Earth Science Week Event Oct. 14 at UW

The Wyoming State Geological Survey and University of Wyoming Geological Museum will host a fun-filled event Saturday, Oct. 14, in celebration of earth sciences. “Wyoming ROCKS! To the Moon and Back” is scheduled 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Geological Museum.

The event is free and open to the public. It will take place during Earth Science Week Oct. 8-14, a national and international celebration led by the American Geosciences Institute and other organizations. This year marks the event’s 20th year.

Wyoming ROCKS will offer attendees of all ages an array of activities about geology in Wyoming. This includes creating a rock ID kit with Wyoming “moon rocks,” making moon craters, a museum scavenger hunt, a virtual reality experience of walking on the moon, and Wyoming mapping and rocks.

"Building off the momentum of the total solar eclipse in August, this year we are loosely focusing on the moon, which is not only an interesting topic, but is extremely relevant to Wyoming geology because our state has some very 'moon-like' rocks," says Laura Vietti, Geological Museum and collections manager. "At our event, participants will have the chance to explore and even take some of these rocks home."

The Harry C. Vaughan Planetarium will offer free shows at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in conjunction with the activities at the museum. The 40-minute shows will explore the many moons in the solar system. 

"The earth sciences are important to people in many ways. From geologic hazards to beneficial resources and the water we all depend upon, the earth sciences touch our everyday life," says Wyoming State Geological Survey (WSGS) Director Tom Drean. "For those ages 5 to 105, the majestic scenery, fossils and geologic features we have the pleasure of enjoying in Wyoming inspire our curiosity and lift our spirit. Earth Science Week is an opportunity to gain understanding, celebrate and appreciate these wonders."

For more information about the “Wyoming ROCKS! To the Moon and Back” event, visit the WSGS education website or www.uwyo.edu/geomuseum. Event organizers can be emailed at geolmus@uwyo.edu or christina.george@wyo.gov.

The WSGS still has complimentary Earth Science Week toolkits available for Wyoming teachers. If interested, email Christina George at christina.george@wyo.gov.