Celebrate Earth Day on April 22 with an SCFD Free Day at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Special Earth-friendly programming scheduled throughout the day
DENVER - April 13, 2012 -The Denver Museum of Nature & Science invites families and visitors of all ages to celebrate Earth Day during SCFD Free Day on Sunday, April 22. Museum visitors will enjoy special Earth-friendly activities, such as face painting, GeoDome shows, crafts, renewable energy activities, children's theater, and more.
Visitors are encouraged to bring unwanted small electronics (such as cell phones, mp3 players, GPS units, digital cameras, and any Apple products) to the Museum to be recycled. Visitors can save an additional 10% off their purchase in the Museum Shop if they bring a reusable shopping bag. (Discount does not include books, CDs, DVDs, or Lizards & Snakes shop).
Earth Day Celebration Events
Sunday, April 22, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., FREE
The Museum is celebrating Earth Day with a full day of special programs that are free with admission. Visitors can experience hands-on activities, play games, and participate in demonstrations. For a complete schedule of activities, click here. Some highlights are below.
- Lizards & Snakes exhibition
This popular exhibition has livened things up at the Museum, as 60 live animals from around the world are displayed in specially designed habitats.
- Green Game Show and the Adventures of SuperNatural
Visitors will have a chance to test their knowledge about categories in recycling, energy awareness and nutrition. Then, meet SuperNatural, the world's first organic super hero!
- GeoDome Portable Digital Dome Theater
Explore Earth from space, learning all about our planet and the resources that make it so special.
- One Book/One Denver's Preschool Pick:Maybe a Bear Ate It
Listen to local media celebrities read both English and Spanish versions of the children's book,Maybe a Bear Ate It, and other selections.
- Earth Day Craft Fun
Enjoy hands-on Earth Day crafts to make and take home!
Green Initiatives at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The Museum is currently constructing the new Education and Collections Facility, which will add five levels of discovery. Because the Museum is committed to creating a greener existence, the new building will be one of the greenest and most energy sustainable spaces in Denver. The addition is designed to receive LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, the highest rating possible for new construction. This highly efficient building will use 50 percent less energy than a standard building of its type. Sustainable strategies include
- A ground source heat pumpusing Denver's underground recycled water system to heat and cool the facility. The pump is being developed in partnership with Denver Water and is supported by a grant from the Department of Energy.
- Xeriscape landscapingwith native plants and a nonpotable water system for irrigation.
- Additional rooftopphotovoltaic solar panelsto help conserve energy.
- Automated shading louverson the exterior of the building that will move based on the angle of the sun to save energy.
- Daylight harvestingin the Science Studios and Discovery Zone to take advantage of available natural daylight and reduce the use of electric lights.
- Rooftopsolar thermal collectorsto provide hot water.
In addition, the Museum installed an electric vehicle charging station in the Museum parking lot in late 2011, and willcontinue to incorporate high-efficiency LED lighting, Energy Star appliances, and lighting occupancy sensors-all to reduce energy consumption.
Media Contact
Charlotte Hurley, [email protected],
303-370-6407
About the Denver Museum of Nature &
Science
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is the Rocky Mountain
Region's leading resource for informal science education. A variety
of engaging exhibits, discussions and activities help Museum
visitors celebrate and understand the natural wonders of Colorado,
Earth and the universe. The Museum is located at 2001 Colorado
Blvd., Denver, CO, 80205. To learn more about the Museum,
check www.dmns.org,
or call 303-370-6000.
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Many of the Museum's educational programs and exhibits are made possible in part by the citizens of the seven-county metro area through the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District.