Exhibits

“Peanuts…Naturally: Charlie Brown and Friends Explore Nature”
Sept. 29, 2012–Jan. 2, 2013

“Peanuts…Naturally: Charlie Brown and Friends Explore Nature” takes a light-hearted look at Charles Schulz’s exploration of the natural world through “Peanuts” comic strips, videos, objects and interactive stations. Visitors get a “Peanuts”-eye view of topics including the universe, “web of nature,” trees, birds, the elements, gardening and Charlie Brown’s Environmental Protection Agency escapade. Scientifically oriented interactive stations and specimens from the Florida Museum’s collections allow visitors to learn more about and appreciate the wonders of the natural world. Organized by the Charles M. Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa, Calif. Admission is $4 for adults ($3.50 for Fla. residents, seniors 62+ and college students), $3 for ages 3-17 and free for museum members and children 2 and under.

“Water: Discovering and Sharing Solutions”
Sept. 29, 2012–Jan. 2, 2013

Experience interactive displays, live animals and two water tables to discover ways the University of Florida is finding solutions to global challenges involving water, invasive plants and animals, and food production. This exhibition is part of the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Morrill Act of 1862, which enabled the creation of land-grant universities, including UF. Developed by the University of Florida, UF/IFAS and the Florida Museum of Natural History.

Children’s Natural History Gallery – Sept. 29, 2012–Jan. 2, 2013

Enjoy artwork created by elementary students in the Alachua County Public Schools Visual Arts Program to complement the museum’s temporary exhibit, “Peanuts…Naturally: Charlie Brown and Friends Explore Nature.”

Events

Science Cafés – Sept. 18, Oct. 9, Nov. 27
The museum’s Science Cafés provide engaging conversation about a variety of science topics. A comfortable atmosphere provides the setting for lively discussions this fall. Please RSVP at least one week in advance of the café date with your name and the number attending by emailing aerickson@flmnh.ufl.edu or calling Amanda Harvey, 352-273-2062.

Sept. 18 – 6–7:30 p.m. “Going Boldly: Astrobiology, Space Biology and Seeking the Meaning of Life off Earth,” with Anna-Lisa Paul, research professor, UF Horticultural Sciences; and Robert Ferl, professor and director, UF Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research. Location: The Warehouse Restaurant and Lounge, 502 S. Main St. Participants purchase their own food and beverage. A limited menu is offered for café attendees.

Oct. 9 – 7–8:30 p.m. “Water Sustainability: Public Challenges, Private Choices,” with Pierce Jones, professor and director, UF Program for Resource Efficient Communities; Joe Delfino, professor, UF Environmental Engineering Sciences; and Wendy Graham, Carl S. Swisher Chair in Water Resources and director, UF Water Institute. The “Water: Discovering and Sharing Solutions” exhibit opens at 6 p.m. Location: Florida Museum of Natural History, 3215 Hull Road. Desserts and cash bar available.

Nov. 27 – 6–7:30 p.m. “The Maya Calendar: Cosmology and the End of the World,” with Susan Milbrath, Florida Museum of Natural History curator, Latin American Art and Archaeology. Location: The Warehouse Restaurant and Lounge, 502 S. Main St. Participants purchase their own food and beverage. A limited menu is offered for café attendees.

Discover Your Library at the Museum – Sept. 13, Nov. 8, 10:30 a.m.
Join the Alachua County Library District Downtown Headquarters at the museum for story hour. For more information, call 352-273-2062.

Discover Science at Your Library – Oct. 17, 10:30 a.m.
Meet the museum at the Alachua County Library District Downtown Headquarters and explore science concepts with your preschooler in the Story Hour Room.

Ask a Scientist – Sept. 16, Nov. 4 and 18, Dec. 2, 1–4 p.m.
Visitors are invited to bring their specimens, talk with scientists and find answers during an afternoon of discovery and learning. For more information, call 352-273-2062.

Sept. 16: Local Flora and Fauna – School of Ants, UF Natural Area Teaching Laboratory
Nov. 4: Botany – Florida Museum Herbarium
Nov. 18: Astronomy – Santa Fe College Astronomy Program, Alachua Astronomy Club
Dec. 2: Local Flora and Fauna – UF Natural Area Teaching Laboratory

Volunteer Orientation – Sept. 12, 2:30-4:30 p.m. If you’re interested in becoming a museum volunteer, the first step is to attend volunteer orientation to help the museum find the best match for your interests and abilities. Pre-registration is required. For more information, visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/volunteers/ or call 352-273-2056.

Members Reception – Sept. 27, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
“Peanuts…Naturally: Charlie Brown and Friends Explore Nature” and “Water: Discovering and Sharing Solutions” Be the first to see the museum’s newest exhibits! This exclusive event is only open to Florida Museum members. For more information, call 352-273-2047.

Opening Day Activities – Sept. 29, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Don’t miss opening day activities and the celebration of the museum’s newest temporary exhibits: “Peanuts…Naturally: Charlie Brown and Friends Explore Nature” and “Water: Discovering and Sharing Solutions.” While “Peanuts…Naturally” is a paid exhibit, the opening day activities and “Water: Discovering and Sharing Solutions” exhibit are free. Food vendors will be available. For more information, call 352-273-2061.

ButterflyFest – Oct. 13–14, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
A celebration of wings and backyard things! Explore the lives of bats, bees, birds and butterflies at this fall’s ButterflyFest while discovering what you can do to promote sustainability. The Butterfly Plant Sale begins Friday, Oct. 12. Learn about butterfly gardening, native pollinators, conservation, backyard wildlife and more. Enjoy butterfly releases and come dressed in your favorite pollinator attire for the Pollinator Parade! Visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/butterflyfest for more information. Food and merchandise vendors will be available both days! ButterflyFest is sponsored in part by the Gainesville Sun.

Halloween and the Great Pumpkin – Oct. 31, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
The Great Pumpkin rises again! Join the museum for this family–friendly, candy–free event featuring a screening of the 1966 classic “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” Watch as Charlie Brown and friends celebrate Halloween and wait for the arrival of the Great Pumpkin. Then explore the museum in your costume to earn prizes, dress as your favorite “Peanuts” character for free admission into “Peanuts…Naturally” and more! For more information, call 352-273-2062.

Grapes and Grains – Nov. 1, 5:30–8 p.m.
Raise a glass to the past this fall at the Florida Museum of Natural History! Attendees can sample several regional beers and wines and explore the museum’s exhibits. This event is 21+ only. Email specialevents@flmnh.ufl.edu or call 352-273-2045 for more information.

Veteran’s Day Military Recognition Event – Nov. 11, 1–4 p.m.
Join the museum and celebrate those who have served our country! The museum is honored for this opportunity to thank our veterans, active military and their families. This event showcases displays and collections that pay tribute to the U.S. armed forces and their work. For more information, call 352-273-2061.

Trashformations – Nov. 16, 5:30–8 p.m.
See how middle school, high school and college students transform ‘waste’ into creative works of art! The Florida Museum will display winning entries from the 14th Annual Trashformations through Dec. 2. This event is made possible in part by the Alachua County Office of Waste Alternatives and the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners.

Starry Night – Nov. 30, 6–10 p.m.
Observe the night sky and explore the world beyond! See a portable planetarium show or view a moonscape in 3-D. Bring the whole family for a free, fun-filled night of astronomical proportions. Food vendors will be available! For more information visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/starrynight/ or call 352-273-2062. This event is made possible in part by the UF Astronomy Department, Alachua Astronomy Club, Santa Fe Astronomy Program and Kika Silva Pla Planetarium.

Celebrating the End of the World, Maya Style – Dec. 5, 7–9 p.m.
Is the sky really falling? Will the world really end? Learn more about the Mayans and their predictions while exploring their culture and traditions at this free evening event. For more information, call 352-273-2061.

Winter Break Camps for Kids
Dive into the sciences and investigate natural history through activities and hands–on exploration!
Dec. 20: Science in Comics – Take a cue from Charles Schultz and use comics and cartooning to teach your community about our natural world!
Dec. 21: Alien Invaders – Aliens aren’t just from outer space! Learn about the invasive species living in your own backyard!

Important Information:
School Holiday Camps are full– or half–day programs offered at the museum. Children explore the program topic through interactive activities, as well as the museum’s own collections and exhibits. Students must be enrolled in grades K-5 for the 2012-2013 school year.

A half-day session is $27 for members, $30 non-members. A full-day session is $45 for members, $50 non-members. Students should dress for outdoor activities and full-day students should bring a sack lunch. Pre-registration is required. Questions? Call 352-273-2061.

Drop-off for the morning and full–day sessions is 8–8:30 a.m.
Pickup for the morning session is noon–12:30 p.m.
Drop-off for the afternoon session is 12:30–1 p.m.
Pickup for the afternoon and full–day sessions is 4:30–5 p.m.

Scout Badge Programs (New this fall!)
Let the museum be part of your scouting experience! Sign up your Boy or Girl Scout group for a weekend program to earn part or all of the requirements for many different badges, journeys, belt loops and pins. For more information, visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/programs/scouts.htm or contact Amanda Harvey, aerickson@flmnh.ufl.edu or 352-273-2062.

Museum Birthday Parties
The museum offers a variety of party themes to suit children’s age and interests. The museum provides the fun; you supply the cake.

Themes: Butterflies, Fossil Hunt, Something Fishy (ages 4–12), Cave Explorations (ages 4–10)

Parties may be scheduled on weekends for children and include a party leader, theme-related activities in a private, decorated room, invitations, paper products and a gift bag for each child, plus setup and cleanup.

Visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/bday_parties.htm for more information and pricing or contact Tiffany Ireland, 352-273-2061.

Coming this spring!
Collectors Day – Jan. 12, 2013, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Titanoboa: Monster Snake – Opens Jan. 26, 2013
Can You Dig It – March 16, 2013, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Spring Break Camp – March 25–29, 2013
Earth Day Plant Sale – April 19–21, 2013
Earth Day BioBlitz – April 20, 2013, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Science Cafés
School Holiday Camps

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Media contact: Paul Ramey, APR
352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Scientists at the Florida Museum of Natural History on the UF campus examined the internal anatomy of the 164.5-pound snake Friday. The animal was brought to the Florida Museum from Everglades National Park as part of a long-term project with the U.S. Department of the Interior to research methods for managing the state’s invasive Burmese python problem. Following scientific investigation, the snake will be mounted for exhibition at the museum for about five years, and then returned for exhibition at Everglades National Park.

“This thing is monstrous, it’s about a foot wide,” said Florida Museum herpetology collection manager Kenneth Krysko. “It means these snakes are surviving a long time in the wild, there’s nothing stopping them and the native wildlife are in trouble.”

Krysko said the snake was in excellent health and its stomach contained feathers that will be identified by museum ornithologists. Burmese pythons are known to prey on native birds, deer, bobcats, alligators and other large animals.

“A 17.5-foot snake could eat anything it wants,” Krysko said. “By learning what this animal has been eating and its reproductive status, it will hopefully give us insight into how to potentially manage other wild Burmese pythons in the future. It also highlights the actual problem, which is invasive species.”

Native to Southeast Asia and first found in the Everglades in 1979, the Burmese python is one of the deadliest and most competitive predators in South Florida. With no known natural predator, population estimates for the python range from the thousands to hundreds of thousands. They were determined to be an established species in 2000 and are a significant concern, Krysko said.

“They were here 25 years ago, but in very low numbers and it was difficult to find one because of their cryptic behavior,” Krysko said. “Now, you can go out to the Everglades nearly any day of the week and find a Burmese python. We’ve found 14 in a single day.”

Museum researchers Rebecca Reichart (from left), Leroy Nunez, Nicholas Coutu, Claudia Grant and Kenneth Krysko examine the internal anatomy of a 17-foot-7-inch Burmese python weighing 164 pounds. © Florida Museum photos by Kristen Grace

Everglades National Park and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are partnering with other agencies to address the increasing populations.The rapid population growth led to recent state laws prohibiting people from owning Burmese pythons as pets or transporting the snakes across state lines without a federal permit. Florida residents also may hunt pythons in certain wildlife management areas during established seasons with a hunting license and required permits.

Skip Snow, a park wildlife biologist, said research of the snake’s biology is important for understanding how to curtail the future spread of invasive species.

“I think one of the important facts about this animal is its reproductive capability,” Snow said. “There are not many records of how many eggs a large female snake carries in the wild. This shows they’re a really reproductive animal, which aids in their invasiveness.”

Non-native species are considered invasive if they have a negative impact on native species or habitat, cause economic damage or pose a threat to human health and safety. Exotic snakes found in Florida are often the result of pet owners accidentally or intentionally releasing the animals. Citizens may dial 1-888-IVE-GOT1 to receive removal assistance by trained handlers.

Florida Museum Herpetology Collections Manager Kenneth Krysko displays three of the state-record 87 eggs found in the largest Burmese python from Florida.

Florida has the world’s worst invasive reptile and amphibian problem. Krysko led a 20-year study published in September 2011 in Zootaxa showing 137 non-native species were introduced to Florida between 1863 and 2010. The study verified the pet trade as the No. 1 cause of the species’ introductions and the Burmese python was one of 56 non-native species determined to be reproducing and established in the state.”I’m really happy to be part of this team of researchers working on the Burmese python problem in Florida, and have been for a number of years,” Krysko said. “But when I’m able to conduct this type of research here at the university, I’m able to teach new students and new researchers about python anatomy and discuss the problem with invasive species. We need all the help we can get, we really do.”

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Writer: Danielle Torrent, dtorrent@flmnh.ufl.edu
Media Contact: Paul Ramey, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu, 352-213-0999
Source: Rob Robins, rhrobins@flmnh.ufl.edu, 352-273-1957

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Dr. Scott the paleontologist, and Buddy the T-rex from the popular PBS TV show “Dinosaur Train” will visit the Florida Museum of Natural History from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, March 26 for a free public program.

Presented in partnership with WUFT-TV/DT and the Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County, the event features educational, dinosaur-themed activities and an opportunity for children to meet Buddy, the star of the newest PBS KIDS show. Activities include dinosaur games, songs, coloring stations, a meet and greet session and more.

“We are extremely eager to work with the Florida Museum of Natural History because we believe the knowledge of dinosaurs, paleontology, evolution and natural history is an integral part of the educational process for the youth and adults of North Florida,” said Pamela Shamel, director of education and outreach for WUFT-TV/DT.

Dr. Scott the paleontologist, host of “Dinosaur Train,” will introduce a screening of the show, take questions from the audience and be available for photographs and autographs with visitors. “Dr. Scott” is Scott Sampson, a dinosaur paleontologist, evolutionary biologist and curator at the Utah Museum of Natural History. Sampson also will present a free public lecture and book signing at the Florida Museum at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 25.

“Few things inspire children’s scientific curiosity as completely as dinosaurs,” said Florida Museum assistant director for education and visitor services Jamie Creola. “Trains also seem to create an equal measure of whimsy and imagination in children under 6. The combination of these two elements has produced the award-winning “Dinosaur Train” preschool program, a smart, funny, charming show full of fascinating facts about dinosaurs and the world in which they thrived for millions of years.”

“Dinosaur Train” airs on WUFT-TV/DT at 9:30 a.m. Monday-Friday and helps kids ages 3-6 apply scientific thinking as they discover new types of dinosaur species, compare and contrast dinosaurs to today’s creatures and embrace paleontology and natural science. The program promotes critical thinking skills for preschoolers based on engaging and creative curriculum.

“Dinosaur Train” was created by Craig Bartlett and is produced by The Jim Henson Company, best known as creators of the world famous Muppets.

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Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

About WUFT-TV/DT
WUFT-TV/DT broadcasts to16 counties in North Central Florida (21 via cable). WUFT broadcasts programming from the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and other venues, as well as local news, public affairs and entertainment shows. WUFT broadcasts via three digital channels: the main channel, 5.1 broadcasts in High Definition (HD); 5.2 is Standard Definition (SD) and features PBS Create; Channel 5.3 offers programming from the Florida Knowledge Network and PBS World. WUFT-TV/DT is on Cox Cable Channel 3 in Gainesville. The additional digital channels, 5.2 and 5.3 are on Cox Cable Channel 113 and 114 respectively. The WUFT studios are located in the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications and serve as a training facility for telecommunication students.

About the Florida Museum of Natural History
The Florida Museum of Natural History is Florida’s state natural history museum, dedicated to understanding, preserving and interpreting biological diversity and cultural heritage. It is located near the intersection of Southwest 34th Street and Hull Road in the University of Florida Cultural Plaza in Gainesville. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Butterfly Rainforest admission is $9.50 for adults ($8 Fla. residents) and $5 for children ages 3-12. Prices subject to change. For more information, including directions and parking, call 352-846-2000, or visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu.

About Dinosaur Train
Dinosaur Train begins when Buddy is adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Pteranodon and brought to their nest to hatch at the same time as his new siblings, Tiny, Shiny and Don. Buddy and his new family have an insatiable desire to learn about the different types of dinosaurs, so they board the wondrous Dinosaur Train, which allows them to travel and explore the world inhabited by these amazing creatures.

Departing from Pteranodon Station, the Dinosaur Train is a colorful locomotive, customized to accommodate all kinds of dinosaurs. Windows are perfect for the long-necked herbivores, and there’s plenty of head room in the Observation Car for the Giganotosaurus, giving all the species onboard a chance to check out the prehistoric world as they ride the train. The Dinosaur Train has the ability to visit the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous worlds, while the train’s conductor, a knowledgeable Troodon, provides passengers with “cool Dino facts” along the way.

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Walker, artist-in-residence at the Museum of Florida Art in DeLand, will display some of his work and discuss how he recreates past events in his oil paintings. His work is known nationally for its accurate portrayals of historical circumstances and he has become recognized as a reliable source of historic vision. His portrayals have been featured on television productions of the A&E Network, including the History Channel, and in many publications and books, as well as various private and institutional collections. His work also has been commissioned by the Florida National Guard and the National Guard Bureau in Washington D.C.

Walker was awarded the Florida Commendation Medal and other honors for his work documenting Florida’s military history, and has received official recognition by two Florida secretaries of state and the endorsement of the Florida Historical Society.

“Science Sundays” is a lecture series geared toward adults that coves a variety of topics. At 1:30 p.m. before every talk, University of Florida librarians will display artwork and other materials relevant to that day’s presentation.

For more information, visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/science_sundays.htm or call (352) 273-2061.

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Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

At 7 p.m. Feb. 12, join Betty Smocovitis of the University of Florida’s zoology and history departments for “Singing His Praises: Darwin and His Theory in Song and Musical Production.”

This lecture will examine the issues and controversies of Darwin’s theory of evolution through song while studying the link between modern science and pop culture. To sweeten the event, a birthday cake featuring Darwin will be served.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 14, those curious to learn more about evolution and want to see evidence of the process can take part in “Darwin Day” with Florida Museum collections staff.

Several departments from the museum will display features on evolution in action. Included in the displays will be cowrie shells, neotropical orchids, horses and primate missing links, neotropical tanagers and fossil invertebrates.

The event will culminate with a symposium on Darwin’s theory of evolution from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 14 featuring Florida Museum curators Jon Bloch, Steve Manchester, David Reed, and David Steadman, and moderated by museum vertebrate paleontology curator Bruce MacFadden. Topics discussed will include the evolution of nuts, humans and their body lice, fossil primates and the story of our origin, and Darwin’s research in Tahiti and the Galapagos Islands.

“The Florida Museum is proud to recognize the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of “On the Origin of Species,” said Florida Museum of Natural History Director Doug Jones. “Darwin was one of the greatest thinkers of all time. It is an honor for us to recognize his life as well as his ideas, such as organic evolution by means of natural selection, which probably represents the single greatest unifying concept in all of modern biology.”

For more information call (352) 273-2064 or visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/darwin200/.

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Writer: Morgan Lamborn
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Learn about new scientific research and view original works of visual and performing art from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Celebration of Undergraduate Creativity in the Arts and Sciences, hosted by the Florida Museum of Natural History and the Harn Museum of Art.

In addition to more than 100 science posters, visitors may see 32 works of visual art, two film displays and 10 musical, dance and theatre performances.

“This event gives undergraduates a unique opportunity to communicate the research they’ve completed over the summer in a more interdisciplinary forum than they usually see, in front of staff from prestigious science foundations that sponsor research, the arts community and the general public,” said Randy Duran, a University of Florida chemistry professor and director of the university’s Howard Hughes Medical Institute Science for Life Program.

Students from UF and the other colleges and universities will answer questions and explain their research. Both the Florida Museum and the Harn Museum of Art will display scientific posters and visual art pieces, and all performances will take place in the Harn auditorium.

Fine arts students are excited about the opportunity to share their work with a new audience.

“Performing for a different audience brings a new perspective to your work,” said Megan Kendzior, a junior in UF’s School of Theater and Dance. “Different audiences take away different ideas from the same performance and knowing that causes you to reflect on how your work can have new meanings.”

Kendzior will perform a solo dance she choreographed to reflect her Polish heritage and life experiences.

“We’re taught to adapt to new spaces and use the environment we’re given to enhance our work,” she said. “We’re also taught to collaborate with other artists, so I’m excited to learn what other dancers, as well as musicians and fine arts students, are creating.”

The event is a joint effort of UF and partners including Morehouse College, Emory University, Louisiana State University, Lincoln University, Furman University and The University of Puerto Rico. Event sponsors include the National Science Foundation, Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation.

The event provides the Gainesville community an opportunity to view top academic and artistic work, and gives students a chance to win prize money for travel costs of attending a meeting, workshop or exhibition anywhere in the world.

Teams of student judges will critique the works on innovation, originality and creativity. Howard Hughes Medical Institute Science for Life Undergraduate Creativity Awards of $2,500 and $1,000 for first and second place, respectively, will be awarded to the highest scoring entries. Science students also will compete for several $100 prizes.

“Communicating sophisticated ideas to people from all walks of life is one of the most important things we can teach,” Duran said. “This event and the awards are designed to give young scientists and artists the opportunity to follow their dreams and present their accomplishments at meetings anywhere in the world.”

Admission is free and open to the public. For more information call event coordinator Dylan Walsh, (352) 392-9306.

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Writer: Kelly Donovan
Media contact: Paul Ramey (Florida Museum), 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu
Tami Wroath (Harn), 352-392-9826, ext. 116, twroath@harn.ufl.edu

Top undergraduate students from the University of Florida, Morehouse College, Louisiana State University, Lincoln University, Furman University, The University of Puerto Rico and other schools will display scientific posters and works of visual and performing art from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For the first time, the program features student art entries including two- and three-dimensional works, videos, dance performances and music recitals.

UF College of Fine Arts Dean Lucinda Lavelli said she is excited to see the variety of art students are submitting.

“This is the first time for the arts portion of the event, so we don’t know how big the art section will be,” Lavelli said. “However, it’s important as a leading university to have these opportunities celebrating art and science because the two areas together represent the diversity and dynamism of the creative mind. We have a few opportunities at UF for students to combine their knowledge of art and science and this event will make creative integration an even bigger priority.”

The event is not only an opportunity for the public to learn new science concepts and catch striking dance performances, but for students to earn scholarships. Participants will compete for several Howard Hughes Medical Institute Science for Life Undergraduate Creativity Awards of $2,500 for the most innovative project or presentation. The awards fund the travel and attendance of each winner to his or her choice of a meeting, workshop or exhibition anywhere in the world.

“These talented students also have the unique opportunity to publicize their work to staff from prestigious science foundations that sponsor research, the arts community and the general public,” said Randy Duran, a professor in UF’s chemistry department.

The event is sponsored by the National Science Foundation, Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Florida Museum, (352) 846-2000, or Harn Museum, (352) 392-9826.

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Writer: Kelly Donovan
Media contact: Paul Ramey (Florida Museum), 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu
Tami Wroath, 352-392-9826, ext. 116, twroath@harn.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History and Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art will host the interdisciplinary Celebration of Undergraduate Creativity in the Arts and Sciences, an exhibition of research and projects in all artistic and scientific disciplines, on Jan. 11, 2009.

For the first time, the program includes student entries from the performing and fine arts and the Harn Museum Art is participating as a venue.

The event is a joint effort of the University of Florida and partners including Morehouse College, Louisiana State University, Lincoln University, Furman University, The University of Puerto Rico and others. Sponsors for the event include the National Science Foundation, Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation.

The Florida Museum and the Harn Museum of Art will display a variety of art including photography, performance, lighting and music in addition to scientific posters on undergraduate student research from UF and other colleges and universities. Research on fine arts, music, theatre and dance will also be showcased at the museums, and the undergraduate students responsible for the studies will be available to talk about their work and answer questions from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

“Morehouse College, Lincoln, Puerto Rico and the University of Florida have partnered for many years on collaborative research exchanges funded by the National Science Foundation,” said Randy Duran, a professor in UF’s chemistry department. “This event gives undergraduates a unique opportunity to publicize the research they’ve completed over the summer in a more interdisciplinary forum than they usually see, in front of staff from prestigious science foundations that sponsor research, the arts community and the general public.”

This year’s event expands on last year’s science-only poster session at the Florida Museum, which included nearly 100 displays and was enjoyed by 800 attendees.

UF College of Fine Arts Dean Lucinda Lavelli said she is excited to see the variety of art students are submitting.

“This is the first time for the arts portion of the event, so we don’t know how big the art section will be,” Lavelli said. “However, it’s important as a leading university to have these opportunities celebrating art and science because the two areas together represent the diversity and dynamism of the creative mind. We have a few opportunities at UF for students to combine their knowledge of art and science and this event will make creative integration an even bigger priority.”

Event coordinator Dylan Walsh said he’s hoping for 100 to 150 science entries.

“The idea and logistics behind the fine arts component have really come into focus over the last few months, and we’re hoping for an exciting turnout,” Dylan said.

In addition to presenting their work to the UF and Gainesville communities, participants will compete for several Howard Hughes Medical Institute Science for Life Undergraduate Creativity Awards. Each $2,500 prize will be awarded to the most innovative presentations in the arts and the sciences and will fund the travel and attendance of each winner to his or her choice of a meeting, workshop or exhibition anywhere in the world.

Fine arts students interested in entering visual or performance artwork must apply by Friday. An application and more information is available online, http://hhmi.chem.ufl.edu/creativity. All applications will be reviewed by faculty from the UF College of Fine Arts, Morehouse College and UF Chemistry Department.

Admission is free and open to the public. Students with questions about submitting entries should contact Dylan Walsh, (352) 392-9306.

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Writer: Kelly Donovan
Media contact: Paul Ramey (Florida Museum), 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu
Tami Wroath (Harn), 352-392-9826, ext. 116; twroath@harn.ufl.edu

A panel discussion follows the screening, including Frederick Gregory of the UF Department of History and Bruce MacFadden, Florida Museum vertebrate paleontology curator.

The documentary provides an entertaining look at the evolution-intelligent design debate. The Florida Museum is one of more than 30 museums across the country showing the film on Darwin Day, the anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birthday on Feb. 12, 1809. Darwin provided the first coherent theory of evolution by means of natural selection and his name is used for events which seek to acquaint the public with the theory and its importance to biology.

Filmmaker and evolutionary biologist Randy Olson humorously examines the debate between proponents of the concept of intelligent design and the scientific establishment that supports evolution, including what Olson believes is poor communication with the public about evolutionary science.

Flock of Dodo Darwin Day events also are scheduled in Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa, as well as in Boston, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, Mo., Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh, Raleigh, N.C. , Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Calif., Seattle and St. Louis.

Contact: Paul Ramey, (352) 846-2000, ext. 218, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

]]> http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/pressroom/2007/01/29/fla-museum-hosts-evolution-vs-intelligent-design-documentary-screening-feb-12-flock-of-dodos-film-to-be-shown-in-harn-museum-of-art-auditorium/feed/ 0 http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/pressroom/2007/01/28/fla-museum-hosts-presentation-covering-100-years-of-physics-feb-11/ http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/pressroom/2007/01/28/fla-museum-hosts-presentation-covering-100-years-of-physics-feb-11/#comments Sun, 28 Jan 2007 14:20:47 +0000 Gerber,Logan R http://slurm.flmnh.ufl.edu/blogs/pressroom/?p=1427 GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History will host University of Florida physics professor Tarek Saab for a “Journey Through Time and Space” from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Feb. 11. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Saab will discuss 100 years of physics from Albert Einstein to Stephen Hawking to the newest questions regarding dark matter and dark energy. He also plans to explain how the two seeming disparate fields of astrophysics and sub-atomic physics have made amazing advancements leading to our current detailed, but experimental, understanding of the cosmos.

The presentation is part of the Florida Museum “Science Sundays” series. Other presentations this spring include Florida manatees on March 18 and the evolution of the Florida cottonmouth’s venom on April 15. All presentations are from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

For more information call (352) 846-2000, ext. 246 or visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/science_sundays.htm.

Contact: Paul Ramey, (352) 846-2000, ext. 218, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Christine Eschenfelder

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