Fish are the focus of Morrill Hall's July 17 'Sunday Scientist'

The University of Nebraska State Museum's next Sunday with a Scientist program for children and families will focus on fish. "Fishes of Nebraska" will be from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on July 17 at Morrill Hall. Morrill Hall is south of 14th and Vine Streets on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campus. Museum Sunday hours are 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Mark Pegg, fisheries ecologist and associate professor in the UNL School of Natural Resources, will provide hands-on activities and demonstrations to help visitors learn about the diversity of fishes in Nebraska and how to identify them. Visitors will also investigate the techniques that fisheries biologists use to gather data from fish to determine the status and health of Nebraska's fish populations.

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: 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 the museum's website, 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. The museum offers free admissions to all visitors from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 25. There is an additional charge for planetarium shows. Parking is free. For further information contact Kathy French, education coordinator, at (402) 472-6647 or by email.

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