This Week at the FLEET & Beyond!

—May 22, 2013

 

For More Information, Please Contact:
Susan Chicoine: Public Relations Manager
schicoine@rhfleet.org  619.325.9416/Cell | 619.685.5743/Office

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center  1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

 

1)

Fleet Volunteers of the Year Announced at Annual Volunteer Recognition Event at the Fleet––“40 Ways to Say Thank You”––in Every Language We Could Find!

 

What:

We at the Fleet know how important volunteers and interns are. No matter which position(s) they hold, they are vital to making everything work, creating excellent experiences for our guests and ensuring that we meet our mission. We were honored to celebrate all that our volunteers do for the Fleet and our community and to thank them for all of their service!

Our 40 ways to say “Thank you” included delicious food, special awards, excellent door prizes, good company and fun activities, and took place on Thursday, May 9. 

The Volunteers of the Year were also announced––they are Adult Volunteer of the Year: Janine Heim, Membership Department Assistant, invaluable for her willingness to enter membership data into computers, around 4,500 each spring, quickly and accurately. She keeps our members happy and cuts down on the phone calls that the department and all cashiers receive. Youth Volunteer of the Year: Ivana Diaz, Education Programs Volunteer, has worked on programs including summer, winter and spring camps and the Young Scientists Preschool Program. The Science Educators are especially grateful to her, saying that Ivana has “helped SO much with Young Scientists; you know how to get ALL of the science experiments ready, and that children love you!” Intern of the Year: Catherine Hunt, Multimedia Services Intern, started interning from SDSU as a graphic designer, then remained as a volunteer and helps various department complete their graphics, signage, publication and Web needs––over 225+ individual projects since she’s been with our Multimedia Department, helping our visitors navigate successfully through our science center.

We urge everyone to help make science fun by volunteering at the Fleet this summer with our Summer Camp, Museum Ambassador or Gallery Facilitator programs. Spend 60 hours over the summer with us; we’ll provide training, a T-shirt and community service letters. These positions are great for high school or college students on summer break.

 

When:

Our volunteers are in the Fleet Galleries at all times!

 

Where:

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Cost:

Generosity of spirit and willingness to share of themselves

 

2)

The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center 40th Anniversary Big Bang Gala Raised Significant $$ for the Innovation Fund––a Fabulous Night’s Work for All in Attendance!

 

What:

Co-Chairs Lori Fleet-Martin and Nancy Robertson presented an elegant evening of surprises at the Big Bang Gala Saturday, May 11; including a $75,000 donation from the Reuben H. Fleet Foundation Fund, a $50,000 donation from Honorary Chairs Irwin & Joan Jacobs, a tribute to retiring Executive Director Dr. Jeffrey Kirsch and an appearance by Mayor Bob Filner. The Big Bang Gala raised more than $341,000 in net proceeds, making it the most successful fundraising event in Fleet history. The Science Center was transformed into a venue of grand opulence with an outside garden patio, vibrant décor, sweeping floor to ceiling drapery, a sumptuous dinner by Sheraton Hotel and Marina and live music by the Fabulous Ultra Tones. We would like to extend a Big Bang thank you to everyone who supported this very special event and helped to ensure the success of the Fleet’s innovative future. You can view photos of the Big Bang Gala at www.rhfleet.org/bigbanggala.

 

When:

The Innovation Fund will continue to fund exciting projects!

Where:

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Cost:

Donations to the Innovation Fund are always welcome!

 

3)

RISE ABOVE PLASTICS with SurfRider and Go on a Coral Reef Adventure––Senior Monday, June 3!

 

What:

June’s lecturer, Scott Harrison, will share SurfRider’s campaign Rise Above Plastic (RAP), dedicated to reducing the impacts of plastics on our coastal environment, promoting awareness of plastic pollution and recycling and encouraging the reduction of single-use plastics. A founder of the RAP campaign, Harrison serves on the SD County Chapter Advisory Committee. Seniors 65+ enjoy the many Fleet exhibit galleries, the great lecture and in June, Coral Reef Adventure, all at a discount!

 

When:

Monday, June 3, 12:30PM lecture; 2PM film

 

Where:

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Cost:

$7 for seniors 65+

 

4)

Run Rings Around SATURN at The Sky Tonight, June 5!

 

What:

Fascinating us with its beauty, the second-largest planet in the solar system is home to a magnificent ring system and over 60 moons, and it features prominently in the June evening sky. Join us to learn more about Saturn and the other celestial objects in the summer sky. Our popular monthly live planetarium show of the sky in SD that night reaches a new level of stunning full-color visuals and incredibly realistic simulations of cosmic phenomena with our new state-of-the-art digital GSX™ projection system. Weather permitting, the SD County Astronomy Association provides free telescope viewing outdoors on the Prado in Balboa Park.

 

When:

Wednesday, June 5, 7PM & 8:15PM

Where:

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center Heikoff Giant Dome Theater

Cost:

$12 for nonmembers; $10 for members

 

5)

On the Move! Two Departures and a Return to Building Big! Last Chance to Catch Amazing Exhibitions GREAT BALLS OF FIRE! and ORIGINS OF LIFE––Don’t Miss Out! Architectural Inspiration BLOCK BUSTERS! Also Lumbering Back Upstairs to the Rotunda Gallery.

 

What:

See Great Balls of Fire! up close and personal, and take a last look at your favorite meteors, asteroids and comets. You can attempt to save Earth from a near-Earth object or direct an asteroid to your zip code and cringe at the devastation, or analyze favorite movie and TV clips to determine if they represent science fact or science fiction. These chunks of rock and ice zoom away from the Fleet June 11, so join us for one last out-of-this-world experience!

Origins of Life explores science and art in glass tubing, gas canisters, bubbling liquids and zapping electricity, re-imagining the famous Miller-Urey experiments of the 1950s, which simulated the chemical and energetic conditions of the early Earth, 4 billion years ago, resulting in the production of a number of organic molecules necessary for the origin of life. Our experiment is indeed producing the chemical reactions and the creation of the basic building blocks of life. See it in action through June 16.

Returning to its original play zone in the Rotunda Gallery will be the fully refurbished Block Busters!, where kids of all ages build free-form structures with thousands of wooden KEVA (Knowledge-Exploration-Visual Arts) planks; no glue or connectors necessary. They can be stacked in an infinite number of ways that might look as shaky as a house of cards but can be surprisingly stable no matter how large the structure (and it can get quite large!). The building possibilities are as limitless as your imagination, and model structures provide inspiration and excitement for budding builders. Displays will include a castle turret, a spiral staircase, sail boat, airplane and train. Visitors can join us to take the “Block Busters!” challenge and test their skills.

 

When:

Great Balls of Fire! departs Tuesday, June 11;

Origins of Life departs Sunday, June 16;

Block Busters! returns to Rotunda Gallery Monday, June 17

 

Where:

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Cost:

Included with Gallery Admission (access to all eight exhibit galleries): Adults $11.75; Children/Seniors $9.75

 

6)

SUMMER FLEET INQUIRY INSTITUTE for K–8 TEACHERS, Featuring Professional Development Based on the Process of Science and Learning Science Through Inquiry, Will Return MONDAY, JULY 29, and Run Through FRIDAY, AUGUST 2!

 

What:

The weeklong Fleet Inquiry Institute is open to K–8 teachers and is an entryway into the professional development programming at the Fleet Science Center. Join other teachers from throughout Southern California and experience inquiry as a learner, compare different approaches to teaching hands-on science, explore a variety of questioning strategies, rework current lesson plans to be more student-centered and strengthen your argument for using inquiry to teach science. This workshop is based upon the Fundamentals of Inquiry professional development program developed by the Exploratorium. Space is limited, so we recommend you apply by July 1. Preference will be given to groups of teachers applying from the same school site. RSVP to:  http://fleetsciencecenterweeklonginstitute2013.brownpapertickets.com/

 

When:

Monday, July 29–Friday, August 2; 9AM– 3PM

Where:

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Cost:

$20 registration/application process fee (fully refunded after you attend all 5 days of the institute)

 

7)

Fleet Summer Camps Still Has UNION BANK SCHOLARSHIPS Available for GREEN CAMPS: Secondhand Science, Green Engineering, Shocking Forces!, Save the Planet! and EcoTech!

What:

In order to raise the next generation of eco-warriors, Union Bank has generously made full weeklong scholarships available for any campers who request it for Green Engineering, Shocking Forces, EcoTech, Save the Planet or Secondhand Science camps. Any family with financial need can submit a scholarship application to our Client Services Department at 619-238-1233, ext. 806.

Secondhand Science re-uses leftover bottles and containers for science experiments, with awesome activities you can do to reduce, reuse and recycle. Scientifically challenging and environmentally friendly, too

Green Engineering lets kids help make our planet a better place to live and educates them about sustainable energy, recycling and water conservation. Become a “greengineer” by designing and racing a solar-powered vehicle.

In the electrifying Shocking Forces! Camp, kids create homemade circuits, harness the power of the sun in a solar-powered car and combine magnetism and electricity to make a working motor. You’ll be shocked by how much you learn!

Make a change and Save the Planet! with many things that kids can do––save water, care for plants, keep garbage out of landfills and explore our natural environment.

It’s all about the environment in EcoTech, where the future is green! Use technology to explore the latest trends in environmental science, from alternate energy to conservation and design techniques.

When:

July 1–5, 1PM–4PM, Secondhand Science, Grades 1–2

July 1–5, 9AM–12 noon, Green Engineering, Grades 3–4

July 1–5, 1PM–4PM, Shocking Forces!, Grades 3–4

August 12–16, 1PM–4PM, Save the Planet!, Grades 3–4

August 5–9, 1PM–4PM, EcoTech, Grades 5–6

 

Where:

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Cost:

$110 per weekly camp; nonmember: $125 per weekly camp

 

8)

Summer Calls for Rum and Beer and Sushi! So Deadhead Rum, Mike Hess Brewing & Sushi On a Roll Have Joined Us for THAT'S HOT: The Fleet's SUMMER SIZZLER on June 13! Discover Slinkies, Surfing, Baseball, RollerCoasters and Bubble Science––Buy Tickets NOW Before We Sell Out Again!

What:

The Fleet celebrates the season of tank tops and flip flops in style at the next fun-filled Science on the Rocks party. Ring in the summer with a tasty rum concoction featuring Deadhead Rum and let their experts transform you into a rum expert at a rum tasting. Let your taste buds take a little trip to Japan with Sushi On a Roll, then return them to local splendor with craft beers by Mike Hess Brewing. Find out what a Slinky has in common with surfing, and explore the science of summer’s top pro sport: baseball. Experience the thrill of designing your own rollercoaster, and have a blast at the bubble station. This event is sponsored by Mossy Toyota. Tickets are on sale now at Eventbrite: http://fleetsummersizzler.eventbrite.com/#. This event is open to adults ages 21+ only. I.D. is required. A cash bar features beer, wine, and cocktails. Space is limited and prices increase the day of event—if not sold out.

http://www.rhfleet.org/events/science-rocks

 

When:

Thursday, June 13; 6:30PM–9:30PM

Where:

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Cost:

$20 for nonmembers; $18 for students and military with I.D.; $15 for Fleet members, Fleet staff and volunteers, and Balboa Park employees; tickets at the door $25, if still available.

 

This event is sponsored by Mossy Toyota   

 

 

EXHIBITIONS:

“Origins of Life” (March 16–June 16, 2013 only)

“Great Balls of Fire: Comets, Meteors, Asteroids” (January 19–June 11, 2013)

“Explor-O-Rama—Get Your Hands On Science” (through June 1, 2014)

“Nano: Imagine and Discover a World You Can’t See!”  (ongoing)

“Tinkering Studio”  (ongoing)

“Cellular Journey” (ongoing)

“Block Busters!” (ongoing)

“So WATT! An Illuminating Look at Energy” (ongoing)

“Kid City” (ongoing)

“San Diego’s Water: From Source to Tap” (ongoing)

“Aging for All Ages” (ongoing)

“Origins in Space” (ongoing)

“Gallery of Illusions & Perceptions” (ongoing)

 

GIANT DOME THEATER SHOWS:

For a Full Schedule of Shows and Times:

Daily Schedule

PLANETARIUM SHOW:

Cosmic Collisions––A spectacular immersive theater experience, narrated by award-winning actor, director and producer Robert Redford. Featuring stunning images from space and breathtaking visualizations based on cutting-edge scientific data—revealing the unimaginable, explosive encounters that shaped our solar system, changed the course of life on Earth and continue to transform our galaxy and dynamic universe.

 

IMAX® FILMS:

Rocky Mountain Express propels audiences on a steam train journey through the breathtaking vistas of the Canadian Rockies and highlights the adventure of building a nearly impossible transcontinental railway. Spectacular IMAX aerial cinematography, archival photographs and maps, and the potent energy and rhythms of a live steam locomotive immerse audiences in this remarkable story form the age of steam.

Flight of the Butterflies—The iconic monarch butterfly is a true marvel of nature. It weighs less than a penny, yet it makes one of the longest migrations on Earth across a continent, with pinpoint navigational accuracy, to a secluded place it has never been. You’ll join the monarchs' perilous and extraordinary journey while following an intrepid scientist’s 40-year search to find the monarchs’ secret hideaway. Featuring breathtaking cinematography, an award-winning production team, a true scientific mystery, and hundreds of millions of real butterflies, Flight of the Butterflies soars on the giant IMAX® Dome screen.

 

To The Arctic—An extraordinary journey to the top of the world, a compelling tale of survival, with global implications. A mother polar bear and her two seven-month-old cubs navigate the changing Arctic wilderness they call home. Captivating, adventurous, and intimate footage of their struggle to survive in a frigid environment of melting ice, immense glaciers, spectacular waterfalls, and majestic snow-bound peaks. Narrated by Oscar® winner Meryl Streep, audiences are transported to one of the most remote and spectacularly beautiful places in the world and experience an emotional story of love, family and hope.  To The Arctic is now available En Español on the headsets, channel 3.

 

If you would like complimentary media tickets to visit the exhibitions or see an IMAX film or Digital show, please contact Susan Chicoine directly with your request: schicoine@rhfleet.org or (619) 685-5743 or (619) 325-9416/cell.  Let me know what date works for you and how many you need, and I will leave passes at the will-call window in your name.

 

REGULAR HOURS:

                                Monday–Thursday:                      10AM–5PM

                                First Wednesday of month:     10AM–8PM

                                Friday:                                               10AM–8PM

                                Saturday:                                         10AM–7PM

                                Sunday:                                            10AM–6PM

 

Current PRICES:

                                GALLERY ADMISSION (access to all eight exhibit galleries):

                                Adults $11.75; Children/Seniors $9.75

GIANT DOME THEATER SHOWS––IMAX®/Planetarium ADMISSION (1 film + access to all exhibit galleries):

Adults $15.75; Children/Seniors $12.75

The Sky Tonight Live Planetarium show ADMISSION:

Adults $12.00; Children/Seniors $10.00

 

PUBLIC CONTACT INFORMATION:

Phone: (619) 238-1233

Address: 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

Website: www.rhfleet.org

 

 

 

Other Great Events Coming Up in MAY & JUNE:

 

Celebrate Reuben H. Fleet Science Center’s 40TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR! Forty years ago, a spark ignited our imaginations! Join us in celebration of the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and its 40 years of success in bringing hands-on science to our San Diego community. March 9, 1973, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center opened its doors and brought interactive exhibits and the world’s first IMAX® Dome Theater to San Diego. Today, the Fleet inspires minds and connects individuals to science and technology through more than 100 “do touch” exhibits for all ages and amazing IMAX films and planetarium shows in the recently renovated Heikoff Giant Dome Theater. Our year-long celebration will feature blockbuster exhibitions, incredible events and dynamic educational experiences. Our staff and volunteers are dedicated to connecting individuals to science and technology, and we look forward to our next four decades of inspiring lifelong learning.

 

Astronomy Events:

MAY 25—Penumbral Lunar Eclipse—Only a slight darkening of the moon as it will only be partially shadowed by the Earth.

 

MAY 28—Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter––should be a gorgeous sight.

 

JUNE 1/8/15/22/29—Family Science Saturdays––Dismantlemania! The dissection of found objects (patrons welcome to bring their own), emphasizing the importance of analysis and the development of the valuable skill of reverse engineering. Challenge Saturday, the last Saturday of each month, will culminate in two visitor contests––the first to successfully evaluate the use of parts from the original objects in the new constructions, and the second to draw diagrams/llustrations of the operations of either the original discarded objects or the new and improved creations. Activities included with admission. 1PM–3PM

 

JUNE 4—FREE First Tuesday at the FLEET! Free admission to galleries for SD City/County residents, active-duty military, college students. Tickets for Giant Dome Theater shows are only $10. ID required.

 

JUNE 5—Origami with Bruce Gemmell. The traditional art of paper folding has evolved into a venerable modern art form with solid foundations in math and science. A flat sheet of material is transformed into a finished sculpture through folding and sculpting techniques. Basic origami folds can be combined in a variety of ways to make intricate designs. Participation is included with gallery admission. 4PM–7PM.

 

JUNE 5—Exploring Ethics celebrates Women in Science. Rachel Carson biographer Linda Lear will discuss how far we have come since the landmark book Silent Spring was written and how far we have yet to go. In conjunction with the Center for Ethics in Science and Technology, the Fleet welcomes guests to encounter science from an ethical viewpoint; brings together community leaders of various backgrounds to examine current scientific issues from diverse perspectives; and invites the public to explore with them how science can best serve society. 5:30–7PM; William & Grayson Boehm Community Forum at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. Free, registration required: (858) 822-2647 / ethicscenter@ucsd.edu

 

June 6–23—Young Scientists, session 9. Plants will dig into nature so kids learn from Flora & Fauna, Plant Structures and Sprouting. Preschoolers age 3–5 (and a parent) explore the scientific wonders of the world through experimentation, investigation and scientific questioning. Four 4-week sessions run monthly. Limited to eight students per class. Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday morning 9AM–10:30AM. This will be a shorter, three-week session, with a special price: Members: $56.25 per child; nonmembers: $63.75 per child

 

JUNE 8—World Oceans Day—People around the planet celebrate and honor the body of water that links us all, for what it provides humans and what it represents. Help protect our ocean for the future. Spread the word about ocean conservation by “Wearing Blue and Telling Two.” The world’s ocean generates most of the oxygen we breathe, helps feed us, regulates our climate, cleans the water we drink, offers us a pharmacopoeia of potential medicines and provides limitless inspiration! It’s up to each one of us to help ensure that our ocean is protected and conserved for future generations. http://worldoceansday.org/ [Not a Fleet event]

 

JUNE 8—Saturday Science Club for Girls: Secrets of Squid: Have you ever seen a cephalopod? Get an inside look at the anatomy that makes these creatures so fascinating. Girls in grades 5–8 can join the Fleet on the second Saturday of each month to investigate exciting science topics. 12 noon–2PM; Members $12, nonmembers $14; must pre-register by calling (619) 238-1233 x806.

 

JUNE 11—Great Balls of Fire exhibition closes.

 

JUNE 12—Astronomy Event: Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation

 

Event information subject to change.

For More Information, Please Contact:
Susan Chicoine: Public Relations Manager
schicoine@rhfleet.org  619.325.9416/Cell | 619.685.5743/Office

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
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