FALL 2016 VISITING EXHIBITION Living Large David Goudy and Marcos Stafne News September 24 – January 1 id T-Rex live closer in time to Apatosaurus or your Dparents? Were dinosaurs warm-blooded? Uncover fossils and discover the truth about dinosaurs in Dinosaur Revolution, an exciting new exhibition at the Montshire Museum of Science opening September 24. Travel through time and get a dinosaur’s eye view of their environ- ment! Experience what it’s like to crush the earth beneath your gigantic feet as you Make Tracks in Travel through the Triassic. Learn to fly as you Glide time and get a through the Jurassic. Return to the dinosaur’s eye view present day and engage in the most current dino-debates. Testify in of their environment. T-Rex’s defense, save a natural history museum from an expensive fossil hoax, and scale a wall of mysteries as you Climb Through Time. Embark on three Mesozoic missions spanning 150 million years, mimic dinosaur behavior, and LIVE LARGE in reptilian role-play activities. Experience what it’s like to be a paleontologist who finds evidence of dinosaur doings, and learn why dinosaurs are one of the most successful survivors in Earth’s history, despite common misconceptions. Dinosaur Revolution challenges your knowledge, presents cutting-edge discoveries, and debunks popu- lar myths. Created by Minotaur Mazes, Dinosaur Revolution is an interac- tive maze and a hands-on learning experience in which you are invited to investigate all things dinosaur...ultimately unearthing a shocking discovery: that dinosaurs may not be extinct after all! Dinosaurs provide people of all ages with an exceptional educational opportunity. Both dramatic and charismatic, they engage us in thinking about how life on Earth has changed over a very long period of time. Montshire This appearance of Dinosaur Revolution is made possible by Exhibition Sponsor Geokon, A PUBLICATION OF and Exhibition Supporter Ledyard National Bank. MONTSHIRE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE FROM THE DIRECTOR MAKING AN IMPACT Early Childhood Development “Science tells us that early childhood is a time of both great promise and considerable risk. Having responsive relationships with adults, growth- promoting experiences, and healthy environments for all young children helps build sturdy brain architecture and the foundations of resilience.” —HARVARD CENTER ON THE DEVELOPING CHILD I love dinosaurs. Always have. Always will. I flirted with be- he first years of life are a criti- ing a paleontologist once, but Tcally important time for chil- an internship at a dinosaur dren’s brains to develop and for lab taught me that I would be them to acquire the skills they need much better off appreciating for success in school and in life. and talking about dinosaurs The Montshire Museum provides a than performing research on growth-promoting environment in dinosaur footprints. which young children can bond with For countless children, dino- the adults in their lives and practice saurs are the hook that gets new skills through creative play and them interested in science. So experimentation. Throughout the Museum’s galleries what is it that makes dinosaurs and outdoor spaces, there are many hands-on learning and kids a perfect match? opportunities for children in this age group—including Dinosaurs spark our curiosity— Andy’s Place, an exhibit area specifically designed for they’re amazing creatures who young children and their caregivers. Museum visitors existed before humans, but we share learning experiences and create memories that still have their fossilized bones. can strengthen family and social bonds. Because they’re grounded in Montshire offers a variety of other experiences to sup- reality, yet open to the wonder port children in these critical, early years. For example, of our imagination, they’re the Books and Beyond, Preschool Nature Camp, and weekly perfect catalyst for scientific inquiry. Kids can make obser- Young Scientist programs engage children in structured vations from resources, collect educational experiences. Daily programs at the Science data, hypothesize about how Discovery Lab include learning opportunities that are dinosaurs lived, and practice specifically designed for preschool audiences. And over their scientific communica- the past year, Montshire educators provided professional tions skills by talking (to ev- development programming and support for early child- eryone who will listen) about hood educators in Pre-K programs at Vermont schools their passion for dinosaurs. and childcare centers (funded by the A.D. Henderson The visiting exhibition Dino- Foundation). Montshire’s Warm Welcome program en- saur Revolution brings together sures that low-income children of all ages have access to two of my favorite things— these valuable Museum experiences. dinosaurs and mazes. You’ll While it’s never too late to strengthen cognitive skills, experience the joy of science we recognize that the early years are critical for building by learning with your whole body as you explore the twists a healthy and resilient brain. and turns of a maze filled with fun dino-facts! And remember…it’s okay to keep loving dinosaurs, no matter how old you are! Marcos A. Stafne, Ph.D. Executive Director NEWS AND NOTES NEW TO THE MUSEUM will extend visiting hours from 5:30 p.m. to Join us in welcoming two new staff members 7:00 p.m. exclusively for MCA companies’ to the Montshire: employees and their families. Admission to the museum is free, purchases in the Museum Joan Toland, Membership Store are reduced 10%, and memberships Administrator, returned to the purchased that evening are $10 off. Enjoy Montshire in July after a six- an evening with your co-workers exploring year hiatus. During that time, the Tinkering Loft and Dinosaur Revolution! To she and her husband had an learn more about becoming a MCA member adventure in the Northeast click “Montshire Corporate Associates” under Kingdom while he was a manager at The Bal- the “Join” tab at montshire.org. sams. They moved back to Lebanon in 2013 and Joan has been waiting for her chance to MAGIC CARPET’S FINAL SEASON rejoin the Montshire team ever since. Joan After three decades of international explora- has two grown children and is an avid tennis tions, the volunteers of our Magic Carpet player. Her favorite part of the Museum and series have crafted their final three travel- the reason she returned? “The people who ogues. Join us for this farewell season as we work here!” celebrate the world around us and enjoy regionally inspired food. Programs begin at Heidi Reynolds, Development 11 a.m. Lunch is served at noon. All proceeds Coordinator, Events and Vol- benefit Montshire’s educational mission. unteers, began in April, just in Members $15, non-members $18. time for Montshire’s annual benefit auction, the Fiddlehead October 17, Namibia: Dan Hopkins Fling. Heidi is a Hanover resi- November 14, Ireland: Aarne Vesilind dent, mother, and longtime Upper Valley vol- December 12, Mongolia: Inge Brown unteer. If you haven’t met her through FIRST™ LEGO™ League, Hanover High volleyball, The AMPLIFIED IMPACT Prouty, or Northern Stage, you will definitely New Hampshire Charitable Foundation rec- meet her at one of the many upcoming Mont- ognized Montshire Museum’s innovative pro- shire events. She is thrilled to throw her energy gramming this spring with a $25,000 grant into an organization that supports exploration from the Entrepreneurs Fund of New Hamp- and the love of learning for all ages. Heidi’s shire (EFNH). Funds will enable the Museum favorite part of the museum? “Hearing the to expand the reach of Tinkering Kits and squeals of delight all day long!” engage more youth in hands-on engineer- VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ing activities. “There are 15,000 fifth-grade students in New Hampshire, and I want every Did you know that most of our blue-aproned single one of them to have the opportunity to explainers are volunteers? The Montshire has build a passion for science,” said Montshire’s many different ways you can get involved in Director of Education Greg DeFrancis, who bringing the joy of science to your commu- participated in the EFNH Pitch Camp. nity. Whether you enjoy working outdoors maintaining trails, helping ‘explain’ science to our visitors, finding just the right items to of- fer at our annual benefit auction, stuffing en- velopes, or dreaming up menus and décor for events, we can always use your help! Please contact [email protected] or submit an online volunteer application (click “Join Our Team” under the “About” tab on montshire.org) to contribute your time to the Montshire’s continued success. We cannot do it without you! MCA EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION NIGHT WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2016 Montshire Corporation Associates (MCA) is a mutually beneficial membership program for local businesses. Montshire offers special benefits to MCA member companies. On Wednesday, September 28, the Museum EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS: FALL 2016 Afterschool Adventures October 21: Mad Hatter for Series 1: Tuesdays, Halloween Hipness October 11, 18, and 25 With Halloween approach- Series 2: Thursdays, ing fast, gather at the Mu- November 3, 10, and 17 seum to create a monstrous ©Valley News/ Geoff Hansen Drop off between 3:15 and mask, ridiculous tiara, or 3:30 p.m., pick-up at 5:15 p.m. awesome headdress. We’ll CHILDREN For kids who love “doing” have a variety of materials, fabrics, electronic bling, Books and Beyond! science! Explore science and nature using hands-on and more to fashion a spe- Science for Preschoolers experiences and real experi- cial one-of-a-kind costume Mondays, September 12, ments. Together, we will hy- accessory for Halloween! October 17, November 7, pothesize, test, observe, and November 4: December 5. 10:15 or 11:30 a.m. ignite our imaginations. Each Selfies and Science Discover an exciting new three-part series dives into a Bring a digital camera or tale and the real science different theme each week.