Explore UT - The Biggest Open House in Texas on Saturday, March 3, 2007 Special Attractions

EARLY BIRD ACTIVITIES

Explore UT begins at 11 a.m., but there are regularly scheduled activities available for those who may want to get an early start to their day of adventure and fun. Opportunities include:

Johnson Space Center Mobile Exhibit: NASA’s “Driven to Explore”
Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum (LBJ) East Parking Lot: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Tour this exhibit and touch a 3 billion-year-old moon rock brought back on Apollo 17, one of only seven "touchable" samples in the world. Learn about the International Space Station and Constellation, NASA’s newest program to return humans to the moon. http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/events/explore_days.html

Exhibit: “To the Moon: The American Space Program in the 1960s”
Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Highlights of this LBJ Library exhibit include a Russian Vostok capsule, rare artifacts, simulators and a multimedia laser show. Take advantage of the opportunity to test your pilot skills. LBJ Library open daily, 9 a.m. -5 p.m.
www.lbjlib.utexas.edu

Perry-Castañeda Library Open House
The University of Texas Libraries - Perry-Castañeda Library (PCL): 9 a.m.

The Perry-Castañeda Library (PCL) is UT’s largest library with print and electronic books, journals, databases, maps and expertise to assist with research and learning. Visit the recently renovated UFCU Student Learning Commons. http://www.lib.utexas.edu/pcl/

Books for Kids
The University of Texas Libraries - Perry-Castañeda Library (PCL): 10 a.m.

A bevy of area children's authors will present readings at the Perry-Castañeda Library in "Books for Kids." Featured authors include Brian Anderson, Jane Peddicord and Liz Scanlon. Author Chris Barton will debut his first book, "The Day-Glo Brothers," which will be released later this year.

Readings will take place on the hour beginning at 10 a.m., and feature presentations projected onto a large screen in the University Federal Credit Union Student Learning Commons in PCL.

Schedule:

10 a.m. - Liz Scanlon presents "A Sock is a Pocket for Your Toes"
11 a.m. - Chris Barton debuts "The Day-Glo Brothers"
1 p.m. - Brian Anderson presents "Commander Zack Proton"
2 p.m. - Jane Peddicord presents from "Night Wonders"

http://www.lib.utexas.edu

What Can You Find in Our Collections?
Texas Memorial Museum (TMM): 10 a.m.

The rocks, fossils and other natural history specimens on exhibit at the museum are only a small part of the collections held by the Texas Natural Science Center. Learn how specimens are collected, protected and used for research and teaching.

 

OTHER SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS:

Campus Walking Tour
Take a student-led walking tour of UT's distinctive campus. View landmark Spanish-Mediterranean buildings and courtyards centered around the Tower and learn legends and lore at one of the world's finest universities. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Tours leave at the top of every hour from the Main Building (MAI), ground floor information kiosk.

Children's International Festival
The Children's International Festival will be at the heart of the Explore UT Cultural Crossroads on the South Mall. Visitors to the festival will have the opportunity to experience first-hand the cultures of South Asia, Russia, Mexico, South America and the Middle East.

Go back in time and craft a medieval shield or crown, delve into Russian folklore by creating a firebird pin or engage in the time-honored tradition of South Asian henna hand painting. Learn how to play a didgeridoo, sing using overtones in the tradition of Tibetan monks or dance to the rhythm of Salsa and other Latin dances. A world of experiences awaits explorers at the Children's International Festival.

Explore UT Stage
A diverse collection of student performing groups will add music, drama, excitement and color to the tapestry of Explore UT.  Live demonstrations and presentations will take place throughout the day on the Explore UT Stage.

The stage, identified by the tent symbol on the Explore UT Map, will be directly south of the Winship Drama Building (WIN) near the East Mall Fountain. Don't miss the sights and sounds of the Explore UT Stage.

March with the Longhorn Band
Follow in the footsteps of a 100-year-old university tradition and experience the thrill of marching with the Longhorn Band (LHB). A rehearsal session will be held in the Denius Practice Field (FDF) "bubble" near IH-35 and Dean Keeton Street (26th Street) followed by a march to the Tower for the Explore UT at 5 p.m. This "feet on field" session will feature instruction in the "LHB" style of marching by Longhorn Band members and Director Robert Carnochan. Rehearsal begins at 4 p.m. with the march to the Tower at 4:30 p.m.

Rise & Shine for Prospective Students
The Office of Admissions will host three sessions designed specifically for high school juniors to have an opportunity to meet university faculty, staff and students who can answer questions about admissions, housing and financial services. See the program listing for times and location. Registration is required.

Speedway Mall Festival
The Speedway Mall will be a center of unique activities as a part of Explore UT. Visitors to the festival can learn from public health and fire safety demonstrations, scale the ROTC climbing wall, or explore the TAME Trailblazer, a 40-foot trailer full of engineering and science exhibits sponsored by the Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering. The Speedway Mall festival will also feature an exhibit of works by the "Littlest Longhorns," students from The University of Texas Elementary School, which opened its doors in 2003 with a mission to develop students into lifelong learners. Stop by and enjoy the Speedway Mall Festival as you make your way across campus.

Tower Tours
The Texas Union will offer special half-hour tours of the UT Tower on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up for the free tours at the Texas Union Information Center (south entrance). Tours begin at 11 a.m. and conclude with the last tour at 4:30 p.m. Each tour is limited to 20 participants due to fire and safety guidelines. If you are not able to take the Tower tour at Explore UT, you may arrange a future tour by calling (512) 475-6633 or toll-free at 1-887-475-6633.

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum With its exhibits, Texas Spirit Theatre and Austin's only IMAX theater, The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is a tribute to all the stories of Texas. For museum information, hours, admission, film and performance times and costs, call (512) 936-8746.