Free planetarium show and hands-on activities
PHOENIX, Ariz. – October 7, 2015 -- The Earth Science Museum (ESM) and Mesa Community College (MCC) Physical Science Department invites the public to a free Earth Science Day at MCC on Saturday, October 17, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at MCC’s Southern and Dobson Campus (1833 West Southern Avenue, Mesa, AZ). This family-oriented event represents a local celebration of the American Geosciences Institute’s Earth Science Week, October 11-17, 2015. The week-long international event reaches over 50 million people each year and provides opportunities to learn about the geosciences.
“Visualizing Earth Systems” is the theme for this year’s event, and a number of activities will explore how geoscientists monitor the Earth and use data to reveal interesting insights about how our planet works.
"We are celebrating the American Geosciences Institute's Earth Science Week to remind us of how important Earth Science is in our life and how we can see it all around us,” said Kelli Wakefield, MCC Geology faculty member. “This year’s theme 'Visualizing Earth's Systems' emphasizes all the ways we can look at the Earth, not just with our eyes."
One of the featured event activities is a special advance screening of the upcoming NOVA/PBS series “Making North America.” This three-part series, which will air in early November, investigates the formation of our continent through a spectacular geologic field trip hosted by Dr. Kirk Johnson, renowned paleontologist and Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Earth Science Day guests will be among the first to preview select highlights from the three episodes at 11 a.m., 1:15 and 3 p.m.. The screening will be followed by a discussion of the epic story that has been billions of years in the making lead by local experts. This event is a collaboration with NOVA, the awarding-winning PBS series. Major funding for “Making North America” is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and Google.
The “Rock, Mineral & Fossil Roadshow” will provide visitors a great opportunity to have specimens in their collections identified by a geologist or other experts. Each guest may bring up to five items for the free identification, and this will include access to a wireless, digital microscope for capturing up close and personal images of treasured objects.
Great for all ages, free MCC planetarium shows will present the big picture of how the Earth fits within our solar system and beyond. Some recent discoveries by space probes, such as the New Horizon, will be discussed.
Younger children can participate in free hands-on activities where they can dig for fossils or construct models of crystals. Free fossil and mineral samples for kids and teachers will also be available.
Local lapidary and mineral clubs will provide information about their hobbies and organizations. They will also host several popular activities, such as “Make Your Own Petroglyph” where children can create their own original “petroglyph” on sandstone slabs and the “Spinning Wheel” which is loosely based on roulette but every spin results in a prize winner! A small fee will be charged for these activities.
Earth Science Day at MCC is dedicated to the memory of Donna Benson, a MCC faculty member who led the Physical Science outreach program and was one of the advisors of the Geology Club. She worked at MCC for 14 years as a Geology Professor and was selected MCC 2003 Teacher of the Year. She helped grow the outreach program from serving 50-100 students a year to educating over 1,000 students annually year. Donna is remembered for the humor, dedication, energy, and enthusiasm that she brought to teaching students of all ages.
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Contacts
Earth Science Museum: Harvey Jong, 480-815-3079, harvey.jong@earthsciencemuseum.org
Mesa Community College: Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu
About the Earth Science Museum
The Earth Science Museum is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to excite and inspire all generations about Earth sciences through educational outreach. We provide students with hands-on instruction in both classroom and informal settings, while also supporting efforts to re-establish a museum in the Phoenix area dedicated to the Earth sciences. To learn more about the Earth Science Museum, please visit earthsciencemuseum.org.
About Mesa Community College
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for its service-learning, civic engagement and innovative educational programs, which include university transfer, career and technical, workforce development, and life-long learning. Host to 40,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 195 degrees and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC’s student body hails predominantly from the East Valley of Phoenix and includes Veteran, American Indian and International students who enrich the learning experience. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and globally. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015, MCC is one of 10 colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. The District also includes the Maricopa Corporate College and two skill centers. For additional information, visit mesacc.edu.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) http://www.ncahlc.org, 800-621-7440.
The Maricopa County Community College District is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.