Cheeseburger and Imogene, the Rats
2004-2009
The Museum of Discovery misses two of our more unique and colorful personalities from our animal collection as we mourn the passing of Cheeseburger and Imogene the rats.
"Unfortunately, it's not unusual for mice and rats to get tumors easily," said Susan Bennett, Outreach Educator.
Cheeseburger and Imogene held a special place in the hearts of Museum visitors, as they greeted everyone from their "condo" located near the Museum's gift shop.
One young visitor said, "Even though they were yucky rats, they had cute eyes."
The Museum has plans to adopt two rats to replace the recently deceased.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Snow and Hail - Science of Weather
Weather explained...part 2! SNOW and HAIL
Snow is created in the cloud from which it falls. As every second grader knows, each individual snowflake has its own unique pattern.
Though hail seems as if it would occur during the winter time, it usually occurs during the summer months. Hail forms in storm clouds typically during thunderstorms and is frequently known to be the size of golf balls. The largest hail stone on record is seven inches in diameter and has a 18.75 inch circumference!
Remember, you can make your own winter weather forecast! Visit the Museum’s own television green screen! You can be on TV!
Snow is created in the cloud from which it falls. As every second grader knows, each individual snowflake has its own unique pattern.
Though hail seems as if it would occur during the winter time, it usually occurs during the summer months. Hail forms in storm clouds typically during thunderstorms and is frequently known to be the size of golf balls. The largest hail stone on record is seven inches in diameter and has a 18.75 inch circumference!
Remember, you can make your own winter weather forecast! Visit the Museum’s own television green screen! You can be on TV!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Santasaurus?
Lilo the Dinosaur, the mascot of the Museum of Discovery's Dino Dash, made an appearance at the Museum last Sunday for our holiday open house. He had a great time meeting Museum visitors.
Lilo sings along to holiday tunes.
Posing for pictures
High Five!
Lilo loves to give hugs!
Happy holidays from all of us at the Museum of Discovery!
Lilo sings along to holiday tunes.
Posing for pictures
High Five!
Lilo loves to give hugs!
Happy holidays from all of us at the Museum of Discovery!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Sleet and Freezing Rain - Science of Weather
Winter weather explained...part 1! Today...sleet and freezing rain. Tune in next week for snow and hail.
Freezing rain consists of water droplets that fall from clouds as rain but freeze upon contact with the ground when the temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sleet begins in the form of a snow flake. As it falls to earth, it passes through a layer of warm air and transforms into a liquid state. However, it refreezes before reaching the ground. When sleet hits the ground, it generally bounces.
And, if you would like to predict your own winter weather forecast, visit the Museum’s own television green screen! You can be on TV!
Lastly, a helpful tip: Keep an ice scraper in car just in case; Arkansas has been known to have unusual spurts of wintry weather! You don’t want to be unprepared as I was last winter. (I had to scrape the frozen sleet off my windshield with a debit card!)
Freezing rain consists of water droplets that fall from clouds as rain but freeze upon contact with the ground when the temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sleet begins in the form of a snow flake. As it falls to earth, it passes through a layer of warm air and transforms into a liquid state. However, it refreezes before reaching the ground. When sleet hits the ground, it generally bounces.
And, if you would like to predict your own winter weather forecast, visit the Museum’s own television green screen! You can be on TV!
Lastly, a helpful tip: Keep an ice scraper in car just in case; Arkansas has been known to have unusual spurts of wintry weather! You don’t want to be unprepared as I was last winter. (I had to scrape the frozen sleet off my windshield with a debit card!)
Monday, December 7, 2009
The Science of Shivering
If you have ventured outside without a warm jacket, you have probably discovered the frigid air of Arkansas in December, and you may have even felt your hands shaking or teeth chattering. However, you probably didn’t know why you couldn’t steady your hand. Humans have a core body temperature, which must be kept at 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit for the proper function of vital organs. 
The subconscious act of shivering is your body’s way of maintaining homeostasis. Your muscles surrounding your vital organs shake in an attempt to keep these organs warm; the shaking motion produces heat energy. According to Kazuhiro Nakamura of Oregon Health & Science University, shivering requires a lot of energy and thus is the body’s last resort at maintaining its internal temperature. Before shivering, your body goes through a number of processes to keep heat within the body. First, blood vessels are constricted in an attempt to keep the blood as far from the surface of the skin as possible. This prevents the blood from being cooled and inhibits evaporation. In addition, tiny muscles known as erector pili flex to make your hair stand up straight. This causes the hair to serve as an insulator, and it causes goosebumps to appear on the skin. If these processes do not work to keep the core warm, your body resorts to shivering. But how does the body know when to shiver? Well, your brain monitors the temperature of your skin and tells muscles when shivering should commence. So, the next time you shiver, remember the science behind it; then, put on a sweater.
Want something to do this weekend? Visit the Museum this Sunday, December 12 for FREE SECOND SUNDAY!
The subconscious act of shivering is your body’s way of maintaining homeostasis. Your muscles surrounding your vital organs shake in an attempt to keep these organs warm; the shaking motion produces heat energy. According to Kazuhiro Nakamura of Oregon Health & Science University, shivering requires a lot of energy and thus is the body’s last resort at maintaining its internal temperature. Before shivering, your body goes through a number of processes to keep heat within the body. First, blood vessels are constricted in an attempt to keep the blood as far from the surface of the skin as possible. This prevents the blood from being cooled and inhibits evaporation. In addition, tiny muscles known as erector pili flex to make your hair stand up straight. This causes the hair to serve as an insulator, and it causes goosebumps to appear on the skin. If these processes do not work to keep the core warm, your body resorts to shivering. But how does the body know when to shiver? Well, your brain monitors the temperature of your skin and tells muscles when shivering should commence. So, the next time you shiver, remember the science behind it; then, put on a sweater.
Want something to do this weekend? Visit the Museum this Sunday, December 12 for FREE SECOND SUNDAY!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Immunity: How & Why
Every wonder why you need multiple injections to be considered immunized? For some inoculations, you must return to the doctor’s office for several shots, and for others, you need only one prick of the medical needle. Why is this? Immunological memory--how well your immune system is able to recognize a certain ANTIGEN (bad guy) and choose an ANTIBODY (good guy) to defeat the unwelcome guest—is the key. Immunological memory protects the body from re-infection by recognizing the bacterium or virus that once caused harm, remembering which ANTIBODY was used to fight the bacterium or virus, and calling upon the supply of these ANTIBODIES, which the body has in store. In some cases, three separate injections are necessary to build up the body’s supply of ANTIBODIES to a level considered to be immune.
>ANTIBODY
VIRUS
The decision to immunize their children is one that all parents must make. Due to the possible side effects, such as autism, some parents do not want to immunize their children. Other parents see this decision as irresponsible and as a threat to the safety of others. In some cases, actually getting a disease, such a chicken pox, could be safer than getting the vaccine because it allows children to naturally build up their immune system without the possible side effects of the vaccine. However, before deciding whether or not to immunize, the danger known as a “super bug” must be taken into consideration. “Super bugs” are viruses and bacteria that have become resistant to vaccines. While this information may seem to favor not immunizing children, those who have not received vaccines are actually at greater risk. Those who have received the vaccine may show mild to moderate symptoms as a result of the super bug, but those who are not vaccinated are more likely to have severe symptoms. Just remember, this is an important decision, so it is wise to understand all available options.
To view a chart of recommended childhood immunization schedule, click here: http://click4biology.info/c4b/11/immunisation.htm
>ANTIBODY VIRUS
The decision to immunize their children is one that all parents must make. Due to the possible side effects, such as autism, some parents do not want to immunize their children. Other parents see this decision as irresponsible and as a threat to the safety of others. In some cases, actually getting a disease, such a chicken pox, could be safer than getting the vaccine because it allows children to naturally build up their immune system without the possible side effects of the vaccine. However, before deciding whether or not to immunize, the danger known as a “super bug” must be taken into consideration. “Super bugs” are viruses and bacteria that have become resistant to vaccines. While this information may seem to favor not immunizing children, those who have not received vaccines are actually at greater risk. Those who have received the vaccine may show mild to moderate symptoms as a result of the super bug, but those who are not vaccinated are more likely to have severe symptoms. Just remember, this is an important decision, so it is wise to understand all available options.
To view a chart of recommended childhood immunization schedule, click here: http://click4biology.info/c4b/11/immunisation.htm
Monday, November 23, 2009
Thanksgiving: Debunked
In light of the approaching Thanksgiving holiday, I thought researching the history of the first Thanksgiving would be an interesting activity. What I found is not only fascinating, it is shocking as well!
MYTH: Thanksgiving has been celebrated annually since the Pilgrims’ great meal in 1621.
Thanksgiving was not a national holiday until 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln issued a “Thanksgiving Proclamation,” declaring the last Thursday of November to be the national day of thanksgiving. Congress did not proclaim Thanksgiving as a legal holiday until 1941.
FACT: The Native Americans brought five deer with them to the Thanksgiving feast.
MYTH: The Pilgrims dressed in black and white, with buckles on their hats and shoes, and the Native Americans wore loincloths.
While numerous artists have depicted the colonists and Native Americans in this attire, the truth resides in fact. First, buckles were not worn until several decades later, and black and white clothing was reserved for Sundays. The colonists most likely wore a variety of colors, including green, brown, beige, yellow, reds, and even purples. Second, the Native Americans were probably clothed in more than loincloths due to the chilly fall weather of Massachusetts.
FACT: The only primary source evidence of the First Thanksgiving is an entry in Edward Winslow’s journal. Winslow, the governor of Plymouth Colony, explained that the colonists shared a feast with Chief Massasoit and ninety Wampanoag Native Americans.
MYTH: The First Thanksgiving occurred in 1621 in Plymouth, Massachusetts in thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest.
While traditionally, we consider the First Thanksgiving to have occurred in early November 1621, the America’s REAL first Thanksgiving occurred in St. Augustine, Florida on September 8, 1565. On this date, Pedro Menendez de Aviles landed on what is now known as Matanzas Bay of the St. Augustine settlement.
I hope all of you have a restful Thanksgiving and spend lots of time with friends and family!
MYTH: Thanksgiving has been celebrated annually since the Pilgrims’ great meal in 1621.
Thanksgiving was not a national holiday until 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln issued a “Thanksgiving Proclamation,” declaring the last Thursday of November to be the national day of thanksgiving. Congress did not proclaim Thanksgiving as a legal holiday until 1941.
FACT: The Native Americans brought five deer with them to the Thanksgiving feast.
MYTH: The Pilgrims dressed in black and white, with buckles on their hats and shoes, and the Native Americans wore loincloths.
While numerous artists have depicted the colonists and Native Americans in this attire, the truth resides in fact. First, buckles were not worn until several decades later, and black and white clothing was reserved for Sundays. The colonists most likely wore a variety of colors, including green, brown, beige, yellow, reds, and even purples. Second, the Native Americans were probably clothed in more than loincloths due to the chilly fall weather of Massachusetts. FACT: The only primary source evidence of the First Thanksgiving is an entry in Edward Winslow’s journal. Winslow, the governor of Plymouth Colony, explained that the colonists shared a feast with Chief Massasoit and ninety Wampanoag Native Americans.
MYTH: The First Thanksgiving occurred in 1621 in Plymouth, Massachusetts in thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest.
While traditionally, we consider the First Thanksgiving to have occurred in early November 1621, the America’s REAL first Thanksgiving occurred in St. Augustine, Florida on September 8, 1565. On this date, Pedro Menendez de Aviles landed on what is now known as Matanzas Bay of the St. Augustine settlement.
I hope all of you have a restful Thanksgiving and spend lots of time with friends and family!
Monday, November 16, 2009
The science of autumn colors...
If you’re like us, you love watching the trees change from forest green to a 
menagerie of yellows, oranges, and reds. These colors seem to decorate the landscape around Arkansas and remind Arkansans that the chills of winter are approaching.
The key to this transformation is chlorophyll, or, rather, the lack of chlorophyll in leaves.
As you may remember from fifth grade life science, chlorophyll is the green pigment in leaves that enables trees to produce food,
using light from the sun.
As summer’s warmth departs and night becomes longer, the production of chlorophyll gradually slows down until it stops. This accounts for the absence of leave’s green color.
Chlorophyll, which usually masks the pigments Carotenoid and Anthocyanin, is absent, enabling these pigments to show their true colors. Carotenoid accounts for the yellows, oranges, and browns, while Anthocyanin has red and blue tints.
However, as Robert Frosts’ poem states, “Nothing Gold Can Stay.” The trees eventually shed their leaves, for a leaf without chlorophyll
is like an empty file cabinet: its useless and it takes up space.
So ends the life of a leaf, once green and now golden. It’s final journey will take it from your yard to the trash can. Happy raking!
menagerie of yellows, oranges, and reds. These colors seem to decorate the landscape around Arkansas and remind Arkansans that the chills of winter are approaching. The key to this transformation is chlorophyll, or, rather, the lack of chlorophyll in leaves.
As you may remember from fifth grade life science, chlorophyll is the green pigment in leaves that enables trees to produce food,
using light from the sun. As summer’s warmth departs and night becomes longer, the production of chlorophyll gradually slows down until it stops. This accounts for the absence of leave’s green color.
Chlorophyll, which usually masks the pigments Carotenoid and Anthocyanin, is absent, enabling these pigments to show their true colors. Carotenoid accounts for the yellows, oranges, and browns, while Anthocyanin has red and blue tints.
However, as Robert Frosts’ poem states, “Nothing Gold Can Stay.” The trees eventually shed their leaves, for a leaf without chlorophyll
is like an empty file cabinet: its useless and it takes up space. So ends the life of a leaf, once green and now golden. It’s final journey will take it from your yard to the trash can. Happy raking!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Stay Healthy! Visit Health Hall
During this cold and flu season, take a trip to Health Hall right here at the Museum of Discovery!
Map the brain in an interactive game.
Discover just how flexible you are!
Also...
Chart your blood pressure, see how blood flows through the heart, AND check your heart rate!
You can even practice dentistry using real dental equipment.
Looking for a unique and original gift for the holidays? How about the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu)! At the Museum store, you can buy a stuffed plush version of the real thing. This will definitely be a gift to wow and entertain! Check out all the available bacteria and viruses at www.giantmicrobes.com.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
The Best Part of the Museum
With all the interactive activities, exciting exhibits, and shows the Museum of Discovery has to offer, we wondered, “What is the best part of the Museum?” To answer my quandary, we asked employees and visitors alike to tell me their favorite thing about the museum.
ANDY, who now works in museum workshop said, “When I was young, I liked the Native American exhibit! The history is very interesting.”
NAN SELZ, Executive Director of the Museum explained, “The animals and insects exhibit is my favorite. The animals are fascinating to watch, especially the more exotic ones!”
JACKIE, our head receptionist, told me, “The kids are my favorite part of the Museum. Watching them learn and grow is wonderful.”
Five year old SARAH exclaimed: “I like to clean the big mouth [in Health Hall].”
I even spoke with two first-time-visitors at the Museum. They told me they were amazed by the exciting atmosphere and colorful exhibits.
While everyone has a different opinion on the best part of the museum, one thing is certain: everyone enjoys a visit to the museum! What is your favorite part of the Museum? Leave us a comment!
ANDY, who now works in museum workshop said, “When I was young, I liked the Native American exhibit! The history is very interesting.”
NAN SELZ, Executive Director of the Museum explained, “The animals and insects exhibit is my favorite. The animals are fascinating to watch, especially the more exotic ones!”
JACKIE, our head receptionist, told me, “The kids are my favorite part of the Museum. Watching them learn and grow is wonderful.”
Five year old SARAH exclaimed: “I like to clean the big mouth [in Health Hall].”
I even spoke with two first-time-visitors at the Museum. They told me they were amazed by the exciting atmosphere and colorful exhibits.
While everyone has a different opinion on the best part of the museum, one thing is certain: everyone enjoys a visit to the museum! What is your favorite part of the Museum? Leave us a comment!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Hula your way into winter with this party theme!
PSSST! Want to know a secret? The Museum of Discovery has come up with a new birthday party theme: LUAU!
The birthday party is PERFECT for older children between the ages of 9 and 13.
"We'll have a hut above the cake table, fish nets with ocean life on the eating tables, grass skirts and leis for all party guests," says Kate Maze, Birthday Party Coordinator. "We'll even have a 2 FOOT TALL ACTIVE VOLCANO!"
All this cool stuff is currently being designed by Joel Gordon, Exhibits Director.
We’re always making changes at the Museum of Discovery! If you are interested in booking a themed birthday party at the Museum of Discovery, please contact Kate Maze at 501-396-7050 ext. 112. She books birthday parties on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, between the hours of 9 and 4. We look forward to your call!
The birthday party is PERFECT for older children between the ages of 9 and 13.
"We'll have a hut above the cake table, fish nets with ocean life on the eating tables, grass skirts and leis for all party guests," says Kate Maze, Birthday Party Coordinator. "We'll even have a 2 FOOT TALL ACTIVE VOLCANO!"
All this cool stuff is currently being designed by Joel Gordon, Exhibits Director.
We’re always making changes at the Museum of Discovery! If you are interested in booking a themed birthday party at the Museum of Discovery, please contact Kate Maze at 501-396-7050 ext. 112. She books birthday parties on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, between the hours of 9 and 4. We look forward to your call!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Robinson Elementary wins pizza party
Robinson Elementary had the largest school team that participated in Dino Dash. As a reward, they go a pizza party at the Museum of Discovery.
Some of the members of the winning Robinson Team---thanks to Tammi Robinson for putting together a winning team!
The party included lots of pizza (of course), a chance to see Lilo again, and free admission to the Museum for the day. FUN!
See you next year, Robinson!
Some of the members of the winning Robinson Team---thanks to Tammi Robinson for putting together a winning team!
The party included lots of pizza (of course), a chance to see Lilo again, and free admission to the Museum for the day. FUN!
See you next year, Robinson!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
pictures from Dairy Makes Sense
Thanks to Midwest Dairy Council and YOU, our visitors, we had so much fun at DAIRY MAKES SENSE! Here are some pictures. Enjoy!
Our Discovery Court was filled with fun activities, like Sophia the cow!
After a brief demonstration...
This little fellow started tentatively...
But soon was like a pro!
This family made butter!
Someone is very happy that he has strong teeth and bones!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Strange Things: 10 Interesting Food Facts
Join us October 8-10 for the special event DOES A BODY GOOD. Sponsored by Midwest Dairy Council, this event will include activities that help us understand food better.
Here are some fun food facts.
10. The Coconut is the world’s largest seed.
9. Honey is the only food that doesn't spoil.
8. Fortune cookies were invented in 1916 by George Jung, a California noodle maker.
7. Chocolate contains the natural substance phenyl ethylamine (PEA), which is reputed to stimulate the same reaction in the body as falling in love.
6. A high protein diet can result in a loss of calcium.
5. In an authentic Chinese meal, the last course is soup because it allows the typical roast duck entree to "swim" toward digestion.
4. When Swiss cheese ferments, a bacterial action generates gas, which bubbles through the cheese leaving holes. Cheese-makers call these holes "eyes."
3. Apples are more efficient than coffee at keeping people awake in the morning.
2. Eating a banana at night can aid in falling asleep.
1. Lemons contain more sugar than strawberries.
What is your favorite healthy food? Let us know by leaving a comment!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Mmmmm Breakfast Shake!
This fun recipe comes to us from our friends at MIDWEST DAIRY who are bringing MORE fun stuff to the Museum Thursday - Saturday Oct 8-10 for our special event DAIRY MAKES SENSE.
Try this at home!
Ingredients: 1 cup of fat-free or 1% low-fat chocolate milk
1/2 cup frozen banana slices
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Preparation:
Combine all ingredients in a blender; blend until smooth and creamy. Serve in tall glass or on-the-go drink container.
Nutritional Facts:
Nutritional Facts Per Serving: Calories: 270
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
Sodium: 220mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Protein: 15g
Calcium: 35% Daily Value
More recipes are available here.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Birthday parties at the Museum
by Kate Maze, Museum of Discovery Birthday Coordinator
Perfect for up to 16 children aged 4 to 12. Adults want to stay to have fun, too? No problem, the birthday party cost covers up to 32 adults!
Your party includes:
* a Museum Host/Hostess
* a private party room for 2 hours
* 20 official Museum of Discovery invitations
* paper products (plates, napkins, forks, cups, etc.)
* themed activities
* a live animal presentation
* lemonade for all your party guests
* party favors for all of the children.
THEMES include
FAIRYTALES
DINOSAURS
BUGS
If your child is a little older he/she can have a
PIRATE
INDIAN ANIMALS
SCIENCE WIZARD
Check out our birthday party website to learn more about each of our parties.
Perfect for up to 16 children aged 4 to 12. Adults want to stay to have fun, too? No problem, the birthday party cost covers up to 32 adults!
Your party includes:
* a Museum Host/Hostess
* a private party room for 2 hours
* 20 official Museum of Discovery invitations
* paper products (plates, napkins, forks, cups, etc.)
* themed activities
* a live animal presentation
* lemonade for all your party guests
* party favors for all of the children.
THEMES include
FAIRYTALES
DINOSAURS
BUGS
If your child is a little older he/she can have a
PIRATE
INDIAN ANIMALS
SCIENCE WIZARD
Check out our birthday party website to learn more about each of our parties.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Why the Seasons Change
Why do the seasons change? If you guessed the seasonal alteration has to do with the Earth's distance from the sun on its elliptical orbit, you guessed incorrectly. In fact, the primary reason is the 23.5 degree tilt of the Earth's axis, which causes the Northern Hemisphere to lean toward the sun for part of the year, resulting in the warmer temperatures of the summer months. Conversely, the Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the sun for part of the year, resulting in the colder temperatures of the winter months. As you can see in the diagram below, the Earth is actually closer in distance to the sun during the Northern Hemisphere's winter season; however the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun. Strange, huh?
Of course, when referring to seasons, it is important to remember that the Southern Hemisphere is different from the Northern Hemisphere; so when we are basking in the warm summer sun, those in the Southern Hemisphere are piling on their winter coats. Thus, while the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun (summer), the Southern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun (winter).
The equator, however, is a different story. Close to the equator, the seasons do not change in the traditional sense; the equator’s two seasons are the wet season and the dry season. In reference to temperature, the equator is like one continuous summer, but due to the frequent rain and humidity, the equator is actually NOT the hottest place in the world. The temperature in equatorial regions also varies with amount of precipitation and altitude. In fact, a small amount of snow lies on the southern slopes of Volcan Cayambe, a volcano that boasts the highest equatorial altitude, in Ecuador.
Let us know what your favorite season is!
Of course, when referring to seasons, it is important to remember that the Southern Hemisphere is different from the Northern Hemisphere; so when we are basking in the warm summer sun, those in the Southern Hemisphere are piling on their winter coats. Thus, while the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun (summer), the Southern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun (winter).The equator, however, is a different story. Close to the equator, the seasons do not change in the traditional sense; the equator’s two seasons are the wet season and the dry season. In reference to temperature, the equator is like one continuous summer, but due to the frequent rain and humidity, the equator is actually NOT the hottest place in the world. The temperature in equatorial regions also varies with amount of precipitation and altitude. In fact, a small amount of snow lies on the southern slopes of Volcan Cayambe, a volcano that boasts the highest equatorial altitude, in Ecuador.
Let us know what your favorite season is!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
