Sunday with a Scientist to feature 'Antarctic Time Machine'

The University of Nebraska State Museum's October Sunday with a Scientist program for children and families will travel back in time.

Professor David Harwood in the UNL Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and U.S. ANDRILL (ANtarctic geological DRILLing) Program will help visitors board the "Antarctic Time Machine" to visit several time periods exploring Antarctica's climate history. Participants will start 50 million years ago when Antarctica was covered in temperate rainforests, then witness growth of the first Antarctic ice sheets 34 million years ago, and reach maximum glaciation on Earth during the
"Ice Age," when much of the Northern Hemisphere was also covered in ice. Time travelers will learn what controls these changes in climate and ice sheet growth, and apply this knowledge to predict what will happen as we travel into a warmer future. Educators will guide children through activities related to Antarctica and climate science.

The event is from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at Morrill Hall, south of 14th and Vine streets.

Sunday with a Scientist is a series of presentations that highlight the work of scientists, while educating children and families on a variety of topics related to science and natural history. Presenters share scientific information in a fun, informal way through demonstrations, activities or by conducting science on site. Sunday with a Scientist typically takes place on the third Sunday of each month. For more information on the program, including upcoming topics, go to http://www.museum.unl.edu.   

Established in 1871, the University of Nebraska State Museum is the state's premier museum of natural history. The museum is focused on promoting discovery in natural science, fostering scientific understanding and interpretation of the Earth's past, present and future, and enhancing stewardship of the natural and cultural heritage of Nebraska through world-class exhibits, collections and special events.