“Once upon a time there was a universe very much like our own. It had dogs and cats and people (some of whom preferred the dogs and others preferred the cats) and Trigoencephalopodic Gnoccis, and other things you’ve never heard of because we haven’t encountered them yet!” Based on the book by Eric Schulman, A Briefer History of Time takes visitors from the Big Bang to the Big Mac! $3 in addition to museum admission.

From Mercury to Pluto in less than an hour! Take an exciting tour of the Solar System looking in detail at each planet. Discover information about the formation of our system and new extra-solar planets. This program features exciting planetary images, beautiful computer animation, narration by Kate Mulgrew, Captain Katherine Janeway of Star Trek: Voyager and breathtaking music by John Serrie. The Planets was created by the Southeast Planetarium Association. $3 in addition to museum admission.

There is more in the night sky than you can see with your naked eye. Learn how to explore the universe with binoculars and small telescopes without leaving your own backyard. Discover what you can see in the winter sky from your own backyard. $3 in addition to museum admission.

Discover and examine seldom seen collections of the Schiele Museum. Visit with museum curators and find out about current projects in Research and Collections. See displays on 18th Century Lifeways, Mycology (Fungi), Entomology (Insects), and Archaeology (Human Cultures). Enjoy this special opportunity highlighting Schiele Museum research and fantastic, unusual, and rare items usually not on display. Free with Museum admission and for Members.

Discover the man behind the Museum in this exploration of the life of Rudolph Melchoir “Bud” Schiele. A self-styled naturalist and botanist, Bud Schiele devoted a lifetime to studying, cataloging and preserving nature- amassing a collection of wildlife, rocks and mineralswhich are a part of The Schiele today. See how his legacy continues!

Our founder, Rudolph Schiele, came to Gaston County in the 1920’s to lead the fledgling Piedmont Council-Boy Scouts of America. Learn about the gear and techniques of these by-gone days, when camping meant sleeping under canvas and cooking over an open fire. See a display of early twentieth century hiking and camping equipment and consider the outdoor skills common to the era.

Our understanding of the Solar System has advanced dramatically in the past 10 years. Missions are in progress or being planned from the Sun to Pluto. This presentation will highlight some of the exciting discoveries NASA and other nations have recently made in understanding the unique characteristics of the individual planets as well as the search for life beyond our own Planet. Special presentation by Dr. Russell De Young, Senior Research Scientist, NASA Langley Research Center.

Hear a natural history story and participate in related hands-on activities in the exhibit galleries. Especially for children ages 3 – 6. This program is provided by a generous gift by the Lyon Foundation. Free with Museum admission and for Members.

Learn about venomous and non-venomous snakes from across the Carolinas. Visit up close and personal with a non-venomous snake. Discover the fascinating ways that snakes catch and consume their prey during a live feeding demonstration. Warning: this program is not for the squeamish! Free with Museum admission and for Members.

Bring excitement to your science classroom through NASA education modules! Learn how objects from space have affected Earth. Visit the Schiele Museum planetarium. Receive lesson plans from a NASA trained Mercury MESSENGER Educator, on integrating the study of the solar system into your instruction. Attend a special presentation on space exploration by a NASA representative. 1 CEU is available for teachers upon completion of instructional component. $35 Members / $40 Nonmembers . Registration deadline December 9 Call 704-854-6676 to register