Museum of Science and Industry

Programs and Events: Week of Monday, February 16

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17

10 a.m.
Career Bowl (Ages 9 – 17)
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.

10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Workshop: Functional Art-Making with Found Objects (Ages 7 – 12)
Everyone knows recycling is great for the environment, but did you know recycled objects make great art materials? Found objects, or recycled objects, have been used in sculptures, three-dimensional paintings and set designs. Dr. Charles Smith, an acclaimed folk artist, will lead students in a hands-on activity using found objects to create eye-catching garbage receptacles. This workshop was developed by BIG (Blacks in Green).

10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.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.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18

10 a.m.
Workshop: 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.

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.

10:15 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.

11:15 a.m.
Earth Revealed Show (General audience)
Get an up-close view of planet Earth on an animated globe suspended from the ceiling. Images projected onto the sphere show data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, so you can see the Earth’s atmosphere, ocean currents, storm formation and temperature changes. Learn about carbon dioxide in our atmosphere and what it has to do with you, our environment and global warming.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19

10 a.m. and 11:30 a.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)
Speakers from Al Gore’s Climate Project will discuss the main points covered in “An Inconvenient Truth” and contextualize how our individual and collective actions have long-term effects on the planet and our future quality of life. This lecture is great for anyone who has not seen “An Inconvenient Truth” or for those who want a refresher of the film’s main points.

10:15 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Workshop: Window-Box Gardening and Composting 101 (Grades 5 – 8)
With the rising cost of food, many people are opting to grow their own produce in their backyards, porches, terraces and window sills. Come learn the basics of window-box gardening and composting—a technique for recycling plant and vegetable waste that enriches our soil and other plant life.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20

10 a.m.
Student Lecture: Growing Green Enterprises (Grades 7 – 12)
People from all walks of life with varying educational backgrounds have found careers within the emerging green economy. Maybe one of these careers is right for you. Students will get a chance to speak with engineers, architects, city planners and real estate developers about their green enterprises.

11 a.m.
Student Lecture: New Century Black Farmers (Grades 3 – 6)
Do you know any farmers? Maybe you do, and maybe you don’t. Either way, here’s your chance to meet an organic farmer who struts the fashion runway when she’s not planting vegetables and raising chickens! You’ll also have the opportunity to meet young people who spend their mornings and weekends helping their families maintain their farms.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21

9:45 – 11:45 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.

10 a.m.
Children’s Film: “Eco Rap: Voices from the Hood” (Grades 7 – 12)
This film uses an “ecology in your face” model for exploring ecological issues from a cacophony of multi-ethnic young voices rapping about environmental waste and hazards.  Features rappers A. K. Black, Young Lou, T-Stone, She She, Watus and others.

10:15 – 11:45 a.m.
Workshop: Renewable Energy (Grades 6 –10)
See previous description under February 18.

11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Workshop: Indigo and Paint-Making (Ages 4 – 11)
See previous description under February 17.

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Lecture: Black and Green, New Century Black Farmers (General audience)
African Americans have a long history of farming and were influential in the development of the antebellum plantation economy and southern wealth. But many people don’t realize the impact that African slaves and African-American knowledge of farming have had on agricultural technologies as we know them today. This panel discussion features Dr. Lily Golden, the daughter of Oliver Golden, who was a student of Dr. George Washington Carver—the father of the Green Movement.  You’ll also hear from contemporary black farmers including Johari Cole of Iyabo Farm as well as the moderator LaDonna Redmond, a prominent green activist.

Ongoing from 1 – 3 p.m.
Drop-in Activity: Recycled Paper-Making (Ages 5 – 12)
See previous description under February 18.

1:30 – 3 p.m.
Lecture: The Greening of Chicago (General audience)
The green market niche is booming as consumers are demanding environmentally friendly goods and services. There are a growing number of African-American architects, developers, sustainable energy experts and automotive designers who are working hard to meet this demand. This panel discussion will feature key African-American players in each of these fields and highlight their educational and professional backgrounds, as well as significant green projects or initiatives they have spearheaded.

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.