This Week at the FLEET & Beyond —November 26, 2012

Monday, November 26, 2012

Please note: there will be early closings for special events on December 1/11/14/15/23; we don’t open until 11:30AM on Christmas Day; and we have extended winter holiday hours (until 7PM!) 12/26/2012–1/6/2013!

You Know About Black Friday & Cyber Monday. Today Is Giving Tuesday––Meet Our Board of Trustees’ Challenge and Celebrate With a Gift to the Fleet's School Scholarship Program!

What:

Did you know that each year, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center reaches more than 110,000 students and teachers? That’s more than any other museum in San Diego! At the Fleet, every field trip becomes a science adventure. Through on-site visits and school outreach programs, we inspire today’s young people to take their place among the next generation of engineers, doctors and technicians and to enhance San Diego’s role as a cutting-edge leader in the international technology marketplace. Slashed school budgets have left fewer resources to provide essential field trip opportunities for programs that satisfy critical STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) learning curricula. These provide a life-changing science experience for local students, many of whom otherwise could not participate in hands-on science learning without the School Scholarship program.

Our board of trustees has put out a challenge and will match total contributions, up to $20,000 and given by December 31, 2012. Will you help provide a life-changing science experience for local students? Give now.

When:

Now through December 31

Where:

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Cost:

Can you put a price on science education? Matching funds available up to $20K)

Slip and Slide Into FAMILY SCIENCE SATURDAYS for Our Zip Line Challenge, Every Saturday in December!

What:

You don’t have to take your life in your hands to learn about how a zip line really works! Zip on over to the Fleet’s Tinkering Studio and take the challenge. Create your own contraption that will slip and slide down our zip line course to complete increasingly difficult challenges! Compete against your friends and family!

When:

December 1/8/15/22/29; 1PM–3PM

Where:

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center Tinkering Studio

Cost:

Activities included with admission

We Asked Amanda––Here’s What She Suggests for YOUR Holiday Treats From the North Star Science Store!

What:

Sales Associate Amanda King has watched lots of folks find what they want in the North Star Science Store. Her favorites include the hacks, puzzles, and fantastically useless facts found in Geek Guide To World Domination. What self-respecting geek can resist “Five Thought Experiments You Can Do Without Getting Out of Bed,” “World Leaders Who Also Happen to Be Hot,” “Spam Haiku,” “Futurama Quotes,” and “How to Ask Where the Bathroom Is in Twelve Different Languages!” Not ours!

Best stocking-stuffer ever––Astronaut Ice Cream, because there’s no place like space to enjoy super yummy ice cream. This great-tasting freeze-dried snack was originally developed for astronauts on the early Apollo Space missions.

The dark humor, engaging stories, and mordant social commentary of The Darwin Award books, including Evolution In Action, examine Charles Darwin’s theories in a new light. Do species evolve over time to fit their environment better as "The Origin of Species" posits, or do the Darwin Awards really represent much more realistic examples of human evolution in action? Hmm, stupid human tricks?

T3 Transforming Solar Robots allows science-fiction buffs of any age to mentally transform themself into stalwart galactic knights (dedicated to the eternal struggle of “Good versus Evil”) with this award-winning 70-piece kit. Animated by solar energy, the T3 can morph into three intergalactic designs!

We can’t let “Grossology” out of the room yet—not without a full salute to all that makes us barf! Fixated with insects? Try these––Larvaes and Crickets may become your favorite snack, full of protein and calcium: eaten fried, sauteed, boiled, and roasted, these are amongst the most common insects eaten, favorites in Mexico, Thailand and Cambodia. Or there’s Gak, Floam, Goo, Owl Pellets—and of course the book itself, Grossology: The (Impolite) Science Of The Human Body!

When:

Now Available!

Where:

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center North Star Science Store

Cost:

Prices vary

Learn Why the World Is NOT Going to End at SENIOR MONDAY as Maya Expert Dr. Mark Van Stone Prepares to Reboot the Baktun––DECEMBER 3!

What:

December’s Senior Monday lecture will feature “Science and Prophecy of the Ancient Maya” & our digital show Tales of the Maya Skies with Maya expert Mark Van Stone, who specializes in Maya hieroglyphs and calligraphy. Van Stone's books include "2012: Science and Prophecy of the Ancient Maya" inspired by Maya inscriptions, astronomical knowledge, math and myth, and "Reading the Maya Glyphs." The first Monday of the month, seniors 65+ enjoy the Science Center exhibits, a lecture and an IMAX film or digital show for only $7!

Dr. Van Stone is also available for interviews on the subject!

When:

Monday, December 3; Noon lecture, show at 2PM

Where:

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Cost:

$7, for ages 65+

Learn Why the World Is NOT Going to End [Part II] at The Sky Tonight on DECEMBER 5—Astronomer Dr. Lisa Will Explicates Theories Surrounding Maya Stars!

What:

Will it be the "End of the World?" For the past few years, people have heard that the Maya predicted that the world will end in December 2012. Is this true or not? Join us to explore the origin of the prediction and learn why the Earth will continue on into the New Year. 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 state-of-the-art digital GSX™ projection system. Weather and operational requirement permitting, the SD County Astronomy Association provides free telescope viewing outdoors on the Prado in Balboa Park. This is a separate event held on the first Wednesday of each month. And don’t miss ORIGAMI with Bruce Gemmell at the Exploration Bar from 4–7PM!

When:

Wednesday, December 5; 7PM & 8:15PM

Where:

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center Heikoff Dome Theater

Cost:

$12 for non-members; $10 for members

DECEMBER NIGHTS at the Fleet Will Feature Visits with Santa, Galileo’s Famous Chili & Chowder Bowls, Let It Snow On the Hour and Lots of Hands-On Science Fun—Friday & Saturday, DECEMBER 7–8!

What:

The holiday wonderland that transforms Balboa Park for December Nights will be in full force at the Fleet! Santa Claus will be here to listen to holiday wishes and pose for your photos, 6PM–8:30PM. Galileo’s Café will provide a perfect view of the festivities along with hot cocoa, cider and the annual fave, chowder and chili bowls! Catch hourly showings of our delightful animated digital holiday show Let It Snow, or bring the family to play in all the fun, hands-on exhibits. Don’t miss “Nano,” “Explor-O-Rama,” the disgustingly delightful “Grossology,” or “Kid City,” where kids under five rule. And as always––free museum admission from 5PM to9PM!!

When:

Friday, December 7 & Saturday, December 8; 5PM–9PM

Where:

Balboa Park; Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Cost:

Many museums, including the Fleet, offer free admission from 5PM to 9PM; normal admission applies 10AM–5PM

Bring the Entire Family to Sing Along and Let the Holidays Begin at LET IT SNOW! Nightly at 5PM;

December Nights only $9.50 at 5PM, 6PM, 7PM & 8PM!

What:

The whole family will delight in this fun show, with your favorite holiday songs and iconic images––and don’t feel shy about singing along! This holiday digital show features seasonal sights and festive classics from Frank Sinatra and Chuck Berry to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee––it even includes a stunning multi-media finale by the Trans Siberian Orchestra! Immersed in delightful animation, beloved holiday songs and a full-dome giant-screen setting, you just might find yourself transformed from a Grinch to a happy elf! Stay warm and dry in the Heikoff Dome Theater while inside we Let It Snow.

When:

December Nights only, December 7–8; 5PM, 6PM, 7PM & 8PM

Now through January 6; 5PM daily, 11AM & 5PM Sat./Sun.

Where:

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center Heikoff Dome Theater

Cost:

December Nights only, December 7–8; $9.50

Regular Digital Show Admission (1 film + access to all exhibit galleries): Adults $15.75; Children/Seniors $12.75

Don’t Be a Grinch––Make Sure Your Kids Catch “GROSSOLOGY: The (Impolite) Science Of The Human Body”––Must Leave the Building on January 1, 2013!

What:

Wouldn't your child, grandkids, nieces or nephews LOVE “GROSSOLOGY?” Where else can they scale a wall of blisters and zits?! Kids can explore the good, the bad and the downright ugly about how your body works––and how it produces mushy, oozy, crusty, scaly and stinky gunk––for only a few more weeks! Based on the best-selling book Grossology, this exhibition uses sophisticated animatronics and imaginative exhibits to tell you the stinky, crusty and sometimes slimy deal about runny noses, body odor and much more.

When:

Open through January 1, 2013, ONLY!

Where:

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Cost:

Gallery Admission (access to all eight exhibit galleries):

Adults $11.75; Children/Seniors $9.75

School Will Be Out For Winter Break––Come Play at WINTER CAMP, DECEMBER 27–JANUARY 4!

What:

Bring your kids to explore Winter Magic, Physics Fun, Tinkering Time, Grosssss!!! Stuff or Flying Objects at the Fleet! School’s out soon for winter break, and there’s no better place to spend those break days than at the Fleet for fun days dedicated to hands-on science explorations for Grades 1–2 and 3–4. Sign up for one day, multiple days or all five! To register, please contact our Client Services Department at 619-238-1233, ext. 806.

When:

Non-consecutive days, Thursday, December 27–Friday, January 4; 9AM–4PM

Where:

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Cost:

Member: $43 per day; Non-member: $48 per day

Exhibitions:

“Grossology: The (Impolite) Science Of The Human Body” (through January 1, 2013)

“Explor-O-Rama—Get Your Hands On Science” (now open)

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

“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: http://www.rhfleet.org/site/imax/calendar.cfm

DIGITAL SHOWS:

Let It Snow––All ages will enjoy this fun holiday digital show for the entire family, featuring seasonal animation set to festive classics from Frank Sinatra and Chuck Berry to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee––it even includes a stunning multi-media finale by the Trans Siberian Orchestra! Immersed in delightful animation and holiday favorite songs in a full-dome giant-screen setting, you just might find yourself singing along. Other artists include the Vince Guaraldi Trio, Jimmy Durante, Ella Fitzgerald, Gene Autry, Fröhliche Weihnacht überall, the Eurythmics, Harry Connick, Jr. and John Denver and the Muppets! Stay warm and dry in the Heikoff Dome Theater while inside we Let It Snow.

Tales of the Maya Skies––The Maya built cities and temples aligned to the movements of the Sun, Moon and planets, as they observed, documented and predicted astronomical events with great accuracy. Their observations and sophisticated mathematical system also allowed them to develop a precise calendar system that fascinates the world to this day. Explore this ancient civilization’s mastery of math, science and astronomy in our new state-of-the-art full-dome digital planetarium show! Narrated by Latin Grammy Award-winner Lila Downs.

FYI: Rock The Dome! played its final performances on Saturday, November 24 … Elvis has left the building.

IMAX® FILMS:

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, in the theater for every daily screening!

NOVEMBER––FRIDAYS At The FLEET, featuring America the Beautiful––Immerse yourself in the grandeur of America this month. Discover the wilds of the American frontier with Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West and delight in the wildlife and geothermal activity of Yellowstone National Park.

See “classic” & current IMAX films every Friday night! Only $9.50 for one film & $6 for each additional film. Flight of the Butterflies is also part of November’s Fridays at the Fleet, showing at 6PM.

NOVEMBER 30 7PM: Yellowstone 8PM: Lewis & Clark

Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West: The journey that shaped a nation is re-created in this film, which depicts the great hardships and incredible scenery the explorers encountered.

Yellowstone: This film showcases the spectacular beauty, dramatic geothermal activity and wildlife unique to this region, from sunrise over the Grand Tetons to a trip inside Old Faithful.

We regret to announce that the FRIDAYS AT THE FLEET series has been cancelled. The program ends November 30.

If you would like complimentary 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.

Current HOURS:

Monday–Thursday: 10AM–5PM

Friday/Saturday: 10AM–8PM

Sunday: 10AM–6PM

Holiday Hours, 12/26–1/6: 10AM–7PM

Current PRICES:

GALLERY ADMISSION (access to all eight exhibit galleries):

Adults $11.75; Children/Seniors $9.75

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

Adults $15.75; Children/Seniors $12.75

The Sky Tonight 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

Also Happening Now … & On the Horizon!:

DECEMBER 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 only $9.50. ID required.

DECEMBER 8—Saturday Science Club for Girls: “Chain Reactions.” Here's your chance to be creative and a little wacky, too. First, you'll use your creativity to dream up some fantastic machines. Then you'll get to put your building skills, and your machine, to the test in this humorous approach to simple machines and the transfer of energy. Girls in grades 5–8 can join the Fleet on the second Saturday of each month to investigate exciting science topics. 12noon–2PM; Members $12, non-members $14 per person; must pre-register by calling (619) 238-1233 x806.

DECEMBER 16—IMAX® En Español: Adventures In Wild California is a virtual expedition that will send you careening down an icy mountain with snowboarders, twirling high above San Diego with skysurfers, swimming through the oceans with otters, excavating the very heart of a thirty-story tall Giant Sequoia with botanists, and surfing California's monster waves. Sponsored by Univision San Diego Contigo, Telemundo 33, and Telefutura 36

DICIEMBRE 16—IMAX® En Español: Aventuras Salvajes En California––Es una expedición virtual que te deslizara desde las montañas junto con snowboarders, girando por los aires de San Diego con skysurfers, nadando los océanos junto con las nutrias, excavando desde treinta metros de altura hasta el corazón de Sequoias gigantes acompañados de botánicos, y surfeando las olas de California. Patrocinado por Univision San Diego Contigo, Telemundo 33 y Telefutura 36. 6PM $15.75/adults $12.75/children

DECEMBER 27–JANUARY 4—WINTER CAMP––School’s out for winter break, and there’s no better place to spend December and January than at the Fleet for fun days dedicated to hands-on science explorations for Grades 1–2 and 3–4. Sign up for one day, multiple days or all five! To register, please contact our Client Services Department at 619-238-1233, ext. 806.

Thursday, December 27: "Winter Magic"––We’ll explore ice, snow, weather and arctic animals. Be cool, learn how to keep warm, and perform a little magic along the way.

Friday, December 28: "Physics Fun"––Use the force and enter the world of physics. We’ll make roller coasters and parachutes and discover how inertia, gravity, momentum and other forces are a part of our lives every day.

Wednesday, January 2: “Tinkering Time”–– Bring your imagination; it’s time to tinker around in our workshop. Turn everyday objects into new inventions. Brush up on your engineering skills and be inspired to new levels.

Thursday, January 3: “Grosssss!!!”––Discover the not-so-glamorous science behind your bodily functions. Follow your gut feelings, simulate the digestion process, make some fake blood and participate in a cow chip–throwing contest!

Friday, January 4: "Flying Objects"––Up, up and away! Defy Earth's gravity while you learn about aerodynamics, gravity and lift. Have fun reaching new heights using airplanes, rockets and more. The sky is the limit!

Grades 1–2: 9AM–4PM; Grades 3–4: 9AM–4PM; Member: $43 per day; Non-member: $48 per day

Event information subject to change.