The Great Scott Moon Rock

At the Connecticut Science Center, you can learn a lot about the moon. You can find out how its craters were formed-and make some yourself. You can see where humans landed on its surface and follow the history of lunar exploration. Your kids can even play in a miniature lunar lander.  But did you know …

Exhibit Artifact Spotlights: Jade and the Four Bacabs

JADE:  In our American culture, we often say that “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” or “Diamonds are forever.” However, to the Maya, jade is considered a highly prized stone, more than diamonds or even gold. It’s truly fascinating to learn why different cultures put more or less value on certain precious stones than others. …

What Happens to New Arrivals in the Butterfly Encounter?

If you haven’t had a chance to checkout our Butterfly Encounter– you need to add it to your bucket list. It is definitely a must see exhibit here at the Science Center. Hundreds of species of free-flying butterflies call the Butterfly Encounter home. How did they get there? Where does the Science Center get these …

What’s New In the Butterfly Encounter? Exploring the Atlas Moth

The Connecticut Science Center’s Butterfly Encounter has just added a new species to the mix of tropical butterflies.  This one may come as a surprise to what you have come to expect of the Butterfly Encounter. In addition to the cute button quails, tropical butterflies and exquisite plant life- you will now see the gigantic …

Virtual Field Trip: Maya Ruins of Tulum

If you’ve noticed in some of my previous blog posts I mention my experience traveling to the Maya ruins of Tulum in Cozumel, Mexico, quite frequently. I want to tell you the story of my trip to Tulum and invite you to take a virtual tour through some panoramic shots and my photographs. Perhaps this …

The Maya Harvest

Since 2500 BC, the Maya have grown and cultivated crops like maize (corn), squash, beans, tobacco, and cocoa, settling into an agricultural lifestyle quite different from their previously nomadic ways. They used astronomy to work the seasons to their advantage and determine the best months to plant and harvest their crops. Maya farmers harnessed rainwater …

Experiencing Maya Hidden Worlds Revealed: Maya Rites of Passage

Many civilizations, including the Maya, have specific social events that are celebrated as significant moments in an individual’s life. These events are called rites of passage, and they demonstrate transformation within a community and indicate a change to a different social status. We will take a look at some examples of Maya rites of passage …

Experiencing Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed- Maya Weapons & Warfare

Initially, anthropologists thought the Maya were peaceful, focusing their energy only on agriculture, building, and astronomy. Despite these previous beliefs, further research on architecture and carvings suggests that the Maya Civilization was a militarized, often warring society. Warfare was important to the Maya way of life because of disputes over resources between nation-states, and because …