Connecticut Science Center Celebrates Earth Day

From the Connecticut Science Center: There is no better way to support science than joining us at the Science Center for an Earth Day celebration. Celebrate the season opening of our rooftop garden by designing your own flowerpot and planting your own seedling to take home. Learn how to make your own energy efficient solar oven out of a pizza box to take home with Earthlight Solar & Energy Solutions. Jungle Jim is back with another amazing balloon show! Wild About Recycling is sure to get audiences excited to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Be sure to check out an exciting puppet show put on by the Hispanic Heritage Council. With activities happening from 11AM-3PM, Earth Day is sure to be a day full of fun. The first 250 Science Center members to join us will receive an exclusive limited edition t-shirt. For more information call (860) SCIENCE [724.3623] or visit CTScienceCenter.org.

Connecticut Science Center’s Rooftop Garden Open for the Season

• Opens April 22, Weekends in spring and summer, weather permitting

The Connecticut Science Center’s Rooftop Garden is open for the season starting on Earth Day, April 22, weather permitting. Come enjoy the sunshine while you stroll through our many species of plants. You may even meet a friendly creature or two! Visits to the Rooftop Garden are FREE with the purchase of General Admission or Science Center Membership. For more information call (860) SCIENCE [724.3623] or visitCTScienceCenter.org.

Connecticut Science Center STEM Achievement Awards

• Tuesday, April 25 7:30AM-9:30AM

The Connecticut Science Center is proud to celebrate the achievements of professionals, groups, advocates, businesses, and leaders who share our mission to inspire lifelong learning through interactive and innovative experiences that explore our changing world through science. These individuals and organizations are honored annually at our Awards Breakfast. Selected by the Connecticut Science Center’s Women in Science Committee, the Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Award is given to recognize a women working in STEM as a leader in her field. The Networking Breakfast is 7:30-8:30AM immediately followed by the awards presentation 8:30-9:30AM. The STEM Achievement Awards are presented by Stanley Black & Decker with support from Burns & McDonnell. Tickets are $40 per person/$35 for Science Center Members. For sponsorship and registration information, please contact Amy Sailor at asailor@ctsciencecenter.org or call 860-520-2163.

Cooking up Chemistry! Molecular Gastronomy Lecture with Dr. Nicholas Leadbeater

• Thursday, May 4, 2017, 6PM – 8PM (networking reception 6-6:30PM)

Dr. Nicholas Leadbeater is an associate professor of chemistry at the University of Connecticut. His knack for explaining science clearly has made him a regular guest on National Public Radio’s “Academic Minute.” Join Dr. Leadbeater and learn about the different chemical properties that are central to food; its preparation and enjoyment. Discover on a molecular level why a soufflé won’t rise and why chocolate is so moreish, amongst other things. Also, learn how some unconventional techniques used by chemists are finding their way into the culinary world, such as spherification, which involves making liquid-filled beads that explode in the mouth with a pleasingly sensual pop!

Whenever we cook, we are acting as chemists in our own familiar kitchens rather than sterile labs. When we eat what we cook, we experience the multitude of chemical reactions and sensations that we interpret as taste. In this presentation, we will examine the different chemical properties that are central to food; its preparation and enjoyment!

Admission: $10 Adults, $5 Members, Corporate Members, Seniors, Students. There will be a cash bar. Admission includes the networking reception and one drink ticket. For more information and to register, contact Amy Sailor at asailor@ctsciencecenter.org or (860) 520-2163.

Molecular Gastronomy Workshops, The Science of Food

Format: Hands-on, Ages 18+

Join professional chefs as they demonstrate and share techniques behind innovative food preparation.

• Saturday, May 20, 10AM – 12PM with Chef Noel Jones, award-winning Executive Chef, Best Chefs America. Chef Jones will make smoked bacon wrapped Colorado lamb loin cuit sous vide using Sous Vide cooking technique and transglutaminase.
• Saturday, June 3, 10AM – 12PM with Chef Scottish Francis of Masterchef season 5. Chef Francis will make a giant crostini with mozzarella and mango spheres topped with a soy lecithin basil foam. He will also demonstrate how to create yolks using sodium and calcium chloride.
• Saturday, June 3, 2PM – 4PM with Chef Scottish Francis of Masterchef season 5. Chef Francis will make his signature Crazy Caprese dish using the spherification technique and agar to create balsamic caviar and tomato spaghetti.

Registration fee is $35 per workshop. For more information and to register, contact Amy Sailor at asailor@ctsciencecenter.org or (860) 520-2163.

Family Gardening Weekend with the Petit Family Foundation

• Saturday, May 20, and Sunday, May 21, 10AM-5PM

Our Rooftop Garden will be open on weekends starting on Earth Day, weather permitting. Join us there to plant seeds and participate in other GREEN hands-on activities the whole family will enjoy. Family Gardening Weekend is presented by the Petit Family Foundation and is FREE with the purchase of General Admission or with a Connecticut Science Center Membership. For more information, call (860) SCIENCE [724.3623] or visit CTScienceCenter.org.

Sensory Friendly Day

• Saturday, May 27, 10AM-5PM

The Science Center is lowering the volume and dimming the lights to accommodate groups and families with children on the autism spectrum or with other developmental disabilities. Visitors will be able to enjoy tons of activities, arts & crafts, as well as LIVE Gallery Science demonstrations all without the usual loud sounds and bright lights. Presented by The Miracle League of Connecticut. Tickets are $14 online in advance or $16.95 at the door. 1:1 aides are always free. For more information, contact Brit Montmeat at bmontmeat@ctsciencecenter.org or (860) 520-2112.

Honoring Those Who Serve

• Saturday, May 27, and Sunday, May 28, 10AM-5PM

Treat your favorite service member to FREE General Admission to the Connecticut Science Center! This offer applies to all active, reserve, and retired military, fire, police, state troopers, and EMS personnel. Accompanying family members are half price, too! As a special bonus, meet everyone’s favorite pup and patrol the Science Center with Chase and Ryder 11AM – 2PM daily. Please bring proof of service. For more information call (860) SCIENCE [724.3623] or visit www.CTScienceCenter.org.

Adult Coffee Club: Brain Fitness!

• Tuesday, May 30, 1PM-2:30PM

Dr. Sarah Raskin, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Trinity College joins us at the Connecticut Science Center to discuss activities to help maintain cognitive functioning while enjoying coffee, puzzles, and games. From games to music to diet, learn how to maintain mental sharpness. Following the event, enjoy full access to our hands-on exhibits. Presented by AARP. Registration is $15 per person; coffee and tea are included. For more information and to register, contact Brit Montmeat at bmontmeat@ctsciencecenter.org or (860) 520-2112.

Kick off Summer with Curious George presented by PBS Kids

• Saturday & Sunday, June 24 & 25, 11AM-3PM

Kick off the summer with a trip to the tropics INSIDE the Connecticut Science Center! Meet Curious George, see LIVE butterflies in the NEW Butterfly Encounter, create your own butterfly crafts, and much more. Most activities are included FREE with General Admission or Connecticut Science Center Membership. There is an extra ticket required for Butterfly Encounter. For more information, call (860) SCIENCE [724.3623] or visit CTScienceCenter.org.

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