Museum of Science and Industry

Programs and Events: Week of Monday, February 2

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

10 a.m.
Career Bowl (Ages 9 – 17)
The Career Bowl is a contest in a word-game format that introduces students to career options in the green economy, including biofuel, renewable energy, green innovation and product development, as well as organic agriculture.

10:15 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.
Workshop: Renewable Energy (Grades 6 – 10)
See the next generation of energy! Students learn how energy resources are currently used and what renewable energy possibilities exist. They will build and test their own model cars and discover how hydrogen fuel cells work. Capacity: 30 students. Duration: 65 minutes.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4

10 a.m.
Film: “An Inconvenient Truth” (Ages 9 – adult)
The Sundance Film Festival hit, “An Inconvenient Truth” chronicles former Vice President Al Gore’s journey to understanding environmental issues.  Audiences will be immersed in his crusade to educate the world about the danger humanity faces within the next 10 years if we don’t respond individually and collectively to the global warming crisis.

Ongoing from 10 a.m. – noon
Drop-in Activity: Wind Turbine (Grades 4 – 7)
Do you know what a wind turbine is? Maybe not, but they may very well be the energy wave of the future! Living in the “Windy City,” we all know how powerful the wind can be. This hands-on activity will show you how to make a do-it-yourself wind turbine—a device that transforms wind energy into electrical energy.

10 a.m.
Career Bowl (Ages 9 – 17)
See previous description under February 3.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5

10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Children’s Film: “Respect Yo’ Mama: Here Comes Mr. Recycle Man!” (Ages 7 – 12)
This energy-filled film uses a colorful cast and rhythmic soundtrack to teach the importance of respecting and protecting Mother Earth. The film demonstrates the recycling process and illustrates how it effects the environment.

10 a.m.
Student Lecture: The Climate Project (Grades 6 – 12)
In this lecture, Azibuike Akaba, an African-American environmentalist and filmmaker, will discuss the ongoing educational and global awareness issues associated with former Vice President Al Gore’s Climate Project. Akaba will use his background as a filmmaker and grassroots educator to discuss the degree to which global warmer impacts the world as we know it.

11 a.m.
Film: “An Inconvenient Truth” (Ages 9 – adult)
See previous description under February 4.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6

Ongoing from 10 a.m. – noon
Drop-in Activity: Wind Turbine (Grades 4 – 7)
See previous description under February 4.

10 a.m.
Student Lecture: The Climate Project (Grades: 3 – 6)
See previous description under February 5.

11 a.m.
Film: “An Inconvenient Truth” (Ages 9 – adult)
See previous description under February 4.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Black Creativity Family Day
Join us for a full day of family fun and learning for all ages.

9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Mini-Course: The Eight Principles of Green Village-Building (General audience)
You’ll learn everything you need to know about the “Green Revolution” and how it impacts your life and community in this workshop developed by BIG (Blacks in Green). Learn about sustainability and carbon footprinting and how we can all use “green” concepts to improve our communities and way of life. This workshop is a shortened version of a four-week program taught by Naomi Davis, who sits at the vanguard of African-American green initiatives in Chicago and serves as president and founder of BIG.

Ongoing from 10 a.m. — noon
Drop-in Activity: Wind Turbine (Grades 4 – 7)
See previous description under February 4.

EVENTS FULL -- 10:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Workshop: Indigo and Paint-Making (Ages 4 – 11)
Did you know you could make paint from rocks or that the blue dye in your denim jeans comes from indigo?  In this workshop, you will actually get your “hands dirty” with do-it-yourself indigo made from indigo powder and other natural products. Participants will leave with their own tie-dyed handkerchief. This workshop is taught by Senorities Bracey, an innovative early childcare educator.

EVENTS FULL -- 10:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Workshop: Make Your Own Can-Joe! (Ages 5 – 12)
This hands-on workshop teaches children how to make a Can-Joe—a fun instrument made in the likeness of the Banjo using wood and cans. Taught by Vince Haley, this workshop is always a hit. Come out and make beautiful music using everyday recycled objects!

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Lecture: The Green Collar Job Economy (General audience)
Van Jones—president and founder of the Green For All organization, author, and advisor to President Barack Obama—will lead a discussion on the concept behind a “green economy,” the expanding green-collar job sector, and how communities of color can use this movement as a source of industry and empowerment.

Ongoing from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Drop-in Activity: Recycled Paper-Making (Ages 5 – 12)
Did you know that each year, thousands of trees are cut down to make the paper we use for work and school? Unfortunately, much of the paper we use ends up in the landfill. This activity uses art and science and everyday products to make colorful new paper. This workshop is taught by Museum educator, Ruth Goehmann.

EVENT FULL -- 1:30 p.m.
Film: “An Inconvenient Truth” (Ages 9 – adult)
See previous description under February 4.

1:30 – 3 p.m.
Lecture: The Climate Project (General audience)
See previous description under February 5.

More Events:

Week of Feb. 2
Week of Feb. 9
Week of Feb. 16
Week of Feb. 23

To make school or tour group reservations for Black Creativity programs and events, please call the Museum at (773) 753-7053.