Morrill Hall's 'Sunday Scientist' explores archeology March 10

            Few people have the opportunity to be the first to lay eyes on an object that has been buried in the earth for thousands of years. That is just one of the perks of the job for an archeologist -- the focus of the next Sunday with a Scientist program at the University of Nebraska State Museum of Natural History in Morrill Hall.

            Children and families will be able to explore archeology during the event, "Unearthing a Roman Mosaic in Turkey," from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on March 10 at the museum, one block south of 14th and Vine streets. Museum Sunday hours are 1:30-4:30 p.m.

            The program will be led by Michael Hoff, Hixson-Lied Professor of Art History at UNL. Other presenters include art history graduate students Amanda Washburn and Jeri Dobos.

            Hands-on activities will shed light on the fascinating and complex field of classical archaeology. The focus of the event will be Hoff's remarkable discovery and excavation of the largest Roman mosaic ever found in southern Turkey. Since 2005, Hoff and his archeological team have been digging out the remains of the ancient city of Antiochia ad Cragum in southern Turkey. In 2012, they began the process of unearthing an intricate, 1,600-square-foot decorative work that was likely made in the third or fourth centuries. Only about 40 percent of it has been uncovered. Visitors will learn about this exciting discovery, and how it will help researchers studying the region. They will also explore how cultural objects found at dig sites inform us about past civilizations.

            Children will be able to look at Greek and Roman artifacts on display, such as pottery, glass and coins. There will also be a small box filled with sand in which children can search for objects and try to figure out what they tell us about the past. The presenters will also provide demonstrations of archaeological techniques and images of their field work in the Mediterranean region.

            For more information on Hoff's research, visit http://www.antiochia.unl.edu.

            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, 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 each month.

            Upcoming Sunday with a Scientist topics: April 21 -- stormwater management; May 19 -- microbes; June 16 -- chemistry; July 21 -- plants; Sept. 22 -- Agate Fossil Beds; Oct. 20 -- bats; Nov. 17 -- solar energy; Dec. 15 -- gene silencing in plants. Note: There will not be an event in August. For more information, visit http://www.museum.unl.edu.

            The University of Nebraska State Museum of Natural History 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. Regular admission is $6 for adults (19 and over), $3 for children (5-18 years, 4 and under are free), and $13 for families (up to two adults and children). UNL staff, faculty, and students are admitted free with NU ID. Friends of the Museum are also free. There is an additional charge for planetarium shows. Parking is free in front of the museum. For further information, telephone 402-472-3779, visit its website or Mueller Planetarium's website, http://www.spacelaser.com, or contact Kathy French, education coordinator, at 402-472-6647 or by email.

Writer: Dana Ludvik