FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
contact: Christy Hostetler
541-482-6767 ext. 31
541-601-6743
Mars Weekend at ScienceWorks
ScienceWorks invites kids to bring in sample Earth rocks for Mars scientists
(Ashland, OR) January 15, 2004... On January 23, 24 and 25, ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum will be hosting a variety of activities that coincide with the NASA Mars Exploration Rovers that are now visiting our neighbor in the solar system. The weekend will include lectures, kids activities and a special call from NASA for students to send in their own rock samples.
On Friday, January 23, ScienceWorks will open its doors from 6 to 8 pm. The evening will include featured speaker Dr. Andy Kuzmitz presenting “An Introduction to Mars.” Dr. Kuzmitz will help visitors learn a little about the geology of Mars, why it is that scientists have decided to land where they have, and what NASA hopes for during the current mission. Following the lecture will be a slide show of the latest Mars images sent back from Mars Spirit Rover. Also featured will be materials and information from Southern Oregon Skywatchers as well as Mars activities for kids.
On Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25, the Mars Weekend continues. On Saturday at 11:30, the Planetarium Show will include a special feature on Mars.
Throughout weekend there will be Mars activities for kids in the Discovery Lab and the latest images from Mars be available in the Sci Theater. At 2 p.m. each day, students from Lincoln Elementary will present their Lego© Mars robots that they created as a part of the 2003 FIRST Lego League international competition.
A special request from NASA has gone out to kids all over the country, and ScienceWorks wants to help! According to the NASA Mars Exploration Rover Classroom website, scientists are asking students from around the world for help. The site asks for students to send in a rock collected from their region of the world. Mars scientists will use a special tool like the one on the rover to tell you what it's made of. Then students can compare their rocks to the ones found on Mars. When you send in a rock, they will post a picture of it on the web, and give you a report on what kind of rock it is. You will also receive an official certificate and Mars sticker for your contribution. The rocks will be kept in a special collection where scientists from around the world can come to study them.
ScienceWorks will help kids prepare their rock sample for mailing. Kids are encouraged to bring in ONE small rock (minimum 2”, no more than 6” across) that they have found in this region, as well as any information they may have about where the rock was located (short description, photo of where rock was collected, copy of a map, etc.)
ScienceWorks’ regular public hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 10 to 4. Located at 1500 East Main near Walker Ave in Ashland, Oregon, the museum has ample parking and is conveniently located a few minutes drive from downtown. Admission is $7.50 for adults, $5 for children 2 to 12, and free for members and children under 2. For more information on events, directions, membership and sponsorship opportunities call 541-482-6767 or visit www.scienceworksmuseum.org.
