COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 4, 2006) – Tennessee Tech University’s earth sciences department and Geo Club invites you to celebrate Earth Science Week with food, fun and fossils at Kittrell Hall on Thursday, Oct. 12.

“Participants can try their hands — and legs —on a climbing wall that will be set up on the Main Quad from about 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day,” said Michael Harrison, chairperson of TTU’s earth sciences department.

Food and refreshments will be provided — and while you’re there, don’t forget to swing by the lobby of Kittrell Hall, popularly nicknamed “Rock Lodge” because it’s home to the department — to view some of its most interesting fossils and pick up information about earth science studies and careers.

TTU’s earth sciences department offers concentrations in geology, environmental geology and geographical information systems.

Among the fossils that will be on display will be replicas of dinosaur eggs, bones and footprints, as well as fossils commonly found in this area, such as crinoids, commonly called “Indian money.”

Running this year from Oct. 8-14, Earth Science Week was first organized in 1998 by the American Geological Institute to help the public gain a better understanding and appreciation for earth sciences and to encourage stewardship of the Earth.

This year’s theme is “Be a Citizen Scientist!” While that means you don’t have to have a formal education in earth science to get involved, collect data, observe and test, it’s still a good way to learn about opportunities offered in earth sciences at TTU, Harrison said.

“We want to provide a fun and interesting event while raising awareness of our department at the same time,” he said.

--Tracey LeFevre
This information posted 6 October 2006