This Week at the FLEET & Beyond ~ September 11, 2013!

Back to School Edition - Education News, Great Programs, Chocolate Unwrapped & UAV Day!

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Did You Know That California’s 8th Grade Students Rank 47th in Science Scores Out of 50 States––According to the 2012 National Assessment of Educational Progress? The Fleet is Working to Change That Status and You Can Help.

What:

We want to change this equation by providing vital science education (STEM) programs to students in need, and donations to the School Scholarship Program can help.

California students outperformed only Mississippi, Alabama and the District of Columbia. Only 22% of California students scored proficient or above, and only 11% of Hispanic 8th graders scored proficient or above. In a community like ours in which science and technology plays such important economic, cultural and societal roles, these results raise more than mere concerns. The demand for STEM professionals in the U.S. and locally outpaces supply. Currently too few students have the skills that could lead to careers in the field or to even meaningfully participate in the political and social conversations that will arise if we are to meet a range of new and emerging challenges.

The Fleet wants to be part of the solution by implementing a new strategic vision to provide experiences, support and programming designed to advance the competency not only of our future STEM workforce, but our community as a whole. The Fleet aspires to change the equation by inspiring and educating students and teachers through our hands-on approach to science education that will feed and maintain a steady pipeline of STEM-capable graduates and lifelong science learners. With your help we can change these statistics by making science accessible to as many local students as possible who otherwise would not have the opportunity to take part in Fleet science programs.

When:

Science learning goes on every day, 365 days a year

Where:

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and in the community

Cost:

Your generosity can be its own reward, and ensure our children’s future. Please help by making a donation today!

Our YOUNG SCIENTISTS Return This Week! Our Tiniest Geologists Will Be EXPLORING EARTH in Session 1, Running September 12–October 6; with Sessions Featuring ASTRONOMY ADVENTURES, WACKY WEATHER and KID CHEMISTRY Coming Up.

What:

Young Scientists Session 1: Exploring Earth will delve into Landforms, Geology Rocks!, Water Wonders and Awesome Animals. Subjects for remaining sessions this year include Astronomy Adventure, Wacky Weather and Kid Chemistry. 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. See more at: http://www.rhfleet.org/events/young-scientists.

When:

September 12–October 6; 9AM–10:30AM

Where:

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Cost:

Members $75, non-members $85

PICOCRICKETS Make Things Happen at SATURDAY SCIENCE CLUB for GIRLS, as Participants Learn to Design and Program the Tiny Computers, SEPTEMBER 14!

What:

PicoCrickets STEaM* it up with science, art and technology to build gadgets that light up, spin, make music and even purr! You plug lights, motors, sensors and other devices into a PicoCricket and program them to react, interact and communicate as familiar and fun things––from a kitty to a birthday cake. Girls in grades 5–8 join the Fleet on the second Saturday of each month to investigate exciting science topics. *STEaM=Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math.

When:

Saturday, September 14; 12 noon–2PM

Where:

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Cost:

Members $12, nonmembers $14; must pre-register by calling (619) 238-1233 x806.

FAMILY SCIENCE SATURDAYS Builds BRIDGES Between Even the Toughest Siblings in September.

What:

Tinkering Studio Coordinator Bruce Gemmell is an architect who will share his knowledge of building bridges. Learn the fascinating history and nature of bridges, the integral concepts underlying their construction and the various types of bridges in common uses today. Challenge Saturday, the last Saturday of each month, will culminate in two visitor contests. Build bridges to cross our challenging chasm and compete in an ultimate strength challenge to see whose bridge will support the most weight OR explore the ratio of strength to load-bearing capability (or whose bridge can support the most times its own weight).

When:

Saturdays, September 14/21/28; 1PM–3PM

Where:

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Cost:

Participation is included with gallery admission.

UAV DAY––Multi-rotor Experts and Hobbyists Alike Will Share Their Knowledge on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, in conjunction with ON THE FLY: Technology Takes Off!

What:

Aerial filmmakers, quadricopter designers, search & rescue experts, educators, wind tunnel testers, military aviators and pilots––experts from all these fields and more will bring their multi-rotor creations and share their expertise with the San Diego community. It promises to be a full day devoted to this forward-thinking technology and its many applications, with displays of the newest toys and creations, expert panels on related topics—and perhaps even the premiere of a UAV Search & Rescue documentary! Our new exhibit, On the Fly: Technology Takes Off, has attracted a unique following in the Southwestern multi-rotor industry, with its fascinating display highlighting the unique characteristics of UAVs and how they fly, multiple daily performances by small-scale unmanned aerial vehicles and the chance for every visitor to apply the principles of aerodynamics to create their own aircraft. Join us to learn more about the constantly evolving uses of unmanned flight technology from our exhibits and on October 6, from our experts in the field!

When:

Sunday, October 6, 2013; 10AM–4PM

Where:

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Cost:

Participation is included with gallery admission.

IMAX® en Español Takes You TO THE ARCTIC Once More This SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15!

What:

Un viaje extraordinario a la cima del mundo, To The Arctic es el cuento supremo de supervivencia. La pelicúla lleva audiencias a un viaje nunca experienciado en las vidas de una osa blanca y sus dos cachorros de siete meses de edad, mientras navegan por los cambios del ártico un lugar que ellos llaman hogar. En esta presentación de IMAX en español. IMAX en Español es una oportunidad para usted y su familia que disfruten las películas IMAX en español cada tercer domingo del mes. Adicionalmente audífonos sin costo para quienes deseen escuchar el audio en español siempre están disponibles para las películas que se presentan con el audio original en Ingles. El costo de admisión para las películas incluye acceso a todo el museo Fleet y las más de 100 exhibiciones científicas a la mano de todas edades. Varias de nuestras exhibiciones ofrecen explicaciones en español.

An extraordinary journey to the top of the world, this ultimate tale of survival film takes audiences on a never-before-experienced journey into the lives of a mother polar bear and her two seven-month-old cubs as they navigate the changing Arctic wilderness they call home. Captivating, adventurous, and intimate footage brings moviegoers up close and personal with this family’s struggle to survive in a frigid environment of melting ice, immense glaciers, spectacular waterfalls, and majestic snow-bound peaks. IMAX en Español is an opportunity for you and your family to enjoy IMAX films in Spanish. Additionally, headsets are always available free of charge for audiences to listen to available Spanish soundtracks when films with English soundtracks play. Admission includes one film and the Fleet’s exhibit galleries, which feature more than 100 hands-on exhibits for all ages. Many of our exhibits feature bilingual explanatory text.

When:

Sunday, September 15; 4PM

Where:

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center Eugene Heikoff and Marilyn Jacobs Heikoff Giant Dome Theater

Cost:

Members: Adults $13, Seniors $11, Children $10; Nonmembers: Adults $17, Seniors $15, Children $14

With the Central Library On the Move, Don’t Forget to “CHECK IT OUT ~ The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center’s” Free Family Membership Program Is Available at Every SD City Library, Courtesy of SCHOLARSHARE!

What:

The Fleet is delighted to continue its very popular “Check It Out ~ The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center” program in partnership with San Diego Public Library, sponsored by ScholarShare College Savings Plan. This innovative program provides families with unlimited access to the Fleet, through circulating “Exhibit Experience Membership Cards” available for checkout at each of 36 city libraries. When library patrons check out a Fleet membership card, they receive full membership benefits for two full weeks; including free gallery admission for two adults and up to six children, discounts on IMAX® films and digital shows and discounts at Galileo’s Café and the North Star Science Store.

When:

Now through June 14, 2014

Where:

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Cost:

Available at a San Diego Public Library near you; two week family membership free to check out with your library card.

“CHECK IT OUT ~ The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center” is brought to you by ScholarShare College Savings Plan

We Know Who Will be Pouring for SCIENCE ON THE ROCKS on OCTOBER 17: Aztec Brewing, Helm’s Brewing Company, Manzanita Brewing Company and St. Archer’s! Our Fave Eclipse Chocolate Returns for CHOCOLATE UNWRAPPED: The SCIENCE of FLAVOR! Tickets On Sale Now—Don’t Miss Out!

What:

Brews from Aztec Brewing, Helm’s Brewing Company, Manzanita Brewing Company and St. Archer’s will be flowing at the Fleet’s next Science on the Rocks, along with yumminess from local chocolatier Eclipse Chocolate! Chocolate Unwrapped—The Science of Flavor will feature their chocolate with another exquisite beer pairing, along with wine tasting and flavorful samples from local restaurants including Ritual Tavern. In addition to enjoying the delicious fare, partygoers will discover the facts about flavor from Dr. Francisco Villarreal on the health benefits of chocolate and an expert from Senomyx on the science behind our taste buds. DJ Will Hernandez and drummer Dre (Drumbeats by Dre) will be performing—these guys know how to get a party rockin'! As always, there will be fun, scientific chocolate- and beer-related hands-on activities!

When:

Thursday, October 17; 6:30PM

Where:

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Cost:

$25 general admission, $20 for members and Fleet/Balboa Park employees; $35/$30 day of event, if available. Tickets on sale now online at http://science-rocks-chocolate-unwrapped.eventbrite.com/, or in person at the Fleet ticket counter, open daily at 10AM

Science on the Rocks is Sponsored by Mossy Toyota

and San Diego Metropolitan Credit Union

EXHIBITIONS:

“On the Fly: Technology Takes Off” (through December 31, 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.

Dolphins––Imagine you are a marine biologist working in the crystalline, turquoise waters of the Bahamas. Sunlight dances off the rippled, white sand banks. Swimming alongside you are some of the most graceful and extraordinary creatures on earth—wild dolphins. While few of us will ever have the chance to encounter a dolphin in the wild, you'll feel like you're in the water with these magnificent animals as scientist Dr. Kathleen Dudzinski and her colleagues lead you on an exploration into their fascinating world. From the dazzling coral reefs of the Bahamas to the wind-swept seas of Patagonia, take an underwater adventure with inquisitive Atlantic spotted dolphins, acrobatic dusky dolphins and the familiar bottlenose dolphin.

Through September 30 Only!

If you would like complimentary media tickets to visit the exhibitions or see an IMAX film or Planetarium 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, Saturday, Sunday: 10AM–6PM

Tinkering Studio hours: 12noon–5PM

FLEET PRICES:

GALLERY ADMISSION (access to all eight exhibit galleries):

Members free; Nonmembers: Adults $13, Seniors $12, Children $11

GIANT DOME THEATER ADMISSION (1 film or 1 planetarium show + access to all eight exhibit galleries):

Members: Adults $13, Seniors $11, Children $10;

Nonmembers: Adults $17, Seniors $15, Children $14

“The Sky Tonight” Live Planetarium Show ADMISSION

Members: Adults $12, Seniors $11, Children $10;

Nonmembers: Adults $14, Seniors $13, Children $12

Senior Monday ADMISSION: now $8 for seniors 65+

Free Tuesdays Show ADMISSION

Members: Adults/Seniors/Children $9; Nonmembers: Adults/Seniors/Children $10

Add a Second Show

Members: Adults/Seniors/Children $6; Nonmembers:

Adults/Seniors/Children $7

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 SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER:

SEPTEMBER 28—Smithsonian Day free gallery admission with their coupon

OCTOBER—Kids Free Month free gallery admission for kids 12 and under with a coupon from http://www.sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/.

OCTOBER 2—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. Tinkering Studio Coordinator Gemmell has taught architecture both in the US and abroad. This event will be held the first Wednesday of each month. 4PM–7PM. Participation is included with gallery admission.

OCTOBER 2––The Sky Tonight: Moons of the Solar System. Did you know that there are moons of the solar system that have atmospheres? Geysers? Subsurface oceans of water? The planetary satellites of the solar system are interesting worlds in their own right. Join us in October as we explore our own Moon and other moons of the solar system. 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. A professional astronomer leads backyard stargazers through the universe. 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. 7PM & 8:15PM

OCTOBER 3—Astronomy Event: Uranus at Opposition

OCTOBER 7–– Senior Monday lecture on Deep Sea Challenge; lecture begins at 10:30AM, with IMAX film Deep Sea at 12noon (NEW time, Fleet location & price). On March 26, 2012, James Cameron (National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence) became the first person in history to reach the Earth's deepest known point as a solo pilot, successfully piloting the DeepSea Challenger nearly 36,000 feetdown in the Mariana Trench. The dive was part of the DeepSea Challenge Expedition, a series of dives to investigate the New Britain and Mariana Trenches. Bruce Sutphen will be presenting on behalf of James and the Expedition Team. He will be giving a brief overview of the technical elements, fabrication, assembly and operation of the DeepSea Challenger submersible. San Diegan Bruce Sutphen has 25 years in scaled modeling and technical project management, including composite, design, fabrication, hydrodynamic stabilization and subsea robotic programs. As U.S. Project Manager for DeepSea Challenge, his responsibilities ranged from running the scaled-model vehicle dynamic stability testing to managing the U.S. composite development, Lower Pod robotics fabrication, including the Lander Systems. He was also a member of the DeepSea Challenge Expedition Team in the successful dives to the Mariana and New Britain Trench. The first Monday of the month, seniors 65+ enjoy the Science Center exhibits, a lecture and a Giant Dome Theater show at a discount! Please note new time & price: 10:30AM lecture (doors open for snacks courtesy of ScholarShare at 9:30AM); 12PM theater show; $8. The lecture now takes place in the Heikoff Giant Dome Theater.

OCTOBER 7-8—Astronomy Event: Draconids Meteor Shower—Meteor shower that will be visible after 12am. Shower originates out of the constellation Draco. Remnants of Comet 21P Giacobini–Zinner.

OCTOBER 9—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