Calendar of Events, July-Sept. 2013
PHILADELPHIA,
March 26, 2013
This summer the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University will offer exciting new exhibits and a festival for kids and families.
Starting in June the Special Exhibits Gallery will twinkle with Glow: Living Lights, a highly interactive exhibit showcasing the fascinating ability of some animals, plants and minerals to produce their own light. The Academy will also host the exhibit Serpentine, featuring captivating photographs of snakes sure to thrill viewers of all ages. In September the Academy introduces Unnatural History, an exhibit of imaginative and hilarious images of what really goes on behind the dioramas at natural history museums. August steals the show with Bug Fest, the Academy’s sixth annual buggy festival, this year featuring a new theme—masters of deception—and old favorites such as roach races and creepy crawly specimens.
The following exhibits and programs are free with museum admission, except where noted. Check ansp.org for frequent updates.
Special Exhibit
GLOW: LIVING LIGHTS
June 1–September 29, 2013
Glow: Living Lights takes visitors on a journey through land and sea in pursuit of creatures with the incredible ability to produce their own light. Fireflies, glow worms and rarely seen alien-looking creatures from the middle ocean are just a few of the animals lighting up the dark through a mysterious process called bioluminescence. Dramatic video, rare preserved specimens, models and hands-on activities will enlighten and engage families. Visitors can also examine live animals, including mysterious glowing scorpions. Free with museum admission.
Art of Science Gallery Exhibit
MARK LAITA: SERPENTINE
June 15–September 15
Fine art photographer Mark Laita has traveled the world to photograph the beauty and danger of the world’smost deadly snakes, from the Honduran milk snake to the black Pakistan cobra. This selection of a dozen colorful and alluring photographs from his latest book, Serpentine, depicts what he calls “the sensual attractiveness” of serpents, whose mystery and symbolism has fascinated humanity for thousands of years. Free with museum admission.
ACADEMY EXPLORERS CAMP
Monday, July 8–Friday, August 23, Weekdays from 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Looking for a way to entertain the kids during summer break? The Academy will host a fun and educational day camp for children ages 5 to 12. Each week of camp explores an exciting new theme and features an off-site field trip, plus all the museum has to offer—from dinosaurs to preserved specimens to live animals. Each camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with optional before- and after-care. Weeks may be reserved individually or as part of a longer experience. Fee: Members: $295 per week; nonmembers $335 per week. $25 off each additional week. Before- and after-care additional fee. For more details and information on how to register, visit http://www.ansp.org/get-involved/programs/family-programs/summer-camp/.
Camp Dates and Topics
Magnificent Mammals, July 8–12
Let the fur fly as you discover what makes mammals so special. Spend quality time with the furry residents of the Live Animal Center.
Diggin’ Dinosaurs, July 15–19
Use fossils to get up close and personal with dinosaurs and learn more about what the planet was like when they were alive.
Inside Out, July 22–26
Discover what makes animals tick and figure out how bones, organs, blood and guts work together.
Ancient Animals, July 29–Aug. 2
Travel back in time to the world of long-extinct beasts. Meet some of the critters that shared their homes with the dinosaurs.
Sea Monsters, Aug. 5–9
Dive in and investigate the undersea home of some weird and wonderful creatures––the glowing, gliding and gigantic monsters of the sea.
Buzzin’ Bugs, Aug. 12–16
Take to the air with the animal kingdom’s smallest flyers and journey deep into the dirt with the help of some slimy guides. See the world from a bug’s perspective.
Rainforest Roundup, Aug. 19–23
Explore one of the earth’s most amazing ecosystems and take a closer look at the animals and plants that call the rainforest home.
TINY TOT EXPLORERS
Wednesdays, July 10, 17, 24 and 31 and August 7, 14, and 21, 10–11 a.m.
Young children and their favorite adults can explore nature through games, crafts, songs and museum explorations. Tiny Tot Explorers (ages 3–5) meet from 10–11 a.m. on Wednesday mornings. Learn about marvelous mammals (July 10), dinos that roar (July 17), bodies on the move (July 24), creepy crawly critters (July 31), ocean animals (August 7), young scientists (August 14), and rainforest friends (August 21). An appropriate snack is provided. A single session or the entire series may be reserved.Fee: Members: $20 per adult/child pair per session, $130 per adult/child pair for all seven sessions; nonmembers: $25 per adult/child pair per session, $170 per adult/child pair for all seven sessions. To register, call 215-299-1060.
BUG FEST
Saturday and Sunday, August 10 and 11, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Celebrate masters of deception at the Academy’s sixth annual Bug Fest. Examine insects that use camouflage or mimicry to stay safe from predators. Talk with an Academy entomologist about why insects are so important to the environment. Cheer your favorite cockroach racer on to victory in the big Roach Race 500. See an amazing variety of insect specimens from the Academy’s world-renowned collection. Activities, demonstrations and a take-home craft are part of the full weekend festival. Free with museum admission.
Art of Science Gallery Exhibit
UNNATURAL HISTORY
September 21, 2013–January 12, 2014
Lori Nix: Unnatural History is a playful poke at what goes on behind the dioramas at a natural history museum. In Nix’ imaginative images, science, facts and animals are a bit askew and sometimes hilarious. This plays on the expectations people have for museums like the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University as places of serious research and authority. Free with museum admission.
AMERICAN WILDLIFE ART AUTHOR TALK AND BOOK SIGNING
Thursday, September 26, 6:30 p.m.
Hear scholar and curator David J. Wagner, author of American Wildlife Art, tell the story of this popular genre’s history. Wildlife art is shaped by four centuries of cultural events and aesthetic and ideological trends. Wagner will discuss this uniquely American art form and sign copies of his book. Free.
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