Morrill Hall's 'Sunday Scientist' to explore plants Sept. 18

Released on 09/08/2011, at 3:11 PM
Office of University Communications
University of Nebraska–Lincoln

WHEN: Sunday, Sep. 18, 2011

WHERE: State Museum

Lincoln, Neb., September 8th, 2011 —
Assistant Professor David Holding analyzing corn kernels
Assistant Professor David Holding analyzing corn kernels
Assistant Professor David Holding examining corn seedlings
Assistant Professor David Holding examining corn seedlings

The University of Nebraska State Museum’s next Sunday with a Scientist program will explore plant science. “Feeding the World in the 21st Century” will be 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 18 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.

Researchers from the UNL Center for Plant Science Innovation will provide hands-on activities to help explain the important role of plant science in addressing the world’s food demands. Plants are a critical part of human and livestock nutrition. Today’s crop varieties and growing technologies are not sufficient to meet our future needs, as the global population is expected to reach more than 10 billion by 2050.

Visitors will explore the different methods scientists use to find solutions to this problem, such as improving plant quality and crop yield. They will also learn the basics of how scientists develop genetically modified crops and the steps required to move them safely from the laboratory to the marketplace.

Presenters from the CPSI will include Ed Cahoon, Tom Clemente, Gilles Basset and David Holding.

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 share scientific information in a fun and informal way through demonstrations, activities, or by conducting their science on site.

Upcoming Sunday with a Scientist Topics: 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. There is an additional charge for planetarium shows. Parking is free.

 

Writer: Dana Ludvik, NU State Museum