The Museum of Nature and Science presents Transit of Venus

The Museum of Nature & Science will be hosting a series of events during the day on Tuesday, June 5 for the transit of the planet Venus across the Sun.

It’s never safe to look at the sun without specialized equipment, so here’s your chance to join the Museum of Nature & Science in Fair Park to view the transit of the planet Venus across the sun—a rare astronomical event that will not occur again until December 2117!

The Venus Transit may be observed from Texas on the evening of June 5 using the correct equipment to safely observe the sun, with safe solar observing information provided by the Museum during scheduled programs and activities throughout the day.

Programming and activities include:

•               Transit Shows and Portable Universe Star Talks (mobile Planetarium domes) at the Museum beginning at 11 a.m. that will discuss the Venus transit, its relevance to current science, solar safety and what is in the sky that night.  Solar Safety glasses will be handed out at shows with limited supplies available (first come, first serve). 

•               Outdoor solar observing at the Museum – Weather permitting from 10:30 a.m.–Noon and 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

•               Planetarium regularly scheduled shows at the Museum with information about the Venus Transit available. The Planetarium is open to the general public each day in the summer, through September 3.

•               (Offsite) Evening Outreach to local Star Parties hosted by the Texas Astronomical Society – Click on Calendar and Date for Details about Events; Weather permitting

Transit Shows and Portable Universe Star Talks will take place in the Nature Building (3535 Grand Avenue in Fair Park) at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and are included in general admission of $10, $9 students and seniors 62 and older, $7 kids 2-11; children under 2 are free.

Outdoor solar observing is free and will take place on the steps of the Science Building (1318 South 2nd Avenue in Fair Park).

Planetarium Shows will take place in the Planetarium (1620 First Avenue in Fair Park) and require a ticket purchase of $3.50 for adults, students, seniors and children 2-11; children under 2 are free.

*Note: The methods that astronomers will be using to look at the Venus Transit and the sun that day includes specialized equipment.  It is never safe to look at the sun. Sun glasses will not block the harmful rays enough to make those viewing method’s safe.

Summer Volunteer Opportunities for Students

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Arc of Dallas - July 11-29th and July 9-20th

This organization operates a summer Adventure Camp for kids from age 5 and older with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Volunteers interact with campers to provide mentoring, friendship and staff support. Contact camp@arcdallas.org

Brother Bill's Helping Hand - June 7, 8 and 9th

This social service agency that enriches lives in west Dallas offers area kids a junior soccer clinic. Contact: volunteer@bbhh.org

Cancer Support Community (formerly Gilda's Club) - July 16-30th

At Camp Noogie, kids whose lives have been touched by cancer find a fun getaway. Contact kwalgama@cancersupporttexas.org

Equest - Ongoing throughout the summer

This therapeutic riding program in Wylie provides riding and horsemanship instruction and enjoyment for kids of all ages Contact: egrant@equest.org

Jubilee Park and Community Center - June 11-August 10th

This summer program serves the education and recreational needs of neighborhood children. Contact: mleroy@jubileecenter.org

Museum of Nature and Science - June 9-10th, July 14-15th and August 11-12th

At Summer Discovery Days, volunteers help kids enjoy arts and craft projects designed around science-related topics. Contact fhilton@natureandscience.org

Vogel Alcove - Ongoing throughout the summer

Serve as a "classroom buddy" while helping this organization serve the needs of homeless children. Contact: Suzette Mason, 214-368-8686 ext. 229

Project Transformation - June 11-August 2nd

Day camps for over 800 underserved children at eight Dallas-area sites provide fun and education. Contact: shadburn@projecttransformation.org

Voice of Hope Ministries - June 4-July 27th

Summer day camp provides west Dallas kids a safe haven and sustains learning in a recreational atmosphere. Contact: volunteer@voiceofhope.org

Wesley-Rankin Community Center - June 11-August 2nd

School-age children enjoy lessons in science, math and the arts at this summer enrichment day camp. Contact shellie@wesleyrankin.org

Chase Supports Dallas Educational Institutions

Last Wednesday, July 20, it was announced that Chase was presenting two prominent Dallas educational institutions – one that focuses on science and math education, the other on creative learning in schools and neighborhoods – with $1.4 million in gifts that will make learning fun, stimulating and interactive for thousands of Dallas-area children.

Chase is donating $400,000 to help fund Big Thought’s Thriving Minds summer camp and after-school programs for elementary and middle-school students. Chase also is contributing $1 million in support of the Bio Lab and related educational programming in the Being Human Hall, which will be part of the new Perot Museum of Nature & Science currently under construction in Dallas’ Victory Park.

On hand to make the announcement and to salute the “community hero” wielding the big gifts were representatives from Big Thought and the Perot Museum of Nature & Science. Also offering their thanks were Dallas Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins and Jane Didear, the partnerships coordinator in Dallas ISD’s community relations/communication services department.

Bill Bogart of Chase presents the check to Margie Reese, Vice President of Programs at Big Thought and Nicole G. Small, CEO of the Museum of Nature & Science. Photo by Jason Janik

Big Thought’s Thriving Minds middle-school camp is a full-day program currently operating at Fair Park and select Dallas ISD schools for four weeks in July. The camp – presented in partnership with Dallas ISD, the City of Dallas and dozens of community partners – involves nearly 2,000 sixth-through-eighth grade students. Chase’s gift to Big Thought will support the expansion of leading-edge programming to be implemented during the school year at several Dallas ISD schools located in South Dallas and the surrounding Fair Park neighborhoods.

Chase’s other gift will support the Bio Lab, which is part of the Being Human Hall and one of 11 halls of Chase contributes $1.4 million to Big Thought and Perot Museum of Nature & Science – the new 180,000-square-foot Perot Museum. Approximately 1,330 square feet, the lab will offer specific curriculum-based programs for school groups and public use. The Hall will examine the human body and human condition through the lenses of biology, technology and culture. The $1 million gift to the Perot Museum includes support for curriculum development and delivery as well as supplies for the Bio Lab programs, which will directly tie into the TEKS standards for math and science. Museum officials project that more than 40,000 students will participate in Bio Lab Programs each year, including those from Community Renaissance Neighborhood (CRN) areas, specifically in South Dallas and Fair Park. The Perot Museum is projected to open in early 2013.

Sleepovers at Museum of Nature & Science

When the lights go out, your imagination comes to life! A sleepover at the Museum of Nature & Science lets you experience the wonders of the world like never before—with plenty of adventure that unfolds under the cover of night.

Go behind the scenes with after-hours access to intriguing exhibits, exclusive demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Sharpen your skills for discovery with secretive scavenger hunts and create clever crafts that you can take home. . Museum sleepovers include an auditorium show, hands-on workshop, exhibit tour, scavenger hunt through exhibits, an evening pizza snack, IMAX® screening, and early morning continental breakfast.

MNS sleepovers are ideal for schools, churches, scout troops, sports teams, and other groups with a focus on learning, team building, and most importantly fun. Packages also include a late-night pizza snack and breakfast in the morning. Sleepover programming is geared toward children ages 6-12 years old.

2011 Sleepover Themes
May – September 2011: Mummies & Ancient Worlds
October – December 2011: Mad Scientists After Dark

Click here for details.

Racing Round Up for Perot Museum of Nature & Science

Thursday, June 9, 2011
Gilley's Dallas

The race is on to build the new Children's Museum inside the forth-coming Perot Museum of Nature & Science. With help from big-name race car drivers like Michael Andretti and Danica Patrick, the museum should cross the finish line in plenty of time!

The Michael Andretti Foundation, along with the Dr Pepper Snapple Group, will host a special event to benefit the new Children's Museum, currently under construction, with some proceeds going to Speedway Children's Charities at Texas Motor Speedway. Along with Andretti and Patrick, the evening will include appearances by IndyCar superstars Ryan Hunter-Reay and Mike Conway.

There will be live and silent auctions featuring wine country travel packages, racing memorabilia and once-in-a-lifetime IndyCar experiences.

Tickets: $250 per person for standard ticket / $350 per person for VIP access
Click here to purchase tickets

Funds raised will support the design, development and educational programming for the new Children's Museum.

The Limelight: Museum of Nature and Science

The Museum of Nature and Science is a result of the merging of three different cultural institutions in 2006: The Dallas Museum of Natural History, The Science Place, and the Dallas Children's Museum. The integration of all three museums has resulted in one invigorating entity that aspires to inspire minds in the realms of nature and science!


Currently located in Fair Park, the museum has exciting plans for expansion and a new state of the art facility is currently in the works in Victory Park. You can actually watch the progression of construction of the new building here.

The Museum of Nature and Science certainly offers something interesting for the entire family. The museum is currently hosting a Water exhibit through August 22nd which explores the dilemmas of water preservation and challenges around the globe.