Museum of Nature & Science Launches Second Saturday "Discovery Days" Mini-Festivals

Chase Presents Special Science Theme Days to Inspire North Texas Children

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) March 11, 2009 -- The children of North Texas can now discover something new on the second Saturday of each month at the Museum of Nature & Science's newest family festival. Presented by Chase, "Discovery Days" are chock-full of hands-on activities, demonstrations, presentations and so much more. The individually themed, daylong events bring a new twist to learning about science:

March 14 Construction

April 11 Dinosaurs

May 9     Health & Wellness

June 13     Sports & Outdoors

July 11     Discover Water

Aug. 8     Fine Art

The first Discovery Day, "Construction," is sponsored by Fluor Corporation. From green construction techniques to homebuilding to reading blueprints, kids will learn about the world of construction in a fun way.

"This festival is a perfect match for our 'Raise the Roof: An Exhibit about Buildings' traveling exhibition that is at the museum through April 19," said museum CEO Nicole Small. "In addition to learning about different kinds of buildings and the walls around us, Construction Discovery Day teaches children about the planning and ground preparation that goes into creating a building. All the Discovery Days will provide fun, interactive learning about math and science."

"We are delighted to make these festivals available to the families of North Texas," said Anne Motsenbocker, President, Chase in Dallas. "By making the science behind our everyday lives fun, we hope to inspire kids to pursue careers in math and science."    

Special displays and activities include:

Ø    Learn how to read the DNA of a building - its blueprint.

Ø    What's Watt? Kids learn about efficient lighting.

Ø    No building is complete without landscaping. Kids learn about green innovations in the green business of landscaping.

Ø    Learn about building houses and build one to take home, too! Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity will have a "guess the number of nails" contest, an opportunity for kids to make cards to give to Habitat families welcoming them to their new homes and a building activity.

Ø    Jenga! Who can build the biggest tower?

Ø    Throughout the museum kids will find other construction-related crafts from domes to mega-towers to a house of cards.

Ø    Members only will have access to a room with a bridge building activity and refreshments. While supplies last, a special gift of a child's tool belt from Elliott's Hardware will also be available to current, new and renewing members.

March 14 also kicks off a special Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity promotion where the museum will give a free child's admission with the purchase of an adult ticket and the gift of a new bristle paintbrush or a paint roller. This offer is good until April 19. There is also a 15% off membership promotion for new or renewing members on Construction Day.

Each Discovery Day will be at MNS in the Science Building, 1318 S. 2nd Ave. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the second Saturday of the month, March through August. Admission for MNS members is free; adults $8.75, children 3 to 11 $5.50, youth 12 to 18, seniors 62 and over, and students 18 and over with an ID $7.75. IMAX tickets are additional. For information call 214-428-5555 or visit www.natureandscience.org. Media will find pictures at: www.tinyurl.com/discoveryday.

About Raise the Roof:

Raise the Roof was produced by the Science Museum of Minnesota. The exhibit was made possible with support from the National Science Foundation. Presented by Turner Construction and Sponsored by Andres Construction and Good Fulton & Farrell. Additional Support provided by TD Industries and The Real Estate Council.

About the Museum of Nature & Science:

The Museum of Nature & Science, formerly the Dallas Museum of Natural History, The Science Place and the Dallas Children's Museum, is a non-profit educational organization located in Dallas' Fair Park. In support of its mission to inspire minds through nature and science, MNS delivers exciting, engaging and innovative visitor experiences through its education, exhibition and research and collections programming for students, teachers, families and life-long learners. The MNS campus includes the TI Founders IMAX® Theater and a cutting-edge digital planetarium. The museum is supported in part by funds from the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, the Texas Commission on the Arts and EDS. To learn more visit www.natureandscience.org.

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