UIU offers to identify rocks, fossils at 'Iowa Rocks' on October 12
Location: Baker-Hebron 101
FAYETTE, Iowa (October 5, 2011) - In celebration of National Fossil Day and Earth Science Week, Upper Iowa University will once again host "Iowa Rocks" on the UIU campus from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October, 12. Meteorites are the special topic of interest this year, and the "Maynard Meteorite" will be available for viewing.
"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.
A short talk on Iowa geology will start at 4 p.m. A geologic map of Iowa will be displayed, along with rock and fossil specimens. Guests will have the opportunity to display their rocks and fossils and have Dr. McCarville and Dr. Bishop identify them.
"We were very pleased by the public's interest in 'Iowa Rocks' during our inaugural event last year," Dr. McCarville said. "The public was very involved and excited, with many people bringing in rock collections, agates, and a solid copper glacial erratic. We look forward to another successful event."
"Earth Science Week 2011" is observed October 9-15, with the theme of "Our Ever-Changing Earth." "Earth Science Week" promotes understanding and appreciation of the value of Earth Science research and education, and the relevance of Earth Science to daily life. 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 second time in 2011. 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.
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 more than 6,800 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.