'Sunday Scientist' explores ancient people, their 'killer beans' Nov. 21

The University of Nebraska State Museum will present a Sunday with a Scientist program for children and families about ancient Pueblo people of the American Southwest and their "killer beans" 1:30-4:30 p.m. Nov. 21 at Morrill Hall.

Morrill Hall is south of 14th and Vine Streets on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campus [map]. Museum Sunday hours are 1:30-4:30 p.m.

"Ancient People and Their Killer Beans," will be led by Alan J. Osborn, research associate professor and curator of anthropology at the museum. Osborn will talk about his research on "killer beans" and innovations in cooking technology among ancient Pueblo people who lived on the Colorado Plateau in Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico circa 1000 to 1400 A.D.

Beans, a key food source among ancient people in the American Southwest, are often lauded for their nutritional value. However, they are dangerous to eat if not cooked properly. Undercooked beans can lead to poor nutrition, food poisoning and death. Hence, the ominous label "killer beans." Visitors will learn about the various cooking methods developed over time by the Pueblo people to prevent health threats. Examples of prehistoric ceramics used to cook beans will be on display. There will also be a contest to guess the correct number of Anasazi beans in a container. The person with the closest guess will win a prize. The winner does not need to be present to win.

For more information about the museum's Division of Anthropology, visit www.museum.unl.edu/research/anthropology/index.html .

Sunday with a Scientist is a series of presentations that highlight the work of museum scientists and those from other UNL departments and institutions, while educating children and families on a variety of topics related to science and natural history. Presenters will share scientific information in a fun and informal way through demonstrations, activities or by conducting their science on site. Sunday with a Scientist programs are 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Morrill Hall on the third Sunday of each month through December.

Upcoming Sunday with a Scientist topic: Dec. 19 -- Nebraska amphibians and turtles. For updates on the Sunday with a Scientist schedule and other museum activities throughout the year, visit www.museum.unl.edu.

The University of Nebraska State Museum in Morrill Hall is open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays, and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $5 for adults (19 and over), $3 for children (5-18 years, 4 and under are free), and $10 for families (up to two adults and children). UNL staff, faculty and students are admitted free with valid NU ID. There is an additional charge for planetarium shows. Parking is free. For further information, telephone the museum at (402) 472-3779, visit its website, or contact Kathy French, Education Coordinator, at (402) 472-6647 or by e-mail.

WRITER: Dana Ludvik, Public Relations Coordinator, NU State Museum, (402) 472-3779