Get Your Game on the Most Comprehensive Exhibition Ever Created on Professional Football Comes to the Museum!

OCTOBER – NOVEMBER 2017

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

Inside This Issue • Focus on Football • Fall Films • Members Get More!

Get Your Game On The most comprehensive exhibition ever created on professional football comes to the Museum!

merican football is by far the most popular spectator sport in the United States and is entrenched in our culture, with the Super Bowl celebrated as A an unofficial holiday even by people who couldn’t name a player on the field. And the nation’s favorite game is in the spotlight at the Museum this fall with Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This traveling exhibition showcases award-winning photos, spectacular footage from the NFL Films archives, artifacts, interactives, components focused on the science of the sport, and even a special section dedicated to the New England Patriots!

From Lab to Field Like most sports, football has evolved greatly over the years—thanks to the science of the game. See how far the sport has come from early-years leather headgear and basic padding that provided little protection to the advanced helmets and other uniform technology of today.

Also, watch eye-opening interactive videos demonstrating how this is a sport of super-humans. See how players’ various gifts such as soft hands, incredible hand-eye coordination, unreal quickness, ability to spin flawlessly, and other attributes give them an edge over their opponents. History of the Game Football Is Life Professional football may not have reached the top of the Because of its popularity, pro football has long been inter- nation’s sports hierarchy until the second half of the 20th twined with American culture. The Football as a Way of Life century, but its story stretches back decades earlier. Authentic section invites you to check out artifacts and media—from artifacts from the Pro Football Hall of Fame, videos, and more Wheaties boxes and pantyhose commercials to video games guide you through the timeline. and the whacky cheesehead.

Enter the Champions Theater Interactive Fun! to see objects from various title winners over the years. Try on real helmets with Look at the playbook that communicators to see what then-New York Giants it’s like to be in the game. defensive coordinator Compare your arm and Bill Belichick used to guide leg size as well as ball grip the team to a Super Bowl win in 1991. ability to those of various Investigate other assorted items used in championship games professional players. Put on along with photos and videos. a pair of pads and feel that weight! Then practice being See the jersey worn by Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski when he a referee when you watch a tied a record in 2011 along with other memorabilia and information video and determine how you about the highest achievers in Records Are Made to Be Broken. Get would call a controversial play. to know many of football’s pioneers who broke social barriers— such as the first African-American coach Fritz Pollard and Doug All About the Patriots Williams, who was the first African-American quarterback to win What about the home team? a Super Bowl, as you traverse the Road to Equality. And in Fantastic Check out an entire section Finishes, watch the concluding moments of the greatest games. dedicated to the five-time Super Even if you don’t know the difference between a Bowl-winning New England Patriots that hasn’t quarterback and a cornerback, you can get up been seen anywhere else on the exhibition’s tour! to speed easily with a This exhibition brings the Hall of Fame experience to you, run-through of the rules so there’s no need to fly to Canton, Ohio. Experience it all and basics of the game, right here with Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football along with information Hall of Fame, on exhibit October 8 – January 7. on how they’ve changed over the years. Produced by the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

More to Explore in Gridiron Glory How do you throw a touchdown pass? What’s the most effective way to protect a football player from injury? How can a sugary sports drink support an athlete’s performance? Join Museum educators for the drop-in, hands-on activity of the day and explore the science behind football. Topics rotate from day to day. See mos.org/daily-schedule for scheduled activity times.

Gridiron Glory Opens October 8 | Member Preview October 7 Celebrating Human Ingenuity New IMAX® film shows that kids are born engineers!

The greatest structures and machines in the world have structures more resistant to seismic hazards. You’ll also been created to solve problems and make the world a safer, watch scientists build bridges in underdeveloped nations, more convenient place in which to live. These achievements— an engineer examining the Great Wall of China, and and those yet to come—originated as ideas in the minds students competing in robotics and solar car competitions. of people thinking of ways to improve their surroundings. Dream Big: Engineering Our World, from award-winning MUSEUM CONNECTION MacGillivray Freeman Films, tells the story of these curious This film has a strong Museum connection, with key educators and innovative engineers! and even our own president and director, Ioannis Miaoulis, weighing in during its initial development. Get the inside IT’S ABOUT THE PEOPLE scoop plus more film details in the next issue ofSparks! This film, narrated by Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges, Dream Big is a MacGillivray Freeman film produced in partnership with American Society is more than a story about structures and objects; it’s about of Civil Engineers and presented by Bechtel Corporation. the people behind them. Meet three young engineers, including a Turkish-American who experienced the devastation Local Sponsor of an earthquake in her native land and now works to make

Dream Big Opens October 6 in the Mugar Omni Theater

Mysteries of China Opens November 24 in Omni Journey to the earliest days of this mighty nation and learn how an accidental discovery made by farmers in 1974 in Xi’an led to one of the greatest archaeological finds in the world: the Terracotta Warriors and the Tomb of the First Emperor. Explore how the Terracotta Warriors offer a unique time capsule into the past, revealing secrets about the founding of China.

Sponsored by MathWorks Gridiron Glory Opens October 8 | Member Preview October 7 Share yourphotosforachancetowinspecialprize! Watch youremailfordetailsonhowtoreserveticketsthefilm(capacityislimited). Halls admissionspermittedwithyourmembershiplevel)complimentaryparking. hands-on activities.Theeveningisfree(entrancelimitedtothenumberofExhibit • • • • • Member OvernightDetails: show. aPlanetarium and Theater Omni Mugar the in Lightning! alate-hour and activities, special Halls, Exhibit movies but the of the there’s plenty in in action still 21 October Saturday, children visitors go the home? all Elementary-school-age What after Museum happens at the Overnight Fun! for amembers-onlypreviewonSaturday, October7. exhibit Gridiron Glory is suretobeahit!See itfirstwhenyoucometothe Museum Nobody lovesfootballmorethanthepeopleofNew England,sothenewtraveling Ultimate Pre-Game Party of thenewIMAX Appreciation Night onSunday, October1from 6:00to9:00p.m.Enjoyapreview Explore yourfavoriteexhibitsandmoreduringtheDreamBig-themedMember Member Appreciation only sleepover, andanall-ages-appropriateHaunted Halls tocelebrateHalloween! Appreciation Night, anexclusivepreviewofanewMuseum exhibition,amembers- October withamonthfullofeventsandopportunities.includesMember It’s alwaysagoodtimetobeMuseum member, butit’s anextra-specialstatusthis hosted byDJOoch,andparticipate inafamily-friendlycostumeshow. win OmniandPlanetarium passes),getyourbodymovingduringadanceparty a Halloween theme.Go onaspookyscavenger huntthroughoutthebuilding(youcould but withsomesupersurprises addedtothemix.Enjoyhands-onscienceactivities with Saturday, October28andSunday, October29.See allthatyouloveabouttheMuseum, Grab yourfavoritemask(costumesoptional)forourannualHaunted Halls celebration, Science Scary Preview anewexhibitandenjoyHaunted Halls, anexclusivesleepover, andmore! Just for Members! Special DaysandNights For moreinformationontheeventandovernightrules,contact membership:617-589-0180. View theovernight“survivalguide”tohelpyouprepare:mos.org/members. Overnight parkingrateis$5. Check-in is5:00–6:30p.m.The programofficiallyendsat11:00a.m.thenext morning. Bring yourownmealorvisittheRiverviewCafé. $55 perperson.Advanceregistrationrequired.Spaceislimited;firstcome,served. (ages 6 – 13) and their chaperones can find out at the Member Overnight, (ages outthe find 6–13) chaperones Overnight, can at Member their and ® filmDreamBig:EngineeringOurWorld, specialpresentations,and . A night at the museum might not look exactly like it does like not look might exactly museum at the . Anight show. Wake up the next morning with a giant-screen film film show. agiant-screen with Wake morning up next the Member Events Select Dates inOctober

Photo © Nicolaus Czarnecki Dig into the Past Meet the experts and do what they do at the annual Archaeology Fair!

Ancient cultures did not leave behind film reels, photos, or Do It Yourself! radio recordings to document their lives. So somebody needs While hearing stories and advice from the pros is a golden to dig beneath the surface to find the items (or fragments) opportunity, there’s nothing quite like getting to do it yourself. these people used or even what they wrote to piece together Find the experiment station in the Discovery Center (designed a true story. That’s the job for archaeologists—the history for children up to age 8 and their grownups), where visitors detectives of the science world. The Museum will focus on can use tools to dig for unknown objects and piece together what they do and give you a chance to test your sleuthing skills models of artifacts. Use those artifacts as clues to reconstruct at our 11th annual Archaeology Fair on Saturday, October 14. history and make connections between the people who made these objects and those who live today—just like the experts do. Learn Tricks of the Trade Get ready for an experience that’s both educational and fun and How do archaeologists do their job? Why don’t you ask them? where you can really dig into the action—Archaeology Fair! You’ll meet scores of workers in the field from all over New England who will share their favorite techniques, sites, and Co-sponsored by the Archaeological Institute of America. Free with Exhibit Halls admission. experiences and answer questions from inquiring For more information: mos.org/events. young minds.

Also, learn how archaeology is not just something practiced on dry land. Members of the Massachusetts Board of Under- water Archaeological Resources are among the professionals who will be in attendance—they have a lot to say about ship- wrecks and other sites beneath the sea with stories to tell.

“The Archaeology Fair is a lively celebration with special guest archaeologists and professionals. Here, you can ask questions about careers and artifacts while considering how looking into the past helps us to imagine the future.”

— Sharon Horrigan, Farinon Director of Education and Outreach Programs Photo © TMP Images

Archaeology Fair October 14 Calendar of Events October – November 2017 activate Cover Photo © Ashley McCabe Information is subject to change. Please confirm all dates and times: CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS 617-723-2500, mos.org. Exlusive Member Event October November

Member Appreciation Night Book Club for the Curious 1 Exclusive Member Event—Exhibit Halls open 9 Join a discussion about The Radium Girls by Sunday Thursday exclusively for our members plus special Dream Kate Moore. Also, October 12: A discussion Big viewing and activities. 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. about The Gene: An Intimate History by Siddhartha Mukherjee. Both events: Waiting Rooms Cambridge Innovation Center. 5:30 p.m. 4 The Museum transforms into a large-scale Wednesday physical installation experience. For ages The Polar Express 4-D Experience® 18+ only. Also October 5. ! $ 11 Opens Saturday 4-D Film—Go on an extraordinary adventure Dream Big: to the North Pole this holiday season! M ! $ 6 Engineering Our World Opens Friday Meet inspiring students and professional Women in Science and Engineering— engineers. M ! $ 13 20th Anniversary Celebration Monday Hear from female STEM professionals on Member Preview: Gridiron Glory the impact they have made on the Boston 7 Exclusive Member Event—Be one of innovation economy. Colonnade Hotel. Saturday the first to see an exhibition that brings the 11:30 a.m. ! $ Pro Football Hall of Fame to the Museum! Exhibit opens to the public October 8. Precision Medicine: Precision Health 15 Hear from an expert panel on the future of human Wednesday HUBWeek health. Might we be able to prevent diseases from 12 The Museum presents Planetarium programs happening altogether? 7:00 p.m. M ! Thursday under a portable dome at City Hall Plaza. Also Friday, October 13 – Sunday, October 15. Stories Under the Stars: Planet Tales 16 Hear true stories and live music under the Thursday Archaeology Fair Planetarium dome. Hosted by NOVA’s 14 Expert archaeologists show you the inventive Ari Daniel. 7:30 p.m. ! $ Saturday tools, techniques, and even toys from ancient eras. 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Outbreak: Fighting Disease in a Changing World National Chemistry Week Celebration Learn about infectious diseases that affect 15 Enjoy engaging hands-on activities and see millions of people all over the world during this Sunday demonstrations from world-famous chemistry interactive forum. 7:00 p.m. professor Dr. Bassam Shakhashiri. 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Mysteries of China Opens 24 Learn about ancient China and witness one of Friday Member Overnight the world´s greatest archaeological finds! M ! $ 21 Exclusive Member Event—Get ready for an Saturday exciting evening of special after-hours access Synesthesia Suite: Constellations and activities. 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 a.m. ! $ 30 Mary Bichner and the Planetary Quartet perform Thursday in the Planetarium accompanied by synesthesia- Haunted Halls influenced visuals on the dome. 7:30 p.m. ! $ 28 Participate in a costume party and enjoy Saturday tricks, treats, and members-only activities. Also October 29. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 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. 4-D Theater For showtimes and tickets: 617-723-2500, mos.org. Shows run approximately 15 minutes. Member price: $5. The Perfect Gift! Membership at the Museum of Science fits Returning! The Polar Express 4-D Experience® everyone on your list! A full year of free Exhibit Opens Saturday, November 11 Halls admission brings inspiring discoveries Go on an extraordinary adventure to the North Pole this and memorable experiences for grandchildren, holiday season on THE POLAR EXPRESS with the 4-D nieces, nephews, and friends of any age. version of the Holiday Classic! Members enjoy these additional benefits: THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s17) • Free or discounted admission to our special venues, including temporary exhibits. ® Shark: A 4-D Experience • Invitations to exclusive member events. Explore the complex nature of some of the world’s • Reciprocal admission privileges to over 400 museums, strangest and most mysterious ocean species in science centers, and zoos nationwide. Shark: A 4-D Experience®. • Valuable discounts, special offers, and much more! The BBC and BBC Earth are trademarks of the British Broadcasting Corporation and are used under license. BBC logo © BBC 1996 It’s easy to give a membership: just call our member specialists at 617-589-0180; Thomas & Friends™ 4-D: Bubbling Boilers! 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily. Join Thomas & Friends in this thrilling 4-D adventure as they encounter big surprises while racing to an exciting celebration on Sodor.

Ice Age: No Time for Nuts 4-D Through Friday, November 10 Join Scrat, Ice Age’s resident nut-crazed saber-toothed squirrel, as he time travels in his zaniest adventure to date, Ice Age: No Time for Nuts 4-D.

Member Appreciation Night Sunday, October 1; 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Explore your favorite exhibits and more with your fellow members! Enjoy a free members-only preview of the new IMAX® film Dream Big: Engineering Our World with special presentations and hands-on activities inspired by the film.

• Free with complimentary parking. No reservations required. • Entrance is limited to the number of Exhibit Halls admissions permitted with your membership level. • For more event information and reserving free film tickets in advance (first come, first served; limited capacity): 617-589-0180.

Member Preview: Gridiron Glory Mugar Omni Theater Saturday, October 7; 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Featuring New England’s only IMAX® Dome screen. Be among the first to see this new temporary exhibition For showtimes, tickets, and a complete list of films now that brings the Pro Football Hall of Fame to Boston! With playing: 617-723-2500, mos.org. Shows run approximately more than 200 artifacts, award-winning photographs, 50 minutes. Member price: $5. and a section dedicated to the New England Patriots! Sponsored by • Free. No reservations required. Entrance is limited to the number of Exhibit Halls admissions permitted with your FEATURED FILMS membership level. • For more information: 617-589-0180. New! Dream Big: Engineering Our World Opens Friday, October 6 Member Overnight Celebrate the human ingenuity behind engineering Saturday, October 21; 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 a.m. marvels big and small, and see how engineers push the Bring your sleeping bag for a real-life night at the limits of innovation in unexpected and amazing ways. Museum featuring special themed activities throughout the Exhibit Halls. The following morning includes a New! Mysteries of China Planetarium show and Omni film. Opens Friday, November 24 • Fee: $55 per person. Advance registration required. Discover how an accidental discovery in 1974 in Xi’an Space is limited; first come, first served. led to one of the world’s greatest archaeological finds: • Children must be accompanied by adult chaperones the Terracotta Warriors and the Tomb of the First Emperor. age 21 or older. Amazon Adventure • To purchase tickets: 617-723-2500 or mos.org/members. Follow naturalist Henry Bates on his 11-year journey of scientific discovery through the visually stunning Haunted Halls and biodiverse Amazon rainforest Saturday, October 28 and Sunday, October 29; in the 1850s. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Kick off the festivities with our costume party, then stick around for tricks, treats, and members-only activities. Discover what seasonal surprises lurk within our wings!

• Free. No reservations required. Entrance is limited to the number of Exhibit Halls admissions permitted with your membership level. • For more information: Photo © Ashley McCabe mos.org/members. Exhibit Halls Charles Hayden Planetarium For more information: For showtimes and tickets: 617-723-2500, mos.org. 617-723-2500, mos.org/exhibits. Shows run approximately 35 – 45 minutes. Member price: $5.

New! Gridiron Glory FEATURED SHOWS Opens Sunday, October 8 Experience the story of Undiscovered Worlds: professional football—from its The Search Beyond Our Sun humble beginnings to the cultural The discovery of exoplanets—the thousands of known phenomenon it is today with planets that orbit stars beyond the Sun—may lead us Gridiron Glory: The Best of the closer to finding an Earth-like world. Pro Football Hall of Fame! Produced by the Museum of Science.

Last Chance! Explore: The Universe New England Leave Earth behind and blast off to explore our solar Caterpillars: Life on the Leaf Edge system, the Milky Way, and beyond. Journey through the Through October cosmos with a Planetarium educator as your star pilot. See the impressive photography of naturalist Music Under the Dome Samuel Jaffe, director of The Caterpillar Lab. Friday and Saturday evenings Wicked Smart: Invented in the Hub Join us in the Charles Hayden Planetarium and experi- Greater Boston-based innovations and their creators ence one of our most innovative and immersive offerings, are the focus of this new permanent exhibit. celebrating the music of such icons as Coldplay, Rihanna, and more! Recommended for ages 18 and up. Many Faces of Our Mental Health Through various art forms, this temporary exhibition helps raise awareness of, and helps correct, common misconceptions about mental health.

Butterfly Garden Explore a living exhibit filled with sunlight, plants, and free-flying butterflies. Timed tickets required. Member price: $5.

Thrill Ride 360° Take a ride on a roller coaster you design in this full-motion experience! Timed tickets required. Member price: $5.

FEATURED PRESENTATION Live presentations are offered throughout the day every day Gilliland Observatory in the Exhibit Halls. For current schedules: 617-723-2500, mos.org/daily-schedule. Free, thanks to the generosity of the Lowell Institute.

Science Snapshot Astronomy After Hours Daily; 12:30 p.m. Through Friday, November 17 Take a closer look at the latest science and technology Fridays; 8:30 – 10:00 p.m. headlines and research to appreciate their impact on On clear nights, view stars, planets, the Moon, and our lives! other astronomical phenomena from the Museum’s garage roof! On cloudy nights, tour our Observatory and participate in astronomy-related activities. For more details and weather-related closures: call our hotline at 617-589-0267, updated by 5:30 p.m. every Friday. HUBWeek Thursday, October 12 – Sunday, October 15; Times vary The HUB, Boston City Hall Plaza In collaboration with swissnex Boston, the Museum of Science is presenting a variety of programming for HUBWeek! Visit us under a portable dome at City Hall to experience fascinating film shorts from the Museum’s Planetarium team and the Planetarium in partnership with NOVA’s Ari Daniel and MassArt.

• Free. • For more information: hubweek.org.

Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys Halloween Happening Thursday, October 26; 7:30 p.m. The Toys return to the Museum for one night only! Kick off your Halloween as they take over the Planetarium for an evening of masquerade, music, and mayhem under the dome. Beware, other tricks Adult Offerings and treats lurk around every corner of the Toys’ For more information: 617-723-2500, mos.org/events. Funded macabre Museum! For ages 18 and up. in part by the Barbara and Malcolm L. Sherman Fund for Adult • Fee: $20 in advance; $25 day of program. Programs and by the David and Marion Ellis Endowment Fund. • Purchase tickets in advance at mos.org/events. WHEN SCIENCE MEETS ART Stories Under the Stars: Planet Tales Shattering the boundaries between art, science, and technology. Thursday, November 16; 7:30 p.m. Waiting Rooms Come to the Charles Hayden Planetarium for an evening of live storytelling, radio, and music under the Wednesday, October 4 and Thursday, October 5; stars hosted by NOVA’s Ari Daniel. For ages 18 and up. 7:00 p.m. with entry times every ten minutes This isn’t the Museum you know. The building is trans- • Fee: $15; purchase tickets in advance at mos.org/events. formed into an absurdist social bureaucracy, taking you into spaces where visitors are not allowed. The rules steer Synesthesia Suite: Constellations you as you wander room to room, leading to sometimes Thursday, November 30; 7:30 p.m. collaborative and sometimes competitive situations. Join Mary Bichner and the Planetary Quartet for an Architect Nathalie Pozzi and game designer Eric evening of strings, synesthesia, and starlight as they Zimmerman are behind this installation that explores perform the world premiere of Constellations, a themes of bureaucracy, immigration, economic collection of classical-meets-pop works inspired by inequality, and the systemization of contemporary life. the night sky, as well as some of Bichner’s Prepare yourself for a fully participatory previous compositions and cover songs. experience! For ages 18 and up. These pieces will be accompanied by live synesthesia-influenced visuals on the • Fee: $30. Tickets available until 5:00 p.m., day of event. Planetarium dome, allowing you to “hear” Purchase tickets at mos.org/events. (No sales at door.) color and “see” sound just as Bichner • Please note: this experience takes place throughout does when she listens to music. the Museum and requires changing locations multiple times. Please contact us at 617-589-3102 with • Fee: $20; purchase tickets in advance at accessibility questions or concerns. mos.org/events. • This work has been supported in part by the nonprofit Marble House project. Mary Bichner Photo © Meredith Nierman Mary Bichner FLAGSHIP: PLEASE TRIM OFF 1/16” TO GATEFOLD IN ER MB ME Avoid peak times by Avoid 10:30arriving before a.m. or after 3:00 p.m. Bring your current Bring your current membership card for faster Exhibit Halls entry. Remember to redeem Remember to redeem for passes electronic timed tickets. Take public Take transportation! parking tips: For mos.org/parking. Arrive at least one hour before shows. scheduled Purchased tickets on- tickets Purchased line or by phone? Your email confirmation may be used as your ticket. Reserve tickets in advance: 617-723-2500, mos.org. Save time—go online! Save time—go online! sign up: mos.org/ To my-account. MEMBER TIPS MEMBER use your member these and Follow of every visit! to get the most out benefits 89-0180 or Questions? Call 617-5 visit mos.org/membership-faq. Siddhartha Mukherjee. October 12: The Gene: An Intimate History by 14th Floor, Cambridge, MA. Floor, 14th Location: Cambridge Innovation Center, One Broadway, One Broadway, Cambridge Innovation Center, Location: at mos.org/events. members (Wednesday, November 1 for the general public) November members (Wednesday, Advance registration begins Monday, October 30 for Advance registration begins Monday, generosity of the Lowell Institute. generosity of the Lowell Symposium Fund. This program is free thanks to the This Symposium Fund. Funding provided by the Lee and Nile Albright Annual provided by the Lee Funding Register in advance at mos.org/events. of the Lowell Institute. of the Lowell Free. This program is free thanks to the generosity program is free thanks to This Free. • Presented in partnership with the Cambridge Innovation Center. • Presented by Kate Moore. • November 9: The Radium Girls by Kate • impact on society. • discussions focus on science, technology, and their discussions focus on science, technology, Free and open to the public, these monthly bookFree Book Club for the Curious October 12 and November 9; 5:30 p.m. Thursdays, Find out even more offerings at mos.org/events. AND MORE • possible now and what may be in the near future. happening altogether? Join us to find out what´s happening altogether? Join us to find out • lives. In the future, might we prevent diseases from lives. In the future, might we prevent diseases could keep everyone at their healthiest throughout their could keep everyone at their healthiest throughout A panel of experts discuss what if would be like if we A panel of experts Precision Medicine: Precision Health Medicine: Precision Precision November 15; 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, Lee and Nile Albright Annual Symposium and Nile Albright Lee Exploring the multi-dimensional human experience. Exploring the multi-dimensional ON BEING HUMAN • the discussion for the City of Boston. the discussion for the Consider potential policy solutions and help shape Consider potential policy • of self-driving cars and how we might regulate them. of self-driving cars and At this interactive forum, learn about interactive forum, learn this At the development Should Humans Be Allowed to Drive? Be Allowed Should Humans p.m. 7:00 October 11; Wednesday, Community conversationsCommunity world. about our changing ENGINEERED WORLDS ENGINEERED

Exlusive Member Event Events For more information: 617-723-2500, mos.org/events. The Science of Anime November Saturday, October 21; 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Fashion Technology with Open Style Lab The Museum of Science and the New England Anime Saturday, October 7; showcase with Open Style Lab Society have partnered to create The Science of Anime, 12:00 – 3:30 p.m. and presentation at 12:30, 1:30, a single-day event at the Museum. and 2:30 p.m. • For more information: neanime.org. Celebrate the collaborative work of engineers, occupational therapists, and designers who participated in an innovative summer program creating prototype designs for assistive clothing at Parsons School of Design—Open Style Lab.

• Free with Exhibit Halls admission.

Archaeology Fair Saturday, October 14; 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Are you the next Mary Leakey or Robert Ballard? Find out at this yearly event featuring historical artifacts, activate themed interpretations, and hands-on activities. Bradford Washburn Award • Free with Exhibit Halls admission. Wednesday, October 25; 6:30 p.m. Since 1964, the Museum of Science has presented • Co-sponsored by the Archaeological Institute of America. Learn more about International Archaeology Day: this award to those who have made an outstanding archaeological.org/NAD. contribution toward the public understanding and application of science, technology, engineering, and math. • For more information: mos.org/events. This year’s honorees are Salman “Sal” Khan—founder National Chemistry of the nonprofit Khan Academy, and Alison Gopnik, PhD, Week Celebration a world leader in early childhood learning and develop- Sunday, October 15; ment and a bestselling, critically acclaimed author. 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. • Tickets on sale now. To make reservations, please contact Participate in engaging Gina Crotty, fundraising events, at 617-589-4475 or hands-on activities facilitated by guest scientists and [email protected]. students from local universities as well as partners from other local organizations. Enjoy special demonstrations from world-famous chemistry professor Dr. Bassam Shakhashiri.

• Free with Exhibit Halls admission. • This event is presented in collaboration with the Northeastern Section of the American Chemical Society.

The Museum of Science gratefully acknowledges the support of our The Museum’s exhibitions and educational programs receive Premier Partners: important support from individual members and donors like you. Additional support provided by:

Museum of Science 617-723-2500 mos.org 1 Museum News

1 Focus on Preschoolers 3 Focus on Women and Girls in STEM The Museum’s Engineering is Elementary® As an institution dedicated to engaging those (EIE®) program has provided an engineering traditionally underrepresented in STEM, education curriculum for more than 13 the Museum has a deep commitment to million students and 162,000 educators in all empower women and girls to see themselves 50 states and the District of Columbia. Now as active participants in all areas of science and the program is turning its attention to even technology. This responsibility extends beyond younger learners—preschoolers. Pilot testing those girls and women who have an affinity for of Wee Engineer is ongoing nationwide, and STEM fields to those who haven’t yet discovered the curriculum being developed for it will be their own STEM interests. available for educators in the fall of 2018. Wee With that in mind, the Museum is offering Engineer taps into a child’s natural curiosity inspired programming in November as part 2 and love of problem solving and sets them on of Women and Girls in STEM Month! a path to lifelong STEM learning. Programs include: 2 Spicer on STEM Council • Drop-in activities and opportunities for young Governor Charlie Baker recently reappointed people to meet and hear from female STEM Yvonne Spicer, EdD, Museum vice president educators and other professionals (Saturday, for advocacy and educational partnerships, November 4 and Wednesday, November 8). to the Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council. • College women meet with STEM professionals The council aims “to expand access to quality for engaging discussions about issues facing STEM education for students across the women in STEM industries (Thursday, commonwealth,” according to a statement November 9). Sponsored by Akamai. from the governor. Massachusetts Secretary of Education James Peyser says the members • Luncheon commemorating the 20th of the council “play a critical role in anniversary of our Women in Science and determining and advancing key initiatives Engineering (WISE) committee featuring a focused on strengthening STEM education panel discussion on the impact female STEM and helping to fill the skills gap in professionals have on the Boston innovation high-demand STEM careers.” economy; event location is the Colonnade Hotel (Monday, November 13). 3 For more information on these events, including volunteer opportunities, visit mos.org. General Information EXHIBIT HALLS HOURS • Saturday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Open until 7:00 p.m. July 5 – Labor Day) • Friday 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. • Thanksgiving Eve and Christmas Eve 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. • Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day Closed Subject to change and extended during

Photo © Desroches Photography Massachusetts school vacations. For updates: mos.org/hours. EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES William and Charlotte Bloomberg Science Education Center TICKETS AND MEMBERSHIP A transformational $50 million gift from Bloomberg Philanthropies solidifies the Museum’s position Advance reservations recommended. as one of the world’s premier educational institutions by ensuring the ability of our educators to create For current prices and to purchase and share world-class exhibits, programs, and K – 12 curricula on a global scale. tickets: mos.org. Field Trips For membership information: 617-589-0180, For information about Museum field trips and other opportunities for educators, such as the Teacher [email protected], mos.org/members. Partner Program: 617-723-2500, [email protected], mos.org/educators.

Traveling Programs Bring a fun and interactive Museum program to your pre K – 8 school or community center! For information and reservations: 617-589-0354, [email protected], QUESTIONS? Call Science mos.org/travelingprograms. Central at 617-723-2500.

ACCESSIBILITY For information or accommodation requests: 617-589-3102, [email protected], Sparks! OCTOBER – NOVEMBER 2017 mos.org/accessibility. Please request ASL interpreters at least two weeks in advance. MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTIONS AND PARKING Director: Carl Zukroff • Address 1 Science Park, Boston, MA 02114 Editors: Christopher DelConte, • Detailed Directions mos.org/directions Jonathan Friedman • Parking Museum garage parking is available first come, first served. Members receive a discount. Art Director: Fanny Lau Dines • PLAN AHEAD A state project on the Longfellow Bridge is rerouting traffic in front of the Museum. Designers: Nicole Guzzo, Lianne Stoddard Allow extra travel time or consider public transportation. Updates: mos.org/traveltips.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Sparks is published bimonthly. The Museum houses Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations capable of charging up to four cars Circulation: 55,000 simultaneously. The stations are located on the fourth floor of the garage. While there is no cost to charge your car, you will need a ChargePoint account to access. (Regular garage fees apply for parking.) © 2017 Museum of Science, Boston For more information: chargepoint.com. All rights reserved.

Hubway Bike Share Program Hubway, metro Boston’s bicycle-sharing system, is available on the front plaza of the Museum near the main entrance. The Hubway bike share is a regional partnership between Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, and Somerville. For more information: thehubway.com.

GROUP VISITS Bringing your group to the Museum of Science? For special pricing and more information: [email protected], mos.org/group-visits.

EVENT PLANNING Host your next event at the Museum of Science! Food services provided by Wolfgang Puck Catering. STAY CONNECTED WITH For information: 617-589-0125 (Monday – Friday), [email protected], mos.org/private-events. Members THE MUSEUM COMMUNITY! are eligible for special rates. For updates, special offers, and fun science: BOSTON DUCK TOURS Tickets sold on the front plaza. DUCKs depart from the driveway near the T. rex. Tours run daily, April – November. For reservations: 617-267-3825, bostonducktours.com. Member@ E-News at mos.org/login Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Salem, NH Permit #151

Gridiron Glory See cover story

OCTOBER – NOVEMBER 2017

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

Local Sponsor Opens October 6 in Omni