National Geographic Museum Blog

There are just three week’s left to enjoy the Animal Grossology exhibit at the National Geographic Museum. This exhibit will surprise and delight you while also bringing out your inner child. Take a moment to come to one of our guided tours or drop in programs.

Guided Tours

Wednesdays at 11am
Free with museum admission

Ever wonder how many bacteria one fly can carry or how many times a cow chews a bite of grass? Join National Geographic staff for a guided tour of the stinky, smelly, and gross world of animals. Meet Sir Gus Flea and Helga the Hagfish as you become an expert on the science behind Animal Grossology.

Drop-in Programs
Daily at 11am
Free with museum admission

Bioluminescence
If you have caught a firefly on a summer night you have witnessed one form of light that can be found in nature. Join National Geographic staff to explore the differences between incandescent, bioluminescent, and chemiluminescent reactions. Be amazed as we use basic chemicals to create a bright glowing light in a test tube.

Spontaneous Generation
Ever forget to take out the trash only to find small white creatures infesting your old food? Where did these small worms come from? Follow in the footsteps of famous scientists Redi and Pasteur to test the theory of spontaneous generation and observe how quickly germs and contaminants can spread.

Lions are dying off rapidly across Africa. These cats once ranged across the continent and into Syria, Israel, Iraq, Pakistan, Iran, and even northwest India; 2,000 years ago more than a million lions roamed the Earth. Since the 1940s, when lions numbered an estimated 400,000, lion populations have blinked out across the continent. Now they may total as few as 20,000 animals. Scientists connect the drastic decreases in many cases to burgeoning human populations. The Big Cats Initiative aims to halt lion population declines by the year 2015 and to restore populations to sustainable levels.

Source: http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/big-cats/about/

With the holiday season in full swing, people are being more and more generous with their giving. This year, we are asking you for your help. National Geographic is running a campaign to help save Big Cats.

The National Geographic Society and Explorers-in-Residence Dereck and Beverly Joubert, have launched the Big Cats Initiative, a comprehensive program that supports on-the-ground conservation projects, education, and economic incentive efforts and a global public-awareness campaign. “We no longer have the luxury of time when it comes to big cats,” says Dereck Joubert. “They are in such a downward spiral that if we hesitate now, we will be responsible for extinctions across the globe. If there was ever a time to take action, it is now.” You can help us make a difference. Your donation can help save a big cat and ensure the Earth is not without these majestic creatures

Together with Imagination Stage, National Geographic is having fun with all things animal this season. Alan Parente, the Museum’s Art Director, saw “Dr. Dolittle” this weekend with his family. Check out his review of the production below. Stay tuned for a review of the exhibition Animal Grossology from a member of Imagination Stage.

“On December the 3^rd, I had the pleasure of visiting our partner Imagination Stage and experiencing their production of Dr. Dolittle with my wife and two boys (ages 7 and 3). For the younger, it was a first interaction with live theater.

To start, I’ll address a parent’s main concern by saying it was a beautiful, friendly facility in the heart of Bethesda, situated conveniently next to free, easy parking. Within minutes we were inside, settled and ready for the show to begin. Staff members filled the wait with some audience participation that kept the little one engaged, while actors milled around the stage in advance of the start to provide something for the elder to focus on.

The set was filled with interesting props, nooks and crannies that were well crafted and played a big part in the costuming and flow of the show. I was particularly curious as to how the animals would be portrayed – the clever use of props from around the set to create ears, tails and wings provided easy changes for the versatile cast to portray monkeys, dogs, lions, and more without full costumes. Despite the light costuming, the actors’ skills ensured even the younger guests were able to follow the animal identities without confusion.

While the entire cast was excellent, the expressive Ricardo Frederick Evans as the King and the manic energy of Christopher Mueller as Chi-Chi the monkey provided great laughs and excitement across our row. The 3-year-old continually demanded (loudly) “Where Chi-Chi is going?” every time he left the stage.

All in all it was a tremendously easy and enjoyable afternoon with the family. The suggested age for kids was 5+, but the youngest was kept entertained by the lively and frequent musical numbers that seemed to come on cue just as he was getting wiggly.

My biggest issue was whether to enjoy watching the story unfold on stage or to gaze at the boys, leaned forward, eyes wide, mouth agape, totally engrossed in the show.

This was our first visit but won’t be the last, we’re already planning to return for The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe in June.”

- Alan Parente, Art Director

 Dr. Dolittle continues at Imagination Stage in Bethesda, Maryland through January 8, 2012.  In a special offer for National Geographic fans, get 20% off tickets. Use the code “Natgeo” online or through the box office (301-280-1660). Offer subject to availability, Not valid with other offers or on previous purchases.

Photo: Scott Suchman

At the National Geographic Museum we offer a variety of educational options to make your visit more hands on.

One of these activities is out archaeology backpack.

When entering the Anglo-Saxon Hoard exhibit children are encouraged to put on their explorers hats and accept the mission of exploration and discovery.

Throughout their mission children are encouraged to brainstorm why they believed the Hoard was buried.

Here are this week’s winners:

“Because their leaders died and were giving up their Gold and sending it to him and the spirits.”

Name: Samantha

Age: 8

“I think it was buried for safekeeping, it was not for underground so easy to dig up. They put it there so that they could come and get it later, but that it would be hidden from others. I think whoever buried it paid a team of men to help. They all probably worked for a long time to get it all buried in that field that nobody would suspect.”

Name: Helen, Stephanie, Susanna, and Leanna

Ages: 6, 10, 11, 12

“They thought it was the end of the world (apocalyptic) fear and buried it.”

Name: John George H.

Age: 10

Don’t see your theory here? Check back again!

Did you like all the gross creepy crawly animals in our Animal Grossology exhibit? If you answered yes (or even if you answered no), consider attending the local production of Dr. Dolittle for a full dose of cool, creepy, funny and just out-right chatty animals.

In the play, Hugh Lofting is a Lieutenant in the British Army. In his letters to his son, he tells exciting stories about an eccentric doctor who can talk to animals! Dr. Dolittle has abandoned his traditional medical practice in favor of feathered, four legged, furry, ferocious, and in some cases, fantastical beasts. His profession leads him to Africa where he and his young apprentice encounter clever monkeys, giant elephants, lion cubs and even the wicked pirate Bel Ali! Through his unconventional methods, Dr. Dolittle must bring peace to all the warring creatures.

For tickets, between now and January 8th, click here: http://www.imaginationstage.org/shows-a-tickets/now-playing

Imagination Stage is the largest and most respected multi-disciplinary theatre arts organization for young people in the Mid-Atlantic region. They offer a year-round season of professional shows (adult actors performing for families and classes), after-school programs and summer camps for ages 1-18, and arts-integration professional development training for teachers, students, schools and families. All of their programs are informed by their core belief in making the arts inclusive and accessible to all children, regardless of their physical, cognitive or financial status.