super-science-saturdays

Museum scientists have been working hard all year, traveling near and far to conduct field research and contribute to the newest science! Follow your “Tales of the Field Passport” to meet participating scientists and claim a goodie bag of field work essentials like a notebook, pencil, and compass. Add your dream research destination to a map and see where other explorers want to travel. While supplies last.

Animals may not talk, but they have much to share! From seismic elephant vibrations to silverback gorilla body postures, from scent-marking cats to dancing insects, the world around us is constantly communicating. And we can help you tune in! Some birds have learned to mimic human sounds; can you tell the difference between the real sound and the bird?

Looking for family-friendly activities to do for Halloween? Costumes are encouraged for a nature-themed Halloween celebration! Investigate seasonal specimens that are not usually on display, including jumping spiders, hairy tarantulas, and Fred, our famous crystal skull. Follow a scavenger hunt through the museum’s haunted halls while looking for clues and earning stamps along the way, then redeem for a goodie bag with all sorts of prizes. While supplies last.

Costumes cannot include masks that cover the entire face, weapons, or weapon-like objects. Safety face masks are permitted, but not required.

Something big is coming! Take a closer look at some of the largest specimens in our collection, from mammoths to giant geodes. Learn how our planet has supported enormous organisms like T. Rexes and sequoias throughout geologic time and up to today. How do humans stack up to these titans? Join us to see how you measure up! Walk among prehistoric giants in Dinosaurs in Their Time and hear the stories of many of our famous larger-than-life dinosaur mounts, including Dippy, the dueling T. rexes, and more!

Join museum staff to explore everything microscopic and unseen! Have you ever wondered how scientists study things too small to see? Meet Madagascar hissing cockroaches Woodrow and Franklin and look for the symbiotic mites that live on roaches. Try the scientific tools our researchers use to see more than meets the eye. Follow a scavenger hunt through the galleries to see if you can find the tiniest specimens on display, including micro fossils, tiny snails, and much more.

Did you know that May 18 is Pennsylvania Native Species Day? Learn about nature that’s a little closer to home—identify different local animal species by their tracks and scat, meet scientists from the Section of Invertebrate Paleontology with examples of Pittsburgh’s own backyard fossils, learn how our friends at Powdermill Nature Reserve band thousands of regional and seasonal birds, and so much more! Whether you’re exploring a bustling city block, suburban lot, or nearby park, we can learn a lot about nature without going too far.