The Museum of Northern Arizona’s Science Day at MNA joins the 2006 Flagstaff Festival of Science by exploring the deep mysteries of seas and cool flowing river waters. On Sunday, October 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., scientists delve into fossil shells left from ancient seas and explain efforts recently made to return an important regional waterway to its natural state.
Lectures
At 10 a.m., noted Bureau of Land Management Paleontologist Alan Titus, from Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, will talk about the biologic and geologic history of the ammonite in his lecture, “Ammon’s Stones: Fossils of Grace, Beauty, and Geologic Utility.” Joint research by the BLM and MNA will be shared about this most beautiful of fossil life forms from the Mesozoic era which is now extinct.
At 12 noon, Northern Arizona University’s Dr. Jane Marks from the Stream Ecology Lab at the Merriam-Powell Center for Environmental Research discusses the scientific research involved in restoring Arizona’s Fossil Creek, bringing functioning ecological systems back to the river and working towards an increase in biological diversity.
Nature Hikes
At 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., hike the Museum’s Rio de Flag Nature Trail with a MNA Docent to learn about local plants and animals. Discussions include traditional uses of plants and the interdependence of species.
Kids Activities
From 12 noon to 2 p.m., wildlife biologist turned artist and educator Zackery Zdinak introduces art skills and opens young eyes to the wonders of nature by creating connections with local wildlife. Kids practice basic techniques of transforming two-dimensional drawings of animals into three-dimensional subjects.
At a Paleozoic puppet show offered throughout the event, enter an era characterized by the development of the first fishes, amphibians, reptiles, and land plants, and meet “Stromy the Stromatalite and His Seafaring Friends.”
At Creative Corner, kids make Play Dough ammonites, sea creature crayon rubbings, and continental drift puzzles.
About the Museum
The Museum of Northern Arizona is one of the great regional museums of our world, surrounded by tremendous biological, geological, and cultural resources in one of Earth’s most spectacular landscapes. With a long and illustrious history, MNA evokes the very spirit of the Colorado Plateau, including the Grand Canyon and Four Corners regions, inspiring a sense of love and responsibility for the beauty and diversity of the area.
The Museum is located three miles north of historic downtown Flagstaff on Highway 180. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. For more information, contact 928/774-5213 or online at www.musnaz.org.