miSci logo cropped   

 

miSci Newsletter

 

May / June 2015

 

 

Our Mission: To inspire people to celebrate and explore science and technology, past, present and future.

 

 

 


Join Our Mailing List
Swirl by Swirl LW JUNE 2015
 
Thurs., June 18,
Fri., June 19
&
Sat., June 20   
9:30AM & 11AM

 

Sign up online  or
call 382-7890 x 237
to register.
 

Sponsored in part by 

Charles L. Touhey Foundation

GE
 
Planetarium Shows

Schenectady Museum's Suits-Bueche Planetarium

NEW!
Shows
DAILY
in our renovated planetarium
 
begins
June 24
 
 Dudley Night Sky Adventure

Night Sky Adventure


June Solstice & Mercury


physics demo

 Science Zone: Physics

Sat. & Sun.
1 - 2:30 

June 6 & 7
Gravity in Space

June 13 & 14
Construct at Catapult

June 20 & 21
Power of Parachutes

June 27 & 28
Inertia


Saturday Science Zone Activities sponsored by
National Grid































































































































































































































































































































































Mac Sudduth NOV2012
From the President

Summer's Here

Earth Exposed & Space Academy 
 

On June 20th, we open our newest ExNET exhibit. As part of ExNET (Exploratorium Network for Exhibit-based Teaching), each year we premier a new hands-on exhibit produced by San Francisco's Exploratorium, the

Earth Exposed NASA Volcano
NASA image

best hands-on science center in North America, if not the world. EARTH EXPOSED is an exploration of all the secrets of nature especially the physical processes that underlie change on Earth and other planets. That includes an examination of tornadoes, landslides, tidal waves and other furies of nature. It will be a must-see and fun exhibit. As we always do, we will add things from our collection to enhance the exhibit. After all GE did the research on cloud seeding; Steinmetz collected fossils (and we have part of his collection); and our region has had its share of meteorite strikes, floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes. So come explore the formation of a tornado, create your own landslide or avalanche, and explore lightning in the safety of our exhibit hall. Our ExNET exhibits are sponsored by Neil and Jane Golub and National Grid.  

 

Earth Exposed
   

In addition to having EARTH EXPOSED this summer, we will have our popular Summer Science Classes. Sponsored in part by Time Warner Cable, the classes have been extremely well received and, now that we have a Challenger Learning Center, we will also run week-long Space Academy Classes.

 

EArth's Wild Ride AUG 2014 We will also debut a new mission that explores our Earth in the Challenger Learning Center. Our planetarium will be offering a wide choice of digital shows such as Earth's Wild Ride that includes the death of the dinosaurs. Planetarium Shows will be on the hour starting at 10 AM Monday through Saturday beginning June 24. Special group shows can be reserved at 9 AM.

 

And if you plan to travel this summer don't forget to renew your miSci membership. It will get you into over 350 other science museums from Boston to San Francisco and Chicago to Houston. See the list. It will also get you into some New York museums. See the list. 

 

If you can't get out of town or your child is in another summer camp, be sure to visit: we provide group activities for camps and youth groups ranging from our exhibits to planetarium shows to Challenger Learning Center missions in space.

 

Finally, at miSci we are supported by our earned income (ticket sales, tuitions), donated income (memberships and annual fund drive), sponsorships, grants, and our endowment. We receive no operating support from state or local government. Sometimes we get donations of materials. Looking at the summer and beyond, we could use for the following year the donation of a pickup truck and a snow blower. If you have either of these and you would like to receive a tax deduction for their value, please call me at 518-382-7890 x 247.

 

Wishing you a safe and enjoyable summer and see you at miSci. 

 

Dr. William "Mac" Sudduth 
President, miSci  
miSci's Gala Was Truly a Big Bang 

 

The Big Bang! at miSci, our annual gala, held May 1, was a smashing success, raising over $72,000 to support miSci's educational programs and exhibits. Thank you to all of our corporate sponsors, Honorary Committee members and guests. Co-Chaired by Andrea Golub and Peter Scanlan, the evening included the VIP opening for the new Challenger Learning Center of the Capital Region at miSci, and was enjoyed by close to 300 guests.

 

photo by Joan Heffler

On hand to welcome guests and showcase the Challenger Learning Center were, from left to right:  President, Arianespace, Inc. Clay Mowry; NYS Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara; miSci President Dr. Mac Sudduth; President & CEO of Challenger Center for Space Science Education Dr. Lance Bush; miSci Trustee Jane Golub; Community Philanthropist & miSci Supporter Neil Golub; Gala Co-Chair Andrea Golub; Gala Co-Chair Peter Scanlan; miSci Trustee and Challenger Learning Center Board President Dr. Heidi DeBlock; Lead Project Scientist for NASA's Space & Life Sciences Directorate at Johnson Space Center Dr. John Charles.

 

Thank you to all of our corporate sponsors, Honorary Committee members and guests.  
Gala 2015 sponsor panel
Challenger Learning Center at miSci  
Opens to Media May 14  

 

While students from Tech Valley High School were flying a simulated space mission, the Challenger Learning Center of the Capital Region at miSci opened to the media May 14 with remarks from representatives from miSci, the Challenger Center national organization, major donors as well as education and political leaders.  

 

"As the region's preeminent science center, miSci is proud to add the Challenger Learning Center of the Capital Region and simulated space missions to our existing high quality STEM programming," said miSci President Dr. Mac Sudduth. "We follow in the footsteps of the brave astronauts of the Challenger as we work every day to inspire Capital Region students and get them to dream of bigger things for themselves and the world around us. The community leaders who brought the CLC to fruition - especially the Golub and Apkarian families - should be applauded for leading the way to bring the CLC to miSci and for helping many future generations have these opportunities." 

 

Challenger Learning Center at miSci 051415
Tech Valley High School students flying a mission in the Challenger Learning Center at miSci. Image by Lance Wheeler
Bright Ideas at Invention Convention
 

Thomas Edison's spirit of invention is alive and flourishing in schools throughout the Capital Region. For Invention Convention 2015, 1,174 students engaged in creative problem solving modeled after Edison's Invention Convention 2015 concept of the invention factory. The top 100 student inventors were invited to create models of their inventions, which were on exhibit during May at miSci, and the students were honored at a Reception and Awards ceremony at miSci May 21. The event is a long time partnership between the museum and GE to engage young people in the innovation process and encourage the next generation of scientists and engineers.

 

From a Sun Block Roller to a Suction Cup Dust Pan to a Flea Meds Dog Brush, the inventions were chosen from 1,174 submissions representing 41 schools around the Capital Region. Read more. 

 

Thank you to Invention Convention 2015 sponsors:

 

Invention Convention 2015

 

miSci is offering full-day, week-long classes for kids entering kindergarten through twelfth grade packed with hands-on fun and taught by miSci educators. Classes run 8:30am - 5pm and are $220 per class; $250 per Space Academy Class presented by Time Warner Cable.
Before & After care is available. Registration and pre-payment are required.

 

Call 518-382-7890 x 237 to register. 

   

Rockets Class
miSci Receives $65,000 Exhibit Sponsorship from National Grid  
  
National Grid Check 050715

miSci President Dr. Mac Sudduth accepts a $65,000 sponsorship check for the upcoming EARTH EXPOSED: Discover Our Planet's Hidden Secrets from National Grid Manager of Community and Customer Service Management Thomas Wind at miSci on May 7.
Electric Car Charging Station at miSci Unveiled During Earth Day 2015 Week

miSci
kicked off Earth Day 2015 Week with the official unveiling of a ChargePoint electric vehicle charging station. Part of  ChargePoint's initiative to provide an infrastructure of electric vehicle charging stations throughout New York State, many of which will be in the National Grid service area, the station provides a benefit for miSci visitors and is also an extension of the science and technology on exhibit in the region's science center.

 

National Grid officials and Assembymember Angelo Santabarbara joined miSci officials April 20 to officially unveil the new charging station, which is located at the parking lot entrance at the science center on Nott Terrace Heights. Charging is free and can be activated using a ChargePoint card or mobile app. Several types of electric cars have already charged at the station, including the plug-in Toyota Prius, Chevy Volt, and Smart ED. Read more. 

 
Car Charging Station 042015

Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, miSci President Dr. Mac Sudduth, National Grid Customer and Community Relations Manager of Community and Customer Service Management Thomas Wind, and miSci Board of Trustees Member Ray Legere.


Blue Star MuseumsmiSci is pleased to be participating again in the Blue Star Museum Program and extends free general museum admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2015. 

 

"miSci is pleased to participate in the Blue Star Museums program again this summer. We're proud to provide this well-deserved recognition for our country's service members. " said miSci President Mac Sudduth.  Read more. 

miSci Receives $2,500 from
Berkshire Bank
   
 
Berkshire Bank 040815

Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas (left) and Kim Rainey (right) present Dr. Mac Sudduth with a $2,500 grant from Berkshire Bank to support miSci's annual Gala and the 2015 Science Festival of the Capital Region. Our thanks to our friends at Berkshire Bank for their commitment to miSci and STEM education. 

EARTH EXPOSED: Discover Our Planet's Hidden Secrets Opens June 20 

 

Explore the tumultuous forces of our planet: earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, volcanoes & more! Discover the science behind weather patterns, ocean currents, and all of the forces of nature that form our landscape, seascape and even cloudscape with more than 30 interactive exhibits from San Francisco's Exploratorium. Rock out with florescent minerals glowing in black light, meteorites from this region, precious mineral treasures from New York and man-made diamonds.    

Earth Explosed
Presented through the generosity of

 Neil and Jane Golub

National Grid
Thank you Volunteers for the Spring Cleaning Help  
 
Berkshire Bank volunteers came to do a spring clean up on the miSci grounds along Nott Terrace on a chilly morning in late April.  
Berkshire Bank Volunteers 2015

Capital Region BOCES Work Based Learning Program students from Mohonasen worked to prepare the Courtyard for warm weather this spring.
Cap Reg BOCES Mohonasen School to Work 2015

Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners Michelle and Debra did some spring cleaning in the parking lot island.
Master Gardeners 2015


science of brewing 2015 Sample beer from area brewers, savor delicious eats, listen to live music - all in our unique setting. Explore the science of brewing, interactive exhibits, planetarium shows & more! Limited Tickets.
Door prizes & cash bar. 21 & over.

Presale: Members $30 / Not Yet Members $35; at door: $35/$40.

Call 518-382-7890 x237 for tickets.
    

Visiting Breweries as of May 27

 

Brown's Brewing Ommegang Wolf Hollow


FIFTEEN

miSci is #15 on the 2015 Business Review Festival and Tourist Attractions, Sites List.    

 Business Review The List

ONE 

miSci is the #1 Children's Museum in Capital Region Living Best Of List.

 

   Capital Region Living Best Of