UW Geology Museum to hold open house Apr. 18

Mars talks, dinosaur masks and flying reptiles will be part of the show on Sunday, April 18 during the UW–Madison Geology Museum Open House.

The free, family-oriented event, which will run from 1-5 p.m., will feature six special programs in addition to its standing exhibits. Throughout the afternoon, Plan B Design Studio of Hazel Green, Wis., will lead a dinosaur mask-making workshop with children.

At 1:10 p.m., James Graham of the UW–Madison physiology department will give the talk “Mars – Past, Present and Future,” in the L.R. Laudon Lecture Hall. Another talk, “Life on Mars?” will be given at 2:45 p.m. in the same hall by geology professor William Barker.

At 2:15 p.m. and 4 p.m., the museum will invite children to sort through a “Free Rock Pile.” Kids should bring an empty bag and rain gear if needed.

At 3:30 p.m., the museum will unveil its newest display, a model of the flying reptile Pteranodon. The balsawood skeleton was crafted by UW–Madison geology student Christopher Ott.

The museum is located in Lewis G. Weeks Hall, at 1215 Dayton St. Limited parking is available in Lot 54 adjacent to the museum. For information, contact the museum office at (608) 262-2399.