Virginia Museum of Natural History Events

Virginia Museum of Natural History Events http://www.vmnh.net Virginia Museum of Natural History Events Thursday, 16 May 2013 12:10:07 EST HD CMS en daily 1 http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/40 BOT Quarterly Meeting http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/40 Saturday, 16 November 2013 00:00:00 EST

http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/35 VMNH Teacher Appreciation Event http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/35 Thursday, 14 November 2013 00:00:00 EST

http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/34 Founders' Day event http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/34 Saturday, 19 October 2013 00:00:00 EST

http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/33 VMNH Golf Tournament http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/33 Friday, 06 September 2013 00:00:00 EST

Sign up today for the 8th Annual Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation Golf Tournament at beautiful Westlake Golf & Country Club at Smith Mountain Lake, VA. Proceeds benefit the VMNH Foundation’s Discovery Fund, which supports the museum's programs in research and collections, exhibits, and education. For more information, contact Billy McBride at Westlake Golf & Country Club at 540-721-4214 or golfjedi4@aol.com. Or contact Carolyn Seay at 276-634-4166 or carolyn.seay@vmnh.virginia.gov.

http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/39 BOT Quarterly Meeting http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/39 Saturday, 24 August 2013 00:00:00 EST

http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/45 Skeletons exhibit http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/45 Saturday, 20 July 2013 00:00:00 EST

Don't miss the special exhibit "Stories from Skeletons: Hard Evidence," opening July 20 at the Virginia Museum of Natural History! This exhibit, featuring a variety of specimens from the VMNH collections, will be on display in the museum's Harvest Foundation Hall of Ancient Life.

Don't miss the special exhibit "Stories from Skeletons: Hard Evidence," opening July 20 at the Virginia Museum of Natural History! Skeletons serve several important functions.  They protect vital organs such as the brain and heart, provide structural support for the body, and interact with muscles to move the whole body or parts of the body.  Skeletons are often bones and shells.  They can be outside the body (exoskeletons), such as those of mollusks, or they can be inside the body (endoskeletons), such as our own.  Features of bones and shells such as shape and size provide hard evidence of relationships among animals that are alive today.  Fossil skeletons are also the main evidence of extinct animals and their relationships.  In studies of Native Americans, skeletons are hard evidence of human diet and social interactions.  They are also evidence of raw materials that were used in making tools and decorative objects. This exhibit, featuring a variety of specimens from the VMNH collections, will be on display in the museum's Harvest Foundation Hall of Ancient Life. http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/46 Youth Volunteer Summer Kick-Off http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/46 Friday, 31 May 2013 10:00:00 EST

The museum is looking for area youth to help us make our Summer Adventure Camps the most fun camps ever!

Calling all youth volunteers! The museum is looking for area youth to help us make our Summer Adventure Camps the most fun camps ever! Join us on Friday, May 31 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m during our VMNH Youth Volunteer 2013 Summer Adventure Camps Kick-Off to learn how you can play an important role this summer and gain valuable volunteer experience! What: Camp TrainingWhen: May 31, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (First Aid/CPR Training is May 29 or 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)Where: Virginia Museum of Natural History 21 Starling AvenueWho:  Ages 13-18 Make new friends and reconnect with old friends! Get the inside scoop on the exciting, adventurous summer camps VMNH will be offering this summer and sign up to work at the ones you really like! Practice some fun and effective ways to work with the public including kids of all ages! Learn the “ins and outs” of VMNH safety and security. n Earn volunteer hours. Enjoy a pizza lunch...on us! **Please RSVP for camp and first aid training at discover@vmnh.virginia.gov or by calling (276) 634-4185 no later than May 24.  Don’t be left out! Call today. Space is limited!  http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/44 VMNH Summer Discovery 2013 http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/44 Sunday, 26 May 2013 09:00:00 EST

Enjoy Sunday openings, discounted new VMNH Memberships, and behind-the-scenes tours during VMNH Summer Discovery 2013, from May 26 to September 1, 2013.

Enjoy Sunday openings, discounted new VMNH Memberships, and behind-the-scenes tours during VMNH Summer Discovery 2013, from May 26 to September 1, 2013. Sunday openings - From May 26 to September 1, 2013, the museum will be open to the public on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. (the museum is regularly closed on Sundays). Discounted new VMNH Memberships - From May 26 to September 1, 2013, new VMNH Memberships are $10 off (applies only to "Individual" and higher membership categories). Behind-the-scenes tours - From May 26 to September 1, 2013, visitors can take advantage of behind-the-scenes tours on the first Friday of each month.  The dates are June 7, July 5, and August 2. Behind-the-scenes tours are $10 per person, in addition to regular admission prices (children 5 and under are free). To take part in a behind-the-scenes tour, RSVP is required at least one week before each tour to information@vmnh.virginia.gov. Limit 10 participants per tour. Recommended for ages 8 and older. http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/49 Take 25 Chld Safety Event at VMNH http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/49 Saturday, 25 May 2013 12:00:00 EST

Take 25 is a national child safety campaign that encourages parents and guardians to take 25 minutes out of their day to talk to children about safety. As part of this effort, a child safety event will be held at VMNH on May 25.

Created in commemoration of National Missing Children’s Day, Take 25 is a national child safety campaign that encourages parents and guardians to take 25 minutes out of their day to talk to children about safety. As part of this effort, a child safety event will be held at VMNH on May 25. Annually observed on May 25th, National Missing Children’s Day serves as a reminder to the nation to renew efforts to reunite missing children with their families, remember those who are still missing, and make child protection a national priority. With your help, we can reach thousands of families in your community with the message of Take 25 and the prevention tools needed to help keep children safer. This year, citizens, local businesses and the Martinsville police department will join us on May 25th to host a community child safety event at the Virginia Museum of Natural History. http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/21 Grapes & Grains fundraising gala http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/21 Saturday, 18 May 2013 18:30:00 EST

The Virginia Museum of Natural History will host its “Grapes & Grains” fundraising gala on Saturday, May 18 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., with event proceeds to benefit the VMNH Foundation Discovery Fund.

Online auction now active through Friday, May 17! Click here to view the auction items and place your bid(s)! PLEASE NOTE THAT THE MUSEUM WILL CLOSE AT 3 P.M. ON SATURDAY, MAY 18 Tickets and table sponsorships are now available for the Virginia Museum of Natural History's “Grapes & Grains” fundraising gala on Saturday, May 18 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., with event proceeds to benefit the VMNH Foundation Discovery Fund.  Donations to the Discovery Fund directly benefit important museum programs in research, education, and exhibits. Albermarle Cider Works, Blue Ridge Beverage, Devault Family Vineyards, Hamlet Vineyards, Hickory Hill Winery, Stanburn Winery, LLC, Villa Appalaccia Winery, and Virginia Distillery Company are all set to participate in this year’s event. “Grapes & Grains” will feature delicious food, along with samples of a variety of wines, specialty beers, and spirits to be presented by participating wineries, distilleries, and breweries from across the region.  The event will also feature a scotch tasting where visitors can sample various types of scotch while learning about the distillation process. Visitors will also have the opportunity to bid on many exciting silent auction items, from fun vacations to elegant home décor items. Tickets to the event are $50 and can be purchased on the museum's online store, at the museum box office, or by calling 276-634-4162.  Would you like to support the museum but can’t attend?  Tickets can also be purchased as gifts! A limited number of table sponsorships are also available at the following levels: Chivas Regal Seating - a donation of $5,000 Reserved table of 10 with logo Logo on VMNH website with link to your business homepage Logo on media releases, marketing materials, auction table and program Prominent display of your business banner during evening event Chardonnay Seating - a donation of $2,500 Reserved Table of 10 with name Name on VMNH website with link to your business homepage Name listing on media releases, marketing materials and program Business banner on display during evening event Pinot Noir Seating - a donation of $1,000 Reserved table of 10 with name Name on VMNH website and program Business banner on display during evening event Pilsner Seating - a donation of $500 Reserved table of 10 with name Patron listing in program http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/37 BOT Quarterly Meeting http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/37 Saturday, 18 May 2013 00:00:00 EST

http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/19 Homeschool Wednesdays http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/19 Wednesday, 15 May 2013 10:00:00 EST

VMNH offers engaging science and engineering programs specifically designed for homeschool students.  Sign your child up today for an exceptional learning experience at the Virginia Museum of Natural History!

VMNH offers engaging science and engineering programs for homeschool students. Going into our third year, we had requests from participants and are expanding our offerings by scheduling two programs per month. Programs are held the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Programs are divided into two age groups; 6-9 and 10-15. A minimal fee of $6 is required. For those who would like to pre-pay and save some money, we are offering tuition at last year’s rate for either the full year or per semester. For one semester (nine programs), tuition will be $45 and for the entire year, tuition will be $90 (18 programs). By offering these options, we will be able to guarantee your registration in all programs and insure our minimum numbers are met for each session. Tuition will also include complementary admission to Student Days at VMNH for both Dino Days (in January) and Earth Day (in April). *Pre-registration is required one week prior to each event by calling the museum at (276) 634-4185 or email at discover@vmnh.virginia.gov. 2012-2013 Schedule September 5Nature of Science and Engineering September 19Scientific Investigations and Engineering Design October 3Life Sciences: Plants October 17Life Sciences: Animals November 7Life Sciences: Ecosystems/Habitats November 14Life Sciences: Organism’s Interactions with Environment December 5Earth Sciences: Meteorology December 19Earth Sciences: Astronomy January 2Earth Sciences: Earth Materials and Processes January 11Dino Day Student Day at VMNH (Friday) January 16Earth Sciences: Water February 6Physical Sciences: Matter: Structure/Properties February 20Physical Sciences: Force and Motion March 6Physical Sciences: Energy March 20Physical Sciences: Renewable/Nonrenewable Energy April 3Engineering Design April 17Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science April 19Earth Day Student Day at VMNH (Friday) May 1Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science: Engineering and Society May 15Field Trip or Service Project (TBD) http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/18 Homeschool Wednesdays http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/18 Wednesday, 01 May 2013 10:00:00 EST

VMNH offers engaging science and engineering programs for homeschool students. Going into our third year, we had requests from participants and are expanding our offerings by scheduling two programs per month. Programs are held the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Programs are divided into two age groups; 6-9 and 10-15. A minimal fee of $6 is required. For those who would like to pre-pay and save some money, we are offering tuition at last year’s rate for either the full year or per semester. For one semester (nine programs), tuition will be $45 and for the entire year, tuition will be $90 (18 programs). By offering these options, we will be able to guarantee your registration in all programs and insure our minimum numbers are met for each session. Tuition will also include complementary admission to Student Days at VMNH for both Dino Days (in January) and Earth Day (in April). *Pre-registration is required one week prior to each event by calling the museum at (276) 634-4185 or email at discover@vmnh.virginia.gov. 2012-2013 Schedule September 5Nature of Science and Engineering September 19Scientific Investigations and Engineering Design October 3Life Sciences: Plants October 17Life Sciences: Animals November 7Life Sciences: Ecosystems/Habitats November 14Life Sciences: Organism’s Interactions with Environment December 5Earth Sciences: Meteorology December 19Earth Sciences: Astronomy January 2Earth Sciences: Earth Materials and Processes January 11Dino Day Student Day at VMNH (Friday) January 16Earth Sciences: Water February 6Physical Sciences: Matter: Structure/Properties February 20Physical Sciences: Force and Motion March 6Physical Sciences: Energy March 20Physical Sciences: Renewable/Nonrenewable Energy April 3Engineering Design April 17Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science April 19Earth Day Student Day at VMNH (Friday) May 1Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science: Engineering and Society May 15Field Trip or Service Project (TBD) http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/41 Elastic Park at VMNH! - Dinosaur Balloon Sculpture http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/41 Saturday, 20 April 2013 09:00:00 EST

It's Elastic Park time! Join us for a community art and science celebration, as Airigami artists work with members of the community to create a 20’ balloon sculpture of a T-Rex in the Hall of Ancient Life!

It's Airigami time! Join us for a community art and science celebration, as Airigami artists work with members of the community to create a 20’ T-Rex in the museum's Harvest Foundation Hall of Ancient Life made entirely of hundreds of individual balloons! Sponsored by Edwina Pancake. We look forward to seeing you at the museum! Special admissions promotion during Elastic Park, April 19-21: Name Your Own Admission!  Suggested admission: $5 - Adults $4 - College Students and Senior Citizens 60+ $3 - Children 3-18 April 19 - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.April 20 - 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.April 21 - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/42 Earth Day Family Festival http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/42 Saturday, 20 April 2013 00:00:00 EST

Celebrate Mother Earth during the Earth Day family festival on April 20th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Smith River Sports Complex.  Enjoy a large array of games and crafts, along with guided hikes, face painting and much more! SPECIAL PRICING!If you plan to attend the Earth Day family festival, a new, easy and LESS EXPENSIVE pricing structure is in place.  Pay what you want to receive admission to the festival AND gain free admission to the museum to participate in the one-of-a-kind "Airigami" event, a special event at the Virginia Museum of Natural History where the public will help the museum build a dinosaur balloon sculpture inside the Harvest Foundation of the Piedmont Hall of Ancient Life! Earth Day Family FestivalWhere: Smith River Sports Complex, 1000 Irisburg RoadWhat:  games, crafts, guided hikes, face paintingWhen:  Saturday, April 20th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Airigami Dinsosaur Balloon SculptureWhere: Virginia Museum of Natural History, 21 Starling AvenueWhat:  Help museum staff and renowned "Airigami" artists build a fiersome dinosaur sculpture inside the museum's Hall of Ancient LifeWhen: April 20 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (This event will also be open to the public w/admission on April 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/17 Homeschool Wednesdays http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/17 Wednesday, 17 April 2013 10:00:00 EST

VMNH offers engaging science and engineering programs for homeschool students. Going into our third year, we had requests from participants and are expanding our offerings by scheduling two programs per month. Programs are held the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Programs are divided into two age groups; 6-9 and 10-15. A minimal fee of $6 is required. For those who would like to pre-pay and save some money, we are offering tuition at last year’s rate for either the full year or per semester. For one semester (nine programs), tuition will be $45 and for the entire year, tuition will be $90 (18 programs). By offering these options, we will be able to guarantee your registration in all programs and insure our minimum numbers are met for each session. Tuition will also include complementary admission to Student Days at VMNH for both Dino Days (in January) and Earth Day (in April). *Pre-registration is required one week prior to each event by calling the museum at (276) 634-4185 or email at discover@vmnh.virginia.gov. 2012-2013 Schedule September 5Nature of Science and Engineering September 19Scientific Investigations and Engineering Design October 3Life Sciences: Plants October 17Life Sciences: Animals November 7Life Sciences: Ecosystems/Habitats November 14Life Sciences: Organism’s Interactions with Environment December 5Earth Sciences: Meteorology December 19Earth Sciences: Astronomy January 2Earth Sciences: Earth Materials and Processes January 11Dino Day Student Day at VMNH (Friday) January 16Earth Sciences: Water February 6Physical Sciences: Matter: Structure/Properties February 20Physical Sciences: Force and Motion March 6Physical Sciences: Energy March 20Physical Sciences: Renewable/Nonrenewable Energy April 3Engineering Design April 17Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science April 19Earth Day Student Day at VMNH (Friday) May 1Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science: Engineering and Society May 15Field Trip or Service Project (TBD) http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/43 Shred event sponsored by BB&T http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/43 Saturday, 13 April 2013 10:00:00 EST

The Virginia Museum of Natural History is partnering with BB&T to host a FREE shred event at VMNH on Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

The Virginia Museum of Natural History is partnering with BB&T to host a FREE shred event at VMNH on Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The shred truck will be in the museum’s parking lot during that time, and we encourage you to stop by and bring any documents you would like to have shredded.  Thank you to BB&T, a VMNH Corporate Partner, for making this event possible. Please email information@vmnh.virginia.gov with any questions, or to learn more about VMNH Corporate Partnership opportunities. We look forward to seeing you at the museum! Please note that the rain date for this event is Saturday, April 20. http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/26 Homeschool Wednesdays http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/26 Wednesday, 03 April 2013 10:00:00 EST

VMNH offers engaging science and engineering programs for homeschool students. Going into our third year, we had requests from participants and are expanding our offerings by scheduling two programs per month. Programs are held the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Programs are divided into two age groups; 6-9 and 10-15. A minimal fee of $6 is required. For those who would like to pre-pay and save some money, we are offering tuition at last year’s rate for either the full year or per semester. For one semester (nine programs), tuition will be $45 and for the entire year, tuition will be $90 (18 programs). By offering these options, we will be able to guarantee your registration in all programs and insure our minimum numbers are met for each session. Tuition will also include complementary admission to Student Days at VMNH for both Dino Days (in January) and Earth Day (in April). *Pre-registration is required one week prior to each event by calling the museum at (276) 634-4185 or email at discover@vmnh.virginia.gov. 2012-2013 Schedule September 5Nature of Science and Engineering September 19Scientific Investigations and Engineering Design October 3Life Sciences: Plants October 17Life Sciences: Animals November 7Life Sciences: Ecosystems/Habitats November 14Life Sciences: Organism’s Interactions with Environment December 5Earth Sciences: Meteorology December 19Earth Sciences: Astronomy January 2Earth Sciences: Earth Materials and Processes January 11Dino Day Student Day at VMNH (Friday) January 16Earth Sciences: Water February 6Physical Sciences: Matter: Structure/Properties February 20Physical Sciences: Force and Motion March 6Physical Sciences: Energy March 20Physical Sciences: Renewable/Nonrenewable Energy April 3Engineering Design April 17Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science April 19Earth Day Student Day at VMNH (Friday) May 1Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science: Engineering and Society May 15Field Trip or Service Project (TBD) http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/25 Homeschool Wednesdays http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/25 Wednesday, 20 March 2013 10:00:00 EST

VMNH offers engaging science and engineering programs for homeschool students. Going into our third year, we had requests from participants and are expanding our offerings by scheduling two programs per month. Programs are held the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Programs are divided into two age groups; 6-9 and 10-15. A minimal fee of $6 is required. For those who would like to pre-pay and save some money, we are offering tuition at last year’s rate for either the full year or per semester. For one semester (nine programs), tuition will be $45 and for the entire year, tuition will be $90 (18 programs). By offering these options, we will be able to guarantee your registration in all programs and insure our minimum numbers are met for each session. Tuition will also include complementary admission to Student Days at VMNH for both Dino Days (in January) and Earth Day (in April). *Pre-registration is required one week prior to each event by calling the museum at (276) 634-4185 or email at discover@vmnh.virginia.gov. 2012-2013 Schedule September 5Nature of Science and Engineering September 19Scientific Investigations and Engineering Design October 3Life Sciences: Plants October 17Life Sciences: Animals November 7Life Sciences: Ecosystems/Habitats November 14Life Sciences: Organism’s Interactions with Environment December 5Earth Sciences: Meteorology December 19Earth Sciences: Astronomy January 2Earth Sciences: Earth Materials and Processes January 11Dino Day Student Day at VMNH (Friday) January 16Earth Sciences: Water February 6Physical Sciences: Matter: Structure/Properties February 20Physical Sciences: Force and Motion March 6Physical Sciences: Energy March 20Physical Sciences: Renewable/Nonrenewable Energy April 3Engineering Design April 17Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science April 19Earth Day Student Day at VMNH (Friday) May 1Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science: Engineering and Society May 15Field Trip or Service Project (TBD) http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/20 Piedmont Kite Festival http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/20 Saturday, 16 March 2013 10:00:00 EST

Enjoy the great outdoors with your friends and family during the annual Piedmont Kite Festival.  Bring your own kite or make your own!  Enjoy games, crafts, music, food and more!

Enjoy the great outdoors with your friends and family during the annual Piedmont Kite Festival.  Bring your own kite or make your own!  Enjoy games, crafts, music, food and more! Want to stay up-to-date about the Piedmont Kite Festival and other museum offerings?  Click here to join our e-newsletter list and never miss a great opportunity! http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/28 26th Annual Thomas Jefferson Awards http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/28 Thursday, 14 March 2013 18:00:00 EST

The Virginia Museum of Natural History in Martinsville will host its 26th Annual Thomas Jefferson Awards ceremony on Thursday, March 14 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the German Club on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. The VMNH Foundation Thomas Jefferson Awards ceremony is a statewide event that honors individuals and corporations for outstanding contributions to natural science and natural science education. http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/24 Homeschool Wednesdays http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/24 Wednesday, 06 March 2013 10:00:00 EST

VMNH offers engaging science and engineering programs for homeschool students. Going into our third year, we had requests from participants and are expanding our offerings by scheduling two programs per month. Programs are held the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Programs are divided into two age groups; 6-9 and 10-15. A minimal fee of $6 is required. For those who would like to pre-pay and save some money, we are offering tuition at last year’s rate for either the full year or per semester. For one semester (nine programs), tuition will be $45 and for the entire year, tuition will be $90 (18 programs). By offering these options, we will be able to guarantee your registration in all programs and insure our minimum numbers are met for each session. Tuition will also include complementary admission to Student Days at VMNH for both Dino Days (in January) and Earth Day (in April). *Pre-registration is required one week prior to each event by calling the museum at (276) 634-4185 or email at discover@vmnh.virginia.gov. 2012-2013 Schedule September 5Nature of Science and Engineering September 19Scientific Investigations and Engineering Design October 3Life Sciences: Plants October 17Life Sciences: Animals November 7Life Sciences: Ecosystems/Habitats November 14Life Sciences: Organism’s Interactions with Environment December 5Earth Sciences: Meteorology December 19Earth Sciences: Astronomy January 2Earth Sciences: Earth Materials and Processes January 11Dino Day Student Day at VMNH (Friday) January 16Earth Sciences: Water February 6Physical Sciences: Matter: Structure/Properties February 20Physical Sciences: Force and Motion March 6Physical Sciences: Energy March 20Physical Sciences: Renewable/Nonrenewable Energy April 3Engineering Design April 17Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science April 19Earth Day Student Day at VMNH (Friday) May 1Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science: Engineering and Society May 15Field Trip or Service Project (TBD) http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/30 Australopithecine http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/30 Friday, 01 March 2013 00:00:00 EST

On exhibit in the Virginia Museum of Natural History Lobby beginning March 1, the exhibit Australopithecine features fossil casts on loan from the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa, Washington, D.C. The VMNH Lobby is free and open to the public, as is the Museum Store and PALEO Café.

Australopithecus sediba, a sensational new fossil find from South Africa was amongst the last of the Australopithecines, a group of hominids. The species appears to have died out around two million years ago, but its anatomy approximates that of the earliest humans, the genus Homo. Anthropologists hypothesize that as sediba died, so Homo was born.   Australopithecine is an exhibit featuring two casts of fossilized specimens of the controversial Australopithecus sediba, a human-like primate with an estimated brain capacity of a third of that found in anatomically modern humans (also known as Homo sapiens sapiens).   The nearly 2-million-year-old specimens, one a child and the other an adult, are the center of ongoing debates in the scientific community because of the possibility of them being an evolutionary bridge to the genus Homo in the hominid family. Opportunities to examine the differences between humans today and A. sediba in terms of brain size, diet, and other aspects of life will be explored in the exhibit. It will also walk visitors through the possible cause of the deaths of the individuals, their relationship to each other, and the challenge of preserving the original fossils for the future.   Discovered in 2008 in South Africa, the fossils arguably offer a new set of possible implications in the study of evolution and could shed light on how early humans migrated from Africa to other continents.   On exhibit in the Virginia Museum of Natural History Lobby beginning March 1, the exhibit features fossil casts on loan from the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa, Washington, D.C. The VMNH Lobby is free and open to the public, as is the Museum Store and PALEO Café. http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/11 Doodle Bugs! http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/11 Wednesday, 27 February 2013 10:00:00 EST

Doodle Bugs! are monthly, hour-long programs for children ages 3-5 that include imaginative stories, fun activities, games and crafts that spark creativity and curiosity.  Sign-up your child or grandchild today!

VMNH offers children ages 3 to 5 the opportunity to experience natural history first-hand with the Doodle Bugs! program. The hour- long programs include imaginative stories, fun activities, games and crafts that spark creativity and curiosity. Programs are held at 10 a.m. and repeated at 3 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required one week prior to each event by calling the museum at 276-634-4185. Program fee is $6 per participant. A program may be cancelled if the minimum number is not met. To register your child or grandchild for a Doodle Bugs! program, please email us at discover@vmnh.virginia.gov or call 276-634-4185. http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/27 Homeschool Wednesdays http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/27 Wednesday, 20 February 2013 10:00:00 EST

VMNH offers engaging science and engineering programs for homeschool students. Going into our third year, we had requests from participants and are expanding our offerings by scheduling two programs per month. Programs are held the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Programs are divided into two age groups; 6-9 and 10-15. A minimal fee of $6 is required. For those who would like to pre-pay and save some money, we are offering tuition at last year’s rate for either the full year or per semester. For one semester (nine programs), tuition will be $45 and for the entire year, tuition will be $90 (18 programs). By offering these options, we will be able to guarantee your registration in all programs and insure our minimum numbers are met for each session. Tuition will also include complementary admission to Student Days at VMNH for both Dino Days (in January) and Earth Day (in April). *Pre-registration is required one week prior to each event by calling the museum at (276) 634-4185 or email at discover@vmnh.virginia.gov. 2012-2013 Schedule September 5Nature of Science and Engineering September 19Scientific Investigations and Engineering Design October 3Life Sciences: Plants October 17Life Sciences: Animals November 7Life Sciences: Ecosystems/Habitats November 14Life Sciences: Organism’s Interactions with Environment December 5Earth Sciences: Meteorology December 19Earth Sciences: Astronomy January 2Earth Sciences: Earth Materials and Processes January 11Dino Day Student Day at VMNH (Friday) January 16Earth Sciences: Water February 6Physical Sciences: Matter: Structure/Properties February 20Physical Sciences: Force and Motion March 6Physical Sciences: Energy March 20Physical Sciences: Renewable/Nonrenewable Energy April 3Engineering Design April 17Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science April 19Earth Day Student Day at VMNH (Friday) May 1Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science: Engineering and Society May 15Field Trip or Service Project (TBD) http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/36 BOT Quarterly Meeting http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/36 Saturday, 16 February 2013 00:00:00 EST

Scheduled quarterly meeting of the museum's governing board.

http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/23 Homeschool Wednesdays http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/23 Wednesday, 06 February 2013 10:00:00 EST

VMNH offers engaging science and engineering programs for homeschool students. Going into our third year, we had requests from participants and are expanding our offerings by scheduling two programs per month. Programs are held the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Programs are divided into two age groups; 6-9 and 10-15. A minimal fee of $6 is required. For those who would like to pre-pay and save some money, we are offering tuition at last year’s rate for either the full year or per semester. For one semester (nine programs), tuition will be $45 and for the entire year, tuition will be $90 (18 programs). By offering these options, we will be able to guarantee your registration in all programs and insure our minimum numbers are met for each session. Tuition will also include complementary admission to Student Days at VMNH for both Dino Days (in January) and Earth Day (in April). *Pre-registration is required one week prior to each event by calling the museum at (276) 634-4185 or email at discover@vmnh.virginia.gov. 2012-2013 Schedule September 5Nature of Science and Engineering September 19Scientific Investigations and Engineering Design October 3Life Sciences: Plants October 17Life Sciences: Animals November 7Life Sciences: Ecosystems/Habitats November 14Life Sciences: Organism’s Interactions with Environment December 5Earth Sciences: Meteorology December 19Earth Sciences: Astronomy January 2Earth Sciences: Earth Materials and Processes January 11Dino Day Student Day at VMNH (Friday) January 16Earth Sciences: Water February 6Physical Sciences: Matter: Structure/Properties February 20Physical Sciences: Force and Motion March 6Physical Sciences: Energy March 20Physical Sciences: Renewable/Nonrenewable Energy April 3Engineering Design April 17Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science April 19Earth Day Student Day at VMNH (Friday) May 1Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science: Engineering and Society May 15Field Trip or Service Project (TBD) http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/6 Doodle Bugs! http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/6 Wednesday, 30 January 2013 15:00:00 EST

VMNH offers children ages 3 to 5 the opportunity to experience natural history first-hand with the Doodle Bugs! program. The hour- long programs include imaginative stories, fun activities, games and crafts that spark creativity and curiosity. Programs are held at 10 a.m. and repeated at 3 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required one week prior to each event by calling the museum at 276-634-4185. Program fee is $6 per participant. A program may be cancelled if the minimum number is not met. To register your child or grandchild for a Doodle Bugs! program, please email us at discover@vmnh.virginia.gov or call 276-634-4185. http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/10 Dino Day Family Festival http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/10 Saturday, 12 January 2013 10:00:00 EST

The Virginia Museum of Natural History will host the Dino Day festival on Saturday, January 12, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A 40-foot long Acrocanthosaurus cast skeleton, a walk-through maze, and real dinosaur fossil bones are all awaiting visitors to the Virginia Museum of Natural History when the museum opens its newest special exhibits, “Dinosaurs” and “Dinosaur Discovery”, on Saturday, January 12. To celebrate the opening of the exhibits, which are open through August 25, 2013, the museum is hosting the Dino Day family festival on January 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors on opening day will have access to all of the museum’s exhibits, as well as dinosaur-themed games, activities, crafts and special presentations by renowned paleontologists. The dinosaur exhibits bring spectacular displays of life-size cast skeletons, as well as real fossil bones of a variety of dinosaurs that roamed Earth during the Mesozoic era, a timeframe that stretched from approximately 250 million years ago to 65 million years ago. Among the life-size cast skeletons on display are some of the most ferocious and carnivorous dinosaurs to roam the planet, including a 40-foot long skeleton cast of an Acrocanthosaurus and a 12-foot long skeleton cast of the meat-eating Deinonychus. Included within the “Dinosaur Discovery” exhibit is a walk-through maze, consisting of a series of dinosaur murals on the inner-walls of the maze, as well as dinosaur specimens and interactive elements awaiting participants at nearly every “wrong” turn. The exhibits also display dozens of real dinosaur fossils, some of which include a Stegasaurus shoulder blade and Diplodocid thigh bones. Additionally, the exhibit marks the return of one of the museum's most popular displays ever to be exhibited, "Cera" the animatronic Triceratops. With a push of a button, “Cera” moves about for visitors. During the Dino Day family festival, the museum is offering a unique opportunity for visitors to witness the opening of a field jacket containing the fossil bones of a Triceratops skull. Field jackets are used by paleontologists to safely secure and remove fossils from the ground, as well as keep them secure while being stored. The opening of the jacket is tentatively scheduled for 11 a.m. and will allow visitors to be among some of the first people to ever see these fossils, which will be reconstructed by museum curators in the coming months. Dino Day also offers visitors two morning presentations geared toward children and youth. “A Dinosaur Named Nancy" will be presented at 10:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. by Dr. Vince Schneider, curator of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.A presentation at 2 p.m. will be available for more advanced audiences when Dr. Alton Dooley, curator of paleontology at VMNH, presents "Ghost Strata: Determining the Age and Depositional History of the Carmel Church Quarry". Games, crafts ,and other activities will take place throughout the festival for all visitors to enjoy. The museum also encourages all festival-goers to come dressed as their favorite dinosaur to receive a special prize while supplies last. Additionally, the museum’s PALEO Café and Museum Store will be open to serve all visitors throughout the day. The “Dinosaurs” and “Dinosaur Discovery” exhibits are sponsored in part by SunTrust and the Martinsville-Henry County Rotary Club. http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/31 Dinosaurs http://www.vmnh.net/events/details/ID/31 Saturday, 12 January 2013 00:00:00 EST

Dinosaurs includes a variety of spectacular dinosaur specimens and displays from the collections of the Virginia Museum of Natural History, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Life-size casts of dinosaurs dominate the exhibit, which includes a 40-foot long skeleton cast of an Acrocanthosaurus, a massive carnivorous theropod dinosaur that existed in what is now North America during the early Cretaceous period, between 125 million and 100 million years ago.  The exhibit also includes a 12-foot long skeleton cast of a Deinonychus, a carnivorous dromaeosaurid dinosaur. Dromaeosauridae were small-to medium-sized feathered carnivores that flourished during the early Cretaceous period, about 115 to 108 million years ago.

As part of the Dinosaurs exhibits, Dinosaur Discovery features a walk-through maze, consisting of a series of dinosaur murals on the inner-walls of the maze, as well as dinosaur specimens and interactive elements awaiting participants at nearly every “wrong” turn. The exhibits also display dozens of real dinosaur fossils, some of which include a Stegasaurus shoulder blade and Diplodocid thigh bones. Additionally, the exhibit marks the return of one of the museum's most popular displays ever to be exhibited, "Cera" the animatronic Triceratops. With a push of a button, “Cera” moves about for visitors.