'Dinosaurs and Disasters' Feb. 8 at Morrill Hall

            The University of Nebraska State Museum and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences will host the 10th annual "Dinosaurs and Disasters" family fun day from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at Morrill Hall, south of 14th and Vine streets on the UNL City Campus.

            "Dinosaurs and Disasters" is Lincoln's most exciting science learning event for children and their families.

            UNL scientists, graduate and undergraduate students will provide activities and demonstrations to help museum visitors better understand planet Earth by exploring how natural disasters and extreme weather events occur. Visitors can test their knowledge of the Earth's history, explore flooding and drought throughout time, learn about ancient reptiles and dinosaurs, have a chance to give the forecast just like a TV meteorologist and more. Guests are encouraged to bring a rock or fossil for scientists to identify.

            Mueller Planetarium will present the fulldome show "Dinosaurs at Dusk," which will take audiences back in time to explore the origins of flight. Audiences will meet remarkable flying reptiles called pterosaurs and wonder at amazing dinosaurs that had feathers. (42-minute running time). Show times are 11 a.m., noon, and 1, 2 and 3 p.m.

            Regular museum admission charged for "Dinosaurs and Disasters" -- $6 for adults (19 and over), $3 for children (5-18 years), free for children 4 and under, and $13 for families (up to two adults and children). UNL staff, faculty and students are admitted free with UNL ID during all regular hours. There is an additional charge for planetarium shows on Feb. 8 of $3 for adults and $2.50 for children. Parking is free in front of the museum.

            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. Friends of the Museum are also free. For further information, telephone the museum at 402-472-2642 or visit its website, http://www.museum.unl.edu.

Writer: Mandy Haase, NU State Museum