The Las Cruces Museum of Nature & Science, 411 N. Main St., will offer free programs for children and families this March. Admission to the museum and programs are free.
“Nature & Science Discovery Pre-K”
10 a.m. Thursdays
Nurture your little one’s love of science! Investigate the alien life through hands-on explorations, stories, and crafts at 10 a.m. every Thursday in March. No registration is required. Recommended for ages 2 to 5 with an adult caregiver.
“Teen Takeover: T-shirt Tie Dye”
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 8
The museum hits different when it’s only open to teens. Play with the exhibits, make, and experiment with S.T.E.A.M. activities, eat snacks, and play games during these extended hours just for teens. Test your tie dye skills and make a one-of-a-kind T-shirt. One T-shirt will be provided. Participants may bring as many as two additional clothing items to dye. No registration is required. This program is for teens ages 12 to 17.
“Saturday Science – Balloon Powered Cars”
10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 11
Design, build, and test a balloon powered car. No registration is required. Recommended for ages 6 and older; adult caregiver participation is required.
“FOSSILS!”
9 a.m. to 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
Discover the stories behind science heroes who break barriers and explore the application of their research through hands-on experiments and activities. Gertrude Elion was a Nobel Prize winning biochemist and pharmacologist who played a large role in developing AZT, a medication used to treat HIV and AIDS. Inspired by her life’s work, learn about how the body reacts to viruses, how soap helps repel bacteria, and how to reverse-engineer an effervescent tablet. No registration is required. Recommended for ages 6 and older.
“Teen Science Café: Marine Life”
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 28
Students ages 11 to 17 are invited to have dinner with New Mexico State University marine scientist, Wiebke Boeing, PhD. Learn about how marine science takes place in the desert and participate in a hands-on activity. Dinner and activity supplies are included. No registration is required.
“Live Animal Feedings”
11 a.m. Saturday, March 4, and March 11
It’s brunch time! Watch and learn how different species of animals eat, and what they eat. Animal feedings take place in the Museum of Nature & Science gallery. No registration is required, open to all ages.
“Animal Encounters”
11 a.m. to 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. No registration is required, open to all ages.
The Museum of Nature & Science is accessible via RoadRUNNER Transit Route 1, Stop 1. Visit the Museums System website at www.lascruces.gov/museums, or follow the Las Cruces Museums on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @LCMuseums.
For information, contact Stephanie Hawkins, Education Curator, at 575/532-3372, or by email at [email protected].