Climate Film Festival, Diet for the Climate, Invisible World of Water Happening This Fall
Calendar of Events, November–December 2021
PHILADELPHIA,
November 1, 2021
A student climate film festival, table talk with The Climate Reality Project, and an exhibit that blends science and art to reveal the hidden world in water rounds out the fall season at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.
What we eat is a personal choice, but it can have a global impact on the climate. A Diet for the Climate, a virtual program on Nov. 16, examines the issue with The Climate Reality Project and others. Cinema for the Climate, presented by Drexel University students on Nov. 20, features film programs focusing on stories of hope, community and climate change solutions.
Invisible World of Water, opening Nov. 13, renews our appreciation for the vital element of water through artworks that combine the marvel and insight of both scientific and artistic inquiry.
The Academy is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the first hour reserved for members. In addition, the Academy will be open Monday, Dec. 27, Tuesday, Dec. 28, and Saturday, Jan. 1. The Academy will be closed Saturday, Dec. 25, and Sunday, Jan. 2.
The Academy continues to provide a safe environment for visitors by following city and state health and safety protocols: social distancing, mandatory face coverings, hand sanitizer stations and recommended timed ticketing. See below for what’s on the calendar in November and December and check ansp.org for more.
Special Exhibit
Invisible World of Water
Saturday, Nov. 13–Sunday, April 17, 2022
Invisible World of Water renews our appreciation for the vital element of water through artworks that combine the marvel and insight of both scientific and artistic inquiry. Centered around two micro-phenomena — snow crystals and diatoms — the exhibition presents parallel histories of observation and shows the interplay between the micro-cosmic and macro-cosmic. Invisible World of Water includes illustrations of rare books (by Robert Hooke, Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg and Ernst Haeckel); Victorian-era arranged diatom slides by Harold Dalton and others; microphotographs by Snowflake Bentley and Ukichiro Nakaya; artifacts documenting the groundbreaking research of diatom scientist Ruth Patrick; contemporary ceramic sculpture by Marguerita Hagan; holographic light field display scanning electron microscope images of diatoms; stop-motion imagery by physicist Kenneth Libbrecht; and high-resolution photography by Nathan Myhrvold. The Invisible World of Water considers the hidden connections and the flow between water, land and air through Earth’s hydrosphere.
Special Exhibit
Permian Monsters: Life Before the Dinosaurs
Through Monday, Jan. 17, 2022
Step back 290 million years to when bizarre-looking creatures dominated life on land and sea, and dinosaurs had not yet evolved. Permian Monsters: Life Before the Dinosaurs blends vivid artwork, amazing fossils and scientifically accurate models of moving beasts to recreate this relatively unknown period when the greatest mass extinction wiped out creatures that will never be discovered. Explore odd-looking sharks, strange reptiles with mammal-like characteristics, the vicious predator, the giant saber-toothed gorgonopsid, and more.
Paleo Playdate
Wednesdays, Nov. 3 and 10, 10:15-11 a.m.
Calling curious kiddos: Grab your favorite plastic dinosaur, stuffed animal or toy bug and join us at the Academy for a playful preschool party. Have fun with Academy experts and other young natural history fans for a special science story time. Each week features new stories, new hands-on activities, take-home crafts, and room to move and explore. Everyone can chat, play and show off their knowledge, and you’ll meet a new special guest each week. Whether you’d like to learn more about dinosaurs or dioramas, or if you just dream of becoming a scientist, Academy experts will be ready to answer your questions and have some fun. Paleo Playdate was developed for preschoolers and their families to enjoy together. Ages 3 to 5. For fee and to register, visit https://bit.ly/38yjJAr
Academy Nightcap: Angry, Scared or Feeling Frisky
Thursday, Nov. 11, 8:30 p.m.
Let’s talk animal behavior! When animals around us act a little bit strange, what are they trying to tell us? How do we know if an animal is hurt? Can we tell if an animal is in danger? And how do we know if an animal is trying to tell US that we are in danger? Grab a drink, bring your questions, and join our slightly misbehaved virtual conversation on Zoom about animal behavior. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3pWPblO
Junior Scientist Workshop: How Do Trees Get Ready for Winter?
Saturday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m.-Noon
We love the vibrant colors of fall, but why do trees put on such a show every year? The secret is in their chemistry. Work with Academy botanists to discover how trees get ready to hunker down for the cold winter. Try an experiment to unlock the chemistry of the autumn and check out rare specimens from the Academy’s Botany Collection. Find out why some leaves change color and discover what other tricks trees might just be hiding deep in their xylem and phloem. Grades 3-5. For fee and to register, visit https://bit.ly/2YlApJQ
A Diet for the Climate
Tuesday, Nov. 16, 7-8 p.m.
What we eat is a very personal choice, but it can also have a global impact on the climate, especially in the context of broader solutions. The Academy brings The Climate Reality Project: Philadelphia and Southeastern PA Chapter and Boyer Sudduth Environmental Consultants to audiences through a special virtual program. We’ll explore the impact that our dietary choices have on the global climate and the types of small changes to our dinner plates that can help curb rising global temperatures. While climate change affects us locally and globally, empowered individuals have the ability to influence key systemic solutions to reduce carbon emissions and bring about the type of change our planet needs. To register for this free Zoom program, visit https://bit.ly/2ZLPQfa
Cinema for the Climate at the Academy of Natural Sciences
Saturday, Dec. 4
10:30 a.m.-Noon kids and families; 2-4 p.m. adults and Drexel students
Drexel University and the Academy of Natural Sciences are proud to support our first-ever student organized and run Film Festival! One day only, the Cinema for the Climate at the Academy of Natural Sciences will feature two film programs focusing on stories of hope, community and climate change solutions. Join us in the morning for a family-friendly feature film program (2040) and activities. The afternoon session will feature the documentary Mossville: When Great Trees Fall. Tailored for adult audiences, the film and following discussion will take a thoughtful look at our changing climate and the roles we can play as we work toward a sustainable future. Each film will be accompanied by climate awareness activities and a film discussion. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3BB0B11
Junior Scientist Workshop: Do Birds Say Brrr?
Saturday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m.-Noon
The days are getting colder, and winter is upon us. So why are there still birds flying (and swimming) outside? How can birds handle the cold weather, the icy water and the changing landscapes? Discover how avian adaptations allow our fine feathered friends to survive in the harshest environments. Examine specimens from our world-class ornithology collection. Try out a few hands-on adaptation activities to see how you would measure up if you were a bird. Grades 3-5. For fee and to register, visit ansp.org.
Winter Break Camp
Monday to Thursday, Dec. 27-30, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Spend your winter break at the Academy with fun educators, cool exhibits and wild science. Sign up for one date or for them all; each day will feature new hands-on activities, creative crafts and untold secrets of the museum. Learn about the naturally awesome science at the Academy, from fossils and dinosaurs to bugs, birds and botanicals! Meet live animals, see rare specimens and explore the museum as you never have before. Ages 6-10. For fee and to register, visit ansp.org.