01.24.05

Have you ever heard the aurora; wondered about the Red Planet; or descended into the depths of an Alaska cave? You now have the opportunity to explore these topics with experts at the 2005 Science for Alaska Lecture Series.

Beginning January 18, scientists from the University of Alaska and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will share their research with the public in free hour-long lectures. Family-friendly demonstrations begin at 6:40 p.m., with lectures to follow at 7 p.m. All events are scheduled for Tuesday evenings in the Westmark Gold Room.

For educators, an associated one-credit continuing education course will be offered. In the course teachers will develop lesson plans that include topics from the lecture series. Lesson plans also will incorporate National Science Standards and assessment techniques.

The Science for Alaska Lecture Series is free and open to all ages. The annual series is coordinated by the Geophysical Institute and sponsored by the University of Alaska Foundation

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FOR MORE INFORMATION: Information on all lectures and presenters in the 2005 Science for Alaska Lecture Series is available online at http://www.scienceforalaska.com.

CONTACT: Amy Hartley, Geophysical Institute Information Officer: (907) 474-5823

The 2005 Science for Alaska Lecture Series: Fairbanks Schedule

All lectures are free and open to the public. Corresponding family-friendly demonstrations begin at 6:40 p.m., with lectures to follow at 7 p.m. All events take place in the Westmark Gold Room.

Tuesday, Jan. 18: “Sounds of the Aurora and Other Persistent Mysteries” Presented by Professor Dirk Lummerzheim, Geophysical Institute, UAF

Tuesday, Jan. 25: “The Search for Water and Life on Mars” Presented by Professor Buck Sharpton, Geophysical Institute, UAF

Tuesday, Feb. 1: “Alaska’s Caves: Unlocking the Secrets to Our Past” Presented by Assistant Professor Daniel Monteith, UAS

Tuesday, Feb. 8: “Alaska’s Wildfires and How They Affect Our Health” Presented by Associate Professor Cathy Cahill, Geophysical Institute, UAF

Tuesday, Feb. 15: “Kings of the Arctic: Polar Bears in Alaska” Presented by Wildlife Biologist Scott Schliebe, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?"Alaska

Tuesday, Feb. 22: “Diving with Alaska’s Steller Sea Lions” Presented by Assistant Professor Jennifer Burns, UAA

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Information on all lectures and presenters in the 2005 Science for Alaska Lecture Series is available online at www.scienceforalaska.com .

Anchorage lectures will be presented at the Wendy Williamson Auditorium on the UAA campus 7:15 p.m., Mondays

Anchorage schedule:

Monday, January 24

Sounds of the Aurora and Other Persistent Mysteries
Dirk Lummerzheim, Professor of Aeronomy
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Monday, January 31
Kings of the Arctic: Polar Bears in Alaska
Scott Schliebe, Wildlife Biologist
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Alaska

Monday, February 7
Alaska’s Caves: Unlocking the Secrets to Our Past
Daniel Monteith, Assistant Professor of Anthropology
University of Alaska Southeast

Monday, February 14
Alaska Wildfires and How They Affect Our Health
Cathy Cahill, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Atmospheric Science
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Monday, February 21
Diving with Alaska’s Steller Sea Lions
Jennifer Burns, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences
University of Alaska Anchorage

Monday, February 28
The Search for Water and Life on Mars
Buck Sharpton, Professor of Geology and Geophysics
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Juneau lectures will be presented at the Centennial Hall Convention Center
7:30 p.m., Mondays.

Juneau Schedule:

 
Monday, February 7
Sounds of the Aurora and Other Persistent Mysteries
Dirk Lummerzheim, Professor of Aeronomy
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Monday, February 14
Alaska’s Caves:  Unlocking the Secrets to Our Past
Daniel Monteith, Assistant Professor of Anthropology
University of Alaska Southeast

Monday, February 21
The Search for Water and Life on Mars
Buck Sharpton, Professor of Geology and Geophysics
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Monday, February 28
Arctic Sea Ice: Diminishing Habitat for Seals and Walruses
Brendan P. Kelly, Dean of Arts and Sciences, and
Associate Professor of Marine Biology
University of Alaska Southeast