Museum of New Mexico Media Center Press Release

To Celebrate Black History Month, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science and the New Mexico Natural History Foundation Present Virtual Programming from Dr. Darryl Baynes, Science Educator and Founder of MAEA Interactive Science Programs

New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 01, 2021

MEDIA CONTACT

In celebration of Black History Month, during the month of February the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (NMMNHS) and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation are offering free online access to two physical science programs presented by Dr. Darryl Baynes, founder and president of MAEA (Minority Aviation Education Association) Interactive Science Programs. Both of these virtual programs are ideal for school-age children and young adults to enjoy a fun and inspiring overview of physics through the eyes of a master educator.

Initially founded to combat an under-representation of African Americans and women in STEM-based careers, for more than 25 years MAEA Interactive Science Programs has delighted students with entertaining hands-on experiments that explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Dr. Baynes earned his Ph.D. in education from Curtin University in Australia, his M.S. degree in chemistry and math from Wheeling Jesuit University, and his B.S. degree in chemistry and math from the University of Pittsburgh.

“I have been honored to bring MAEA programs to many communities throughout my science career,” said Margie Marino, Executive Director of NMMNHS. “I have always been impressed with the clarity and humor that Dr. Baynes brings to his presentations and the focus and fascination that his young audiences display during one of his programs. These are very special programs that I hope all schools and youth groups take advantage of. They are free, easily accessible online, and can be watched over and over again.”

Who would ever think there is so much to know about the simple concepts of hot and cold? The first program provides detailed demonstrations of these concepts with an opportunity for viewers to provide educated guesses at the outcomes of several experiments. This program and video is accessible on the Education Resources webpage on the NMMNHS website or by clicking here.

The second program is much more extensive with empowering messages for all students and includes scientific inventions by women, Hispanic, Black, and other diverse individuals. It encourages viewers to challenge their own stereotypes and provides a positive vision where all young people are able to thrive on their creativity and talent. This program will be accessible on the New Mexico Natural History Foundation website at a later date; check the links above for updates.

Both of these programs are made possible through the generous support of Verus Research.

For more information on MAEA Interactive Science Programs, visit www.interactivescienceprograms.org.

About the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, under the leadership of the Board of Trustees of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science. Programs and exhibits are generously supported by the New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation, through the generous support of donors. Established in 1986, the mission of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science is to preserve and interpret the distinctive natural and scientific heritage of our state through extraordinary collections, research, exhibits, and programs designed to ignite a passion for lifelong learning. The NMMNHS offers exhibitions, programs, and workshops in Geoscience, including Paleontology and Mineralogy, Bioscience, and Space Science. It is the Southwest’s largest repository for fossils and includes a Planetarium and a large format 3D DynaTheater.


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