UIU offers to identify rocks, fossils at ‘Iowa Rocks’ on Oct. 13
UIU Assistant Professor of Geosciences Katherine McCarville, foreground, and her students explore a glacial erratic boulder deposited in the Fayette area. They will be sharing their expertise with area residents who bring fossils and rocks for identification at “Iowa Rocks” on campus Oct. 13. Photo by Thomas Shileny.
FAYETTE, Iowa (October 4, 2010) — In celebration of National Fossil Day and Earth Science Week, Upper Iowa University is hosting “Iowa Rocks” on the UIU campus on Wednesday, October, 13, from 4-6 p.m. in the Baker-Hebron Science Building, Room 101.
“Many people have collected interesting rocks and fossils in the area, and they want to know more about them. This is an opportunity to learn more about Iowa geology while sharing your finds with others and having the opportunity to get them identified by a geologist,” said Dr. Katherine McCarville, UIU assistant professor of geosciences.
Dr. McCarville studies fossil birds and is knowledgeable about many aspects of geology. Dr. Gale A. Bishop, professor emeritus of geology from Georgia Southern University, will also be participating in the event. Dr. Bishop is a paleontologist who studies fossil crabs and lobsters and has worked with museum collections of minerals, dinosaurs, and both modern and fossil turtles. UIU students will also be available for rock and fossil identifications.
“Iowa’s geology is varied and interesting, but this fact is sometimes overlooked because of the glacial deposits that conceal some of our Iowa rocks,” said Dr. McCarville.
A short talk on Iowa geology will start at 4 p.m.. A new geologic map of Iowa will be displayed, along with interesting rock and fossil specimens. This will be followed by the opportunity for guests to display their rocks and fossils and have Dr. McCarville and Dr. Bishop identify them. A special invitation is extended to area children who can excavate the cast of an authentic fossil during the event and take the cast home.
“Earth Science Week 2010” is observed October 10-16, with the theme of “Exploring Energy.” “Earth Science Week” promotes understanding and appreciation of the value of Earth Science research and education, and the relevance of Earth Science to our daily lives. Since October 1998, the American Geological Institute has organized this national and international event to help the public gain a better understanding and appreciation for the Earth Sciences and to encourage stewardship of the Earth.
“National Fossil Day” is being marked for the first time in 2010. It is organized by the National Park Service to promote public awareness and stewardship of fossils, as well as to foster a greater appreciation of their scientific and educational values.
For more information, please contact Dr. McCarville at mccarvillek@uiu.edu or 563-425-5233.
Contact:
Monica Bayer Heaton
Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
Phone: 563-425-5773
Cell: 515-291-2070
heatonm@uiu.edu
About Upper Iowa University
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to over 6,600 students—nationally and internationally—at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.