Author: Jon Pishney
During this holiday season, celebrate science with the NC Museum of Natural Sciences.
Monday, Dec. 18
3D Movie – “Museum Alive!” at 10am and 2pm
In this stunning new movie David Attenborough takes us on a journey through the world-famous Natural History Museum in London, revealing it as it’s never been seen before, in a compelling tale of discovery, adventure and magic. Ticket required.
Tuesday, Dec. 19
Warm Up in the Butterfly Room, 10am-3pm
Immerse yourself in the Living Conservatory, a Central American tropical dry forest housing butterflies, turtles, tarantulas, snakes and even a two-toed sloth. Discover a vanilla orchid, pineapple plant, cashew tree and more! Free.
Wednesday, Dec. 20
3D Movie – “Conquest of the Skies” at 11am and 3pm
Explore nature’s ingenuity as you soar from a falcon’s point of view, see hummingbirds flutter in slow motion, accompany bats on the hunt, meet lizards that glide with the greatest of ease, and find out how clumsy beetles got their wings. Ticket required.
Thursday, Dec. 21
“The Internet of Things” – Science Café at 7pm
The ubiquity of low-cost, low-power microcontrollers has spawned a new ecosystem of so-called “smart things” — from lightbulbs to diapers — that are connected to their users and to each other through the internet. Find out more about this “Internet of Things.” Free.
Friday, Dec. 22
Do-It-Yourself Science, 10am-4pm
Let your budding young scientists get hands-on experience with real scientific tools and experiments in one of our three Investigate Labs: Micro World, Natural World and Visual World. Free.
Saturday, Dec. 23
Science Buffet – Live Science Show at 1pm
Science Buffet is a lively science presentation featuring a “taste” of everything the Museum has to offer: live animals, weird science facts, dramatic demonstrations, and explosions (small and controlled of course), all seasoned with a touch of humor. Ticket required.
Dec. 26 (through Dec. 30)
Jackson Hole WILD on Tour each day at 1pm
Tuesday kicks off five days of award-winning films from the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival with “Tales by Light,” which follows extraordinary photographers and their quest to make a difference in the fate of our natural world through their art. Free.
Dec. 27 (through Dec. 30)
Investigate Ants: A Virtual Reality Experience, from 10am–noon and 1–4pm
Experience what it’s like to come face to face with an ant in this 360-degree Virtual Reality experience! Museum researchers Dr. Adrian Smith and Dr. Magdalena Sorger guide you through the ant’s world and explain how you can help with their ant research. Ticket required.
Thursday, Dec. 28
“Collected Curiosities” – Science Café at 7pm
The Museum maintains and studies more than 4 million specimens covering 140 years. Most of the collection hides out of sight of visitors, waiting to be explored by scientists. Prepare to be amazed by the stories and see some unique and wonderful things during this special “show-and-tell.” Free.
Friday, Dec. 29
Finally Friday – “Big Hero 6” at 6pm
Join us to watch Big Hero 6 and learn everything you ever wanted to know about the science of A.I., robots and animation. We’ll host an expert speaker to help us separate the fact from the fiction following the screening. Ticket required.
Saturday, Dec. 30
Science Buffet – Live Science Show at 1pm
Science Buffet is a lively science presentation featuring a “taste” of everything the Museum has to offer: live animals, weird science facts, dramatic demonstrations, and explosions (small and controlled of course), all seasoned with a touch of humor. Ticket required.
Sunday, Dec. 31
First Night Raleigh, 2-10pm
Learn a new hobby or enjoy other child-friendly activities at the daytime DIY Festival from 2 to 6pm at the Museum. Then later enjoy performances by flautist Rozalind MacPhail at 8 and 9pm. To participate, purchase a First Night button (available in the Museum Store and at the event website).
The Museum will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.