Whether you need a quick explainer on a key turning point in the history of the Mayan civilization, the New Orleans Saints’ past playoff woes or the subtleties between seasons of “The Simpsons”, there is no person better equipped at the Houston Museum of Natural Science than Dr. Dirk Van Tuerenhout. He speaks five languages, […]
If you’re at home with a kiddo who has sensory sensitivities, it can be difficult to find new things to do. Here are a few activities that we’ve found to be helpful for students who we’ve met at HMNS! If your kiddo also loves to visit HMNS, but isn’t able to at the moment, we […]
During the time HMNS has been closed, constant attention is given to ensure that collections and buildings are safe and secure and that all systems are functioning as they should. Assigned staff has been making routine checks, paying close attention to collections in special storage. While another portion of the staff has been working throughout […]
Archaeologists keep careful records, as do all scientists. One important way to keep track of their work is by mapping where each artifact is discovered before it is carefully removed. First, gather your materials: • Chocolate chip cookies with lots of chips • Toothpicks • Paper towel or plate to work on • Cookie grid […]
Due to our southern location and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, Houston and the surrounding bay area are hot spots for seasonal bird migration. We are home to a lot of avid, eager birdwatchers anxiously awaiting to check off their “life list.” Houston sits along the Central Flyway and Mississippi Flyway, which means we […]
Have you heard or seen the term “murder hornet” recently? Of course you have. You cannot get online or turn on a television without the phrase practically screamed at your face. Poorly-worded media reports have generated a large amount of viral and nonsensical hooplah online, and I am here to help set the record straight […]
When we survey the field of pre-Contact indigenous cultures in the Americas, the ancient Maya are by far the one we know the most about. Like other cultures, the Maya have left us a very rich archaeological record. We can excavate and investigate their cities; we can be awed by the extensive time depth of […]
Sick of watching the entire run of “The Office” for the twentieth time? Already knocked out that crucial rewatch of HBO’s “Game of Thrones”? Have you grown tired of your kids playing the same YouTube videos of toys you can’t afford right now being unboxed? Kind of grossed out by the Netflix show about the […]
Museums collect objects from around the world that allow us to contribute to education and scientific research. Here at the Houston Museum of Natural Science these objects take a variety of forms and you can easily see the range of our collections as you walk through our halls. While many of the objects on display […]
Down a residential street in Montrose, canopied by trees that would be right at home in Middle Earth and surrounded by million-dollar houses, you will find Patti Thompson’s thriving front yard butterfly garden. It’s grown to be a neighborhood landmark, teaching everyone who happens to walk by a little bit more about the intricate, sometimes […]
