Geology will be unearthed for children and families when the University of Nebraska State Museum’s "Sunday with a Scientist" program explores rocks and minerals, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., Dec. 18 in Morrill Hall.
Visitors will learn the difference between a rock and a mineral and what causes them to glow, crystallize or take on vibrant colors. They will also discover how we encounter minerals in our daily lives. Visitors are encouraged to bring a rock or mineral to the museum to be identified.
The event will be led by the following scientists:
• Matt Joeckel, a geologist in the UNL School of Natural Resources and department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences; and the museum's curator of geology.
• Ed Grew, a research professor in the department of Earth Sciences at the University of Maine in Orono.
• Priscilla Grew, a director of the University of Nebraska State Museum and professor in the UNL department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.
"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.
For updates on the Sunday with a Scientist schedule or for information about the museum, go to http://www.museum.unl.edu.