Lyda Hill Gems and Mineral Hall at the Perot Museum

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a frequent science destination for us and the Lyda Hill Gem and Mineral Hall is one of our favorite exhibits within the museum. 

The hall has recently received some updates and while we were checking it out we had the wonderful opportunity to hear Ms. Lyda Hill speak to the guests.  That is, THE Lyda Hill of the Lyda Hill Gem and Mineral Hall!  Ms. Hill is one of Dallas' biggest philanthropists and she is passionate about promoting a love of science especially in young people.  She remembers how she loved to pick up pebbles when she was young and she wants to inspire others to pick up pebbles and explore the world of gems and minerals.  

You see, gems and minerals are a "gateway science".  Kids who might not have much appreciation for formal science will still be fascinated by interesting or sparkly rocks.  As they develop a love for gems and minerals, other doors of interest might open for them into related sciences like chemistry, geology, art, geometry, art, etc.

The Lyda Hill Gem and Mineral Hall has four signature displays.  Their 5 foot tall amethyst geode has always been an impressive site.  The Eyes of Africa is a show-stopping fluorite found in the "Alien Eye" pocket in Namibia, Africa.  It has symmetrical black outer zones framing diamond-shaped vibrant green cores.  This beautiful piece is on loan from Lyda Hill.

Stibnite, also known as Antimony Sulfide, is one of Nicholas' favorite displays.  It is a robust cluster of crystal formations recovered from an industrial ore mine in Jiangxi Province of China.  It is an amazing piece.

And finally, the monthly birthstone case displays the rough and faceted forms along with a special display of beautiful jewelry featuring the current month's gem.

We admired the Aurora Butterfly of Peace, a 240 colored diamonds, some of which fluoresce under UV light.  This piece symbolizes "a spiritual connection to Earth for all humankind".

I am in love with this Ammonite fossil that has an iridescent coating of Aragonite.  It was found in Canada.

As we were admiring this amazing piece of Tanzanite, Ms. Lyda Hill came over to speak to us!!   This is one of her pieces that she has loaned to the museum.

She talked to us some more about her passion for inspiring children and adults to learn more about nature so that they will take care of this planet for the next generation.  We enjoyed hearing her stories about a few of her other pieces on display at the museum.

There are sections in the hall based on color, based on the country where the specimens were found, and based on the type of gem and mineral.  It makes it really interesting to look at the pieces this way.
 

For example, these three pictures below all represent rhodochrosite but look how different they look from each other.  

There are also several interactive screens where you can see what different minerals are made of or play a head-to-head game to test you gem and mineral knowledge.

Here are a few of our other favorite specimens in the hall.  I like the rich purple and turquoise of the Azurite/Malachite piece.  The stringy slivers of silver are one of Nicholas' favorites.

We love being inspired to learn something new every time we visit the Perot Museum!

As we were leaving the museum, Rachel proudly pointed out that we actually spoke to one of the founding donors of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.  

Come check out the amazing new look of the Lyda Hill Gem and Mineral Hall but make plans to come back later in February for the museum's upcoming special exhibit, The Art of the Brick, featuring the world's largest display of LEGO art!  You can bet we will be back for that!

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is located at 2201 N. Field Street in Dallas.  For more information, please visit their website at https://www.perotmuseum.org/.

Summer at the Perot Museum

Summer.  Kids are out of school and it is already getting hot outside.  What better way to spend your time than at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science having fun and preventing that dreaded summer brain drain.

The Perot Museum has some amazing IMAX 3D National Geographic movies in the Hoglund Foundation Theater.  I have honestly loved every movie we have seen there!  This week we watched their newest movie Dream Big 3D.  It is 40 minutes long and it highlights the incredible work of several engineers who dreamed big and used their skills to solve impossible problems to make the world a better place. 

We got to see that by studying soil liquefaction and the secret mortar ingredient in the Great Wall of China (you won't believe what it is!), engineers are able to build structures that can withstand earthquakes and reduce the number of lives lost.  They build bridges in third world countries to help communities get to resources they need without having to risk drowning in the raging currents by crossing through the water.  Dream Big 3D is an inspiring movie, especially for Rachel was really excited to see several female engineers featured in the movie.  Take a look at the trailer below then go see it for yourself.


Also playing are two other National Geographic productions - Walking with Dinosaurs 3D and Wild Africa 3D, each 20 minutes long. 

The Perot also has a new program called Architecture Tours.  The tours are about 1 - 1 1/2 hours long.  We haven't taken this tour yet but I'd love to.  They said that once you've been on the tour, you will never be able to look at the museum's building the same way again.  I've always noticed the big crack in the wall behind the admissions desk.  They said I'll learn the story behind it on the tour!  They will also talk about the reason for the holes in the stairway walls and the vents that are inside and outside the glass walls at the front of the museum.  It sounds like a really unique tour and I can't wait to check it out.

Of course, if you go to the Perot, you HAVE to check out the special exhibit Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed.  There are lots of great hands-on activities for kids and adults plus nearly 250 authentic artifacts to exploreIt's only here through September 4th and you don't want to miss it!

We spent most of our morning in the Lyda Hill Gem and Mineral Hall.  My kids are both rock hounds so we always seem to end up here.  Nicholas studied this Pocket in a Rock where mineral crystals form in hollow space within a rock.

We were excited to see a Brainiac in the Gem and Mineral Hall!  Brainiacs are scattered around the museum to talk one on one with guests, to answer questions, and show them up close touchable specimens.  Just look for them with their blue shirts and red vests and a little display of some kind in front of them.

My kids asked tons of gem, mineral, and fossil questions to the Brainiac and I was amazed that she always had knowledgeable answers and never seemed tired of all the constant questions.

Rachel got to use a UV light to look at the fluorescence of calcite and we learned about mining for bauxite to get aluminum to make foil.

Before we left the hall, we had to take a ride on the Shale Voyager for an imaginary trip down the borehole to experience first hand what it is like to drill for natural gas.  The experience includes sounds, video and some chair movements :)

We found out that there was a new Reaction Time exhibit in the Lamar Hunt Family Sports Hall and it was just its third day to be open.  Not only that, but there was also a special media event to promote it and Kari Lehtonen, goalie for the Dallas Stars, was going to be there!  Nicholas plays hockey and we are all Dallas Stars fans so this was really exciting!

We got there a little early to play with the exhibit ourselves but we got a little distracted by all the fun mascots that were there.  Rachel posed with Victor E. Green of the Dallas Stars!

But there was also some other mascots there including Tex Hooper from FC Dallas soccer team and the Perot Museum's own T-Rex.

Things got a little exciting and Vic had to show us his dance moves!


Nicholas was excited to get the opportunity to meet Kari Lehtonen in person.  He is the current goalie for the NHL Dallas Stars hockey team.

We didn't know about the event or he would have brought his Stars jersey to get autographed.  But his regular t-shirt was better than nothing!

The two goalies took turns on the Reaction Time game.  It's kind of like playing Whack-A-Mole but you have to hit the lit button as it moves around the board.  Chris with FC Dallas scored 28 and Kari with the Dallas Stars scored 29.  Go Stars!!


Next, the kids had to give it a try. They worked as a team on this one but they were still excited to have beaten Kari's score!

Nicholas also tried a smaller Reaction Time game and he was pretty excited to make the new Top Score.  Look at those ninja-like reflexes!

What else is there to do at the Perot this summer?

• Discovery Days - Foster a love for science on the second Saturday of the month with family-fun Discovery Days featuring exciting experiments, activities, and performances with scientists, educators, and artists throughout the museum.  Free to members and included with general admission for non-members.  It takes place from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm with exclusive member-only access from 9:00 - 10:00 am..  Check them out on June 10 (Humanity), July 8 (Architecture), and August 12 (Adventure).
• Social Science - Ever wanted to play at the Perot Museum without the kids?  Exclusive to adults 21 and up, Social Science makes for an undeniably unique date night or evening out with friends, filled with fun experiments, craft beers and cocktails, performances, engaging discussions, exciting inventions and more.  The centerpiece of this summer's Friday night adventures in Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed.  Upcoming dates include June 23 (Patterns) and August 4 (Conundrum).  Tickets are $15 for member and $25 for non-members.
• First Thursday Late Night - More time to nerd out!  The Perot Museum stays open late until 9:00 pm on the first Thursday of the month with special programming from 7-9 pm.  Upcoming dates and themes include July 6 (Summer of Science: Chemistry) and August 3 (Summer of Science: Biology).  Free to members and included with general admission for non-members.
• Sleepovers - Snore and explore! We've done this and it was awesome!!  Sleepovers at the Perot Museum feature behind-the-scenes access to the Museum's 11 exhibit halls, exclusive demonstrations, hands-on discovery plus a late-night snack, 3D film and light breakfast to round out the experience.  Summer dates are June 9 (Superhero), July 21, August 11, and September 2.  Cost is $45 per child and $30 per adult chaperone.
• Discovery Camps - Kids pre-K through 6th grade can ignite a love for science this summer!  Young minds will relish in week-long camp sessions focusing on animals, space, dinosaurs, chemistry, engineering, marine biology and even zombies at Discovery Camp.  Hands-on experiments, 3D films and interactive STEM activities will keep kids content and sharp during the summer months.

Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed at the Perot Museum {+ Free Tickets Giveaway}

Elaborate royal tombs, ancient languages, human sacrifice, sports and extraordinary architecture. All define the fascinating Maya civilization that is the bedrock of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science’s traveling exhibition – Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed. The largest traveling Maya exhibition ever to tour the U.S., the 10,000 square-foot display brings together more than 200 authentic artifacts and immersive environments to explore the astonishing accomplishments of one of the most powerful indigenous Mesoamerican civilizations, which still has millions of living descendants today.

We learned how the Maya built towering temples and created an intricate calendar system while discovering what archaeologists have uncovered about the once-hidden ancient Maya and the unresolved questions about why these ancient cities declined so rapidly. Through hands-on activity stations complete with video and simulations, we deciphered hieroglyphs, learned cultural and architectural techniques, and explored an underworld cave, ancient burial site, mural room and more.

At the beginning of the exhibit is a wonderful interactive display that teaches about Maya numbers and writing (glyphs).  We even learned that a 15 year old boy studied glyphs and realized that they represented a phrase rather than just a single sound as had previously been thought.  Never underestimate the brilliance of youth.

We saw several replica large-scale carved monuments, or stelae, that were erected in the great plazas of Maya cities.

Their inscriptions have given scholars valuable insight into ancient Maya history – from royal succession to political conflicts and great battles.

The kids played archeologist and worked to recreate a broken pot that would have been found at an ancient Maya site.

The broken pieces called potsherds would have been collected at the site and brought back to the lab to be examined and put back together.  Rachel loves puzzles so she put together both available pots.  The taller one is a bit trickier.

They both had fun creating a Maya name for themselves.  Nicholas chose Fire Bat.

Rachel created the name Princess Flower.  They got to print a card to keep that included their name written in Maya glyphs.

There are more than 200 authentic artifacts including spectacular examples of Maya artistry made by masters of their craft, along with objects from everyday life. Examples include an inkpot made out of a seashell which still retains the dried pigment colors hundreds of years after active use, numerous vessels and figurines; and more.  I particularly like the turquoise earrings in this case.

The Maya made balls from a rubber tree and morning glory vine.  They were a bit heavier than balls we use today but they used them in sports and games.

We got a glimpse at a cross-section of Maya life – from divine kings who ruled powerful cities to the artisans and laborers who formed the backbone of Maya society.

The kids learned about Maya architecture and their use of corbeled vaults like this one.

Then they were given a challenge to create their own corbeled vaults.  Rachel took the easier challenge.

Nicholas went a little wild but you will notice that there is a corbeled vault in there.

We learned that the Maya buried their dead underground.  We also learned about their belief in ritual and human sacrifice as a means for them to speak to their gods.

The Maya developed an amazing calendar and this interactive station let us explore how it worked.  It was fascinating.

We studied some Maya bones and learned about what they can tell archaeologists about how the ancient Maya lived.

The ancient Maya believed in beauty.  We learned how they used a bow drill to make a hole in their teeth in order to place a jeweled inlay - just for decoration!! It makes me cringe just thinking about it!

They also had beautiful headdresses and jewelry.  The kids got to use an interactive computer to see how they would look dressed in Mayan garb.

PROGRAM EXTENSIONS. The Perot Museum will offer a myriad of Maya-related programs and events including First Thursday Late Night: Archaeology on May 4, the adults-only Social Science: Patterns on June 23, and the family-fun Discovery Days: Architecture on July 8.

HOURS. General hours of operation for the Perot Museum are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. On the first Thursday of the month, the Museum will stay open until 9 p.m. for its First Thursday Late Night public events. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Museum stays open until 6 p.m.
Member mornings. From 9-10 a.m. every Saturday and 11 a.m.-noon every Sunday, members can enjoy exclusive access to the Perot Museum and Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed.

TICKETS. Museum general admission is $19 for adults (18-64), $12 for youth (2-17), $13 for seniors (65+) and free for children under 2. Museum general admission is free for members. Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed requires a surcharge for a total admission cost of $29 for adults (18-64), $20 for youth (2-17), $21 for seniors (65+), and free for children under 2. Member tickets are $5 for all age levels.

The Perot Museum is located at 2201 N. Field Street in Dallas, Texas. For parking information and other details, visit perotmuseum.org or call 214-428-5555.

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Nanotechnology: Homeschool Day at the Perot Museum

We love Homeschool Day at the Perot Museum!  The museum sets up 9 themed tables throughout the regular museum area.  Each table has a hands-on activity to help teach the scientific concepts to the kids.  As they complete each activity, they get their card stamped and can receive a certificate once they have finished.

Last semester's theme was on Forensics.  The kids went to each station where they learned different aspects of the science behind detective work and they gained a new clue to solving a mystery at the end.

This time the theme was Nanotechnology!

We started with learning just how small a nanometer is.  It is one billionth the size of a meter!  That's really small!  This video is not from the Perot but I showed it to the kids before we went to the museum to help them understand just how small this is.



The kids traced their hands.  Rachel's hand is about 140 million nanometers long!  That sounds huge, doesn't it?

Nicholas learned that he is about 1.6 TRILLION nanometers tall!

They used a mystery box to let their fingers scan over the tops of objects and then make a drawing of them just like a scanning electron microscope does by scanning objects with a beam of electrons.

They used microscopes to study things up close.

Nicholas used it to look at the surface of a piece of metal.

They learned about UV light which is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength of about 10-400 nanometers, shorter than visible light but longer than x-rays.  They made bracelets with UV beads that change from white to purple when exposed to UV light.  They are a fun way to remind yourself that you need sunscreen when you are out in the sun!

I loved the ferrofluid exhibit the most.  Ferrofluid is a liquid made up of nanoscale magnetic particles.  You can run a magnet over a tube of it and watch all of the magnetic pieces come together.  It was fascinating to watch.

Our currency is printed with ferrofluid ink so you can run a magnet over a dollar bill and it will move ever so slightly.  This is just one of the tests that can be used to determine if the bill is counterfeit.

They learned about carbon atoms and how they can form buckyballs and nanotubes then they got to make their own models of the two.

The kids have fun exploring the regular museum exhibits on their own as well. Nicholas used the Build Your Own Bird exhibit to create a "Stealth Thrasher".

They learned how different ratios of Red, Green, and Blue change the color of light.

They learned about telescopes.

They went head to head with each other as dinosaurs.

And they even raced a T-rex!

Once we had completed the activities, we all headed to El Fenix for lunch.  It was lunch time and they were super busy so our big group of 15 was a lot for them to take on.  The moms ended up sitting at one table while the kids sat at their own table next to us.  There were 10 kids and they are all different ages.  But these kids behaved nicely and were really well-mannered. 

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is located at 2201 N. Field Street in Dallas.  For more information about their programs, please check out the Perot Museum website or follow Perot Museum on Facebook.