AUGUST  – SEPTEMBER 2013

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

Covering a small parcel of land no bigger than a square mile, the ancient city of Jerusalem

has been vanquished and conquered, destroyed and rebuilt repeatedly for more than 5,000 years. It is here—a place of invisible boundaries—where three of the world’s major religions were born.

Jerusalem, a giant-screen film that opens

in the Mugar Omni Theater on September

20, follows three young Jerusalemites and

their families—Jewish, Christian, and

Muslim—to learn what it means to call

this revered and contested place home.

Continued on next page

Inside This Issue 

• Jerusalem, Crossroads of the World

• New Scrolls Revealed

• Little Ones at the Museum

Experience JerusalemDiscover the beauty, majesty, and hidden secrets of an ancient and enigmatic city.

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United yet Divided

One of the world’s oldest cities, Jerusalem

is undoubtedly a melting pot—a place

where people from all over the world live

side by side. “My mother is from Paris;

her parents are from Tunisia. My father’s

family is from Poland,” says Revital

Zacharie, one of the three young

women featured in the film.

But while people from all over the planet

flock to Jerusalem, the cultures remain

distinctly separate. The city’s tangled

alleyways, pulsing with life and thriving

with commerce, are divided into

“quarters” that house different groups

of people. “You could be in one shop in the Christian Quarter,

and go across the street to another shop, and all of a sudden

you’re in the Muslim Quarter,” says Farah Ammouri, the

second of three young women central to the film. Despite

their close proximity, the residents of the city’s different

quarters rarely interact: “They pass by each other every day,

but they never speak, they never try to communicate,” says

Nadia Tadros, a Christian Arab whose family is Greek

Orthodox and Latin Catholic.

Why Here?

Jews, Christians, and Muslims have often found themselves

in bitter conflict, yet somehow they are all drawn to these few

acres. “How did all three religions come to share this same

tiny space?” asks Benedict Cumberbatch, the film’s narrator.

The answer, as he goes on to explain, is partially geography.

Jerusalem lies at the crossroads of three continents—Asia,

Africa, and Europe—a region known as “The Cradle of Civili-

zation,” where agriculture, writing, and the first cities began.

Yet geography alone is not enough to explain why people

settled in Jerusalem. It turns out, the reason could be very

simple: water. At the bottom of a valley outside the walls of the

Old City lies the underground Gihon Spring, which fed Jeru-

salem’s first residents with a year-round supply of fresh water.

Many say there is another geological reason that Jerusalem

became important on the world stage. Early residents of the

city, the biblical “Jebusites” (possibly Canaanites), may have

chosen it because of a natural high point with a large outcrop

of bedrock that overlooked the city. This vantage point offered

an ideal setting to worship “Shalem,” the Ugarit god of the

setting sun. Like many ancient people, they named their

city after the patron deity: “Uru-shalem.” Centuries later,

Jerusalem is still a city built on a foundation of faith.

Continued from cover

A Treasure Trove

Conquered more than 40 times, Jerusalem is composed of many

cities, each built on the ruins of the last. This layering of habita-

tions has resulted in thousands of archaeological sites, making

Jerusalem one of the most excavated cities on the planet.

Nearby in the caves just outside of Jerusalem, ancient

manuscripts, the Dead Sea Scrolls, were preserved for nearly

2,000 years before being discovered in 1947. The scrolls provide

us with a series of ancient texts, including the oldest copies

of the Hebrew Bible ever found. (See actual Dead Sea Scroll

fragments on exhibit at the Museum through October 20.)

A Shared History

Through the Hebrew Bible and later the Greek New Testament,

Jerusalem’s importance for believers in one God grew. As

various cultures and faiths flocked here, they created the

foundations for some of the city’s holiest places still visible

today. For Jews, the venerated Western Wall is a last remnant

of the massive Temple complex built in the first century AD

by King Herod the Great. For many Christians, the Church of

the Holy Sepulchre marks the place where it is believed Jesus

was crucified and buried. For Muslims, the platform above the

Western Wall is “the furthest mosque” and home to the golden

Dome of the Rock. It is from this spot that Muslims believe the

Prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven.

A cherished land steeped in layers of history, Jerusalem contin-

ues to stir the imagination of billions. In Jerusalem, coming

soon to New England’s only IMAX® Dome screen, you can dis-

cover for yourself what it’s like to live in one of the world’s most

ancient cities—one of the most coveted places on the planet.

Jerusalem is a Cosmic Picture/Arcane Pictures Film. Distributed by National Geographic.

Sponsored by  

Photos © Jerusalem 3D US LP

Jerusalem Opens September 20 in the Mugar Omni Theater

New Scrolls Unveiled!A new rotation of the iconic Dead Sea Scrolls rolls out in Boston, including fragments never before displayed in North America.

If you’ve already seen Dead sea scrolls: life in ancient Times,

you’ve seen ten priceless examples of words that changed the

world. Now’s your chance to see ten more of these treasures!

The second set features biblical and non-biblical scrolls—

including one professing wisdom and practical advice, and

another recounting stories of Tobit.

From Ancient Hands

Long before pixels and digital downloads, and before typewriters

and carbon paper, people painstakingly copied entire books by

hand. Remarkably, one set of ancient manuscripts, scribed on

parchment and papyrus, survived more than 2,000 years

thanks to some unconventional safekeeping. Today, modern

technologies are helping to preserve these Dead Sea Scrolls—

and providing us with stunning new views of their details.

Early Efforts

In the late 1940s through 1950s, as they were discovered and

transferred into the hands of scientists and scholars, the scrolls

became increasingly vulnerable to deterioration. Ironically, their

dark and dusty hiding spot—caves surrounding the Dead Sea—

provided an ideal environment for preservation: a uniquely

constant, arid climate. When relocated, they were exposed to

changing temperatures and humidity.

The scholars who worked to decipher the scrolls also unknow-

ingly and unintentionally contributed to their deterioration: they

used adhesive tape to piece together the tens of thousands of

fragments, and they stored the scrolls between plates of window

glass. The combination of aging adhesive and the pressure

from the glass caused the scrolls to darken—sometimes to the

point of illegibility—and the edges to gelatinize.

Handled with Care

Today, the scroll fragments are attended to individually by the

Israel Antiquities Authority in a specially constructed, climate-

controlled storeroom and laboratory. The methods now

employed to preserve the scrolls are intentionally

reversible—leaving room for scientific advances

that might better conserve them in the future.

Dead Sea Scrolls: Life in  Ancient Times Through October 20Timed tickets required. members receive a discount.

Once-in-a-Lifetime Viewings

The scrolls require extreme care when on tour: they travel in

specially devised capsules, they are displayed in climate- and

light-controlled showcases, and they can only be exhibited for

three months before requiring a minimum year-long “rest”

back in their storeroom in Israel. And while digital images

of the scrolls are being made available online, nothing quite

compares with seeing them in person and in context with their

ancient culture.

Created by the Israel Antiquities Authority from the collections of the Israel National Treasures and produced by Discovery Times Square and The Franklin Institute.

Pint-Sized Scientists Discover the Museum of Science through the eyes of our youngest patrons.

Parents have always considered the Museum an invaluable resource; a place where children can explore freely, a hub of age-appropriate

science learning, and a perfect rainy-day getaway. For those with very young children, our Discovery Center is a favorite stop—emphasizing discovery through play—but did you know that the Museum offers a host of other exhibits and activities for early learners? Try other preschooler-approved exhibits as well as

some new offerings designed specifically with little

ones in mind!

A Wild Story

Our live animal presentations are a popular way for kids to get

acquainted with real animals, but preschool-age children can

get fidgety when asked to explore science concepts that go

over their heads. In response, the Museum has created For

Preschoolers: live animal story Time. Presenters read an

engaging animal-themed picture book and then introduce

the audience to the real, live star of the story!

Don’t Forget Your Favorites!

Ask a child what he or she likes best about the Museum and

you’re likely to hear, “The dinosaurs!” Many of our permanent

exhibits are popular with all ages—and maybe some of these

are already your favorites. Don’t overlook these tried-and-true

spots that often appeal to young minds: Step into the lush,

warm Butterfly Garden, where children will be mesmerized by

dozens of floating butterflies. Visit science in the Park, a sci-

Darius, age 5

“You can actually  touch  

EVERYTHING!”  

What do young visitors love most about the Museum?

“Watching the chicks hatch.”

Mary, age 2

Photo © Nicolaus Czarnecki Photo © Nicolaus Czarnecki

Photo © Nicolaus Czarnecki

Stars Over Sesame Street

If you’re visiting the Museum with a young

learner, don’t miss our Planetarium show

for younger audiences, Big Bird’s adven-

ture: One World, One sky. Children can

stargaze with their favorite characters from

sesame street as Big Bird,

Elmo, and their friend

from China, Hu Hu Zhu,

learn about

the Big

Dipper, the

North Star,

the Sun,

and the Moon.

Visit mos.org for showtimes and to purchase tickets.

ence playground where swings and see-saws will instantly

appeal to the preschool set. And, of course, make your way to

Dinosaurs: modeling the mesozoic to get up close and personal with

prehistoric creatures, including our much-loved Tyrannosaurus

rex model.

Naturally Curious

Kids are often natural scientists, exploring and questioning the

world around them. Our Investigate! exhibit takes advantage of

that inherent curiosity by offering a hands-on perspective of the

science in our own homes. Visitors can try to change the direc-

tion of water going down a drain, discover what’s inside a car

engine, and more. Be sure to stop by the exhibit for Investigation

station activities (check the Museum’s digital screens or

mos.org/daily for times), featuring interpreter-led challenges

such as using your own body to create an electrical circuit. Best

of all, interpreters are ready to engage early learners, making this

activity accessible and exciting for preschoolers. Investigate!—and

the Museum at large—is the perfect place for young children

to experience the wonder of science, perhaps sparking a

lifelong relationship with learning.

Jay-Jay, age 5

“The space capsule...  I’m practicing to be an  

astronaut when I grow up.”Lucas, age 7

“The Butterfly Garden  because of the flapping  

butterflies and I got  one on me!”“Watching the 

chicks hatch.”

Mary, age 2

Photo © Michael Malyszko

Photo © Ashley McCabe

Photo © TMP Images

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Calendar of eventsAugust – September 2013

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Museum of Science 617-723-2500 617-589-0417 (TTY) mos.org

August SeptemberBook Club for the CuriousJoin a discussion about Ignorance: How It Drives Science by Stuart Firestein. Cambridge Innovation Center. 5:30 p.m.

Beyond the Telescope: The Magnetic Milky WayAstronomy professor Dan Clemens shares how the newest probe of the Milky Way is revealing its magnetic field with never-be-fore-seen detail and richness. 7:00 p.m. M ! $

CAlendAr highlighTSInformation is subject to change. Please confirm all dates and times: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org.

labor dayMuseum Open—This is the last day to enjoy our extended summer hours. Exhibit Halls are open 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. today. (Open Fridays until 9:00 p.m. year round.)

Member Appreciation night: Space OdysseyExclusive Member Event—Exhibit Halls open for our special guests: you, our members! 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

The Archaeology of Jerusalem, Qumran, and the dead Sea ScrollsPreview Jerusalem, a stunning film explora-tion, and learn the secrets of the region from archaeologist and professor Jodi Magness. Note: Does not include admission to the Museum’s Dead Sea Scrolls exhibition. 7:00 p.m. M ! $

Book Club for the CuriousAuthor Chris Wills will be in attendance to discuss his book Green Equilibrium: The Vital Balance of Humans and Nature. Cambridge Innovation Center. 5:30 p.m.

Jerusalem OpensFilm—Explore the tangled alleyways and holy sites of this ancient city through the eyes of the young people who call it home. $

September SundayTeacher Partners gain access to the Exhibit Halls. 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. !

College nightCollege students enjoy a night of free exhib-its, presentations, and more. 5:00 – 9:00 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.

8Thursday

8Sunday

12Thursday

20Friday

22Sunday

27Friday

September ClosingsPlanning on visiting during the last month of the summer? September is usually less crowded than other months, so it’s a great time to visit.

However, Museum staff take advantage of this slower time to conduct exhibit and theater main-tenance, which may close key spaces for several days. Plan your visit in advance and check our maintenance closures at mos.org/hours.

PlEASE nOTE: The entire Museum will be closed Tuesday, September 3 for a staff appreciation day.

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21Wednesday

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Charles hayden Planetarium For showtimes and tickets: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org. Service charge waived for members. Shows run approximately 35 – 45 minutes.

big bird’s Adventure: One World, One SkyJourney with Big Bird, Elmo, and their friend from China, Hu Hu Zhu, and learn about the Big Dipper, the north Star, the Sun, and the Moon.

Moons: Worlds of MysteryExperience the spectacular forces at work on these natural satellites, and discover just how complex and wild the solar system really is. Produced by the Museum of Science.

Explore: The Universeleave the Earth behind and blast off to explore our solar system, the Milky Way, and beyond. Journey through the cosmos with a Planetarium educator as your star pilot.

laser ShowsFriday and Saturday EveningsExperience sensational light displays set to popular music! Our new three-show lineup features the classic sounds of legendary rockers Pink Floyd, the epic masterpieces of 70s and 80s Queen, and the chart- topping hits of pop sensation Justin Bieber. For showtimes: mos.org.

On Exhibit Through October 20

Created by the Israel Antiquities Authority from the collections of the Israel national Treasures and produced by Discovery Times Square and The Franklin Institute.

In a time of turmoil in ancient Israel, a library of more than 900 manuscripts was hidden away in caves, remaining there for nearly 2,000 years. See a selection of these iconic texts and discover what the scrolls, and other millennia-old artifacts, tell us about the culture, rituals, and beliefs of an influential Iron Age people.

eXTended

SATUrdAY

hOUrS!

GENERAl PUblIC

Adult $32.00 $22.00Senior (60+) $29.00 $21.00Child (3 – 11) $27.00 $20.00

MEMbERS

All Ages $8.00 $8.00

Daytime and Friday Evenings (includes Exhibit Halls admission)

Saturday Evenings(exhibition entry only)

ADMISSION

• Admission is by timed ticket only. Advance reservations are highly recommended.

• Admission at the member rate is limited to the number of Exhibit Halls entries permitted with your membership level.

• Saturday evening rates apply to extended-hours entry to Dead Sea Scrolls only; the main Exhibit Halls will be closed. Extended hours: now – labor Day, after 7:00 p.m.; post-labor Day, after 5:00 p.m.

• Phone orders: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY); 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• Online orders: mos.org; 24 hours a day.

exhibit hallsFor more information: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org/exhibits.

Dead Sea Scrolls: life in Ancient TimesThrough Sunday, October 20View pieces of the oldest-known copy of the Hebrew Bible, and experience firsthand the culture and iconic artifacts of ancient Israel.

Seasons of Change: Global Warming in your backyardFind out how climate change is affecting the people and landscapes of new England as you investigate issues like coastal flooding, invasive species, and forest change.

butterfly GardenExplore a living exhibit filled with sunlight, plants, and free-flying butterflies. Timed tickets required. Discounts available for members.

FEATuREd dROP-In ACTIvITY

drop-In Activities are offered throughout the day every day in the Exhibit Halls. For current schedules: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org/daily.

Investigation Station In the Investigate! exhibit (Blue Wing, Level 2) August: daily from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. September: check mos.org/dailyThink like a scientist as you gather evidence and look for answers. These activities vary daily—from chemistry investigations to making your own electricity. Stop by and try some for yourself!

Mugar Omni TheaterFeaturing new England’s only IMAX® dome screen. For showtimes, tickets, and a complete list of films now playing: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org. Service charge waived for members. Shows run approximately 50 minutes.

Sponsored by

FEATuREd FILMS

New! JerusalemOpens Friday, September 20Experience the beauty and majesty of this ancient and beloved city as you discover its many hidden secrets.

Rocky Mountain ExpressSpeed through the Canadian Rockies on a thrilling journey back to the age of steam. Experience the colossal feats of engineering—and epic risks—that shaped a nation.

3-d digital Cinema Shows in Wright Theater. For showtimes and tickets: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org. discounts available for members. 3-d shows run approxi-mately 20 minutes.

new! Flight of the butterfliesGo on an awe-inspiring journey as you follow the year-long annual migration cycle of the Monarch butterfly.

new! Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric AdventureTravel back to the late Cretaceous period, when giant marine reptiles dominated the sea, and learn how sci-ence can tell the story of these colossal creatures.

MeerkatsJoin a furry family of meerkats as they cope with the twists and turns of life in the Kalahari.

September Sunday: A Free Opportunity for educators

Sunday, September 22; 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

What new Museum programs will support a teacher’s entire curriculum? September Sunday provides the answer!

Our Teacher Partners (and up to three guests each) are invited to a free day of fun, exploration, and learning, and we look to you, our members, to spread the word! Let the K – 12 teachers in your life know about this amazing opportunity to find out how the Museum can help teachers connect to education standards and enhance students’ educational experiences.

• Free admission to Exhibit Halls and up to two ticketed venues.

• Registration open to Teacher Partners only: mos.org/professional-development.

• learn how to become a Teacher Partner: mos.org/teacher-partners. Pho

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gilliland ObservatoryFree thanks to the generosity of the Lowell Institute.

Astronomy After HoursFridays; 8:30 – 10:00 p.m.Join us for a free evening of astronomy-themed fun every Friday (early March – late november). On clear nights, visit the Gilliland Observatory on the Museum’s roof for spectacular live views of stars, planets, lunar craters, and more. During less ideal conditions, discuss astronomy and perform hands-on activities indoors. For more details, call our hotline, 617-589-0267, updated by 5:30 p.m. every Friday.

Adult OfferingsFor more information: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org/events. Funded in part by the Barbara and Malcolm L. Sherman Fund for Adult Programs and by the david and Marion Ellis Endowment Fund.

beyond the Telescope: The Magnetic Milky WayWednesday, August 21; 7:00 p.m.The Milky Way galaxy, the ribbon of light spanning the summer night sky, is our home in the universe. Its struc-ture and history are closely intertwined with the ongoing role its magnetic field plays in the formation of stars and planets. Join us in the Charles Hayden Planetarium as Boston University astronomy professor Dan Clemens describes how the newest probe of the Milky Way, the Galactic Plane Infrared Polarization Survey (GPIPS), is revealing the magnetic field with unprecedented detail and richness.

Beyond the Telescope features guest astronomers who introduce their current research through the Planetarium’s state-of-the-art digital projection system and extensive astronomical databases.

• Fee: $15. Member bonus passes for the Planetarium may not be used for this event.

• Purchase tickets in advance at mos.org/events.

The Archaeology of Jerusalem, Qumran, and the Dead Sea ScrollsThursday, September 12; 7:00 p.m.Join us for the world premiere of the new film Jerusalem, a visually stunning exploration of this treasured city and its iconic holy sites. After the film Jodi Magness, celebrat-ed archaeologist and professor of early Judaism at the University of north Carolina at Chapel Hill, will share her experiences unearthing—literally—the secrets of ancient Israel, Qumran, and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Note: Does not include admission to the Museum’s Dead Sea Scrolls exhibition.

• Fee: $15 (includes attendance at world premiere of Jerusa-lem film; 7:00 p.m. start). Member bonus passes for the Mugar Omni Theater may not be used for this event.

• Tickets on sale beginning Tuesday, August 20 for members: mos.org/events (Thursday, August 22 for the general public).

• Educational Partner: Brandeis University.

book Club for the CuriousThursdays, August 8 and September 19; 5:30 p.m.looking for good conversation? love science and books? Free and open to the public, these monthly book discussions focus on science, technology, and their impact on society.

In September, award-winning field biologist Christopher Wills joins the group to discuss his latest book in which he describes the rules that govern Earth’s ecosystems. Taking you from coral reefs to the high Himalayas, and using his own photographs and experiences, he’ll explain how the world’s “green equilibria” have shaped the evolution and history of humankind.

• location: Cambridge Innovation Center, One Broadway, 14th Floor, Cambridge, MA.

• August 8: Ignorance: How It Drives Science by Stuart Firestein.

• September 19: Green Equilibrium: The Vital Balance of Humans and Nature by Chris Wills.

• Presented in partnership with the Cambridge Innovation Center.

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exclusive Member eventsFor more information, use the numbers and addresses listed below or contact: 617-589-0180, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org/members.

Member Appreciation Night: Space Odyssey Sunday, September 8; 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.Fire up the booster rockets and blast on over to the Museum! We’re opening the Exhibit Halls in honor of you, our members. Join us for a stellar night of exclusive access to all the Exhibit Halls have to offer, compli-mentary tickets to the Butterfly Garden and 3-D Digital Cinema, and free parking. It’ll be an out-of-this-world, FREE evening full of fun, prizes, and surprises.

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

• Be sure to bring your active membership card with you.

• For more information: mos.org/members.

Haunted Halls WeekendFriday, October 25 – Monday, October 28 We love spooky science so much we’re expanding our traditional Halloween party into a frightfully fun weekend celebration for members, October 25 – 28! Kick off the festivities with our costume dance party, and then stop by every day for tricks, treats, and members-only may-hem. What spine-chilling surprises lurk within our wings? Haunt our halls all weekend long to find out!

• Entrance is limited to the number of Exhibit Halls admissions permitted with your membership level. Be sure to bring your active membership card with you.

• For more information: mos.org/members.

Sign Up for e-news!

Be a member in the know! Sign up for our monthly member e-newsletter to receive not only member event reminders but also late-breaking Museum news and exclusive online offers. Sign up at mos.org/members.

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The Museum’s exhibitions and educational programs receive important support from individual members and donors like you. Additional support provided by:

The Massachusetts Cultural Council

Media Partner

Museum of Science 617-723-2500 617-589-0417 (TTY) mos.org

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

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2014 and 2015 Tanzania Safaris

Imagine exploring Africa’s spectacular wildlife with Museum educators and experienced guides Ken Pauley and Lucy Kirshner. Witness wildlife by sunset at watering holes, travel through remarkable landscapes and vistas, and explore renowned archaeological sites. Each trip is limited to 12 travelers, and spaces fill quickly. Reserve your spot today!

• January 18 – 31, 2014 (a few spaces available)

• June 2014 (filled)

• January 2015—Predators and Primates: Ultimate Tanzania and Rwanda Safari

• To discuss the options or to reserve a spot, contact Joan Hadly at 617-589-0234, Ken Pauley at 978-635-3794, or Evan Ruhwedel at 1-800-235-0289 or evan@thomsonsafaris.com

• For more information: web.kenpauley.com

eventsFor more information: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org/events.

College NightFriday, September 27; 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.The Museum welcomes students back to Boston by offering a night of live presentations; IMAX®, 3-D, and Planetarium shows; Butterfly Garden; and more!

• Exhibit Halls admission is free. Parking in the Museum garage is free. Valid college ID required.

• Timed tickets for Mugar Omni Theater, 3-D Digital Cinema, Planetarium shows, and

Butterfly Garden are avail-able at the discounted rate of $5; first come, first served.

• live presentations are free; first come, first served.

3

4   The Living Laboratory®:  A Win-Win for All The National Science Foundation-funded

Living Laboratory,® developed in the

Museum of Science’s Discovery Center, has

become a national initiative with offshoots

in at least 11 science centers and children’s

museums in the United States and Canada.

Since 2005, the Living Laboratory has edu-

cated over 50,000 visitors, including 26,000

subjects in on-site research studies. This

model is a win-win for all: children learn

from play, parents see their children and

research in a new way, and scientists investi-

gate early childhood cognition while enhanc-

ing communication with the public.

5   On the HillInvited by the U.S. House Subcommittee on

Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary

Education, Museum president Ioannis Miaoulis

testified on Capitol Hill last April, sharing the

successes of the Museum’s National Center

for Technological Literacy® and advocating

for engineering in grades K – 12. Miaoulis

explained that early introductions to engi-

neering can improve student achievement in

science and mathematics, increase awareness

about engineering careers, and boost students’

technology and engineering literacy, according

to the National Academies report, “Engineering

in K – 12 Education.”

1   Nano Goes BigThe amazing Nano Brothers Juggling show

has enlightened Museum audiences about

the mysteries of matter—including atoms,

molecules, and nanotechnology—since it

debuted here in 2008. In addition to periodic

Museum performances, this comedy creation

is inspiring science across the globe! The

Museum recently granted a performing

license to Centrum Nowoczenosci, a

nonprofit organization seeking to develop

a science museum in Torun, Poland (the

birthplace of Copernicus). The group

translated the script, hired performers, and

is staging the show—which premiered in

March—to generate community excitement

for the proposed museum.

2   Shared Sense of Wonder

Are you intrigued by the critters in your own

backyard? So is the Museum’s Don Salva-

tore—so much so that he wrote the book on it!

Salvatore, a science educator at the Museum

for the past 30 years, is author of the recently

published Backyard Biology: Nature stories

and Nature activities from my Back Yard and

Beyond. With stories and easy-to-conduct na-

ture activities, he demonstrates that budding

scientists with inexhaustible curiosity need

only look closely at the world around them for

limitless inspiration.

3   Sticking AroundIf you look closely in the Museum’s Butterfly

Garden exhibit, you may notice a new and

unusual addition. The new residents are

an impressive species of stick insect with a

decidedly bark-like look. Known as thorny

devils, they’re typically found in the rainfor-

ests of New Guinea, the Solomon Islands,

and New Caledonia—but ours came as a

donation from the Como Park Zoo & Con-

servatory in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Males

have a large thorn on their hind legs; when

threatened, they snap their legs together to

make a painful pinch.

Museum News

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General Information

HOURSHours, which are subject to change, are extended during Massachusetts school vacations. For updates: mos.org/hours.

Exhibit Halls

• Regular (Sat – Thurs) 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Fridays 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Year round) • Summer (Sat – Thurs) 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (July 5 – Labor Day) • Thanksgiving Eve and Christmas Eve 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. • Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day Closed

TICkETS AND INFORMATIONAdvance reservations recommended. For current prices and to purchase tickets: 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY), mos.org. For membership information: 617-589-0180, membership@mos.org, mos.org/members.

DIRECTIONS AND PARkING• Address 1 Science Park, Boston, MA 02114• Detailed Directions 617-723-2500, mos.org/directions • Parking Museum parking is available first come, first served. Members receive a discount in the Museum garage.

BOSTON DUCk TOURSTickets sold in the Red Wing, near the Mugar Omni Theater. DUCKs depart from the driveway near the T. rex. Tours run daily, April – November. For reservations: 617-267-3825, bostonducktours.com. Members receive a discount.

EVENT PLANNINGHost your next event at the Museum of Science! Food services provided by Wolfgang Puck Catering. For information: 617-589-0125 (Monday – Friday), events@mos.org. Members are eligible for special rates.

 ACCESSIBILITYFor information about accessibility in the Museum: mos.org/accessibility. For questions or accommodation requests: 617-589-3102, accessibility@mos.org. Please request ASL interpreters at least two weeks in advance.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCESField Trips

For information about Museum field trips and other opportunities for educators, such as the Teacher Partner Program: 617-723-2500, educator-email@mos.org, mos.org/educators.

Traveling Programs

Bring a fun and interactive Museum program to your pre K – 8 school or community center! For information and reservations: 617-589-0354, travelingprograms@mos.org, mos.org/travelingprograms.

Sparks!  AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 2013Marketing Communications Director: Carl ZukroffEditors: Christopher DelConte and Jessica MaloneyArt Director: Lori SartreDesigners: Fanny Lau, Lianne Stoddard Contributors: Anna Brophy, Jessica Warringtonsparks is published bimonthly. Circulation: 55,000. © 2013 Museum of Science, Boston. All rights reserved.

IMAGINE. INNOVATE. INSPIRE.Support The Campaign for the Museum of Science. For more information, call us at 617-589-0181 or visit mos.org/campaign.

Photo © Ashley McCabe

STAY CONNECTED WITH THE MUSEUM COMMUNITY! For updates, special offers, and fun science:

facebook.com/museumofscience @museumofscience on Twitter Member E-News at mos.org/members@

Photo © Michael Malyszko

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

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Salem, NH

Permit #151

AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 2013

 

Dead Sea Scrolls: Life in Ancient Times On Exhibit Through October 20

See inside

Change how you see yourself!

OPENS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16member Preview November 15