MEDIA ADVISORY: Oct. 16, 2013
DEP FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY TO HOST OPEN HOUSE TO CELEBRATE EARTH SCIENCE WEEK
~Educational activities available for all ages~
TALLAHASSEE – In celebration of Earth Science Week, the Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Geological Survey, in partnership with the American Geosciences Institute, is hosting an open house on Friday, Oct. 18.
Event attendees are encouraged to explore their environment and learn about geosciences. This year’s theme, “Mapping Our World,” explores the art of geologic and geoscience maps and demonstrates their utility and importance in learning how the environment is formed.
This will be an opportunity for the public to learn more about the current sinkhole vulnerability project the Florida Geological Survey is conducting. The three-year study, funded through a $1.2 million federal grant, will result in the production of a model that will generate a statewide map showing the relative vulnerability to potential sinkhole formation, which will refine our understanding of sinkhole occurrence.
The open house will feature fossils on display, as well as microscopes that can be used to examine rock and sediment samples.
Other activities will include a water quality sampling activity, which will demonstrate how some commonly measured chemical parameters are tested when studying water quality by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Environmental Education. For younger guests, coloring sheets highlighting prehistoric life in Florida and shells, as well as clay will be available to demonstrate one way fossils are formed.
The event will take place:
9a.m.-3p.m.
Oct. 18
Gunter Building- Florida State University
903 W. Tennessee St.
Tallahassee
Preceding the open house, the Florida Geological Survey will also host Cub Scout Nights on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6-8 p.m. These events are intended to help local cub scouts obtain their geology badge. These are limited to 40 participants each night and advance reservations are required.
To schedule reservations for Cub Scout Night please contact Christopher P. Williams, Christopher.P.Williams@dep.state.fl.us, (850)-617-0317 or Frank Rupert, Frank.Rupert@dep.state.fl.us, (850) 617-0334.
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