Swing Into Summer at the Museum New Exhibits, Giant-Screen Films, and More Make for a Sensational Season!

JUNE – JULY 2017

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

Inside This Issue • One-Stop Family Fun • Planetarium Shines at Night • Taking STEM to the Street Cover Photos © TMP Images Swing into Summer at the Museum New exhibits, giant-screen films, and more make for a sensational season!

eed help filling your summer calendar? The Museum is your FREEDOM go-to resource for awe-inspiring attractions for children and CHAIR adults alike. Intriguing exhibits (including seasonal favorite N ® POPnology), immersive IMAX and 4-D films, a new evening series in the Planetarium, thought-provoking live presentations, and more ensure you’ll keep the learning and fun going long after school’s out!

See It Before It Happens Behind the Scenes: Help us test new exhibits!, a new permanent exhibit next to the Theater of Electricity, gives you a sneak peek into the Museum’s future. Just as the name implies, you get a firsthand look at what goes into producing an exhibit— from the birth of an idea to the finishing touches before it’s ready for prime time.

And you can participate in the process by experimenting with the newest ideas before they reach their final form. Swing in front of a screen featuring a 3-D space scene designed to make you feel like you’re moving outside this world in “Starfield Swing.” Then share your thoughts on the experience to make it even better! Check back regularly—the space changes frequently as the Museum’s expert exhibit creators are always working on new projects.

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Celebrate Local Innovation The Museum’s Boston and Cambridge locale has always been an important asset for an institution dedicated to science, with many prominent medical, educational, and scientific institutions nearby. In fact, the Bloomberg Index determined last year that Massachusetts was the most innovative state in the nation! The Museum celebrates these innovations and the people behind them with our newest permanent exhibit, Wicked Smart: Invented in the Hub, debuting in June in the Blue Wing. KARL SIMS INTERACTIVE Photo © TMP Images Enjoy a multi-person interactive powered by an image processing language created by Cambridge-based digital media artist and computer graphics research scientist Karl Sims. Use your body to interact with a variety of special effects created via Sims’s language and watch and listen as the simulation responds to your movements.

Plus, see Harvard’s impressive flying robots (“RoboBees”) and learn about portable health- care with the Daktari CD4 System cell counter from Cambridge-based Daktari Diagnostics. In addition, test the latest in POPNOLOGY EXHIBIT ROBOBEE wheelchair technology with the “Freedom Chair,” an all-terrain wheelchair created by GRIT—a social enterprise startup created by a group of mechanical engineering students from MIT. Other exhibit highlights: 3-D printed glass sculptures from the MIT Media Lab’s Mediated Matter group and the “Cheetah II” robot, also from MIT.

Are You a POPnologist? Find Out! While these exhibits will be part of the Museum landscape for the foreseeable future, POPnology (on exhibit through September 4) won’t be! Don’t miss this unique exhibition that highlights the connection between pop culture and technology AMAZON ADVENTURE OMNI FILM Malyszko Photo © Michael and shows how movies, books, television, and other art forms continue to inspire technological advancements. See the iconic DeLorean from Back to the Future Part III, enjoy a photo op with the title character from the Alien films, and more! Traveling out of state this summer? Out More to Explore of the country? With your membership, you can enjoy all the offerings already mentioned Be sure to bring plus everything in the Exhibit Halls for free. Take in more than 700 interactive your Museum of exhibits (the Hall of Human Life is just one) and attend a live presentation (Live Animal, for example). And for just $5 each, take a break in the Mugar Omni Science membership Theater and watch one or all of these large-format films on the IMAX® Dome card with you! It can screen—Journey to Space, Amazon Adventure, or Extreme Weather. Plus, enter be used to get free the 4-D Theater for film experiences that capture all of your senses! (Check or reduced admission mos.org for showtimes.) to more than 400 As you can see, there’s plenty to keep you intrigued and entertained at the Museum science centers and zoos this summer, with something for all ages and interests. Come visit today! worldwide. For more details: mos.org/reciprocity RoboBee image courtesy of Harvard University. Planetarium Gets Its Nighttime Groove Summer evenings are now filled with live music, comedy, trivia, sci-fi movie magic, and more!

The Charles Hayden Planetarium has long been a desirable destination for daytime educational experiences with visitor favorites such as Magic Tree House: Space Mission, Moons: Worlds of Mystery, and Wonders of the Night Sky. But more recently the venue has also become the spot for dazzling after-hours options for adults. It’s truer than ever this summer with exceptional events happening every single week!

Thursday Thrills Admission______Place______Spanning June through August, something special is on the menu every Date______Time______©_Swank_Motion_Pictures,_Inc. Thursday evening. Take a trip down nostalgia lane the first Thursday of each month for a sci-fi movie night. Test your knowledge against friends and others on the second Thursday with trivia hosted by The Big Quiz Thing. On the third Thursday, enjoy live music by Boston favorites Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys, SUBSPACE PROJECT Hallelujah the Hills, and more, while the fourth Thursday is all about comedy with ImprovBoston. Whether you attend one or all, you’ll have a great time while surrounded by the inventive, captivating visuals created by the Planetarium team.

With a fifth Thursday in June and August, the Museum has something especially enticing—sci-fi movie marathons! The first two Back to the Future films will be screened on June 29, and you can see films from the Alien franchise August 31. (Items from both films are featured in our temporary POPnology exhibition.)

SubSpace Is Back! SubSpace Project, the Museum’s experimental playground for developing WALTER SICKERT & THE ARMY OF BROKEN TOYS fresh, original, and social experiences for adults, has been impressing audiences for more than a year with its featured programming that combines popular music and stunning visuals for an unforgettable experience in the unique Planetarium environment.

Don’t miss this summer’s lineup of new shows! Enjoy the scintillating sounds of Coldplay (Wednesday, June 7), Rihanna (Wednesday, July 19), and Justin Timberlake (Wednesday, August 16). While you may be familiar with their music, you’ll appreciate it in an imaginative new way!

So when you’re making your summer plans, be sure to circle Thursdays THE BIG QUIZ THING and select Wednesdays to check out the Charles Hayden Planetarium—and experience it in a whole new light…at night!

Recommended for ages 18 and up. Separate ticket required. See calendar and visit mos.org/events for more information and to purchase tickets.

Nightlife in the Planetarium Select Wednesdays and every Thursday

Science at Home Think like an engineer and build your 1. Cut the toothbrush head own personal robot! with pliers or the wire cutter, cutting the handle When you visit the Museum’s newest traveling exhibition, close to the bristles. POPnology, you’ll meet some riveting robots like R2-D2 of Stars Wars fame. But your robot interaction doesn’t have to 2. Test the battery and motor end when you go home. Keep it going with your own homemade by stripping the end of robot—a bristle bot to be precise! the pager motor’s wires 1 so about half an inch of metal wire shows. Attach one wire to the top of the battery and the other wire to the bottom. (The motor should spin with some intensity.)

3. After a successful test, 2 fasten the motor firmly to the top of the toothbrush head. Use double-sided tape or foam tape to set in place (a rubber band can BUILD A BRISTLE BOT do the trick too). Materials Needed: • 1 pager motor (1 to 3 volts) with 2 wires (if you don’t have 4. Tape one of the motor’s one, you can remove it from any electronic device that wires to one side of the buzzes or vibrates or buy one for a few dollars) 3 battery. Then fasten the • 1 button cell battery (1 to 3 volts) battery firmly to the top of • 1 toothbrush with angled bristles the toothbrush so the wire • Pliers or wire cutter is on the bottom. Connect • Double-sided tape or foam tape the second wire so it stays • Any extras you want for decoration! in contact with the top of the battery.

PLACE YOUR BRISTLE BOT ON A SOLID SURFACE AND WATCH IT MOVE!

If you want to give your cyber creation some extra character, decorate it! Attach eyeball stickers or something even more creative. And for extra fun, place some items in your bristle bot’s path and watch it knock them over. That’s one tough bristle bot!

This project is adapted from one created by PBS Kids! Photos courtesy of pbskids.org.

Bringing Science to the Neighborhood The Museum’s Street Team continues to break down barriers.

A day at the Museum of Science offers an unmatched “You don’t have to have a lot of money or a lot of fancy experience of engaging, interactive learning that introduces materials to have fun with STEM. And that’s what the Street guests to new ideas and concepts every visit. But these Team is able to show people,” Cabrera says. opportunities aren’t restricted to the walls of our iconic The Street Team usually brings one or two activities to each building along the Charles River. A perfect example: the event. This could include teaching people how to transform Museum’s Street Team—an enthusiastic and knowledgeable a pizza box into a solar oven, for example, or others focusing group of staff, interns, and volunteers who introduce STEM on dinosaurs, wind, animation, and additional subject matter. (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities to Once mastered, these activities can be repeated at home— nearby neighborhood gatherings and cultural events. continuing the learning (and fun) and connecting new people with the Museum. Breaking Down Barriers If there’s a community event planned for the Boston area, So Many Dates especially a cultural one, the Museum’s Street Team will likely The Street Team’s schedule began be there, demonstrating how people can incorporate STEM in March and continues through into their daily lives. Among the recent events the team has November. Learn more about attended are the Latino Family Festival at Fenway Park, the where you can find the team or Special Olympics at Harvard Stadium, Wake Up the Earth give a heads-up to your friends by in Jamaica Plain, and the Brazilian Independence Festival visiting the Museum on Facebook in Brighton. and Twitter. And come see for Maria Cabrera, the Museum’s community outreach supervi- yourself how they break down sor who heads the Street Team, says their mission is to “break barriers and show how STEM down barriers” and introduce STEM to people, including new can be part of everybody’s life! immigrant communities, who might not be able to access it as easily as others can due to language, cultural, financial, or other potential obstacles. Calendar of Events June – July 2017 discover Cover Photo © Nicolaus Czarnecki Information is subject to change. Please confirm all dates and times: CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS 617-723-2500, mos.org. Exlusive Member Event June July

Summer Thursdays: Starship Troopers Let’s Celebrate July 4th! 1 Enjoy a science fiction favorite under 4 Exclusive Member Event—Enjoy a Thursday Tuesday the Planetarium dome. 7:30 p.m. ! $ family-friendly evening of fun during the annual rooftop party. 5:30 p.m. ! $ SubSpace Project: Coldplay 7 Enjoy stunning visuals combined with an Summer Hours Begin Wednesday electrifying playlist featuring the music of 5 This is the first day to enjoy our extended Wednesday British band Coldplay. 7:30 p.m. ! $ summer hours. Exhibit Halls are open 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. through Labor Day, Summer Thursdays: September 4. (Open 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. 8 The Big Quiz Thing on Fridays as usual.) Thursday Test your knowledge against friends and others at the ultimate game show Summer Thursdays: Independence Day ! $ 6 Enjoy a science fiction favorite under the spectacular! 7:30 p.m. Also July 13. Thursday Planetarium dome. 7:30 p.m. ! $ Book Club for the Curious Join a discussion about Sapiens: A Brief Washburn Challenge 9 Climb Mount Washington or sponsor a climber History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. Sunday Cambridge Innovation Center. 5:30 p.m. for the 11th annual ascent to honor Museum founder Brad Washburn and raise money for Summer Thursdays: Live Music the Annual Fund. ! $ 15 Listen to live music under the Planetarium Thursday dome. 7:30 p.m. Also July 20. ! $ Book Club for the Curious 13 Join a discussion about The Undoing Project: A Thursday Member Overnight Friendship That Changed Our Minds by Michael 16 Lewis. Cambridge Innovation Center. 5:30 p.m. Friday Exclusive Member Event—Enjoy after- hours access to the Exhibit Halls and more! Geared for children ages 6 – 13 and SubSpace Project: Rihanna 19 Enjoy spectacular visuals combined with the their families; 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 a.m. Also, Wednesday Saturday, June 24. ! $ sounds of music superstar Rihanna. 7:30 p.m. ! $ 17 EurekaFest™ Saturday Cheer on students as they compete in the ultimate design battle, and put your own skills of invention to the test! 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. SYMBOL KEY M Members may reserve tickets in advance and/or Summer Thursdays: ImprovBoston receive discounts. 22 Laugh it up with some of the funniest ! Thursday Reservations are either required or comedians in the Boston area. 7:30 p.m. strongly recommended. Also July 27. ! $ $ A fee is associated with this event or exhibit. Summer Thursdays: 29 Back to the Future Marathon Thursday Come to the Planetarium to relive, or see for the first time, the ultimate time travel trilogy. ! $ Mugar Omni Theater Featuring 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

Journey to Space Photo courtesy of cleanupboat.org Patrick Stewart narrates this celebration of NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and the plans for ushering in a new era of unprecedented deep space exploration. Join the Charles River Cleanup

Extreme Weather The Charles River accumulates floating debris Storm chaser and award-winning giant-screen filmmaker during the spring and summer—and the Charles Sean Casey takes you to the edge of a 300-foot-tall calving River Cleanup Boat comes to the rescue! The glacier, the front lines of massive wildfires, and into the path Museum donates funds to support the effort, of deadly tornadoes. and Museum staff account for a significant number of the program’s volunteers. Still, this Amazon Adventure privately funded nonprofit needs your help. Follow naturalist Henry Bates on his Volunteer for a seven-hour shift as part of the 11-year journey of cleanup crew and receive Exhibit Halls passes scientific discovery for your effort! through the visually • Learn more at cleanupboat.org. stunning and biodiverse Amazon rainforest in the 1850s. Adult Offerings AND MORE For more information: 617-723-2500, mos.org/events. Funded Find out even more offerings at mos.org/events. in part by the Barbara and Malcolm L. Sherman Fund for Adult Programs and by the David and Marion Ellis Endowment Fund. Book Club for the Curious Thursdays, June 8 and July 13; 5:30 p.m. WHEN SCIENCE MEETS ART Feeling inquisitive? Looking for good conversation? Love science and books? Free and open to the public, Shattering the boundaries between art, science, and technology. these monthly book discussions focus on science, SubSpace Project technology, and their impact on society. Wednesdays, June 7, July 19, • Location: Cambridge Innovation Center, and August 16; 7:30 p.m. One Broadway, 14th Floor, Cambridge, MA. Enter the Museum’s experimental playground for • June 8: Sapiens: A Brief History of developing fresh, original, and social experiences for Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. adults. Art, science, and technology collide to create a • July 13: The Undoing new wave of nightlife that’s intelligent, provocative, and Project: A Friendship one-of-a-kind. See stunning visuals in the Planetarium That Changed Our combined with the music of today's hottest pop stars. Minds by Michael Lewis. Recommended for ages 18 and up. • Presented in partnership with the Cambridge • June 7: Coldplay Innovation Center. • July 19: Rihanna • August 16: Justin Timberlake • Fee: $10; purchase tickets at mos.org/events.

Summer Thursdays Thursdays, June 1 – August 31; 7:30 p.m.* Summiting for Science Experience summer nightlife under the Charles Hayden Participate in the 11th annual Washburn Planetarium dome with a different exciting program each Challenge, a unique fundraising hike of Mount week! Recommended for ages 18 and up. Washington, on Sunday, July 9. Scale New • June 1, July 6, and August 3: Sci-fi film favorites England’s tallest peak using the map created • June 8, July 13, and August 10: The Big Quiz Thing by founding Museum director and cartographer • June 15, July 20, and August 17: Live music Bradford Washburn. All money raised supports the Museum’s Annual Fund. • June 22, July 27, and August 24: ImprovBoston • Fifth Thursday (June and August only): Back to the Future For more information on how to climb, marathon (June 29), Alien marathon (August 31) support, or volunteer: 617-589-4475, *Movie marathons start at 6:00 p.m. mos.org/challenge. • Fee: Varies; purchase tickets at mos.org/events. Charles Hayden Planetarium Gilliland Observatory Free, thanks to the generosity of the Lowell Institute. For showtimes and tickets: 617-723-2500, mos.org. Shows run approximately 35 – 45 minutes. Member price: $5. Astronomy After Hours Fridays; 8:30 – 10:00 p.m. FEATURED SHOWS On clear nights, view stars, planets, the Moon, and Magic Tree House® other astronomical phenomena from the roof of the Space Mission Museum’s garage! On cloudy nights, tour the inside of

Brother-and-sister duo ® our Observatory and participate in astronomy-related M HOUSE® Jack and Annie embark AGIC TREE activities run by our knowledgeable staff. For more details on a wondrous journey and weather-related closure information, call our hotline of adventure and learning at 617-589-0267, updated by 5:30 p.m. every Friday. to answer questions about space.

Undiscovered Worlds: The Search Beyond Our Sun The 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 Universe Leave 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 Under the Dome Friday and Saturday evenings Join us in the Charles Hayden Planetarium and experience one of our most innovative and immersive offerings, celebrating the music of such icons as Prince, Radiohead, Lady Gaga, and more! Photo © Nicolaus Czarnecki

Reserve a Traveling Program

Bring the Museum to You During the 2017 – 2018 School Year! Traveling Programs bring a variety of Museum experiences such as portable planetariums, hands-on workshops, and exciting presentations to your school. With programs covering astronomy, physics, biology, geology, and engineering, you can enhance your curriculum—or simply get your students excited about science! • To learn more: 617-589-0354, [email protected]. Photo © TMP Images Exhibit Halls For more information: 617-723-2500, mos.org/exhibits.

POPnology Through Monday, September 4 Experience a fusion of science fiction and science fact in this temporary exhibition that celebrates how movies, books, television, and art continue to inspire technogical advancements.

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.

Wicked Smart: Invented in the Hub Greater Boston-based innovations and their creators are the focus of this new permanent exhibit. Features “RoboBees,” the “Freedom Chair,” a chance to interact with special effects, and more! 4-D Theater For showtimes and tickets: 617-723-2500, mos.org. Behind the Scenes: Help us test new exhibits! Shows run approximately 15 minutes. Member price: $5. This new permanent exhibit offers a sneak peek into how exhibits get made. Help us create exhibits by trying Ice Age: No Time for Nuts 4-D out new exhibit ideas before they are in their final form. Join Scrat, Ice Age’s resident nut-crazed saber-toothed squirrel, as he time travels in his zaniest adventure to Butterfly Garden date, Ice Age: No Time for Nuts 4-D. Explore a living exhibit filled with sunlight, plants, ICE AGE™ & © 2017 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights and free-flying butterflies. Timed tickets required. Reserved. Member price: $5. Thomas & Friends™ Thrill Ride 360° 4-D: Bubbling Boilers! Take a ride on a roller coaster you design in this Join Thomas & Friends in this thrilling 4-D full-motion experience! Timed tickets required. adventure as they encounter big surprises while Member price: $5. racing to an exciting celebration on Sodor.

© 2017 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. FEATURED PRESENTATION Live presentations are offered throughout the day every day Wild Survivors: Animals in 4-D in the Exhibit Halls. For current schedules: 617-723-2500, Filled with jaw-dropping sequences in digital 3-D with mos.org/daily-schedule. added special effects, this film takes a never-before-seen look at the ingenious tactics animals have developed to Afternoon Report survive and thrive in a danger-filled world. Daily; 2:30 p.m. Join our on-stage anchor in the Gordon Current © BBC 2017 Science & Technology Center for a rapid-fire news report touching on the latest science headlines.

Generously supported by Cabot Corporation. FLAGSHIP: PLEASE TRIM OFF 1/16” TO GATEFOLD IN Avoid peak times Avoid by arriving before 10:30 a.m. or after 3:00 p.m. Arrive at least one hour before shows. scheduled YOUR EMAIL IS YOUR TICKET! online or over the phone, tickets If you purchased may be the QR code on your email confirmation No need to wait in line at the used as a ticket. office—just go straight to your venue! box USING YOUR ELECTRONIC PASSES now linked to your active Electronic passes are can redeem them You membership account! for timed tickets. office to get tickets the box In Person: Visit for Omni and Planetarium or to bring shows the Exhibit Halls. additional guests into to apply passes to Phone: Call 617-723-2500 email you receive is your ticket. The your order. through our website. Online: Do all your ticketing and Just log in to your account, select your shows, cart: apply your bonus passes to the items in your Take public public Take transportation! parking tips: For mos.org/parking.

Reserve tickets Reserve tickets in advance: 617-723-2500, mos.org.

member

Bring your current Bring your current membership card for immediate Exhibit Halls entry. apply bonus passes and discounts through apply bonus passes will be emailed to tickets our website. Your at the box you. No need to wait in line to your venue! office—just go straight

Questions? Call 1-800-589-0180 or visit mos.org/membership-faq. Call 1-800-589-0180 Questions? MEMBER TIPS MEMBER visit! most out of every benefits to get the use your member these and Follow • update your payment information • update your payment • register for members-only events • register for members-only • to: Sign up today at mos.org/my-account SAVE TIME—GOSAVE ONLINE PLAN AHEAD FOR YOUR VISIT

Exlusive Member Event Exclusive Member Events Events For more information, 617-589-0180, mos.org/members. For more information: 617-723-2500, mos.org/events.

Member Overnight EurekaFest™ 2017 Friday, June 16 or Saturday, June 24; Saturday, June 17; 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 a.m. High school students from across the country compete in this Ever wonder what happens after hours at the Museum? 11th annual design challenge. Watch the design trials, fill up your Grab your sleeping bag and toothbrush, and find out! “passport” of activities, and win special EurekaFest magnets in a Enjoy the Exhibit Halls, special Live Animal presentations, family-friendly day full of engineering and invention! EurekaFest complimentary Omni and Planetarium viewings, and more. is a local celebration designed to empower the next generation of inventors through activities that inspire youth, honor role • Fee: $50 per person. Advance registration required. models, and encourage creativity and problem solving. Space is limited; first come, first served. • Free with Exhibit Halls admission. • Children must be accompanied by chaperones age 21 or older. • For more information on citywide activities June 16 and 17: • To purchase tickets: 617-723-2500 or mos.org/members. 617-253-3352, eurekafest.org. • EurekaFest is a partnership of the Lemelson-MIT program Let’s Celebrate July 4th! and the Museum of Science. Celebrate with family entertainment, science activities, and the Boston Pops Concert live via radio, capped by fireworks over the Charles River.

• Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. on the Museum's garage roof. • Tickets can be purchased at mos.org, the Museum box office, or 617-723-2500. Availability is limited to the number of Exhibit Halls admissions permitted with your membership level.

Tall Ships Cruises Saturday, June 17 – Wednesday, June 21 The Tall Ships return to Boston! Join the Museum and the Charles Riverboat Company on exclusive members-only cruises to view these maritime marvels. Cruises depart from the Lechmere Canal and pass through the Charles River locks to Boston Harbor for a narrated voyage.

• Fee: $39.90 for adults; $36.75 for seniors. $30.45 for children (under 12). Not recommended for children under age 3. Price includes 5% MA convention surcharge. • Availability is limited to the number of Exhibit Halls admissions permitted with your membership level. • For more information on specific dates and to purchase tickets: 617-723-2500, mos.org/member-events.

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 From Fenway Park to Science Park 4 Museum Educator’s Book Published During an early April pregame ceremony The Countdown Conspiracy, a novel for children at Fenway Park, the Museum and the Red and young teens written by Museum educator Sox announced a first-of-its-kind, multi- Katie Slivensky, will be released August 1. year partnership (representatives from the Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, Museum shown here). We have teamed Countdown is a high-stakes adventure story about a girl selected for a mission to Mars who Photo © Boston Red Sox Photo up to bring baseball and STEM (science, 2 technology, engineering, and math) together becomes a target for harm. The mission and lives through family-friendly programs, activities, are at stake, and she may be the only one who and events throughout the year. The Museum can save them! This is Slivensky’s debut novel. has contributed to the development of STEM content for Wally & Tessie’s STEM Workbook, available during home games at Fenway’s Kid Nation booth and at Wally’s Clubhouse beginning in June.

2 Future of Food Charrette Chefs, academics, writers, and others from the food world joined Museum staff at a day-long event in March to share ideas on the future of food. Among the topics tackled 3 in panel discussions: what meals might look like in 2037; how farming could change in BINGE. the future; and the challenges of making the food system equitable, healthful, and sustainable. The charrette was developed CALL IT as part of the Museum’s food initiative, bolstered recently through the generosity of Bloomberg Philanthrophies. “RESEARCH.” The POPnology exhibition (here through 3 Pushing the Boundaries September 4) includes artifacts from The Museum strives to push the boundaries several famous films. You don’t need to have to help prepare the next generation of seen any to enjoy the exhibit, but consider this Photo © Studio Nouveau critical thinkers. Natick-based MathWorks, helpful viewing prep (all rated PG): 4 a long-time Premier Partner, shares this same passion. On April 13, we presented to • Back to the Future Trilogy MathWorks the 2017 Stars of STEM award, • Close Encounters of the Third Kind with CEO and cofounder Jack Little accepting • Dick Tracy (shown here with Ioannis Miaoulis, Museum • The Rocketeer president and director). The festivities continued into the night with the second • Original Star Wars Trilogy annual Sparks After Dark After Party hosted by The Innovators. Stars of STEM is the Museum’s annual signature celebration and raises needed funds for the institution’s educational programs. EXHIBIT HALLS HOURS General Information • 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.

DIRECTIONS AND PARKING QUESTIONS? Call Science • PLAN AHEAD A state project on the Longfellow Bridge is rerouting traffic in front of the Central at 617-723-2500. 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 Sparks! JUNE – JULY 2017 • Parking Museum garage parking is available first come, first served. Members receive a discount. MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS BOSTON DUCK TOURS Director: Carl Zukroff Tickets sold on the front plaza. DUCKs depart from the driveway near the T. rex. Tours run daily, Editors: Christopher DelConte, April – November. For reservations: 617-267-3825, bostonducktours.com. Jonathan Friedman Art Director: Fanny Lau Dines GROUP VISITS Designers: Nicole Guzzo, Lianne Stoddard Bringing your group to the Museum of Science? For special pricing and more information: CONTRIBUTORS [email protected]. Anna Brophy, Gabriel Mosse, William Walsh

EVENT PLANNING Sparks is published bimonthly. Host your next event at the Museum of Science! Food services provided by Wolfgang Puck Circulation: 55,000 Catering. For information: 617-589-0125 (Monday – Friday), [email protected]. Members are © 2017 Museum of Science, Boston eligible for special rates. All rights reserved.

ACCESSIBILITY For information or accommodation requests: 617-589-3102, [email protected], mos.org/accessibility. Please request ASL interpreters at least two weeks in advance. STAY CONNECTED WITH EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES THE MUSEUM COMMUNITY! William and Charlotte Bloomberg Science Education Center For updates, special offers, and fun science: A transformational $50 million gift from Bloomberg Philanthropies solidifies the Museum’s position as one of the world’s premier educational institutions by ensuring the ability of our educators to create and share world-class exhibits, programs, and K – 12 curricula on a global scale.

Field Trips Member@ E-News at [email protected] For information about Museum field trips and other opportunities for educators, such as the Teacher Partner Program: [email protected], mos.org/educators.

Traveling Programs Bring a fun and interactive Museum program to your pre K – 8 school or community center! For information and reservations: 617-589-0354, [email protected], mos.org/travelingprograms. Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Salem, NH Permit #151

One-Stop Family Fun See cover story

JUNE – JULY 2017

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

Let’s Celebrate July 4th!

Enjoy science activities, family entertainment, and more in this festive members-only event. See calendar for details.