LAFAYETTE, La – School’s out. The heat and humidity are rising. And the kids are restless. The Lafayette Science Museum has a scientific solution: entertaining, educational exhibits and events that add up to a sizzling Summer of Science. “We’ve got a busy summer planned here at Lafayette Science Museum, and we’re excited to introduce some new programs and events for science enthusiasts in our community,” said LSM Director Kevin Krantz. “We are always working to develop fresh, up-to-date content and experiences, and we invite folks to visit us to discover what’s new this summer.” The museum’s Summer of Science lineup includes a new film series called Documentary Date Night, a special presentation of Science of the Bayou, Planet-Palooza in Parc International, and Insect Day at the Museum. The museum also will hold its annual Planetarium Marathon, Summer Sidewalk Astronomy, and summer camp series. “In addition to our special summer events, we recently opened two new exhibits,” Krantz said. “LUS Fiber: Speed of Light explores fiber optics, telecommunications and Lafayette’s unique connection to that industry. And our immersive Augmented Reality Experience features a ten foot video wall and ultra-realistic 3D animation, which allows visitors walk among dinosaurs and interact with modern-day animals in their natural habitats.” Along with the new exhibits, LSM is installing new virtual reality experiences in the popular VR Lab exhibit, and will offer an exciting slate of new programs in the all digital planetarium.
The following is a complete list of events: Tech-Bytes & Sound-Waves Summer Camp Series SOLD OUT • LAFAYETTE SCIENCE MUSEUM Presented each year by Acadiana Symphony Orchestra & Conservatory and Lafayette Science Museum, four week-long camps offer fun and educational experiences for children ages 7-14. This unique collaboration combines core elements of science, technology and music with unforgettable tours at Lafayette Science Museum. Zoo-Kulele – June 4-8 Camp Cosmos – June 11-15 School of Rocks – July 9-13 Xylo-Bones – July 16-20 If you’d like to be notified when registration opens for next summer’s camp series, email frontdesk@acadianasymphony.org.
Documentary Date Night Series June 21 • July 26 • August 16 • LAFAYETTE SCIENCE MUSEUM Join us at LSM for Documentary Date Night. Popcorn is a must, but a date is optional for this chance to see a science-focused film in the museum gallery. Who says date night can’t be educational? Free event.
Lunchtime Sidewalk Astronomy Every Clear Wednesday • June–August • Noon–1pm • LAFAYETTE SCIENCE MUSEUM Watch for one of the planetarium’s telescopes by the Museum at the corner of Jefferson and Congress Streets. See a safely filtered view of the sun and any sunspots that day!
ArtWalk Sidewalk Astronomy July 14 • 6pm–9pm • LAFAYETTE SCIENCE MUSEUM Look for the planetarium’s telescope during ArtWalk! Weather permitting, during daylight and twilight, we’ll look for the thin crescent moon, Venus, and Jupiter. Will we be able to find Mercury in daylight? We’ll find out! Free event.
Planetarium Marathon July 17-19 • LAFAYETTE SCIENCE MUSEUM Enjoy seven planetarium programs a day for three days in a row! And the only programs that will repeat are our regular 4:00 p.m. ‘Sky Tonight’ programs! Some programs will be designed for children while most will be for the general public. Topics include constellations, telescopes, planets, stars, galaxies, space flight, and more – pick your preference or see ‘em all!
Science on the Bayou July 17 • 7pm • LAFAYETTE SCIENCE MUSEUM This event is designed to bring together Lafayette’s science-minded citizens for a night of exploration, fun, and beer!
Planet-Palooza! July 20 • 8pm-10:30pm • PARC INTERNATIONAL FREE EVENT – Mars will be at its closest to Earth since 2003! No, it won’t look as big as the moon, but it will be bright and easy to see in a telescope. As will Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn – with a slim chance of seeing Mercury as we start. So, we’re making an evening of it! Join us inside Parc International for a night of planet-gazing & pizza by the slice on sale from CENTRAL Pizza & Bar!
Insect Day at the Museum August 25 • LAFAYETTE SCIENCE MUSEUM Explore the world of entomology at Insect Day! Interact with live bugs of all kinds as many of Louisiana’s top entomologists and insect enthusiasts share their knowledge about insects and other arthropods.
When you visit, be sure to explore LSM’s permanent exhibits including: Virtual Reality Laboratory This first-of-its-kind exhibit will completely transport you into immersive new worlds. Eight science-themed stations will let you experience the wonders of science and technology.
LUS Fiber Speed of Light Exhibit Fiber optics have revolutionized the telecommunications industry in the Information Age. In this exhibit, you’ll learn about fiber optics (sometimes called optical fibers), which are long, thin strands of very pure glass used to transmit light signals over long distances.
Augmented Reality Experience Walk with dinosaurs in our new, immersive augmented reality experience. A video wall allows you to stomp alongside a T. rex, pet a rhinoceros, and even swim with a whale! Don’t miss it!
Digital Planetarium The Museum’s digital planetarium (the most advanced in the state) has an exciting slate of programming and activities this summer. Learn about the Apollo missions, stars, the Space Race, galaxies and more. Special kid-friendly programming on Saturday mornings, too.
Lafayette Science Museum is a regional science museum serving families, schools and visitors. By applying the latest technology to interactive experiences and immersive education, LSM promotes interest and inspires careers in science, technology, engineering and math. The museum is open six days a week, Tuesday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, and Sunday 1pm-6pm. For more information, visit www.lafayettesciencemuseum.org.
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