Morrill Hall's 'Sunday Scientist' gets to heart of science June 19

The University of Nebraska State Museum's next Sunday with a Scientist program for children and families gets to the heart of science: tissue mechanics.

The program will take place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. June 19 at Morrill Hall. Morrill Hall is south of 14th and Vine Streets on the UNL City Campus.

"Engineering Better Heart Health" will be led by Linxia Gu, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Engineering, Lincoln Public Schools science teacher Mark James, Nebraska Heart Institute staff, and graduate students. The scientists will explain how they are working to save lives using engineering technologies known as tissue mechanics. Advances in tissue mechanics help prevent and treat cardiovascular problems. Through fun, hands-on activities, visitors will learn about common heart issues such as hardening and narrowing of the arteries. A heart simulator, stent and heart valve device will be on hand to demonstrate blood flow, and what happens when that flow is interrupted.

Sunday with a Scientist is a series of presentations that highlight the work of State 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.

Upcoming Sunday with a Scientist Topics: July 17 -- Fish; Aug. 21 -- Climate Change; Sept. 18 -- Plants; Oct. 16 -- Fossils; Nov. 20 -- Viruses; Dec. 18 -- Minerals. For updates on the Sunday with a Scientist schedule through the year, visit www.museum.unl.edu.

Established in 1871, the University of Nebraska State Museum is celebrating its 140th anniversary with public events and educational programming throughout the year. Hours are 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, or contact Kathy French, education coordinator, at (402) 472-6647 or by email.

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