Past Events
Still Counting: Discovering and Naming New Species
A Science on Tap eventNew species of animals are found all the time. How are they discovered? How do they get names? How well do we know the Earth's species? Using his recent expeditions in Venezuela and Suriname as examples, entomologist Andrew Short will talk about the process of discovering species, from conducting fieldwork to selecting a name.
Science on Tap is a science cafe. Doors open at Free State Brewing Company at 6 p.m., and the discussion begins at 7 p.m. Join us early for dinner, or come just for the conversation.
Event Details
Date/Time Wednesday, November 17, 2010 - 1:00am - 3:00amThe Elders in Concert
A Science Palooza EventDance to the internationally known Irish band The Elders in this rare Lawrence performance benefiting the museum. Known for moving audience members out of their seats, the veteran musicians of The Elders offer a skillful mix of amped roots rock, powerful vocals, blazing instrumentals and top-notch songwriting. The Elders will be joined by modern country-rock favorites True North.
VIP tickets, available for $50 or sold in blocks of four per table, include seating in a special section in front of the stage and a chance to meet the performers prior to the event. Complimentary appetizers, wine and beer will be served.
Tickets are available through Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St., 785-749-1972 or through Ticketmaster.
Proceeds from the concert and other SciencePalooza events will provide vital support for renovating museum exhibits and assure the continued success of our hands-on education programs. The museum serves about 60,000 people annually through museum visits, programs for schoolchildren, and workshops and talks for adults.
Event Details
Date/Time Saturday, November 6, 2010 - 1:00am - 4:00amThe Science of Beer, with Free State Brewing Company
A SciencePalooza EventLearn about the science of making and bottling beer from the brewers of Free State Brewing Company. Sample beers and culinary creations while discovering the evolutionary history of hops and the amazing properties of yeast. Discuss the biochemistry of fermentation and the challenges posed by microorganisms in the brewing process.
Tickets are available through the KU Natural History Museum at 785-864-2344.
The Science of Beer is one of three SciencePalooza events. Proceeds from SciencePalooza will provide vital support for renovating museum exhibits and assure the continued success of our hands-on education programs. The museum serves about 60,000 people annually through museum visits, programs for schoolchildren, and workshops and talks for adults.
Event Details
Date/Time Thursday, November 4, 2010 - 12:00am - 2:00amTapas & Tours
A SciencePalooza EventJoin us for this exclusive evening at the museum. We'll offer hot and savory hors d’oeuvres that represent the international locations of our research, such as the Philippines, Venezuela, Peru, Mongolia, Libya and Egypt. The evening includes special behind-the-scenes tours with our curators and opportunities to be the first to “adopt” specimens from our collections.
Tapas & Tours is one of three SciencePalooza events. Proceeds from SciencePalooza will provide vital support for renovating museum exhibits and assure the continued success of our hands-on education programs. The museum serves about 60,000 people annually through museum visits, programs for schoolchildren, and workshops and talks for adults.
Tickets are available through the KU Natural History Museum at 785-864-2344.
Event Details
Date/Time Saturday, October 30, 2010 - 11:30pm - Sunday, October 31, 2010 - 2:00amWater on the Plains: Stories and Struggles in Kansas
A Science on Tap eventWater has always been central to Kansas, and with climate change and high commodity prices, that’s more true now than ever. Rex Buchanan, interim director of the Kansas Geological Survey, will lead a discussion about water issues Kansans face today, and the ones they'll likely face in the future.
Science on Tap is a science cafe. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. at Free State Brewing Company, 636 Massachusetts St., and the program begins at 7:30 p.m. Come early for dinner, or join us just for the conversation.
Event Details
Date/Time Wednesday, October 27, 2010 - 12:30am - 2:00amMuseum Open House and Sidewalk Sale
Drop by the KU Natural History Museum on game day to see museum exhibits such as our live bee colony. While you're here, shop the indoor sidewalk sale at Natural Selections, the museum's gift shop.
Event Details
Date/Time Saturday, September 25, 2010 - 2:00pmNative Medicinal Plants and Health
A Science on Tap eventAncient cultures began a tradition of herbal remedies that continues to this day -- but what medicines lie right beneath our feet, in the plants of the prairie? More than 200 species of prairie plants native to Kansas have been used medicinally by Native Americans. Ethnobotanist Kelly Kindscher will lead a discussion about bringing traditional knowledge together with botany and medicinal chemistry at this Science on Tap.
Science on Tap is a science cafe. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. at Free State Brewing Company, 636 Massachusetts St, and the program begins at 7:30 p.m. Come early for dinner, or join us just for the conversation.
Event Details
Date/Time Wednesday, September 22, 2010 - 12:30amStudent Night at the Museum
The KU Natural History Museum student advisory board invites KU students to enjoy pizza (while it lasts), tour museum exhibits, join the student advisory board and find out about free memberships for students. Plus, we're showing Night at the Museum! This event is free with a KU student I.D.
Event Details
Date/Time Thursday, September 9, 2010 - 10:30pmDIY Science
Tap into the sun and lower your energy billFree State Brewing Company, 633 Massachusetts St. Many people understand that the sun can be tapped to provide energy on a large scale in sunny locales, but what can you do for your house, your television or your coffee maker? Alice Bean, professor of physics and astronomy, will discuss how to convert solar energy into power at this science café. Bring your questions about solar power and how power grids work at the local level. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at the Free State Brewing Company for each Science on Tap. At 7:30, moderators begin the program by introducing the topic. After a short break for food and drink, the moderators encourage the crowd to ask questions about the subject and interact. Come early for dinner, or join us just for the conversation.
Event Details
Date/Time Wednesday, March 24, 2010 - 12:30amThe Coelacanth
The Living Fossil of the OceansAndy Bentley, collections manager of fishes, will offer the intriguing story of the 1938 discovery of the coelacanth, an example of a group of fishes thought to have been extinct for 65 million years. The first one was found in 1938 off the coast of South Africa and named the “find of the century.” The only coelacanth specimen from the museum’s collection will be on display at the event. Held periodically throughout the academic year, Wild Science offers a chance for the public to ask questions directly to researchers in an informal setting. Coffee, hot chocolate and cookies will be served.
