The
N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh is marking the season with 12 Days of Science, starting today! Here's the rundown of nearly daily activities at the museum with descriptions courtesy of the museum.
Monday, Dec. 18
3D Movie – “Museum Alive!” at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
In this stunning new movie David Attenborough takes us on a journey through the world-famous Natural History Museum in London, revealing it as it’s never been seen before, in a compelling tale of discovery, adventure and magic. Ticket required.
Tuesday, Dec. 19
Warm Up in the Butterfly Room, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Immerse yourself in the Living Conservatory, a Central American tropical dry forest housing butterflies, turtles, tarantulas, snakes and even a two-toed sloth. Discover a vanilla orchid, pineapple plant, cashew tree and more! Free.
Wednesday, Dec. 20
3D Movie – “Conquest of the Skies” at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Explore nature’s ingenuity as you soar from a falcon’s point of view, see hummingbirds flutter in slow motion, accompany bats on the hunt, meet lizards that glide with the greatest of ease, and find out how clumsy beetles got their wings. Ticket required.
Thursday, Dec. 21
“The Internet of Things” – Science Café at 7 p.m.
The ubiquity of low-cost, low-power microcontrollers has spawned a new ecosystem of so-called “smart things” — from lightbulbs to diapers — that are connected to their users and to each other through the internet. Find out more about this “Internet of Things.” Free.
Friday, Dec. 22
Do-It-Yourself Science, 10 a.m. to 4 pm
Let your budding young scientists get hands-on experience with real scientific tools and experiments in one of our three Investigate Labs: Micro World, Natural World and Visual World. Free.
Saturday, Dec. 23
Science Buffet – Live Science Show at 1 p.m.
Science Buffet is a lively science presentation featuring a “taste” of everything the Museum has to offer: live animals, weird science facts, dramatic demonstrations, and explosions (small and controlled of course), all seasoned with a touch of humor. Ticket required.
Sunday, Dec. 24 Museum closed for Christmas Eve
Monday, Dec. 25 Museum closed for Christmas Day
Tuesday, Dec. 26 (through Dec. 30)
Jackson Hole WILD on Tour each day at 1 p.m.
Tuesday kicks off five days of award-winning films from the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival with “Tales by Light,” which follows extraordinary photographers and their quest to make a difference in the fate of our natural world through their art. Free.
Wednesday, Dec. 27 (through Dec. 30)
Investigate Ants: A Virtual Reality Experience, from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Experience what it’s like to come face to face with an ant in this 360-degree Virtual Reality experience! Museum researchers Dr. Adrian Smith and Dr. Magdalena Sorger guide you through the ant’s world and explain how you can help with their ant research. Ticket required.
Thursday, Dec. 28
“Collected Curiosities” – Science Café at 7 p.m.
The Museum maintains and studies more than 4 million specimens covering 140 years. Most of the collection hides out of sight of visitors, waiting to be explored by scientists. Prepare to be amazed by the stories and see some unique and wonderful things during this special “show-and-tell.” Free.
Friday, Dec. 29
Finally Friday – “Big Hero 6” at 6 p.m.
Join us to watch Big Hero 6 and learn everything you ever wanted to know about the science of A.I., robots and animation. We’ll host an expert speaker to help us separate the fact from the fiction following the screening. Ticket required.
Saturday, Dec. 30
Science Buffet – Live Science Show at 1 p.m.
Science Buffet is a lively science presentation featuring a “taste” of everything the Museum has to offer: live animals, weird science facts, dramatic demonstrations, and explosions (small and controlled of course), all seasoned with a touch of humor. Ticket required.
Sunday, Dec. 31
First Night Raleigh, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Learn a new hobby or enjoy other child-friendly activities at the daytime DIY Festival from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Museum. Then later enjoy performances by flautist Rozalind MacPhail at 8 and 9pm. To participate, purchase a First Night button (available in the Museum Store and at the event website).
