McWane Science Center Calendar Now - Dec. + Membership Discount

Imagination Lab

– Ends September 5

Labor day is the last chance to experiment with McWane’s collection of summer exhibits including the giant maze, messy art studio, and more. Some areas that were part of this seasonal exhibit will become permanent additions to the museum including the bubble room and imagination blocks. The zip line was a visitor favorite all summer, but will temporarily leave and return again during the busy holiday season.

Eat Well/Play Well Exhibit

– Ends September 18

What is in the food we eat? Are fruits and vegetables important? Can everyday activities burn calories? Visitors will find the answers to these questions by exploring nutrition and fitness in this summer's traveling exhibit called Eat Well, Play Well. This highly-interactive exhibit encourage healthy living by teaching the science of making healthy-food choices and helping children and adults discover that there are many fun and interesting ways to stay active. Visitors will discover what an appropriate serving size looks like, see first hand what it takes to burn off calories, test their flexibility and balance, review the latest clinical research and realize that they can reduce their risk of disease with healthy choices that are within their reach!

Shelby County Family Day

Saturday, September 24

Half-off museum admission at McWane Science Center for Shelby County Residents

Residents of Shelby County are invited to enjoy special access to McWane Science Center during the first Shelby County Day at McWane on Saturday, September 24, 2011.

Shelby County residents will receive half-off admission to McWane Science Center. It is a great opportunity for families to explore the museum. McWane Science Center is a nonprofit, hands-on museum that features four floors of interactive exhibits including an amazing collection of dinosaurs, hands-on science exhibits, imaginative early childhood learning areas, and an awe-inspiring aquarium. Shelby County residents must present a copy of the invitation that you can download from www.mcwane.org and print at home or pick up a copy at any Shelby County Library. Present the invitation and a copy of a current driver’s license showing proof of residency at the ticketing counter to redeem the offer.  The half-off admission applies to both children and adults and includes the museum only. Only one coupon needed per family.

220 million years ago dinosaurs were beginning their domination of Earth. But another group of reptiles was about to make an extraordinary leap: pterosaurs were taking control of the skies. The story of how and why these mysterious creatures took to the air is more fantastical than any fiction. In Flying Monsters, Sir David Attenborough the world’s leading naturalist, sets out to uncover the truth about the enigmatic pterosaurs, whose wingspans of up to 40 feet were equal to that of a modern day jet plane. The central question and one of the greatest mysteries in paleontology is: how and why did pterosaurs fly? How did creatures the size of giraffes defy gravity and soar through prehistoric skies? Driven by the information he finds as he attempts to answer these questions, Attenborough starts to unravel one of science’s more enduring mysteries, discovering that the marvel of pterosaur flight has evolutionary echoes that resonate even today. Flying Monsters is a groundbreaking film that uses cutting-edge 3D technology and CGI to bring the story of giant flying monsters and their prehistoric world to life. Audiences of all ages will be in awe as they enter the world and experience, as never before, REAL Flying Monsters – in IMAX®.

Earth Science Week

October 9 - October 15

Included in cost of admission

Enjoy hands-on activities about the Earth’s energy resources all week!

Included in cost of admission, FREE for members

We're having a prehistoric party all day! Join us for dino-mite programs in the museum designed for all ages programs range from fossil making to learning about rare finds in McWane Science Center’s natural history collection. Guests who dress up in dinosaur clothes will get a surprise!

WEATHERFEST

Saturday, October 15 from 10 – 2
FREE activities on plaza, $5 OFF Museum admission all day

Join the National Weather Association for the first ever WeatherFest at McWane Science Center on Saturday, October 15, 2011 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Weather enthusiasts of all ages are invited for a rare chance to meet meteorologists from all over the country. Learn about the science of meteorology and meet weather personalities from The Weather Channel, FOX6, ABC 33/40, NBC 13, CBS 42 and many others. Check out weather equipment on the plaza including a Doppler on Wheels, a mobile wind profiler and more. You'll also have an opportunity to get your NOAA radio programmed.  Outdoor activities will be free and open to the public.

Visitors receive $5 off museum admission on October 15.

Tornado Alley will also be showing in McWane’s IMAX® Dome Theater – the largest movie screen in Birmingham.

For more information, visit www.mcwane.org. To learn more about the National Weather Association Annual Meeting in Birmingham, go to www.NWA2011.com.

National Chemistry Week

October 16 - October 22

Included in cost of admission

Enjoy classic chemistry experiments and learn the positive impacts of chemistry as it relates to nutrition, hygiene, and medicine.

Spooktacular Sleepover

October 21

6:00 PM – 9:00 AM

Tickets: $35 Kids, $20 Adults (Members get $5 OFF)

Spend the night inside the haunted museum and enjoy spooktacular science experiments from Frankenstein’s lightning show to mixing up crazy concoctions in a cauldron! This spooky celebration is fun for all ages. Event includes dinner, breakfast, midnight snack, Flying Monsters IMAX® film, and all activities. Reservations are required in advance. Please call (205) 714-8414 to buy tickets.

BASKETBALL: THE SCIENCE OF SWISH

OPENS OCTOBER 22

McWane Science Center’s new exhibit Basketball: The Science of Swish gives visitors a chance to learn the science behind shooting hoops. Alabama based company CTS and NOAH Basketball developed a computerized shooting system that helps a player find the optimal degree of arc on basketball shots. This technology is now used by pro teams including the Miami Heat and others around the country. The technology helps players measure the arc of their shot and demonstrates that maintaining a certain degree of arc in your throw is important for accuracy. In the new Basketball: The Science of Swish exhibit, guests will step into the “shooting cage” and throw several foul shots. The Noah Basketball system will detect the arc of the basketball and will show a snapshot of the visitor’s free throw with a graphical representation of the actual arc superimposed over the ideal arc. Guests can shoot the ball, see the result, and actually see each shot's trajectory. Visitors will attempt to correct their shot to best approximate the ideal arc. Guests will learn how arc affects the accuracy of a foul shot and the degree of arc the visitor should be striving to achieve. The new exhibit will be a permanent addition to the museum. For more information about Noah Basketball systems visit

Mole Day (10^23) at McWane

October 23

Included in cost of admission

Mole Day commemorates Avogadro's Number (6.02 x 10^23), which is a basic measuring unit in chemistry first discovered by Amadeo Avogadro (1776-1858). Enjoy programs throughout the day.

TRICK OR TREAT IN THE MUSEUM

Sunday, October 30

12:00 - 4:00 PM

Included in museum admission, FREE for members

Bring your little monsters for a not-too-scary but totally spooky adventure! Try science "tricks" like sticking your hands in slime, learning how to mix mysterious potions, and even touching pumpkin guts! Wear a costume to the museum and get a special treat!

MAGIC OF MODEL TRAINS EXHIBIT

November 5 – January 8, 2012

See toy trains of every shape and size zipping around the tracks in the Magic of Model Trains exhibit. This year children will be able to become conductors at one of the new stations and also see several new additions to the train sets.

WINTER WONDERLAND

November 25, 2011-January 8, 2012

Snow is in the forecast at McWane Science Center this year with the return of the Winter Wonderland exhibit. This magical holiday experience gives families a chance to learn about the science of the season together as they play in the snow, go ice fishing, and watch toy trains zip around the tracks. Winter Wonderland offers something for everyone in the family to enjoy together. Inside the snow room, children can make snow angels, build snow castles and more. Children can catch fish through the ice in the ice fishing area. Guests can even sled down the giant slide between the third and second floors in the museum or try the zip line. Families also have a chance to see toy trains of every shape and size zipping around the tracks in the Magic of Model Trains area. This year children will be able to become conductors at one of the new stations and also see several new additions to the train sets.

December 3 &17

8:00 - 10:00 am

$15 Adults, $12 Kids (Members: $12 Adults, $10 Kids)

Bring your little elves to have breakfast in Santa’s Workshop. Make holiday crafts, have breakfast together, explore the Winter Wonderland exhibit and visit with Santa! Be sure to bring your camera! Tickets also include museum admission. Reservations are required. Call (205) 714-8414 to make a reservation.

(Movie Times: 3:00 pm or 6:00 pm)

$11 Adults, $10 Children (Members get $1 OFF)

The Polar Express Pajama Parties have become a holiday tradition for the entire family. Put on your pajamas and treat yourself to hot-chocolate, cookies, and a visit with Santa. Make sure to bring your own camera for photographs with Santa. Special treats will be given to all kids who wear their pajamas!

Reservations are required. Please call (205) 714-8414.

SNOWED-IN SLEEPOVER

December 16

6:00 PM - 9:00 AM

Tickets: Children $35.00, Adults $20.00 (Members get $5 OFF!)

The forecast calls for snow this year inside the museum! Spend the night ice fishing, sledding and even have a snowball fight in the Winter Wonderland exhibit! Sleepover includes Santa vs. the Snowman in IMAX®, dinner, snacks, breakfast and snowy science activities! Reservations are required. Please call (205) 714-8414 to make a reservation.

Full Day (Morning & Afternoon Sessions):        Members $60, Non-Members $80

Half Day (Morning OR Afternoon Sessions):     Members $30, Non-Members $40

What will your children learn during school break this year? In just one day at McWane camp, they could have a polar party, construct a gingerbread house, or even make their own snow. The various themes and activities allow children to experience something new each day. Camps are offered in half day or all day sessions. Reservations are required. Online registration starts in September.