Museum of Science, Boston

Press Release [Return to listing page]

February 01, 2008

BOSTON (January 23, 2008) — From February 20 - April 27, 2008, the Museum of Science, Boston presents an unusual array of adult workshops tracing the cycle of human life from early childhood to old age. Geared to adults of diverse cultures, ages, and lifestyles who want to connect in new ways, these workshops include everything from "The Science of Kids," a series based on new research by cognitive scientists studying how children learn in the Museum's own Discovery Center, to "Aging 101: Interviews with Centenarians," a panel discussion with centenarians and their families about lifestyle and longevity. Other workshops focus on the adolescent brain; eating disorders; lifestyle medicine and strategies to handle stress; sleep, memory and dreams; and menopause.

"Because our visitors are curious about themselves and their biology and health at all stages of life," says Bess Paupeck, Museum Courses coordinator, "our workshops explore the science behind the human life cycle, from early childhood learning and the teenage years to adulthood and aging well."

Life Cycle Science Adult Workshops Schedule

(Unless otherwise specified, workshops are $30 and include Exhibit Halls admission. To register: mos.org/courses, 617-723-2500; 617-589-0417(TTY). To contact Courses Office: 617-589-0300. For admission prices and hours, call 617-723-2500; 617-589-0417 (TTY); or visit mos.org.)

THE SCIENCE OF KIDS

Workshops in this series are informed by original research, most of it done in the "Living Laboratory" of the Discovery Center by cognitive scientists from MIT and Harvard University labs. The adults-only workshops offer a unique venue where researchers, teachers, and parents can come together to learn about and to discuss early cognitive childhood development. Earlier this year, the Discovery Center's Living Laboratory received a $380,000 National Science Foundation grant to develop innovative ways for these scientists to share their work with the public.

"We make original research from the Discovery Center's Living Laboratory immediately accessible, bringing parents and researchers face to face to discuss what's most important to them – how their children learn and why they do what they do," says Museum Discovery Center coordinator Marta Biarnes.

The Rational Child: Reasons behind Kids' Quirky Behaviors

Liz Bonawitz, MIT

Thursday, February 28: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

While it may seem that children often behave in bizarre ways while playing, their seemingly random activities may help them learn. Find out how children shape and revise their own beliefs, then discover how their prior knowledge and their observations collectively influence their behaviors.

Making Sense of the Social World: Insights from Children

Andy Scott Baron, Harvard University

Thursday, March 20: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

This workshop will explore leading research on how children's minds interpret their social world from infancy through the early elementary school years, including children's early intergroup preferences and the development of stereotypes and biases.

Do Children Trust their Teachers?

Paul Harris, Ph.D., Victor S. Thomas Professor of Education, Harvard University

Thursday, April 17: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Children often act like mini scientists who observe, experiment, form their own opinions, and revise them in the face of conflicting observations. Yet children cannot learn everything this way. Such skills as reading and writing, understanding history and science, are learned through direct teaching from others. Discover how much of a child's learning relies on teacher testimony. This workshop presents experiments asking if young children are easily taught or are cautious about other people's testimony.

The Reading Brain

Nadine Gaab, Division of Developmental Medicine/Laboratories of Cognitive Neuroscience; Children's Hospital Boston/Harvard Medical School

Sunday, April 27: 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Does learning to read change the brain? Is the brain of a struggling reader different from that of a skilled reader? Are music, language, and reading skills linked neurologically? Gain insight into current research on the brain and explore the possible links among musical training, language, and reading development.

PLUS SPECIAL FORUM

Parents As Scientists

Early Childhood Cognition Lab, MIT

Saturday, March 22: 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Parents and other interested adults join researchers who use hands-on activities to illustrate how we know what we know about the development of children's science skills. In this forum, children are welcome to participate. Free. To reserve a place: livinglab@mos.org.

THE TEENAGE YEARS

"Adolescent Disease: Understanding Eating Disorders"

Steven D. Tsao, Ph.D., Staff Psychologist, Klarman Eating Disorders Center, McLean Hospital; Instructor, Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

Thursday, March 6: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating disorder may be familiar medical terms, but studies show that the general public has a lot to learn about eating disorders. In an overview of these biologically based illnesses that often begin in adolescence, learn about the role of popular media and explore current treatment options.

A User's Guide to the Teenage Brain

Frances E. Jensen, MD, Professor of Neurology, Children's Hospital Boston

David K. Urion, MD, Director, Learning Disabilities/Behavioral Neurology Program, Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Boston

Sunday, April 13: 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Teenagers and adults often don't see eye to eye. New brain research sheds some light on why. Find out how different maturation rates of various parts of the adolescent brain can lead to high-risk behaviors, vulnerability to addiction, and mental illness.

ADULTHOOD

Basic Self Defense for Women

Certified R.A.D Instructors Bob Colantoni, Director of Public Safety, and Amanda O'Loughlin, Security Supervisor, Museum of Science

Wednesdays, February 20, 27, March 5, 12, 19, 26, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

The six-week course, based on the Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) System, offers viable self-defense options for women in unsafe situations. Participants learn basic physical defense techniques and crime prevention tips and receive a take-home manual. The first five sessions are mandatory; an optional simulation in the last session allows students to apply their techniques in a safe environment. Parental consent required for those under age 18. The 6-week workshop is $75.

Sleep, Memory, and Dreams

Robert Stickgold, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Sunday, March 9: 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

If you've ever "slept" on a problem, you may have wondered how your sleeping brain comes up with solutions. In this workshop, you'll learn about current experiments that show how the brain finds previously unrecognized patterns in the events in our lives by integrating recent memories with older ones.

Mind Over Menopause

Leslee Kagan, MS, NP Director, Women's Health, Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, MGH; Associate in Medicine, Harvard Medical School

Sunday, March 16: 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

This workshop combines discussion and skills to help women understand the transition to menopause, manage symptoms (e.g., hot flashes, sleep problems), cope with side effects, and regain a sense of control and well-being.

Lifestyle Medicine: The Mental Game for Lasting Change

Edward M. Phillips, MD, Assistant Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School; Director, Outpatient Medical Services, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network

Sunday, March 30: 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

This interactive workshop highlights the effects of everyday lifestyle choices, including exercise, stress, diet, and sleep. Figure out what has kept you from maintaining lasting health improvements and map a strategy for making positive and lasting changes.

Aging 101: Interviews with Centenarians

Thomas Perls, MD, MPH, and Dellara Terry, MD, MPH, the New England Centenarian Society; and a panel of centenarians and their families

Sunday, April 6: 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Ever wonder how it feels to be 100 years old or older? Join a team of scientists from Boston University's New England Centenarian Study as they interview a panel of centenarians and their families. They will discuss lifestyle choices and longevity and how genetics and a positive attitude all may contribute to a longer life.