Bulletin report
The Las Cruces Museum of Nature and Science (MONAS) will offer free programs for children and families in March. Admission to the museum and programs are free. No registration is required.
- “Nature & Science Discovery Pre-K,” 10 a.m. Thursdays, 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. Nurture your little one’s love of science as you investigate alien life through hands-on explorations, stories and crafts. Recommended for ages 2-5 with an adult caregiver.
- “Teen Takeover: T-shirt Tie Dye,” 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 8. Teens play with the exhibits, make and experiment with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) activities, eat snacks and play games during extended hours just for ages 12-17. Teens can tie dye a one-of-a-kind tee shirt. One tee shirt will be provided. Bring up to two additional clothing items to dye.
- “Saturday Science – Balloon Powered Cars,” 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, March 11. Design, build and test a balloon-powered car. Recommended for ages 6 and up with an adult caregiver.
- “FOSSILS!” 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, March 18. Explore the 3.5-billion-year odyssey of life with a geologist and real fossil specimens. Learn about marine animals like jelly fish and sea fans which have lived for millions of years.
- “STEAMpunk – Gertrude Elion, biochemist,” 10 a.m. Saturday, March 25. Elion (1918-99) was a Nobel Prize winning American biochemist and pharmacologist who played a large role in developing AZT, a medication used to treat HIV and AIDS. Learn how the body reacts to viruses, how soap helps repel bacteria and how to reverse-engineer an effervescent tablet. Recommended for ages 6 and older.
- “Teen Science Café: Marine Life,” 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 28. Students ages 11-17 are invited to have dinner with NMSU professor Wiebke J. Boeing, Ph.D. (https://fwce.nmsu.edu/faculty-staff/wiebke-j-boeing.html), who is an expert in aquatic ecology. Learn how marine science takes place in the desert and participate in a hands-on activity. Dinner and activity supplies are included.
- “Live Animal Feedings,” 11 a.m. Saturdays, March 4 and 11. Watch and learn how different species of animals eat and what they eat. Feedings take place in the MONAS gallery. For all ages.
- “Animal Encounters,” 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 25. Get up close and personal with the invertebrates of the Nature Center at the Las Cruces Museum of Nature & Science. Learn about the Chihuahuan Desert’s biodiversity and meet some of the museum’s resident animals. For all ages.
MONAS, 411 N. Main St. downtown, is accessible via RoadRUNNER Transit Route 1 Stop 1.
For information contact Stephanie Hawkins at 575-532-3372 and shawkins@lascruces.gov.
Visit www.lascruces.gov/museums and follow Las Cruces Museums on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @LCMuseums.
