A Letter From The President - HMNS

a letter from the presidentThe Houston Museum of Natural Science has seven uniqueOutreach Programs that travel throughout the Houston areaand beyond, offering students the experience of hands-onscience. Bugs on Wheels provides interactive encounterswith insects and other arthropods. The Halliburton DiscoveryDome, an inflatable, portable dome theater, brings BurkeBaker Planetarium programming to your school. Firstthrough fifth graders enjoy Docents to Go presentationson six topics ranging from Oceans to Texas Wildlife.Chevron Earth Science on Wheels brings hands-on geologyand paleontology to students from kindergarten throughhigh school. ConocoPhillips Science on Stage, a large-grouppresentation with student helpers, intrigues and amazesstudents with experiments in chemistry, energy and physics.Traveling Science Labs puts the excitement of live scienceexperiments in your classroom. El Paso Corporation Wildlifeon Wheels brings live reptiles, amphibians, vertebrates andinvertebrates to your classroom. Book our OutreachPrograms early, because their popularity continues toincrease each year.In the fall of 2010, it was hard to miss the towering cranethat appeared on Museum grounds as construction of theDan L Duncan Wing kicked into high gear. Museum staffand visitors alike watched with wonder as the buildingtook shape throughout the school year. When constructionconcludes in the spring of 2012, the Houston Museum ofNatural Science will have doubled the size of its exhibitionareas and classrooms. The addition of the new wing willvastly improve our ability to meet the goal of providingexemplary science education for our community.When schools visit the Museum, excitement buildsas students assemble in the Grand Hall, preparing toexperience the wonders of our world as they enter thepermanent exhibition halls—the Paleontology Hall, theWelch Chemistry Hall, the Wiess Energy Hall, the CullenHall of Gems and Minerals and the Lester and Sue SmithGem Vault, the Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife, the FrensleyHall of African Wildlife, the Strake Hall of Malacology, theMcGovern Hall of the Americas, “Do the Weather withGene Norman” presented by KHOU-TV Channel 11,the Earth Forum, and Searching for Eternity: Life andDeath in Ancient Egypt. Across the Grand Hall, theWortham IMAX ® Theatre immerses students inenvironments they might otherwise not encounter; theBurke Baker Planetarium propels students to space andbeyond; and the unique beauty of the Cockrell ButterflyCenter captivates all visitors. Other programs exclusiveto HMNS include our popular Science Labs for grades onethrough eight, SS Legacy Challenger Center missions to theMoon and back, and Early Investigations Tours for kids inkindergarten through third grade.The Museum provides curriculum materials for bothpermanent and special exhibitions based on each grade’sinterdisciplinary TEKS objectives. To prepare your studentsto get the most from their Museum visit, browse theTEKS-based curriculum on our website at www.hmns.org and click on the “Education” tab. Our curriculum—inMicrosoft Word documents so you can adjust it to meetyour needs—is designed to target the greatest number ofTEKS objectives for each grade.HMNS is pleased to provide professional developmentopportunities for educators. For the 2011-12 school yearwe are once again offering a TAGT approved Gifted/Talentedworkshop, “Make a Difference…Differentiate,” that willprovide 6 hours of GT credit. We are also continuing to offera “Fundamentals of Inquiry in Science” three-day workshopproviding 18 hours CPE credit, and a “Formative Assessment”one-day workshop providing 6 hours of CPE credit.We hope that the 2011-2012 Educator’s Guide will beuseful as you prepare for another outstanding school year.As always, we here at HMNS are delighted to be a part ofyour educational toolkit.Sincerely,Joel A. BartschPresident

Table of Contents234-5677-891011Field Trip Program / BEYONDbones / Online Media2011-2012 Special Exhibitions / Shell Educators’ PreviewsPermanent Exhibition HallsWortham IMAX ® TheatreCockrell Butterfly CenterBurke Baker PlanetariumHouston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar LandGeorge ObservatoryTo the Moon and BackChallenger Center at the George ObservatoryChallenger Center at HMNS12-1415-17Science Lab Classes at HMNS/HMNS SLOutreach ProgramsHalliburton Discovery DomeDocents to GoChevron Earth Science on WheelsConocoPhillips Science on StageEl Paso Corporation Wildlife on Wheels17-18Educator’s Resources and Professional DevelopmentExxonMobil Teacher Tuesday WorkshopsProfessional DevelopmentFundamentals of Inquiry in ScienceG/T Staff DevelopmentFormative Assessment Staff DevelopmentDevon Energy Corporation Educator Late Nights19Other Unique ProgramsEarly InvestigationsExxonMobil Career ChallengeScouts20In AdditionEnergy WorkshopsEnergy Conservation ClubMuseum Educators’ Open HouseGEMS 2012Birthday Parties21222324-25Scheduling Policies & InstructionsPricesContact UsMuseum Map1

Field Trip ProgramThe mission of the Museum is education; and the YouthEducation Departments work hard to help teachers bringscience to life for their students. With this in mind, our teamof former teachers has produced field trip curriculum forgrades K - 8 and high school science and social studies. Thecurriculum is based on each grade’s interdisciplinary TEKSobjectives and on the Museum’s permanent exhibit halls andspecial exhibitions.Curriculum materials include:1. A list of TEKS objectives addressed by the field trip.2. A list of vocabulary words to prepare the studentsfor the trip.3. A Knowledge Hunt to help students connect classroomlearning with real world information.4. Extension Activities that may include hands-onexperiences, cooperative learning, critical thinking,research and cross-curricular lessons so students mayextend their learning beyond their day at the Museum.You may access the curriculum materials on the Museum’sWeb site at www.hmns.org click on “Education” tab. If youhave a curriculum question, please contact 713-639-4659 orcurriculum@hmns.org.Book a field trip via e-mailTo book your field trip to HMNS Hermann Park or HMNSSugar Land quickly and easily, e-mail the following informationto fieldtrips@hmns.org:Name of school:Address of school:City & Zip:School phone number:Your name:Your cell phone number:Date of the trip:Number of students:Number of chaperones (teachers & parents):(1 chaperone, 21 years of age or older, for every 10 students required.)Estimated arrival time:Estimated number of buses:Grade:Circle what you would like to do:Permanent exhibitsWortham IMAX ® Theatre (name of show and time)Burke Baker Planetarium (name of show and time)Cockrell Butterfly CenterSpecial exhibition (name)Of Special Interest!Bring your students to the Museum on any Monday orTuesday during the months of September or October, 2011 orJanuary, 2012 and receive free admission to the permanent exhibithalls* when you purchase tickets to one of the following:Wortham IMAX ® Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center or BurkeBaker Planetarium. (*Excludes special exhibitions)Online Media at HMNSBEYONDboneshttp://blog.hmns.orgBEYONDbones, the Museum’s blog, is an interactive,constantly updated Web site where participants may ask aquestion at any time and keep up with news about the worldof science. We will post our experiences with the Museumworld-everything from sneak peeks into cool new exhibitsbeing developed to what it is like to raise tarantulas. Have aquestion? E-mail blogadmin@hmns.org.HMNS on Twitter!http://www.twitter.com/hmnsYou and your students can get the latest news about theMuseum and the world of science by following @hmns onTwitter! We post several times a day—news, deals, fun factsand more!HMNS on Facebook!http://www.facebook.com/Natural.ScienceBe our Fan on Facebook to win tickets to Museum events,interact with other science-lovers, post your feedback aboutMuseum programs and share your photos of tripsto the Museum!HMNS on Flickr!(HoustonPress Award Winner)Group Pool: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hmns/Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/groups/hmns/Take pictures when you visit the Museum and share them inour group pool on Flickr—or check out our photos of HMNSbehind-the-scenes on our photostream!In the Know…To receive e-mail notifications about everything that isgoing on in the field of education at the Museum, pleasee-mail educationquestions@hmns.org to be placed on thedistribution list.If you have questions, please call 713-639-4659.2

special exhibitionsthe conflict and to ask, “How do we know what happened?”Each area is anchored by an original document, and all therecords become powerful tools that let visitors considerand ask questions about evidence; listen to a wide variety ofvoices; and make up their own minds about the struggle thattore apart these United StatesThe Emancipation Proclamation will be ondisplay for 72 hours in February 2012. Callfor details.Crime Lab DetectiveHMNS Sugar Land location only.September 3, 2011– May 6, 2012Shell Educators’ Preview – Tuesday, September 27, 4 – 7 p.m.The Johnsons have been away on a weeklong vacation inHawaii. The next door neighbor noticed a broken windowone morning and went over to the house to check it out.A burglary has occurred at the Johnson’s house. In CrimeLab Detective you are the lead detectives. Examinethe various clues, such as cloth fiber on a picket fenceand tire marks, which will be useful in solving the crime.Families are encouraged to approach the exhibit as a teamwhile students may explore it on their own or in groups.The exhibit offers two solution tracks, using scientificreasoning, presenting a challenge to visitors of all ages.Crime Lab Detective has been developed by the Museumof Discovery, Little Rock, Arkansas.Discovering the Civil WarHMNS Hermann Park location only.October 14, 2011– April 29, 2012Shell Educators’ Preview – Tuesday, October 18, 4 – 7 p.m.Layers of time and memory obscure the American Civil Warin a smoky haze. The real human beings, military and civilian,who lived through these years of travail and sacrifice, are lostto us, but the records they left behind give us a pathway backto the past. The National Archives holds millions of records,both Union and Confederate. Discovering the Civil Wardraws on these letters, diaries, photos, petitions, and patentsto give visitors a chance to walk in the shoes of researchersin unlocking secrets, solving mysteries, and uncoveringunexpected events from this pivotal point in our history.The exhibit is divided into 12 thematic areas that combinegreat original treasures, engaging touch screen interactivesand social media tools, selected to illustrate the breadth ofThis exhibition was created by the National Archives and RecordsAdministration and the Foundation for the National Archives.Local support is generously provided by United Airlines, HMWEntertainment, IBERIABANK and Vinson & Elkins LLP.Titanic: The Artifact ExhibitionHMNS Hermann Park location only.March 2012– September 2012As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of Titanic’smaiden voyage, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition isa great catalyst for lessons in science, history, geography,language arts, math, and technology. Students are familiarwith the compelling story behind the Ship’s promised voyageand tragic demise. Innovative educational resources havebeen designed to link built-in interest to classroom-friendlylessons. These lessons will generate student interest beforea class visit and extend student learning beyond the fieldtrip. Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition offers a kineticlearning experience that helps students connect to thishistorical event in a concrete, memorable way.Warriors, Temples, and Tombs:China’s Enduring LegacyHMNS Hermann Park location only.April 1- September 3, 2012The exhibition will highlight Xi’an’s historic role as theImperial center of China during the Qin, Han and TangDynasties and the archaeological discoveries from the area’sImperial tombs. This exhibition will contain importantcultural treasures drawn from the newly discovered TerraCotta Warriors and in addition will feature the finestpossible examples of Tang Dynasty gold and other treasures.Included are examples of Han figures from the collections ofthe Han Museum. The exhibition will focus on the importof Xi’an during the Chin Han and Tang dynasties and theamazing archaeological discoveries from the regions of theimperial tombs.Exhibition organized by the Bowers Museum andthe Houston Museum of Natural Science with theShaanxi Cultural Relics Bureau.3

SECOND FLOORTHIRD FLOORCULLEN HALL OF GEMS AND MINERALSincluding THE LESTER AND SUE SMITH GEM VAULTHome to the world’s finest display-quality mineral collection,students can view more than 500 beautifully crystallizedminerals, including some of the rarest and most beautifulspecimens ever unearthed. The Smith Gem Vault includesdazzling examples of diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds,aquamarines, topazes, amethysts, alexandrites and tourmalines.The stunning centerpiece of the exhibit is a 1,869 caratemerald, the largest ever recovered in North America.FARISH HALL OF TEXAS WILDLIFEDiscover the amazing diversity of the seven biotic provincesof Texas and come face-to-face with its native creaturesthrough realistic displays of alligators, river otters, mountainlions and other animals found in our state, as well as somethat have vanished over time.EVELYN AND HERBERT FRENSLEYHALL OF AFRICAN WILDLIFEThe animals that inhabit the mysterious continent of Africacome alive in this unique exhibit. Experience the diversity ofAfrican wildlife represented though seven themed ecosystemsas part of the Graham Family Presentation of Ecology andConservation Biomes.STRAKE HALL OF MALACOLOGYWith more than 100,000 species, mollusks include suchdiverse creatures as clams, snails and giant squid. Explore theirworld through models, fossils, dioramas, living specimens andhundreds of rare and spectacular shells.JOHN P. MCGOVERNHALL OF THE AMERICASInvestigate thousands of years of Native Americanhistory from the Arctic to the Amazon throughreconstructed environments, hands-on activities and amagnificent collection of rugs, pottery, beadwork, kachinadolls, pre-Columbian gold and other rare treasures.DAN L DUNCAN FAMILY WINGIncludes a new Hall of PaleontologyOpens Summer 2012This new Hall will be one of the largest and most dynamicpaleontology exhibitions in the world. Geologic settings andimmersive environments will complement more than twodozen full-sized dinosaurs (original fossils and casts) alongwith hundreds of other world class original fossils that willbe displayed in three major galleries—the Paleozoic Gallery,Mesozoic Gallery, and the Cenozoic Gallery.Larger than a football field and towering more than twostories in height, the new Hall of Paleontology will featureengaging interactive exhibitions and superb original fossilsof everything from Tyrannosaurus rex and triceratops topterosaurs and trilobites. One of the highlights of the newHall of Paleontology will be the Museum’s newly acquiredTyrannosaurus rex—one of the ten most complete skeletonsever recovered.Another highlight will be the Museum’s newly discoveredtriceratops which is by far the most important specimenever discovered. In addition to being the most completeskeleton ever found, it is also one of the first ever tobe discovered with the skin still intact. The new Hall ofPaleontology is destined to join our other Museum venuesas an internationally acclaimed Houston landmark.5

wortham imax ® theatreBecause Films Inspire Life Long LearningSelected for their educational value, curriculumconnections and cinematic excellence, our films arecatalysts to ignite a student's interest in natural science.The IMAX Experience is so realistic your students willfeel they are part of the action.When: 10 and 11 a.m. and 12 and 1 p.m., Monday – FridayCost: $5 per person (non-feature length films)(Students and all adults on the reservation.)Capacity: 394Grades: K – 12Educational Support: Most films have educational guidesand activities available for download at www.hmns.org.FALL 2011 – MARCH 2012BORN TO BE WILD 3DBORN TO BE WILD 3D is an inspired story of love,dedication and the remarkable bond between humansand animals. This film documents orphaned orangutansand elephants and the extraordinary people who rescueand raise them—saving endangered species one life at atime. Stunningly captured in IMAX 3D, Born to be Wild3D is a heartwarming adventure transporting moviegoersinto the lush rainforests of Borneo with world-renownedprimatologist Dr. Birute Galdikas, and across the ruggedKenyan savannah with celebrated elephant authority DameDaphne Sheldrick, as they and their team rescue, rehabilitateand return these incredible animals back to the wild.SPRING 2012TORNADO ALLEY (2D)Join Storm Chasers star Sean Casey and the researchersof VORTEX 2, the most ambitious effort ever made tounderstand the origins and evolution of tornadoes, on thisheart-pounding science adventure. Traversing the “severeweather capital of the world,” Tornado Alley documentstwo unprecedented missions seeking to encounter one ofEarth’s most awe-inspiring events—the birth of a tornado.SEA REX 3D:JOURNEY TO A PREHISTORIC WORLDDiscover the larger-than-life creatures that ruled theseas 20 million years before dinosaurs roamed the Earth.Accompany Julie, an imaginative young woman, on ajourney from a modern-day aquarium to the Triassic,Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods, and explore an amazingunderwater universe inhabited by, among other animals,the powerful Liopleurodon, the long-necked Elasmosaurus,Ophthalmosaurus or “eye lizard,” the ferociousPrognathodon, and the gigantic 75-foot Shonisaurus.FLIGHT OF THE BUTTERFLIES 3DEvery winter, the remote volcanic mountain forests of Mexicoare home to one of nature’s greatest gatherings—hundredsof millions of migrating monarch butterflies weathering thewinter. We will follow the captivating story of Dana (DanaPlexippus) and her descendants as they make the perilousjourney from Mexico to Canada—the longest insect migrationon earth. This epic natural saga is interwoven with thefascinating human detective story of a determined scientist’s40-year search to find their magical overwintering sites.6

The Burke Baker Planetarium’s dome theaterenables students to travel to the limits of theirimagination. Each trip is an action adventure that isreal and immersive—an exciting 3D experience withoutglasses! TEKS correlations are available for all shows andall grade levels on the planetarium page of the Museum’sweb site (www.hmns.org).Cost: $2.50 per person(Students and all adults on the reservation)Capacity: 194cockrell butterfly centerWhere students experience the amazing worldof the arthropods in a tropical rainforest!The Cockrell Butterfly Center provides a uniqueopportunity for students to see live insects in aspectacular rainforest setting.Learn about insects and their arthropod relatives in theBrown Hall of Entomology where exhibits combine liveinsects, mounted specimens and hands-on experiences.Next, emerge into the simulated rainforest wherehundreds of live tropical butterflies fly, eat and playamong the plants - occasionally landing on visitors.Finally, the lower level of the Butterfly Center teachesthe practical side of insects, including butterfly gardeningand beekeeping, mosquito control, careers in entomologyand even the art of eating insects! The Cockrell ButterflyCenter is an experience your students will not forget.When: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday - FridayCost: $2.50 per person(Students & all adults on the reservation)Capacity: 75 people admitted every 15 minutesIf you cannot schedule a trip to the Cockrell ButterflyCenter, enjoy the Museum’s outreach program, Bugs onWheels, in your classroom.Burke Baker Planetarium9:40 and 10:40 a.m. weekdaysduring the school yearThe STAAR ConnectionA planetarium astronomer takes your students on a livenight sky adventure focusing on day and night, the sun,moon phases, tides, and the planets. From the moon,students observe a solar eclipse as well as the forceschanging the Earth, from volcanoes to raging rivers. Thisshow addresses 15 TEKS eligible for the new fifth gradeSTAAR test.11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. weekdaysduring the school yearThe Museum has planetarium shows every half hour with topicsfor all grade levels. If you have a group of 35 or more, you may beable to request the show you want at the time you need.Night of the Titanic (Grades 5 – 12)A great tragedy unfolds in the icy North Atlantic.Weather, ice, the sun and human error all contributeto the sinking of this unsinkable ship. Experience theTitanic’s last day and discover how good science couldhave prevented this disaster.7

urke baker planetarium (continued)Life in the Universe (Grades 4 – 12)Join us in the search for life in the universe—exploringour solar system and looking for alien worlds amongthe distant stars. We find clues in the birth and death ofstars, the formation of distant galaxies and the atoms andmolecules of the cosmos. This is a great introduction tothe whole universe in just 20 minutes!New Force 5 (All grades)Are you ready for nature’s fury? This is your chance tosurvive three Category 5 storms—a hurricane, a tornadoand a solar eruption—without any real rain, wind ordangerous radiation. Discover what causes weathercatastrophes and venture into the middle of the actionwhen nature goes Force 5!NEW! 2012: Mayan Prophecies (All grades –especially grade 6 for both science and social studies)Mayan astronomers guide you through Uxmal, ChichenItza, Tikal and Palenque, showing the elegance and powerof these great Maya cities and the astronomy they usedto predict the future – including the seasons and solareclipses. This program dispels the myths surrounding 2012while predicting disasters that might lurk in our future. Itprovides strong cultural connections as well as modernEarth science and astronomy experiences.Secret of the Cardboard Rocket (PreK – 3)Two children turn a cardboard box into a rocket and blastoff to explore the sun, moon and planets in a story withrealistic landscapes, dazzling rings and a talking book.Earth’s Wild Ride (Grades 3 – 8)A grandfather and his grandchildren watch a solareclipse from their lunar colony. Through his stories, thegrandfather takes us up a lava flow, down a raging river,to an ice age cave with woolly mammoths and to the timewhen dinosaurs roamed the Earth.Black Holes (Grades 5 – 12)What is a black hole? Where do they go? Is thereone nearby? Find out on a trip through this amazingspace-time tunnel.Ice Worlds II (Grades 4 – 12)Explore the Ice Worlds of the outer solar systemincluding a visit to the poles of Mars. Then discoverhow Earth’s Poles are changing—with icebergs, whales,penguins, polar bears and much more in this realisticintroduction to our changing polar regions and how theyhelp us predict global climate changes.Passport to the Universe (All grades)Narrator Tom Hanks guides our flight through theuniverse and deep into space. After reaching the edge ofour known cosmos, the tour takes a virtual shortcut backto Earth—a free fall through a black hole.Starry Night Express (All grades)Tour the night sky tonight and find constellations,planets, the moon and the Milky Way. Visit the Museum’sGeorge Observatory and join Laurence Fishburne on ahigh—speed tour of the universe, celebrating the 400years of astronomy discoveries since Galileo.For descriptions of other available shows like Impact:Earth!, Dinosaur Prophecy, Night of the Titanic, and Starof Bethlehem, visit the planetarium page of our websitewww.hmns.org.8

hmns at sugar landScoutingBoy Scout and Girl Scout classes are available at HMNS/SL on weekends. If you have questions or would like to beplaced on our e-mail list to receive updates on scoutingprograms, please contact the Scout Program Coordinatorat scouts@hmns.org or 713-639-4680.Science LabsWeekday Labs are held in Sugar Land, too! In theselabs, students might examine ancient objects, investigatetechnology, meet live animals or conduct scientificexperiments. Purchase of a lab ticket includes generalMuseum admission to HMNS Sugar Land for 25 studentsand their chaperones as well as an hour of educationalcontent. Labs in Sugar Land occur at 9:30, 11:00 and 1:00on select Thursdays and Fridays each month. Time, TechnoScience, Wildlife and Biology larbs are $135 per lab anddissetion labs are $200 per lab. Full descriptions of the labtopics are available on page 13 of this Educator’s Guide.The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Landis located on University Blvd. just north of US 59 inSugar Land. The Museum features Earth, Life and PhysicalScience exhibits ranging from dinosaurs and mineralsto Discovery Works and Planetarium full-dome shows.The centerpiece of the Museum is Science on a Sphere,a globe suspended in the darkened atrium, displayinghundreds of spherical images and movies of our changingEarth. Information about all the programs may be found atwww.hmns.org under Sugar Land section.Field TripsHMNS/SL offers field trips for schools, Monday - Friday.To schedule a field trip to HMNS/SL, call 713-639-4659or visit our Web site at www.hmns.org click on “Sugar Land”then “Field Trips”.Dig PitDig for dinosaur bones just like a real paleontologist at HMNS/SL.Digital Dome TheaterThe full - dome action surrounds audiences at HMNS/SL with shows for every age and learning objective fromSecret of the Cardboard Rocket and Earth’s Wild Ride toDinosaur Prophecy, Dawn of the Space Age, Body Code,and Black Holes. Any show offered at HMNS may bebooked for HMNS/SL.Family NightLet HMNS/SL host your school’s Family Night. Schoolshave the opportunity to book the museum for their ownFamily Night and let museum personnel do the work!Students and families attend at the field trip rate as theyview all that HMNS/SL has to offer. Volunteers will be onhand to display and talk about the materials in our touchcarts, allowing families to interact and learn together.Please contact the Field Trip department at 713-639-4659or e-mail fieldtrips@hmns.org.Field Trip ClassesHMNS/SL is currently offering Field Trip Classes* tothose schools planning a field trip to our Sugar Landlocation. Students can attend a class to enhance their fieldtrip experience on topics such as Fossils, Fossil Fuels,Landforms, Rock Cycles, and Natural Extravaganzas, foran additional fee. For more information contact a salesassistant at 713-639-4659 or e-mail fieldtrips@hmns.org(*Note: Two weeks notice is required to schedule all FieldTrip Classes.)School PartyTurn your field trip into an end of the year celebration atHMNS/SL. Schools who book field trips to our Sugar Landlocation have the opportunity to extend their sciencelearning into a party. Students will enjoy an exhibit tour,planetarium show, science lesson, and outdoor activities.Contact a sales assistant for details at 713-639-4659 ore-mail fieldtrips@hmns.org.9

george observatoryHigh School AstronomyObserving ClassesOne Thursday evening per month, November - Marchfrom 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Call 281-242-3055 for informationand reservations.Classes for Home School StudentsWhen: Session 1 is generally the first Wednesday ofeach month. Session 2 is generally the first Thursday ofeach month. September through April, unless otherwiseposted. The Evening Star Party in May is included.Cost: $200 per child for all 9 clases, if purchased onor before September 1, 2011. ($30 per child, per classbeginning September 2, 2011)Grades: K - 8 tailored to grade levelCapacity: 15 - 20 students for grades K – 2.20 students for grades 3 – 8 (Minimum 8 years of age onor before Sept. 1, 2011)The George Observatory offers exciting field tripssurrounded by the beauty of Brazos Bend State Park.Astronomy classes cover TEKS astronomy objectives.The SS Observer Challenger Center provides hands - onlearning as students participate as astronauts and flightcontrollers in the space simulator.Astronomy ClassesWhen: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monday - FridayCost: $160Grades: K - 12, tailored to grade levelCapacity: 40 studentsOne - hour daytime astronomy classes include a tour of theobservatory and solar viewing (weather permitting). Astronomyclasses may be combined with a Challenger mission.Topics include:George Day Class (Exploring the Sky) (Grades 4 – 5)Includes a presentation highlighting the sky and activitiesinvestigating telescopes, spectroscopes and other toolsastronomers use.Registration for classes at the GeorgeObservatory begins Monday, August 9, 2011.Topics for grades K - 2 include: The Sunand Shadows; The Sun and Solar System; Stars andConstellations; The Moon and Mini-Challenge Mission;The Planets; Comets, Meteors and Planets; Space andAstronauts; Rockets and Space and Mini-Challenge Mission.Families may attend the Evening Star Party in May.Topics for grades 3 – 8 (minimum age 8 yearsold on or before Sept. 1) include: Fun with Optics;Newton’s Apples, Laws of Motion; Our Daytime Star andour Moon; Aerospace and Mini-Challenge Mission; OurSolar System and Planets (part 1); Travelers Through theSolar System and Planets (part 2); Color and Light; Physicsin Motion — Egg Astronauts. Families may attend theEvening Star Party in May.(Note: The February class Travelers Through the SolarSystem and Planets is a continuation of the January class,Our Solar System and Planets, so when you sign up for one,please sign up for both.)Our Neighborhood in Space:The Solar System (Grades K – 3)The Sky Tonight (Grades 3 – 8)Deep Space and Beyond:Your Visa to the Universe (Grades 7 – 8)The Colorful Night Sky, Red Giantsand White Dwarves (Grades 9 – 12)10

to the moon and beyondChallenger Center at HMNSThe SS Legacy Challenger Center at the Museum focuseson skills far beyond space science. The Challenger Centeruses the excitement of space travel as a foundation to teachinterdisciplinary tasks and team problem solving skills.Houston provides career opportunities in medicine,technology, engineering and space, as well as the biological andgeological sciences. During each Challenger Mission, studentsmodel real careers on Spaceship Earth during their voyagesto the Moon and Mars. Our missions also emphasize the skillsthat will make students valuable employees: responsibility,teamwork, decision making and communication.All missions include free admission to the permanentexhibition halls. (Excluding special exhibitions)Operation LEAPFROG: Lunar Exchangeand Preparation for Research On-GoingIt is the year 2076; Operation LEAPFROG mustbe successful and only your students can make thishappen. New Tranquility Base on the Moon is awaitingthe arrival of the ship the SS Legacy for a crew exchangebefore journeying to Mars. Students must work togetherto complete a successful mission while performingexperiments and surviving the perils of space travel.Missions are available for every age and level of student.Missions may be “flown” Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.Mini - Crew Mission12 - 24 students; Grades: 4 - 121 hour: $160Junior - Crew Mission12 - 20 students; Grades: 1 – 3PLUS 1 mandatory adult for every 2 students1.5 hours: $185Full - Crew Mission24 - 40 students; Grades 4 - 122 hours: $280Staff DevelopmentFor an exceptional staff development/team building activityfor adults, try a Challenger Mission! Missions may be designedto fit your schedule and budget. For more information call713-639-4733 or e-mail challengemissions@hmns.org.First-Time Flyer DiscountsIf your school has never experienced a Challenger CenterMission, there are discounts available to you. Science, mathand engineering classes or clubs in the secondary grades mayqualify for a free mission, sponsored by the NASA AlumniLeague of Houston. Contact: 713-639-4631.Birthday Parties at the HMNS Challenger CenterGather your friends and fly to Mars for your birthday at theHMNS Challenge Center. Your party includes a one-hourMission to Mars plus an hour in a private party room. Call713-639-4631.Cost: 2 Hours: $300 for members or $325 for non-membersCapacity: 12-22 children, ages 8 and upChallenger Center at theGeorge ObservatoryOperation LEAPFROGThe George Observatory Challenger Center also flies theOperation LEAPFROG mission to the Moon and Mars.Missions are available for students beginning at first grade.Mega Missions are available Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.All other missions, Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.Mini - Crew Mission12 - 20 students; Grades: 4 - 121 Hour: $160Mega - Mini Mission2 Hours: $280Mini - Crew Mission PLUS an astronomy class of your choice.Junior - Crew Mission12 - 20 students; Grades: 1 - 3, PLUS 1 adult for every 3 students1.5 Hours: $185Mega - Junior Mission2.5 Hours: $305Junior - Crew Mission PLUS an astronomy class of your choiceFull - Crew Mission21 - 40 students; Grades: 4 - 122 Hours: $280Mega - Full Mission3 Hours: $400Full - Crew Mission PLUS an astronomy class of your choiceCelebrate your birthday with aChallenger Birthday PartyCost: $275Questions? Call 281-242-3055 or 979-553-3400or e-mail georgeobservatory@hmns.org. For bookingsMonday - Friday call 713- 639-4659. For bookings onSaturdays call 281-242-3055.11

Educator’s Resourcesand Professional DevelopmentTechnology and the Civil War(All Grades) Tuesday, November 8, 2011Cutting edge technologies turned the tides of this war. Fromhot air balloons to embalming, innovative ideas abounded!Mayan Apocolypse(Grades 6 – 12) Tuesday, December 6, 2011Separate fact from fiction as you learn about this fascinatingculture and their mysterious disappearance.The Civil War in Texas(Grades 4 – 10) Tuesday, January 24, 2012Investigate the role Texas played in the American Civil War.Includes visit to the Civil War Exhibit.ExxonMobilTeacher Tuesday WorkshopsDiscover a new world of science as you go behind the sceneswith HMNS curators and staff in these exciting interactiveworkshops. We provide you with fun and easy ideas to bringyour classroom to life! Inspired by the runaway success ofthe Museum’s Xploration summer camps and school-yearscience labs, these workshops give the HMNS teaching staffan opportunity to share what they do best! These programsare for adults only.When: 5 - 8 p.m.Cost: $25 (dinner included) 3 hours CPE creditFor information or booking call 713-639-4629 or registeron-line at www.hmns.org.Programs:Catherine the Great and the Hermitage(All Grades) Tuesday, September 27, 2011This fascinating woman ruled and Empire with cunning andan iron fist, but still managed to revitalize Russia and bring itfront and center as one of the great powers of Europe.Sensational Cells(Grades 4 – 10) Tuesday, October 4, 2011Compare animal and plant cells as you take an up-close lookat our most basic components. Investigate chromosomesand cellular division as you study mitosis.From Fossils to Fuels(Grades 3 – 8) Tuesday, October 11, 2011Find out how fossils are formed and how you make the cutbetween fossil and fossil fuel.Periodic Table and Properties of Atoms(Grades 6 – 10) Tuesday, February 7, 2012What’s so noble about those gasses, anyway? Explore theclassification and properties of elements with fun modelsand experiments.Family Life During the Civil War(Grades 2 – 8) Tuesday, February 21, 2012Life in the 1860’s was very different than today. Exploreactivities to immerse your students in a dose of life duringthe war between brothers.Matter Matters(Grades 2 – 8) Tuesday, February 28, 2012Discover how elements are the building blocks of all matter,including our own bodies, and explore the three states ofmatter with fun activities and demonstrations.Rockin’ Robots(Grades K – 3) Tuesday, March 6, 2012Explore simple machines and basic circuitry and how theycombine to make complex machines.As the World Turns(Grades 1 – 8) Tuesday, March 27, 2012Tides, lunar cycles, seasons, solar systems and more will all beexamined when you learn what happens as the world turns.Megaliths and Monuments(Grades 3 – 8) Tuesday, April 3, 2010All around the world, civilizations have engaged in theconstruction of huge stone structures. From Stonehengeto Easter Island, come uncover the mysteries of thesefascinating stone structures through hands-on activities.Geological Literacy(Grades 3 – 8) Tuesday, April 10, 2012You can read a book, but can you read the surface of theEarth? Learn how to understand topographic, and contourmaps and discover how the features on these maps arecaused by weathering and erosion!17

Other Unique ProgramsEarly InvestigationsDocent-Guided Tours for 5 – 8 Year Olds, Grades Kthrough 3. Early Investigations tours combine a 45 – minutehands-on classroom program with a 45 – minute tour of aMuseum exhibit hall or the Cockrell Butterfly Center. In theclassroom students discuss and handle artifacts relation tothe topic of the tour.When: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m., Tuesday - Friday, October – May(Excluding December and the last week of May)Cost: $5.00 per person. Includes admission to theMuseum’s permanent exhibit halls OR the Cockrell ButterflyCenter, a docent led tour, and a hands-on class resulting in atake home craft or science activityGrades: K – 3 (5 – 8 year old children only)Capacity: 50 students plus chaperones (min of 10 students)Booking: A minimum of two week’s notice is required.Call 713-639-4659The program includes a place to store lunches whichstudents eat in the Mission Control Center. In additionto “flying” a Mission to Mars in the SS Legacy Challengespacecraft, students visit the Cockrell Butterfly Center, theBurke Baker Planetarium, the Wiess Energy Hall and theWelch Chemistry Hall – all with a focus on exciting careersthese students might pursue.With support from the ExxonMobil Foundation, the CareerChallenge is offered to schools for $10 per student.For additional information call 713-639-4632 or e-mailcsumners@hmns.org. To book an ExxonMobil CareerChallenge call 713-639-4747 or e-mail bglass@hmns.org.Choose from eight exciting topics:AfricaLearn about the wildlife and people of this vast continent.EgyptInvestigate the land of pyramids and mummies.Insect ZooExperience bugs and butterflies up close (includes a tour ofthe Cockrell Butterfly Center).Native North AmericansMeet North America’s earliest residents.Native Latin AmericansDiscover life in pre-Columbian Latin America.PaleontologyLearn how living organisms change into fossils and discoverwhat fossils tell us about prehistoric life.Texas WildlifeExplore the animals and birds native to Texas.Under the SeaDive into the fascinating world of marine creatures.The ExxonMobil Career ChallengeWith funding from the ExxonMobil Foundation, the HoustonMuseum of Natural Science has developed a program formiddle school students designed to stimulate interest in 21stcentury science and engineering careers in the Houstonarea. Students model different careers in individual sessionscombined into a field trip from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Up to 120students can take the Career Challenge on a given day.Scouts at HMNSThe Museum has classes and overnights at the downtown,Sugar Land, and George Observatory locations. Theseprograms help Boy scouts earn an array of merit badges,help Webelos earn activity pins, help Cub Scouts earn beltloops and pins, and help Jr. Girl Scouts earn badges.If you have questions or would like to be placed on oure-mail list to receive updates on scouting programs, pleasecontact the Scout Program Coordinator at scouts@hmns.orgYou may register for classes at online at www.hmns.org or bycalling 713-639-4631.19

in addition...Energy Workshopspresented by the Wiess Energy HallCurriculum generously supported by Enbridge Energy Company, Inc.The Wiess Energy Hall presents energy workshops andcurriculum support materials for science and social studiesteachers throughout the school year. Workshops arealso presented by outstanding energy education groupssuch as NEED (National Energy Education DevelopmentDepartment, www.need.org), SECO (State EnergyConservation Office, www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us), ProjectLearning Tree’s Energy and Society presented by EIH(Environmental Institute of Houston), (www.plt.org/cms/pages/21_44_19.html).Watch the Museum Web site, www.hmns.org, for energyworkshop schedules during the school year. If you havequestions, contact Claire Scoggin, Director of Wiess EnergyHall Programming, 713-639-4769 or cscoggin@hmns.org.HMNS Energy Conservation ClubGenerously supported by Marathon Oil CorporationLooking for sources to help children play their partin conserving resources for our future? The EnergyConservation Club is a Web portal for your school - agedgroup from school, church, or scout troop to find information,activities and events related to energy and conservation.The HMNS Energy Conservation Club web site providesinformation on all things related to energy:• How to form an energy conservation club with your group• All about energy from fossil fuels to alternativesto efficiency and conservation• Learning activities for individuals, home, schools, etc• Energy in the news• Conservation tips• Places to visit and energy related events• Teacher training opportunities• Contests• And much more!Check the HMNS ECC web site at http://ecc.hmns.orgto become part of this exciting opportunity. To receiveupdates send your email address to dburch@hmns.org.16th Annual Museum Educators’Open HouseWhen: Saturday, January 28, 2012, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.Cost: FreeThis event is open to all Houston area teachers, schooladministrators, home school educators and studentteachers. Explore museums in the Museum District includingthe Houston Museum of Natural Science and hear fromrepresentatives of more than 30 museums and culturalorganizations throughout the greater Houston / Galvestonarea. Check in at HMNS by 10 a. m. and attend presentationsat this conference style event to earn 3 hours of CPE credit.For more details, a list of participating museums and pre -registration (requested), visit www.houstonmuseumdistrict.org.GEMS 2012Girls Exploring Math and ScienceFor all agesWhen: Saturday, February 18, 2012The Museum’s Grand Hall and the exhibit halls will befilled with hands - on science and math for everyone toexperience. Local professionals will be at the Museumto answer questions about their careers in the fields ofscience, technology, engineering and math. This is a perfectopportunity for families to get involved and encouragestudents to excel in math and science in order to reachtheir career goals. For more information on attendingGEMS 2012 please visit our website at www.hmns.org.Are you interested in your students hosting a booth at theGEMS 2012 event?Groups of up to 4 students put together an activity boothto share with children and their families. GEMS provides theopportunity for students to participate in group work andto improve their presentation skills. For more informationon how to put together a booth and how to apply to be partof GEMS visit www.hmns.org or email akellogg@hmns.org formore information. Teachers, consider offering extra creditfor your students to attend!Birthday Parties at HMNS and HMNS/SLCost: Member price, $300, non – member price, $325,party and membership, $350.Capacity: 20 children, ages 3 – 11Scheduling: To schedule your party and for themeselection, call 713 639-4646 or e-mail birthdays@hmns.org.To book a Challenger Mission birthday party at HMNS orthe George Observatory, see page 11.Each party includes:• Party room for 2 hours• Hands – on activities• Tour of the chosen exhibit hall• Live animal demonstration• Free admission to the permanent exhibits• Birthday Party Coordinator\Guide• Choice of several museum-related themes20

pricingThe Houston Museum of Natural ScienceField TripsPermanent Exhibit Halls: $2.50 per personBurke Baker Planetarium: $2.50 per personCockrell Butterfly Center: $2.50 per personWortham IMAX ® Theatre (non-feature length): $5 per personBirthday Parties$300 members; $325 non – members;$350 party and membershipChallenger Missions at theHouston Museum of Natural ScienceMini - Crew Mission: $160Junior - Crew Mission: $185Full - Crew Mission: $280Devon Energy Corporation Educator Late Nights$55 per personEarly Investigations Tours$5.00 per personExxonMobil Career Challenge$10 per studentExxonMobil Teacher Tuesdays$25 per personOutreach Programs for SchoolsBugs on Wheels:$375 ½ day; $475 full day; $375 Science NightsHalliburton Discovery Dome:$375½ day; $475 full day; $575 extended dayDocents to Go:$150 for two 45 – minute sessionsChevron Earth Science on Wheels:$375, ½ day; $475, full day; $375, Science NightsConocoPhillips Science on Stage:$375 first performance; $150 for extra performancesEl Paso Corporation Wildlife on Wheels:$375, ½ day; $475, full dayScience Labs$165 per lab (groups);$200 per dissection lab (groups only)Lab Classes on Demand$200 per lab. $75 travel feeStaff Development OpportunitiesFundamentals of Inquiry in ScienceGifted and TalentedFormative AssessmentCall 713-639-4659 or email staffdevelopment@hmns.orgfor pricing information.The Houston Museum of Natural Scienceat Sugar LandField Trips$2.50 per personField Trip ClassesAdd an additional $2.50 per personDig Pit$5 per personScience Labs$165 per lab (groups); $200 per dissection lab (groups only)George ObservatoryAstronomy Day Classes$160 per childClasses for Home School Students$200 if purchased on or before Sept. 1, 2011;$30 per class beginning Sept. 2, 2011Challenger MissionsMini - Crew Mission: $160Mega - Mini Mission: $280Junior - Crew Mission: $185Mega - Junior Mission: $305Full - Crew Mission: $280Mega - Full Mission: $400Birthday Parties$27522

contACT USListed below are the phone numbers and e-mail addressesto book or reserve the following:The Houston Museum of Natural ScienceMain Museum Number713-639-4629Field Trips713-639-4659, fieldtrips@hmns.orgBirthday Parties at HMNS & HMNS/SL713-639-4646, birthdays@hmns.orgChallenger Missions at HMNS713-639-4733, challengemissions@hmns.orgDevon Energy Corporation Educator Late NightsRegister online at www.hmns.org. Questions: 713-639-4651Early Investigations Tours713-639-4659, fieldtrips@hmns.orgExxonMobil Career Challenge713-639-4747, bglass@hmns.orgExxonMobil Teacher Tuesday WorkshopsRegister online at www.hmns.org. Questions: 713-639-4651Information on Energy Workshops713-639-4769, cscoggin@hmns.org or ecc.hmns.orgOutreach ProgramsBugs on Wheels713-639-4794, bow@hmns.orgHalliburton Discovery Dome713-639-4736, discoverydome@hmns.orgDocents to Go713-639-4656, docentstogo@hmns.orgChevron Earth Science on Wheels713-639-4644, esow@hmns.orgRSVP for Shell Educators’ Preview713-639-4739, educatorpreview@hmns.orgScience Labs at the Museum OnlineRegister online at www.hmns.org.Scouts OnlineQuestions: 713-639-4680, scouts@hmns.orgStaff Development OpportunitiesFormative Assessment713-639-4659, staffdevelopment@hmns.orgFundamentals of Inquiry in Science713-639-4659, staffdevelopment@hmns.orgGifted & Talented Staff Development713-639-4659, giftedandtalented@hmns.orgMuseum Awareness Staff Development713-639-4659, staffdevelopment@hmns.orgThe Houston Museum of Natural Scienceat Sugar LandMain Museum Number281-313-2277, ext. 100Field Trips713-639-4659, sugarlandtrips@hmns.orgScience LabsRegister online at www.hmns.orgGeorge ObservatoryClasses and Challenger MissionsMonday - Friday: 713 639-4659Saturday: 281-242-3055, georgeobservatory@hmns.orgBirthday Parties281-242-3055, georgeobservatory@hmns.orgConocoPhillips Science on Stage713-639-4636, sos@hmns.orgTraveling Science Labs713-639-4636,sos@hmns.orgEl Paso Corporation Wildlife onWheels713-639-4613, wow@hmns.org23

museum map: HMNS - Hermann parklower levelIssac Arnold HallEarth ForumAlbert & Margaret Alkek Education CenterConference RoomVolunteer OfficesYouth Education OfficesThe Challenge CenterSearching for EternityJesse H. & Mary Gibbs Jones GalleryKHOU Weather StationindexElevatorHandicap AccessTTY ServicesStairwellEmergency ExitWomen’s RestroomMen’s RestroomBaby Changing StationFamily RestroomWater FountainMain LevelCockrell Butterfly Center/Brown Hall of EntomologyWiess Energy HallWortham IMAX ® TheatreAlbert and Ethel Herzstein Foucault PendulumAlfred C. Glassell Jr. HallHerman Brown GalleryBurke Baker PlanetariumGift ShopMcDonald’sMuseum Services24

second levelAlbert & Ethel HerzsteinHall of Special ExhibitsFarish Hall of Texas WildlifeEvelyn & Herbert FrensleyHall of African WildlifeGraham FamilyPresentation of Ecology &Conservation BiomesStrake Hall of MalacologyLester & Sue Smith Gem VaultCullen Hall of Gems and Mineralsthird levelJohn P. McGovernHall of the Americas25

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exWomen’s RestroomMen’s RestroomWater Fountainsecond LevelExhibition GalleryPaleontologySpace ScienceDiscovery WorksPublic SpaceHMNS Offices27

POSTMASTER:Dated materialenclosed.Please deliverIMMEDIATELY!Non-Profit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDHouston, TexasPermit No. 63715555 Hermann Park DriveHouston, Texas 7703013016 University BlvdSugar Land, TX 77479The Houston Museum of Natural Science appreciates your patience as weprepare to open the Dan L Duncan Family wing in the Summer of 2012.