Final Sensory Friendly Night of 2019 Scheduled for November 19

GREENSBORO, NC — On Tuesday, November 19 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the Greensboro Science Center (GSC) will host its final Sensory Friendly Night of 2019. This after-hours event is designed specifically for guests with sensory-related challenges, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, and their families.

Martha Regester, VP of Education, says, “We want everyone to experience science adventures at the Greensboro Science Center, and we know that sometimes the noise, lights, sounds, and smells – and crowds – can be overwhelming. We are really excited to open our doors with a more relaxed night for families with someone whose autism or anxiety makes a visit more challenging during regular operating hours.”

Sensory Friendly Night tickets are free for GSC members and $5 per person for non-members ages 3 and older. Children 2 and younger are free. Tickets can be purchased on site at the GSC’s admission window the evening of the event. Tickets include admission to the GSC’s museum and aquarium, with special quiet and activity zones, games, and sensory backpacks available for loan. The zoo will not be open.

Guests are encouraged to visit the GSC’s website to access downloadable materials that will help prepare for the evening’s activities. Downloadable resources include a map that highlights locations of exhibits and activities as well as locations with sensory extremes, such as loud noises, unusual smells, and bright or dark lighting conditions. A printable photo board denoting the activities available through the evening is also available so guests can build their own schedule prior to arrival. A social narrative is available to prepare guests about what they can expect during their visit.

Although November 19 is the final Sensory Friendly Night for 2019, the GSC is planning to continue these inclusive science opportunities in 2020. 2019 Sensory Friendly Night events have been made possible by the Lincoln Financial Foundation. Special thanks goes to the University of North Carolina TEACCH Autism Program for GSC staff training as well as the Autism Society of North Carolina for their support of this program.

 

Greensboro Science Center Honors Members of the Military with Free Admission Veterans Day Weekend

GREENSBORO, NC — In honor of Veterans Day, the Greensboro Science Center (GSC) is offering free admission to veterans as well as active duty and retired military personnel from November 9, 2019 – November 11, 2019. Guests accompanying service members will receive reduced admission of $12.50 (plus tax) per person. A valid Veteran or Military ID is required.

In addition, veterans, military personnel and their guests are invited to participate on the GSC’s high ropes course, SKYWILD, for the reduced rate of $35 per person. Participants may reserve their adventures online at skywild.org using code THANKS19. A valid Veteran or Military ID must be presented at check-in.

Erin Sherrill, Guest Services Operations Manager, says, “We could never thank our military members enough for all that they have done for our great country. The GSC looks forward to hosting these individuals and their families during this very special time of year.”

Conservation Creation: Junk Jellies

Without a doubt, jellies are one of Earth’s strangest animals. They have neither hearts nor brains but have managed to survive on our planet for over 500 million years! Often called jellyfish, they’re not actually fish – instead, they make up their own group of incredibly diverse animals. For example, the smallest jelly, the Irukanji, only grows to about the size of a thumbtack, while the Lion’s Mane Jelly can reach lengths of over 100 feet! Some jellies use stinging for defense and hunting, others can clone themselves, and others still can glow in the dark!

At first glance, jellies may not seem to be up to much, but they’re actually doing a lot of good for our oceans! Not only do they provide a food source for many of our favorite animals, but they also help to stir the ocean, keeping it healthy. Unfortunately, climate change and plastic pollution are working against these amazing animals. If you’d like to help jellies and the animals that rely upon them, reduce your plastic usage and your carbon footprint. A couple of easy ways to do this? Switch from single-use plastic straws and bags to reusable options, and buy more local produce and products when available.

And now for our DIY portion. This month we will be creating some fun decorations with things you can find around your home: Junk Jellies!

What you will need:

• Glue
• String or yarn
• Leftover cups or bowls
• Paint or markers
• Junk (we use mostly craft materials for our examples, but anything you can find around your house will work!)

Supplies for Junk Jellies

Step 1: Paint your cup or bowl and allow it to dry

Step 1: Paint your cup or bowl

Step 2: Attach whatever material you are using for the arms. For our example, we are using clothes pins.

Step 2: Attach arms

Step 3: Use glue to attach whatever materials you want to use to decorate your jelly and allow to dry.

Step 3: Decorate your jelly

Step 4: Glue string or yarn to the top of your jelly and wait for the glue to dry

Step 4: Attach string or yarn to the top of your jelly

Step 5: Hang your junk jellies around your home!

Step 5: Hang your Junk Jellies around your home!

For an added challenge, research different types of jellies and try to make your Junk Jellies look similar to them using things around your home.

Preparing for Winter: Reptiles & Amphibians

The Greensboro Science Center is home to a number of reptiles and amphibians, including four awesome Aldabra tortoises! Although they live at the GSC all year long, during your winter visit, you won’t see these guys out and about in our zoo.

As cold-blooded animals, Aldabra tortoises need warm weather to stay healthy. When temperatures dip below about 60 degrees, they remain inside their blockhouses where the temperature is maintained at a toasty 80 degrees and where they have access to heat lamps and UV lamps.

You probably notice in your very own backyard that you don’t see turtles, snakes, frogs, and the like during winter. Many of these animals hibernate during the colder months. If you see one around as the temperatures begin to cool, the best thing to do is to leave it alone. If the animal is in an unsafe location, you can move it to a brushy area where it can burrow and hide. To help local reptiles and amphibians, you can create brush piles in your yard where they can stay warm and safe through winter!

Grown-Up Game Night!

The Greensboro Science Center (GSC) is hosting Grown-Up Game Night on Tuesday, December 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for adults ages 21 and older. During the event, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy wine and beer – as well as non-alcoholic beverages – while exploring the GSC after hours in an adult-only atmosphere.

In honor of the GSC’s current temporary exhibit, Toys: The Inside Story, additional games and activities will be located throughout the museum. Guests will be invited to join GSC staff for a round of trivia, participate in a virtual snowball fight, and try their hand at giant jenga, kerplunk, and cornhole.

Jessica Gouge, Event Manager for the GSC, says, “Everyone deserves a night of fun with friends – and what better place to do it than the Greensboro Science Center! Grown-Up Game Night is a chance to let your inner child out for a night and rediscover your love of science and animals!”

Tickets to Grown-Up Game Night are $8 for Greensboro Science Center members and $10 for non-members in advance. At the door, ticket prices will increase to $10 for Greensboro Science Center members and $12 for non-members. Two complimentary drink tickets are included with each admission and guests will have the opportunity to purchase additional drink tickets during the event.

 

Transit of Mercury Viewing Party!

On Monday, November 11, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., the Greensboro Astronomy Club and Greensboro Science Center (GSC) are teaming up for a Transit of Mercury Viewing Party. The event will take place in front of the Greensboro Science Center’s main entrance and is free for all to attend. Admission to the Greensboro Science Center is not included with this free event; however, general admission tickets may be purchased for those who choose to visit the GSC on this day.

During the event, Greensboro Astronomy Club members will set up telescopes outfitted with solar filters so guests can safely watch the transit of Mercury across the sun. Additional activities include a gravity well demonstration, coloring pages and an a kid-friendly photo op.

In the event of weather interference, activities will take place in the GSC’s Science Advancement through Innovative Learning (SAIL) Center.

Magical Mondays Coming to the Greensboro Science Center

The Greensboro Science Center (GSC) is celebrating the holiday season with a series of four family-friendly Magical Mondays. These evening events will take place from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on November 25, December 2, December 9, and December 16.

Santa will be on site meeting guests and posing for photos while Mrs. Claus helps children discover the science of the season. Crafts and activities will be available, including create-your-own ornaments, coral wreath decorating, and DIY snowflakes. Also included in the ticket price are complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, storytelling, and holiday shows in the OmniSphere Theater. The GSC’s Toy Maze, Toys: The Inside Story, SciPlay Bay, and Prehistoric Passages: Realm of Dragons exhibits will also be open for guests to explore. The aquarium and zoo will be closed.

Tickets to Magical Mondays are required for both children and adults. Prices are as follows:

In advance:
$8 for Greensboro Science Center members
$10 for non-members
Children ages 2 and under are free.

At the door:
$10 for Greensboro Science Center members
$12 for non-members
Children ages 2 and under are free.

Tickets are available online at: greensboroscience.org.