seren-geti. Then, complete your safari in the lush forests of Rwanda where you’ll trek to see magnificent gorillas*.

Adding to an already unforgettable adventure, you’ll enjoy the good company of Museum educators and experi-enced safari guides Ken Pauley and Lucy Kirshner.

*A limited number of permits for gorilla trek necessitates a 12-month advance booking.

• Reserve early; trips fill quickly. 2015 dates are SOLD OUT.

• For information about our 2016 safari, contact Ken Pauley (978-635-3794, kenpauley@comcast.net) or Joan Hadly (617-589-0148, jhadly@mos.org).

• For more information: web.kenpauley.com.

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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 617-589-0417 (TTY) mos.org

The Museum of Science gratefully acknowledges the support of our Premier Partners:

exploreAdult OfferingsFor more information: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY), 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.

Book Club for the CuriousThursdays, June 12 and July 10; 5:30 p.m. Feeling inquisitive? Looking for good conversation? Love science and books? Free and open to the public, these monthly book discussions focus on science, technology, and their impact on society.

• Location: Cambridge Innovation Center, One Broadway, 14th Floor, Cambridge, MA.

• June 12: The Future of the Mind: The Scientific Quest to Understand, Enhance, and Empower the Mind by Michio Kaku.

• July 10: The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert.

• Presented in partnership with the Cambridge Innovation Center.

3

3 EiEContributestoPBSResourcesforTeachers

The Museum’s Engineering is Elementary®

(EiE®) program has contributed to a new

collection of multimedia resources created

by public broadcaster WGBH in partner-

ship with Raytheon to help K – 12 teachers

understand the new Next Generation Science

Standards and bring engineering into their

classrooms. “Teaching NGSS Engineering

Design Through Media” is hosted on

PBS LearningMedia™, a free collection

of media resources for teachers. Several

EiE lessons are part of the collection, along

with professional development videos that

illustrate classroom best practices. EiE

director Christine Cunningham also

co-hosted an instructional webinar for

elementary teachers.

4 StarPowerattheMuseum

The Museum’s fifth annual signature event,

The Science Behind the Stars, was held

at Science Park on April 29. With members

of the Museum community in attendance,

the event honored the 2014 Star of STEM,

Biogen Idec and The Biogen Idec Founda-

tion. George Scangos, PhD, the CEO of

Biogen Idec and Museum trustee, accepted

the award. The proceeds raised at the event

through ticket sales, sponsorship, and a live

auction will go toward funding Museum

priorities such as student access programs.

1 FundingfromFireworksThe Museum’s Volunteer Service League

is once again organizing the popular Let’s

Celebrate July 4th! rooftop party for Museum

members. With proceeds raised through the

event, the July 4th Grants Program funded

a LEGO® WeDo set called “Robot Soccer”

as well as MaKey MaKey activities for

Cahners ComputerPlace. Other grant-funded

purchases, which are proposed by Museum

staff, include thematic learning costumes

for our Life Cycles Traveling Program and

“Roving Reporter” technology for the Gordon

Current Science & Technology Center.

2 ClimbingforaCause

Stuart Taylor, longtime patron and

Museum overseer, is demonstrating

his attitude for altitude on July 13 as a

four-time participant in the Museum’s

annual Washburn Challenge. Along with

other climbers, he’ll ascend and descend

New Hampshire’s Mount Washington.

Since 2007, the event has raised nearly

$500,000 in support of the Museum’s mis-

sion. “I recognize the fundamental role the

Museum performs in cultivating a love of

science and technology in children—not to

mention that my two girls call the Museum

home,” Stuart says. “In fact, I hope to be

joined by one of my daughters this year!”

To learn more and support the team:

team.mos.org/challenge.

Museum News

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DidYouKnow? The Museum’s Star

Wars®: Where Science Meets Imagination exhibit

ended its nine-year traveling run in March at The Tech

Museum of Innovation in San Jose. The exhibition

brought costumes and props from all six films plus

interactive technology components to 3 million

visitors throughout the US—and even Australia!

General Information

EXHIBITHALLSHOURSSubject to change and extended during Massachusetts school vacations; for updates: mos.org/hours.

• Regular (Sat – Thurs) 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Summer (Sat – Thurs) 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (July 5 – Labor Day) • Fridays 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Year round) • Thanksgiving Eve and Christmas Eve 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. • Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day Closed

TICKETSANDINFORMATIONAdvance reservations recommended. For current prices and to purchase tickets: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org. For membership information: 617-589-0180, membership@mos.org, mos.org/members.

DIRECTIONSANDPARKING• PLANAHEAD A state project on the Longfellow Bridge is rerouting

traffic in front of the Museum. At times, increased traffic volume could cause delays. Please allow extra time or consider taking public trans-portation. For updates: mos.org/traveltips.

• Address 1 Science Park, Boston, MA 02114• Detailed Directions 617-723-2500, mos.org/directions • Parking Museum parking is available first come, first served. Members receive a discount in the Museum garage.

BOSTONDUCKTOURSTickets sold in the Red Wing, near the Mugar Omni Theater. DUCKs depart from the driveway near the T. rex. Tours run daily, April – November. For reservations: 617-267-3825, bostonducktours.com. Members receive a discount.

EVENTPLANNINGHost your next event at the Museum of Science! Food services provided by Wolfgang Puck Catering. For information: 617-589-0125 (Monday – Friday), events@mos.org. Members are eligible for special rates.

ACCESSIBILITYFor information about accessibility in the Museum: mos.org/accessibility. For questions or accommodation requests: 617-589-3102, accessibility@mos.org. Please request ASL interpreters at least two weeks in advance.

EDUCATIONALRESOURCESField Trips

For information about Museum field trips and other opportunities for educators, such as the Teacher Partner Program: 617-723-2500, educator-email@mos.org, 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, travelingprograms@mos.org, mos.org/travelingprograms.

Sparks!JUNE–JULY2014Marketing Communications Director: Carl ZukroffEditors: Christopher DelConte, Kevin SawyerArt Director: Lori SartreDesigners: Nicole Guzzo, Fanny Lau, Lianne Stoddard Contributors: Cynthia Berger, Bill WalshSparks is published bimonthly. Circulation: 55,000. © 2014 Museum of Science, Boston. All rights reserved.

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GROSSOLOGY:The(Impolite)ScienceoftheHumanBody

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Films You Can FeelExperiencethemallintheMuseum’snew4-DTheater!See inside…

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