The Science Factory Children's Museum and Planetarium: Exhibits

The Science Factory: Children's Museum and Planetarium: Engage, Excite, Inspire

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E-Newsletter

February E-News, 2007

Greetings, Science Factory Supporters!
There's so much going on at the Science Factory these days! It's going to be an action-packed month loaded with fun, especially with our new planetarium show and exhibit. Hubble's Universe is a tremendous success and Bone Up On Bones is here, just uncrated and put together for you and your family! Come see (and touch and discover) the talk of the town!

FEBRUARY CALENDAR

Fri 2 - TOT DISCOVERY DAY: BEARS, cut out and decorate a brown bear and create a hibernation cave. Plan a Berry Bear breakfast with berries and gummy fish. Learn that not all bears are brown with a fun sorting activity. This casual drop-in program is for ages 5 & under, 10am-noon, $10 for parent/child, $2 each additional child, free for members.
Wed 7 - MAGIC SCHOOL BUS: SPIDERS, first of four-part series, fun and leaning for grades K-2, 2:30-4:30pm, $12members/$15non-members per class or $40members/$50non-members per series.
Fri 9 & Sat 10 - AFRICAN-AMERICAN INFLUENCES IN SCIENCE SPECIAL EVENT, students will hear from nationally recognized speakers and conduct hands-on experiments, 9am-4pm, included in price of admission. (normal public hours – 12 noon – 4 PM)
Wed 14 - MAGIC SCHOOL BUS: AIR PRESSURE, second of four-part series, fun and leaning for grades K-2, 2:30-4:30pm, $12members/$15non-members per class or $40members/$50non-members per series.
Sat 17 - NEW SMALL WORLD EXHIBIT OPENS: Awaken your sense of discovery and see the world that exists beyond our perception. Winning entries of the internationally renowned Small World microscopic photography competition, in from New York, will be on display from February 17 through March 19. For more information about the competition and winning entries, visit www.nikonsmallworld.com.
Mon 19 - BUSY BRAINS NO SCHOOL DAY - YES/YEA: RAIN & WEATHER, a full-day escapade in science and art! Unfurl your inventive side: craft wooden puppets, word-rich riddles, active games and scientific messes. For young people in grades 1 through 5. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring a bag lunch and your imagination, and dress for mess and the weather. $30 members/$35 non-members. To register, call us directly or visit us online.
Wed 21 - MAGIC SCHOOL BUS: ELECTRICITY, third of four-part series, fun and learning for grades K-2, 2:30-4:30pm, $12members/$15non-members per class or $40members/$50non-members per series.
Sat 24 - THREE CHEERS FOR ENGINEERS SPECIAL EVENT, come celebrate the achievements of engineers to kick off National Engineering Week! Local engineers will create a circus of hands-on engineering fun for youth. Investigate some of the amazing aspects of the field of engineering. Discover projects and problem solving that engineers do in their work. Learn how engineering plays a part in our daily lives. Explore career possibilities as you meet real-life engineers. Drop in from noon-4pm, included with price of admission.
Wed 28 - MAGIC SCHOOL BUS: BONES, fourth of four-part series, fun and leaning for grades K-2, 2:30-4:30pm, $12members/$15non-members per class or $40members/$50non-members per series

IN THE MUSEUM

Exhibit Hall
BONE UP ON BONES: Did you know you have over 206 bones in that body of yours? Visit our new exhibit, Bone Up On Bones to find out what they do, why they're important and how to keep them healthy and strong. Check out newly created Femur Alley, with hanging femur bones from 13 different animals.

Planetarium
UP IN THE SKY: This interactive introduction to the night sky is perfect for younger children. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m.

HUBBLE'S UNIVERSE: Travel through the solar system and view stunning images and discoveries from space brought to us through this impressive telescope orbiting in space. Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Gift Shop: We're all about gifts with value and have plenty of learning toys, science kits, and specialty items inspire and entertain for hours. All proceeds support the museum.

Membership: Trust us, it's worth it! Free admission to Exhibit Hall, Planetarium show and entry into over 240 museums nationwide. A bargain at $50.

Birthday Parties: They'll be talking about it for years! Where else can kids learn about Bubble-ology? Other themes include Fossil Finders, Rainforest Fun, Detective Science and, of course, our fantastic Planetarium Show. And the best part is that it's easy for parents: Parties include instructor, Exhibit Hall play time, private party time and birthday gift.

Donations: Always accepted. Always appreciated. Always put to good use.

THE NEWS SCOOP

LENGTHENING OUR SCIENCE STRIDE

On your mark, get set, go! The race is on to register for this year's Eugene Marathon, Half Marathon, 5 K and Kids Run for ages 5 to 17, held Sunday, April 29. Proceeds from both the 5K and Kids Run will benefit the Science Factory! Registration for the Kids Run is $20 and $35 for the 5K. The event will begin at Hayward Field and end up right at Autzen Stadium. We're working with event organizers to help create a kid zone on the Science Factory lawn. The Eugene Marathon is the first such event to occur here in 20 years, and we are thrilled to help inaugurate it! The weekend's festivities will include a two-day expo, a Saturday morning pancake breakfast, an evening banquet, and awards ceremony! Don't miss this opportunity to run in the footsteps of legends and support the Science Factory at the same time! Visit http://www.eugenemarathon.com or contact@eugenemarathon.com for more information.

BONE UP ON BONES REVISITED
We thought we would pause a moment before we started talking about the new Bones Exhibit. But there's plenty of fun stuff to tell you about … the Emerald Empire Kiwanis Club who volunteered to help assemble the exhibit, the volunteers from Umpqua Bank who smiled their way through computer programming, Don Lown for going the extra mile and creating Femur Alley, the Register-Guard for stepping up to help print our field trip materials, Kristen Anderson for creating new hands-on exhibit learning books, Advisory Board member Patricia Noyes for chipping in at the last minute to cover our insurance costs, and Board Member Jack O'Donnell and Education Committee Director Ray Hull for heavy lifting every inch of the way to assist in all of the logistics and programming accompanying this new and exciting addition to the museum!

It takes a village to put together a museum, and we're thrilled to have such wonderful donors and volunteers to make sure that we can make this happen.

And, of course, huge thanks to our Partnering Sponsor, the Slocum Center for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, for their support of this wonderful asset to our community. We hope that everyone will stop by and see Bone up on Bones.

MATH CAN BE FUN?!!?
At 16, Raynece Thompson developed a game that teaches math - and it's fun! As part of African-American Influences In Science, she and her mom will be at the Science Factory February 9 and 10, from noon to 4:00 p.m. Come play with them and find out what it takes to be an inventor and appreciate math. See the attached poster for more information. While you are at it, head on down to LCC on Friday, February 9 and check out a nationally recognized exhibit on African-American inventions, including the world famous Super Soaker! More info at 463-4548.

MY LITTLE PONY -
SPECIAL TREATMENT FOR SCIENCE FACTORY MEMBERS!
Eight beautiful ponies will grace the Hult Center stage in a richly textured musical production of MY LITTLE PONY LIVE! “The World's Biggest Tea Party” on March 2 -4. The show will feature singing, dancing and audience participation with Pinkie Pie, Minty, Sweetberry, Rarity and more in this highly interactive, 90-minute musical stage experience! View a show trailer at www.mylittleponylive.net. Science Factory members save $3 per ticket. When purchasing online at www.hultcenter.org or (541) 682-5000, use the password “SCIENCE FACTORY”. **Discount is not valid on Opening Night, previously purchased tickets or Gold Circle seats. No double discounts.

METAMORPHOSIS: UPDATE

McKenzie Commercial has been busy beavers at the museum putting together the undergirding for the room. Many thanks for the new electricity from the folks at Triton Electric, who spent days and days in the room making sure we have all the right plugs. And Benny Bartells Drywall swooped in for some expert patching that has made our anteroom look twice as big! Our continued thanks to all of our sponsors:

SELCO Community Credit Union, Swindells Charitable Trust, Jerry's Home Improvement, Bi-Mart, Chuck Bailey, AIA, McKenzie Commercial, Twin Rivers Plumbing, Gale Roberts Construction, Rubenstein’s Contract Carpet, Country Coach, Gibson Steel, Singer Foundation, ATEZ Asbestos, Triton Electric, Liberty Bank, Boles Concrete, Weyerhaeuser, Dari Mart, Lithia Chrysler Dodge of Eugene, Sanipac, Oregon Community Credit Union, Forrest Paint, Advance Cabinet Designs, K Ridley Technology, Pacific Source, Monaco Coach Corporation, Authohaus, FedEx/Kinko's, Central Print, Forefront Designs, Pacific Continental Bank, Emerald Empire Kiwanis Club, West Coast Bank, Alice Parmen, The Top Shop, Larry Culop, Saul Wold. Another “village” project at the Science Factory!

AND ON YOUR RIGHT…
We've created a docent program for the BONE UP ON BONES exhibit where you can enjoy the company of a trained volunteer who will guide you through the exhibit, bringing to life the most interesting and almost-unbelievable facts found mingled among the exciting interactive elements. Initiated by super volunteer Kristen Anderson, the docent program is an exciting new development at the museum. Want to be part of the docent program? Call us today to get involved.

JOURNEY TO THE OUTSKIRTS OF THE UNIVERSE
Eugene's own Larry Deckman, founder & owner of "Star Finders.com" and dedicated amateur astronomer, will present his show at the Science Factory Planetarium, "Journey to the Outskirts of the Universe” as part of the Eugene Astronomical Society's meeting on Monday, February 5 at 7:00 p.m. $1 donation requested per guest.

PITCH IN AND HELP US

The volunteer crew pauses for a moment after assembling the Bone up on Bones exhibit. Volunteers from Kiwanis, Umpqua Bank and more made it happen.

Don't think we haven't noticed your cheerful manner, your upbeat attitude, or your diligent sense of community. Because we have. And, we'd love for you to be a part of our team because we know your help will make our events, classes, and programs run smooth and easy. Download a volunteer application form and expect a quick call from Amanda Garlick, Volunteer Coordinator. Amanda has been working as an Admissions Clerk, but will also be our contact person for all of our volunteer needs. Amanda has previously worked in this capacity for other non-profits locally, so we know you are in competent hands.

Volunteer of the Month
No question about it: Wendell Gray. Wendell dropped out of the heavens and landed at the Science Factory. In his short time with us, he has already built brand new coat racks for staff and visitors, fixed several broken exhibits, and assisted in the assembly of our new Bones up on Bones exhibit. Wendell is now up to his next project, creating a new exhibit on energy. Wendell is beyond handy. He is a pro with a hammer, and feels naked when his tape measure isn't in his pocket. We hope for Wendell's continued involvement, smiles and good humor.

HOW STUFF WORKS
Learn all about ninja fact, ninja fiction, and some of the most clever, terrifying weapons used by the shadowy mercenaries of ancient Japan at http://science.howstuffworks.com/ninja.htm

ASK A SCIENTIST
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, a nonprofit research and educational institution, posts questions from students, teachers and others on its website, www.wi.mit.edu/programs/ask. Brief responses from researchers appear alongside the questions, which address topics ranging from viruses to stem cells. E-mail questions to webmaster@wi.mit.edu

COMING UP…
March 17: Cavalcade of Crawling Creatures. Join the Oregon Herpetological Society for all creatures slinky. Frogs, snakes, lizards and more!

SUMMER CAMP:
Start thinking about what weeks you'll want at the Science Factory! We're revving up for an action-packed summer filled with fun science activities for all! Schedule will be released over Spring Break, so keep your eyes peeled for it to arrive in the mail. We'll also post online, as soon as we can.

Science Factory Children's Museum & Planetarium is an Oregon non-profit whose mission is to "engage, excite, and inspire children to explore science, technology and humanity." Science Factory is located south of Autzen Stadium in Alton Baker Park at 2300 Leo Harris Parkway . Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 12 - 4 PM. First Friday of each month, open to accompanied preschoolers age 5 and under only, 10 AM - 12 Noon. Planetarium shows are at 1 and 2 PM, every Saturday and Sunday. Call 682-7888 for more information or visit our website at www.sciencefactory.org

(Directly next to Autzen Football Stadium)
The Science Factory • 2300 Leo Harris Parkway • Eugene, Oregon 97401
Mailing Address: Box P. O. 1518 • Eugene, Oregon 97440
Phone: 541-682-7888 • Fax: 541-484-9027 • E-mail: info@sciencefactory.org
The Science Factory is a charitable non-profit organization, federal tax ID: 93-0688763.