Food for Thought Lunch & Lecture Series
Members: $40
Non-Members: $45
Includes lecture, lunch in the Carnegie Café, exhibition tour, and museum admission.
Pre-registration is required. Call 412.622.3288 or email ProgramRegistration@carnegiemuseums.org.

Thirteen Million and Counting
Chen Young, PhD
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Dr. Chen Young, Associate Curator of Invertebrate Zoology, is your behind-the-scenes guide into our insect collection—numbering over 13 million specimens!—and the world of crane flies. Learn how researchers decide where to collect and the ways in which museum collections safeguard diversity. The day’s activities include a tour of two exhibitions highlighting the important and exciting work of our “bug guys”: Lord of the Crane Flies and Population Impact.

Whaling in the Pacific
James B. Richardson, III, PhD
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Dr. Jim Richardson, Curator Emeritus of the Section of Anthropology, talks about whaling in the Pacific. The day’s schedule includes a tour of the Whales | Tohorā exhibition, as you discover the complex relationship between whales and Pacific Islanders. Dr. Richardson then focuses on the other side of the pond and Pacific whaling on our coast.

Free Public Lecture

Dinosaur Odyssey
Scott Sampson, PhD
Saturday, January 30, 2010
CMA Theater, 2:30 p.m.
Free to the public; no museum admission required

One hundred million years ago, the American West was separated from Pennsylvania by the Western Interior Seaway. This “lost continent,” Laramidia, was the home of giant and often bizarre animals. Dr. Scott the Paleontologist, host of Dinosaur Train on PBS and renowned scientist/educator, takes us on a journey into this lost continent and addresses a variety of mysteries, such as the enigmatic presence of so many giant, plant-eating dinosaurs, and the evolution of the tyrant king, Tyrannosaurus rex.

Adult Lecture

Do Right by the Right Whale
Angelia Vanderlaan
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Lecture Hall, 1 p.m.
Free with museum admission

North Atlantic right whales were the “right whales” to hunt because they moved slowly and floated at the surface when dead. This led them to become one of the most critically endangered marine mammal species in the world, but recent conservation efforts may be bringing the whales back. Angelia Vanderlaan, winner of the 2008 William T. Hornaday Conservation Award, will share good news about these gentle giants.

Powdermill Nature Reserve

Powdermill Nature Reserve is the biological research station of Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Located in Rector, PA, amidst the rolling Laurel Highlands, wildflowers, trees, songbirds, and salamanders can be examined by eye, ear, magnifying glass, and camera. The world-class research programs at Powdermill, including the renowned bird-banding laboratory, take advantage of the biodiversity of the Allegheny Mountains. Click here to visit the Powdermill Web site.

Winter Nature Hikes
Saturdays in November and December
1 p.m.
Free; no registration required

On Saturdays throughout winter, join naturalists and educators for family-appropriate, seasonal nature hikes. These hour-long hikes take place in snow, rain, wind, or cold, so please dress appropriately. For information, call 724.593.6105. Please note: The December 12 hike will take place on Sunday, December 13 instead of Saturday.

Scientific Lecture Series for Adults
Sundays in November and December
1 p.m.
Free; no registration required

On Sundays throughout winter, enjoy a scientific lecture series given by naturalists, scientists, and researchers from Powdermill Nature Reserve and Carnegie Museum of Natural History, as well as some special guest speakers. Talks are geared toward adults and last between 30 and 60 minutes in the Parker Room of the Nature Center.

November 22: The Natural and Cultural History of the Apple
November 29: Pennsylvania Squirrels
December 6: Wastewater Treatment at Powdermill
December 12: Geology, Climate Change, and Public Outreach (see below for description)
December 20: Mammals in Winter
December 27: Cane Toads in Australia: the Un-natural History

GEOLOGY, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND PUBLIC OUTREACH: NEW SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERIES IN THE PITTSBURGH REGION
Albert D. Kollar, MS, and David K. Brezinski, PhD, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Section of Geology and Invertebrate Paleontology
Please note: This lecture will take place on Saturday, December 12 instead of Sunday, December 13.
1 p.m.
Free; no registration required

Learn how geologists research and translate their work to educate audiences through the fascinating case study of recent Pittsburgh discoveries. These discoveries have resulted in the development of a new hypothesis on climates during the formation of the Appalachian Mountains.

SPARKS Parent/Child Workshop
Saturday, March 6, 2010
9 a.m.–4 p.m.

The primary goal of Bronx Zoo-initiated SPARKS (Supporting Parents in Advocacy, Reform, and Knowledge in Science) is to promote parental involvement in children’s science education. During our SPARKS workshops, parents and children are divided into separate groups for the morning session, re-grouping in the afternoon. Children participate in guided museum activities while parents learn tactics to engage their children in museum exhibits, the natural world around them, and scientific exploration. Parents also learn how to design science- and nature-related activities, encourage children to ask questions, and find the answers together!

Fee
Free, but pre-registration is required. Space is limited, so register early. Recommended for children grades K–5. For more information, please contact Marie Pocasangre at 412.578.2456 or pocasangrem@carnegiemnh.org.

Attention, Educators!

Be sure to check out the Programs & Workshops for Educators page for more Adult programs.