2/27/08

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Romney Hall, Public Affairs Coordinator, UNI Museums, (319) 273-2188
Vicki Grimes, University Marketing & Public Relations, (319) 273-6728

UNI Museums to host maps program
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa Museum will host "Charting Your World: The Magic of Maps,” an interactive program for elementary school students, on Saturday, March 8, 9 a.m. to noon, at the University Museum, 3219 Hudson Road, Cedar Falls.

Students will spend the morning engaged in the world of maps and geography. Participants will design a treasure map, plan a city, go orienteering and learn about geographical applications and concepts. 

Parents may drop their children off at the Museum and collect them at noon. Museum staff and education interns will be leading and supervising the program. Cost is $10 for Friends of the UNI Museums; $12 for non-members. The fee covers craft supplies, a snack and beverage. Registration is available by calling (319) 273-2188.  Deadline for registration is Tuesday, March 4. 

 “I'm very excited about the opportunities for fun and learning with this particular program,” says Diane Schupbach, education coordinator for the UNI Museums. “It addresses an enormous educational need -- geographical skills and concepts -- while providing the kids with activities that are thoroughly entertaining.”

"Charting Your World: The Magic of Maps” is presented in connection with the University Museum's current featured exhibit, "Earth from Space," a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution, on display now through June 28. “Earth from Space” features 40 detailed satellite images of Earth and captures the majestic beauty of the planet.  It provides information on the changes in the Earth’s landscape over time and demonstrates the diversity of ecosystems that blanket the planet. The sophisticated technology used to capture the satellite images, as well as the varied applications for the data provided by the photographs, is highlighted in the exhibit.

“Earth from Space” is organized in collaboration with the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and the exhibition has been made possible by Global Imagination. Additional support has been provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Smithsonian Women’s committee. The Smithsonian Community Grant program, funded by MetLife Foundation, and John Deere Waterloo Operations, are sponsors of this public program.

Admission to the museum and presentation is free and open to the public. University Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday. For additional information, visit www.uni.edu/museum or call (319) 273-2188.

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