OCTOBER – NOVEMBER 2016

Sparks!A Newsletter for Members and Friends of the Museum of Science

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Explore the Genius of Leonardo Get an in-depth look at the original Renaissance Man in a revealing new temporary exhibition.

When Leonardo da Vinci (1452 – 1519) is mentioned, many words come to mind: artist, engineer, inventor, anatomist, and, of course, genius. All these descriptors

are accurate for a man who was centuries ahead of his time and left behind a collection of artwork, sketches, and notes that are still relevant today. See what da Vinci saw, as the Museum cele-brates his vision and the fundamental scientific and artistic principles he discovered. Da Vinci – The Genius, the most comprehensive exhibition on the master to tour the world, opens October 23!

Enter a Brilliant Mind

Divided into more than 10 compelling areas with over 200 components, the

exhibition takes you inside Leonardo’s mind. In sections such as Father of

Flight, Civil Machines, Aquatic & Hydraulic Machines, and Instruments of

Music, you’ll come face-to-face with life-size replicas of machine inventions

in these fields, including the first concepts for the parachute, helicopter,

bicycle, automobile, and scuba diving equipment that Leonardo envisioned

and wrote about.

Inside This Issue

• Rediscover a Master

• Experience Extreme Weather

• Members Only

Da Vinci – The Genius Opens October 23 | Member Preview October 22

More to Explore in Da Vinci – The GeniusWhile you are here, be sure to join Museum educators for the hands-on

activity of the day. Design mechanical structures and explore optics with

a giant camera obscura. See how you measure up to the Vitruvian Man.

And inspire your own curiosity and creativity as you explore da Vinci’s

innovations in art, science, and engineering.

Activity topics will rotate from day to day. See mos.org/daily-schedule for

scheduled activity times.

Most of these ideas could not move from Leonardo’s imagina-

tion to the real world during his lifetime because they were

advanced beyond the means of the day. But they served as

blueprints for a distant future.

Enjoy interactive components, including touchscreens of his

many codices (notebooks) where Leonardo’s concepts were

written, often in complicated codes and other means—such

as his mirror writing—that have challenged researchers. Push,

pull, and crank various components to gain a hands-on

understanding of one of the most celebrated persons of the

past millennium.

“We are proud to bring Leonardo da Vinci, one of the great-

est and most intriguing minds of all time, to New England,”

says Ioannis Miaoulis, Museum president and director. “The

Museum is committed to the interconnectedness of science,

innovation, and art. We also know that this exhibition, which

so embodies our mission, is for everyone.”

Mona Lisa Revealed

An exhibit highlight is the Secrets of Mona Lisa, featuring more

than 30 super-magnified, high-resolution sectional images

that explore every aspect of arguably the most famous paint-

ing in the world. It also includes 25 of the most compelling

revelations of French engineer and optician Pascal Cotte, who

gained rare access to the painting from the French govern-

ment and the Louvre, where it was taken out of the frame for

scientific analysis. From this rare opportunity, Cotte learned

dozens of secrets.

Also, view educational animation presentations of The Last

Supper as well as reproductions of other well-known works,

including Virgin of the Rocks and The Annunciation, along

with Bella Principessa, a controversial piece that is the subject

of debate among scholars about whether it is in fact a

Leonardo creation.

Da Vinci – The Genius was created by Grande Exhibitions with

the assistance of the Museo Leonardo da Vinci in Rome and

a number of experts in Italy and France. Don’t miss this rare

opportunity to learn about the master in the most complete

exploration of his work and mind ever created!

This exhibition has been made available by Grande Exhibitions and Pascal Cotte, France. Free with Exhibit Halls admission. Free for members.

Continued from cover

Climate change is one of today’s most important issues.

With rising temperatures comes intensification of weather

in general, including stronger storms and spectacular

fires. See this powerful new reality up close on the IMAX®

Dome screen in Extreme Weather, a National Geographic

production from famed storm chaser and award-winning

filmmaker Sean Casey.

Go Where Few Have Gone

Stops along this thrilling but informative adventure include

the edge of a 300-foot-tall calving glacier in Alaska, the front

lines of massive wildfires in the West, and the path of deadly,

yet mesmerizing, tornadoes in the plains.

Hop onto a specially armored boat with glaciologist Erin Pet-

tit as she leads young researchers who brave tsunami-sized

shock waves caused by the calving Dawes Glacier and the

danger of falling chunks of ice. They measure the rate of ice

melt so we can get a better understanding of ocean level rise,

a condition expected to worsen over the next century.

Storm Intensification

Meanwhile in Oklahoma, ride with native Justin Walker who

confronts tornadoes so he can install sensory pods to deter-

Entering the Eye of the Storm!New giant-screen film excursion puts you in the middle of the action.

mine how climate change could be intensifying these storms

in frequency and strength. If the vehicle looks familiar, it’s

because this Tornado Intercept Vehicle (TIV) was featured

in director Sean Casey’s previous film Tornado Alley and the

Discovery Channel’s Storm Chasers. You’ll also follow firefighters

in California as they battle infernos that have become all too

common and sadly destroy large sections of pine forest.

Everything’s Connected

See how these dangerous situations are connected. Ash from

the fires can reach the poles, which creates a chain reaction

that leads to faster melting. This melting means there is less

reflection of solar heat back into space, which causes ocean

warming resulting in more powerful hurricanes and

possibly tornadoes.

Researchers like those in the film are learning more about

this cycle and determining what can be done about it. Join

them—you won’t need special gear, just a sense of curiosity

and wonder to experience Extreme Weather, opening October

15 on the IMAX® Dome screen at the Museum of Science.

Sponsored by

Extreme Weather Opens October 15 in the Mugar Omni Theater

October is turning out to be a special time for Museum members! Start off with Member Ap-

preciation Night and a member preview, then wrap up the month by putting on your favorite

Halloween costume and coming here for a fabulous Halloween celebration with Haunted

Halls (appropriate for all ages). A Member Overnight caps off the festivities!

Member Appreciation

Explore your favorite exhibits in a less-crowded setting on Sunday, October 9 from

6:00 — 9:00 p.m. with Member Appreciation Night. Enjoy exclusive activities and

complimentary tickets to the 4-D Theater and Butterfly Garden. The evening is free (entrance

limited to the number of Exhibit Halls admissions permitted with your membership level)

with complimentary parking.

See It First

Members are invited to join us Saturday, October 22 for an all-day preview of our newest

traveling exhibition, Da Vinci – The Genius. See it before it opens to the public! (See

calendar for more details.)

Spooky Science

The annual Haunted Halls celebration, Saturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30,

includes everything you love about the Museum, but with a hair-raising twist. Participate

in two days of Halloween-inspired hands-on science activities. Go on a scavenger hunt

throughout the building (you could win Omni and Planetarium passes), rock out during a

DJ-hosted dance party, and vie for top honors in our family-friendly costume show.

Pajama Party

The Member Overnight, Saturday, October 29, is a special chance for elementary-school-

age children (ages 6 – 13) to experience the Museum long after closing and into the next

morning. While we can’t promise wax figures coming to life or talking animals, we

guarantee you’ll enjoy less crowded Exhibit Halls, special activities, and a late-hour

Lightning! show. And when it’s time to sleep, you might dream right next to your favorite

exhibit. The fun continues the next day with a giant-screen film in the Mugar Omni Theater.

Member Overnight Details:

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

• Bring your own meal or visit the Riverview Café.

• Check-in is 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. The program officially ends at 11:00 a.m. the next morning.

Overnight parking rate is $5.

• View the overnight “survival guide” online to help you prepare: mos.org/members.

• For more information on the event and overnight rules: 617-589-0180.

Member Events Select Dates in October

Special Events Add a Twist to Museum Experience Enjoy an evening just for members, Haunted Halls, an exclusive sleepover, and more!

Archaeology Fair Marks 10 Years Hear from experts and do your own digging and other activities!

Archaeology Fair October 14 and 15

Back in 2007, the Archaeological Institute of America and the

Museum joined forces to create Archaeology Weekend (now

known as the Archaeology Fair) during Massachusetts Archae-

ology Month. It was an opportunity to connect visitors with

a fascinating field that gives a window into our distant past

through hands-on activities and presentations from experts.

The event was a hit and has been on the Museum calendar ever

since. The 10th annual edition is October 14 and 15, with plenty

of exciting features in store.

Gathering of the Experts

Scores of archaeologists from all over New England will be at

the Museum. Look for them in the Blue Wing, Lower Level.

This is your opportunity to hear directly from the professionals,

including a panel on our Gordon Current Science & Technology

Center stage that will take questions from you and fellow

visitors. Learn about their favorite techniques, sites, and

experiences.

And out on the front plaza, watch with awe as glassblowers

from the nearby Diablo Glass School practice an art that dates

back to the 1st Century BC. They use ancient techniques and

fire to mold glass into various shapes of many sizes!

Dig In!

Swing by the Experiment Station in the Discovery Center to

participate in an archaeology excavation. Work like a profes-

sional in the field by using tools, digging for unknown

objects, and piecing together the remains of model artifacts.

Use the artifacts as clues to reconstruct history and make

connections between the people who made these objects and

people who live today. (Discovery Center is designed for

children up to age 8 and their grownups.)

“We love sharing the science of archaeology because it is such an

exciting and multi-disciplinary topic that can engage visitors with

a broad range of interests,” says Museum educator and archae-

ologist Mike Adams, who runs the event. “Our guest archaeolo-

gists use exciting activities and demonstrations to share their

research and fieldwork while highlighting how the latest

science and technology can be used to explore the past.”

Come to the Museum to

celebrate the excitement of

archaeology. Just bring an

open mind and hands

ready for digging. We’ll

supply the tools and

information!

Co-sponsored by the Archaeological Institute of America. Free with Exhibit Halls admission. For more information: mos.org/events.

Calendar of EventsOctober – November 2016

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Exlusive Member Event

October November

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

Open Style LabGet a sneak peek at prototype designs for assistive clothing created by engineers, occupational therapists, and designers. Presentation: 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 pm. Showcase: 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Moving to MarsMeet finalists for the Mars One initiative that intends to send the first group of humans to the red planet. 7:00 p.m. !

Member Appreciation NightExclusive Member Event—Exhibit Halls open just for our members! 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Book Club for the CuriousJoin a discussion about Strange Glow by Timothy J. Jorgensen. Cambridge Innovation Center. 5:30 p.m. (Also November 10; Serengeti Rules by Sean B. Carroll)

Archaeology FairExpert archaeologists show you the inventive tools, techniques, and even toys from ancient eras. 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Also, Friday, October 14; 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Extreme Weather OpensFilm—Journey to the edge of a calving glacier, the front lines of massive wildfires, and into the path of deadly tornadoes! M ! $

Member Preview Da Vinci – The GeniusExclusive Member Event—Be one of the first to see this exhibit featuring insight into Leonardo’s mind and much more. Opens to the public October 23.

Member OvernightExclusive Member Event—Grab your toothbrush, pack your overnight bag, and get ready for special after-hours access and activities. 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 a.m. ! $

Haunted HallsParticipate in a costume party and enjoy tricks, treats, and members-only activities. Also October 30.

9Sunday

You’re the Expert and After-ShowAttend a live taping of the podcast and new public radio program that explores scientific research through the lens of comedy. After-show features stand-up comedy. Space is limited! 7:00 p.m. ! $

Women & Girls in STEMJoin more than 20 professional women in STEM fields for activities, presentations, and more. (Also November 5.)

SubSpace Project: Lady Gaga and the Monsters BallEnjoy stunning visuals in the Planetarium combined with music from Lady Gaga. Monsters Ball, including DJ, dancing, and Gaga-inspired surprises, is 18+. Costumes encouraged! 7:30 p.m. ! $

The Polar Express 4-D Experience® Opens4-D Film—Go on an extraordinary adventure to the North Pole this holiday season on THE POLAR EXPRESS with the 4-D version of the Holiday Classic! M ! $

Stories Under the StarsHear true stories and live music under the Planetarium dome. Hosted by NOVA’s Ari Daniel. 7:30 p.m. ! $

2Wednesday

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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, mos.org. Shows run approximately 50 minutes. Member price: $5.

Sponsored by

FEATURED FILMS

New! Extreme WeatherOpens Saturday, October 15 Storm chaser and award-winning giant-screen filmmaker Sean Casey takes you to the edge of a 300-foot-tall calving glacier, the front lines of massive wildfires, and into the path of deadly tornadoes.

Last Chance! Wild AfricaThrough Friday, October 14Meet 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.

Dolphins 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.

National Parks AdventureVisit Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Everglades, and more on the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.

The Perfect Gift!Membership at the Museum of Science fits everyone on your list! A full year of free Exhibit Halls admission brings inspiring discoveries and memorable experiences for grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends of any age.

Members enjoy these additional benefits:

• Free or discounted admission to our special venues, including temporary exhibits.

• Invitations to exclusive member events.

• Reciprocal admission privileges to over 400 museums, science centers, and zoos nationwide.

• Valuable discounts, special offers, and much more!

It’s easy to give a membership: just call our member specialists at 617-589-0180; 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily.

4-D TheaterFor showtimes and tickets: 617-723-2500, mos.org. Shows run approximately 15 minutes. Member price: $5.

Returning! The Polar Express 4-D Experience®

Opens Friday, November 11Go on an extraordinary adventure to the North Pole this holiday season on THE POLAR EXPRESS with the 4-D version of the Holiday Classic!

THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s16)

Last Chance! SpongeBob SquarePants 4-D: The Great Jelly RescueThrough Thursday, November 10SpongeBob 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!

© 2016 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. SpongeBob SquarePants created by Stephen Hillenburg.

Wild Survivors: Animals in 4-D Filled with jaw-dropping sequences in digital 3-D with

added special effects, this film takes a never-before-seen look at the ingenious tactics animals

have developed to survive and thrive in a danger-filled world.

© BBC 2016

Thomas & Friends™ 4-D: Bubbling Boilers!

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.

Exhibit Halls For more information: 617-723-2500, mos.org/exhibits.

New! Da Vinci – The Genius Opens Sunday, October 23 See the most comprehensive Leonardo da Vinci exhibition to tour the world and explore the fundamental scientific and artistic principles he discovered.

Yawkey Gallery on the Charles River Learn about the natural and engineered worlds with this permanent exhibition that takes advantage of the Museum’s unique Charles River location.

Butterfly GardenExplore 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.

Da Vinci: Engineering Through ImaginationMost days in October (some in November); 12:30 p.m.Today’s scientists and engineers apply many of the practices Leonardo used 500 years ago—asking questions, developing models, and designing solutions. Discover how they contribute to modern marvels of engineering. Gordon Current Science & Technology Center

Generously supported by Cabot Corporation.

Adult OfferingsFor 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.

ON BEING HUMAN

Understanding the complexities of the human species.

Moving to Mars Wednesday, October 5; 7:00 p.m.Meet five intrepid finalists for the Mars One initiative, which intends to send the first group of humans on a one-way mission to the red planet in 2026. Hear about the process, the reactions of their family and friends, and why they have volunteered to spend the rest of their lives separated from everything and everyone they know.

• Free, thanks to the generosity of the Lowell Institute; register in advance at mos.org/events.

WHEN SCIENCE MEETS ART

Shattering the boundaries between art, science, and technology.

Cosmic LoopsThursday, October 6; 7:15 p.m.Soar through nebulas, galaxies, and star systems under the Planetarium dome as acoustic double-neck guitarist Ian Ethan Case combines self-invented playing techniques necessitated by his multi-layered compositions. Ian and Stephanie Case take the music into new dimensions in a rare performance featuring NYC-based drummer Jharis Yokley.

• Fee: $15; purchase tickets in advance at mos.org/events.

SubSpace Project Wednesdays, October 12 and November 9; 7:30 p.m. Plug in to your favorite musical legends as they ignite the Charles Hayden Planetarium. Tracks from the most celebrated icons fuse together with stunning visuals in the ultimate mash-up, engulfing you in an electrifying visual playlist.

• October 12: Tom Waits

• November 9: Lady Gaga and the Monsters Ball; 18+

• Fee: $10 for Tom Waits and $15 for Lady Gaga, which includes dance party with guest DJ, cash bar, and other surprises; purchase tickets at mos.org/events.

Women & Girls in STEMFriday, November 4 and Saturday, November 5

Join more than 20 professional women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields for hands-on activities, presentations, and discussions.

• Free with Exhibit Halls admission; schedule at mos.org/events.

A Reno Family Foundation Symposium

Politics, Prejudice & Polarization: Can We Cross the Divide?Thursday, October 13; 7:00 p.m. We are witnessing what seems like an unprecedented level of divide in our country. What cultural, emotional, physiological, and behavioral factors are at play? As we careen toward the 2016 presidential election, peer inside the science of political ideology, voter behavior, prejudice, and stereotyping.

• Funding provided by the Reno Family Foundation Trust. This program is free thanks to the generosity of the Lowell Institute.

• Register in advance at mos.org/events.

Photo © Bryan Versteeg/Mars One

Rock Band Under the StarsThursday, October 27; 7:00 p.m.Come to the Planetarium for a one-of-a-kind experience! The Museum has partnered with Harmonix to bring you an immersive evening of Rock Band™ 4. Sign-ups to play are first come, first served. Or just sit back and enjoy.

• Fee: $10; purchase tickets in advance at mos.org/events.

You’re the Expert and After-ShowWednesday, November 2; 7:00 p.m.Be part of the audience for a live taping of You’re the Expert, the podcast and new public radio program on 90.9 WBUR, Boston's NPR station. Hosted by Chris Duffy and produced by Pretty Good Friends, the show explores scientific research through the lens of comedy. Stay for the after-show featuring stand-up comedy, light desserts, and a cash bar.

• Fee: $15 ($25 with after-show included); purchase tickets in advance at mos.org/events.

Charles Hayden Planetarium

For showtimes and tickets: 617-723-2500, mos.org. Shows run approximately 35 – 45 minutes. Member price: $5.

FEATURED SHOWS

Magic Tree House® Space MissionBrother-and-sister duo Jack and Annie embark on a wondrous journey of adventure and learning to answer questions about space.

Undiscovered Worlds: The Search Beyond Our SunThe discovery of exoplanets—the thousands of known planets that orbit stars beyond the Sun—may lead us closer to finding an Earth-like world. Produced by the Museum

of Science.

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.

Music ShowsFriday and Saturday eveningsEnjoy Laser Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon, based on one of rock’s most influential albums, and SubSpace: Prince, a new generation of music show.

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

Astronomy After HoursThrough November 18; 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.

Stories Under the Stars Thursday, November 17; 7:30 p.m.Come to the Charles Hayden Planetarium for an evening of live storytelling, radio, and music under the stars hosted by NOVA’s Ari Daniel. 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.

AND MORE

Find out even more offerings at mos.org/events.

Beyond the Telescope: Pluto RevealedWednesday, October 5; 7:00 p.m.Join MIT’s Dr. Richard Binzel, member of the New Horizons science team, as he explores the latest discoveries made by this remarkable mission and dis-cusses what's in store for the interplanetary space probe.

• Free, thanks to the generosity of the Lowell Institute; register in advance at mos.org/events.

Photo © Nicolaus Czarnecki

Photo © David Andrako

Member Tips

• 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. 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 for parking. No late entries to timed shows.

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Create Your Online Account!

The Museum has adopted a new database and ticketing system. Set up an online account linked to your membership and you will be able to:

• Update your contact information

• Purchase and print your tickets at home

• Email tickets to a mobile device

• Upon renewal you will receive electronic passes you can redeem online, by phone, or in person.

Go to mos.org/my-account. Enter your email address and create a password. On the next screen, enter your name as it appears on your membership card and click Merge Membership. Enter only one name, even if there are two members printed on your card.

Questions? Contact the membership department: 617-589-0180, membership@mos.org.

Photo © Nicolaus Czarnecki

Member EventsFor more information, 617-589-0180, mos.org/members.

Member Appreciation Night Sunday, October 9; 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.Enjoy a members-only journey through the Exhibit Halls in a less-crowded setting with exclusive activities, plus free Butterfly Garden and 4-D Theater admission!

• Free with complimentary parking. No reservations required.

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

• Butterfly Garden and 4-D Theater tickets are first come, first served.

• For more information: 617-589-0180.

Member Preview Da Vinci – The GeniusSaturday, October 22; 9:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.Be among the first to see this new temporary exhibit that brings you into the mind of the famed artist and inventor.

• Free. No reservations required.

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

• For more information: 617-589-0180.

Haunted HallsSaturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30Kick off the festivities with our costume party, then stick around for tricks, treats, and members-only activities. What seasonal surprises lurk within our wings? Haunt our halls all weekend to find out!

• Free. No reservations required.

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

• For more information: mos.org/members.

Member OvernightSaturday, October 29; 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 a.m. Bring your sleeping bag for a real-life night at the Museum featuring special themed activities. The following morning includes a Planetarium show and Omni film.

• 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.

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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 mos.org

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

EventsFor more information: 617-723-2500, mos.org/events.

Fashion Technology with Open Style LabSaturday, October 1; Presentation: 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Showcase: 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Join us in the Gordon Current Science & Technology Center for a sneak peek at prototype designs for assistive clothing. Celebrate the collaborative work of engineers, occupational therapists, and designers who participated in an innovative summer program at MIT.

• Free with Exhibit Halls admission.

Archaeology FairFriday, October 14; 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Saturday, October 15; 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Unleash your inner Indiana Jones! Featuring historical artifacts, themed interpretations, and hands-on activities.

• Free with Exhibit Halls admission.

• Co-sponsored by the Archaeological Institute of America. Learn more about International Archaeology Day: archaeological.org/NAD.

• For more information: mos.org/events.

National Chemistry Week CelebrationSunday, October 16, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.This year’s theme is “Solving Mysteries Through Chemistry.” Participate in hands-on activities facilitated by guest scientists, university students, and members of the Boston FBI and Boston Police Department crime lab. Enjoy special demonstrations from world-famous chemistry professor Dr. Bassam Shakhashiri.

• Free with Exhibit Halls admission.

Bradford Washburn AwardThursday, October 27; 6:30 p.m.Since 1964, the Museum of Science has presented the Washburn Award to those who have made an outstanding contribution toward the public understanding and application of science, technology, engineering, and math.

This year’s distinguished honoree is medical anthropologist and physician Paul Farmer, who has dedicated his life to improving health care for the world’s poorest people—most notably in Haiti. He is a recipient of numerous honors and a prolific writer.

• Tickets on sale now. To make reservations, please contact special events at 617-589-0185 or rsvp@mos.org.Im

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3 Museum Gets Social

Are you one of the Museum’s 100,000

Facebook followers? Those in the know use

the social media platform for an insider’s

look at our many exhibits, films, and

activities. Last spring, marketing’s Corinna

Graham represented the institution at a

Small and Medium Business Council at

Facebook’s California headquarters. Chosen

for our passion, creativity, and dedication to

the community, the Museum was recognized

for the innovative ways we use social media

to connect with our audience. Graham and

the other business representatives learned

about new and upcoming Facebook features.

Follow us to see more!

4 Digging for Dinos

Museum educator Susan Heilman, PhD,

traveled to northeastern Wyoming in July

to help excavate the fossilized remains of

a Sauropod dinosaur (long tail, long neck),

possibly of the Apatosaurus genus from the

late Jurassic period about 150 million years

ago. Heilman joined Dr. Brooke Haiar from

Lynchburg College in Virginia as well as

some of her students and employees from

the Virginia Museum of Natural History.

Fossils found included leg bones, foot bones,

tail bones, and at least one unidentified bone

that Heilman found and excavated herself!

5 Travel Destination: Mars

The Museum was awarded a $912,000 grant

from NASA to produce a Planetarium show

and a large-scale, hands-on Design Challenge

bringing to life the technological feat of safely

journeying humans to Mars and back. Plan-

etarium audiences will see the vast engineer-

ing challenges and revolutionary technological

solutions involved in this unprecedented mis-

sion, while visitors will be introduced to the

engineering design cycle by building, testing,

and improving a design solution to a unique

Mars exploration problem.

1 Founders Statue Honors Washburns

A statue depicting Museum founding director

Bradford Washburn and his wife/collaborator,

Barbara, was unveiled during a summer

ceremony. It was produced by well-known

local sculptor Robert Shure and stands on

the plaza in front of the Museum. Among

those in attendance for the unveiling were the

Washburn children (including overseer Betsy

Washburn Cabot), grandchildren, and great-

grandchildren as well as Shure and Rebecca

B. Saunders, who is one of the people—along

with Preston H. Saunders and Dorothy J. and

David B. Arnold Jr.—whose generosity made

this statue possible.

2 Museum Receives Award for Pixar Exhibit The Science Behind Pixar exhibition was a

hit at the Museum during its seven-month

run last year, and it also has received notice

from those outside the Boston metro area.

At its annual meeting in Washington, DC,

the American Alliance of Museums (AAM)

honored this institution with an Excellence

in Exhibition award for special achievement

in our planning process. The AAM wrote,

“The judges were impressed specifically by the

processes used to share the exhibition content:

evaluation, prototyping, universal design—

providing learning opportunities

in science.”

Museum News

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General Information

DIRECTIONS AND PARKING• PLAN 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 TOURSTickets 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.

EVENT PLANNINGHost 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 or accommodation requests: 617-589-3102, accessibility@mos.org, mos.org/accessibility. Please request ASL interpreters at least two weeks in advance.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCESField Trips

For information about Museum field trips and other opportunities for educators, such as the Teacher Partner Program: 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! OCTOBER – NOVEMBER 2016

MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

Director: Carl Zukroff

Editors: Christopher DelConte, Jonathan Friedman

Art Director: Lori Sartre

Designers: Fanny Dines, Nicole Guzzo, Lianne Stoddard

CONTRIBUTORS

Anna Brophy, Gail Jennes, Gabriel Mosse, William Walsh

Sparks is published bimonthly. Circulation: 55,000.

© 2016 Museum of Science, Boston. All rights reserved.

STAY CONNECTED WITH THE MUSEUM COMMUNITY!

For updates, special offers, and fun science:

Member E-News at membership@mos.org@

Photo © Nicolaus Czarnecki

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. 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, membership@mos.org, mos.org/members.

QUESTIONS? Call Science Central at 617-723-2500.

Sparks!A Newsletter for Members and Friends of the Museum of Science

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MEMBERS RECEIVE A DISCOUNT

The Polar Express 4-D Experience®

Special holiday showings begin November 11. THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s16)

Da Vinci – The Genius

See cover story