2006 Science for Alaska Lecture Series lineup announced

Submitted by Amy Hartley
Phone: (907) 474-5823
01/06/06

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute has announced its 2006 lineup for the annual Science for Alaska Lecture Series.

This year, audiences will be wowed by lecture topics ranging from bear safety to tsunami preparedness. Lectures will take place every Tuesday at 7 p.m., in the Westmark Gold Room, from Jan. 10 - Feb. 14. Lectures are preceded by educational displays and demonstrations and are free to the public.

Since 1992, the Science for Alaska Lecture Series has provided Fairbanksans the opportunity to learn about scientific research conducted at the University of Alaska. This annual series, sponsored and coordinated by the UAF Geophysical Institute, features a handful of scientists from the University of Alaska, along with experts from state and federal agencies. These experts share their research with the public in lectures that are full of animations and visuals that appeal to all ages. Traditionally, the lectures are offered during January and February and serve as an educational and entertaining option for locals on cold winter nights.

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.

Following is the 2006 Science for Alaska Lecture Series lineup:

Tuesday, Jan. 10
"Safety in Bear Country: The Science and the Nonsense"
Presented by Wildlife Biologist John Hechtel
Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Tuesday, Jan. 17
"Surviving a Tsunami: Is Alaska Ready for the Next Big Wave?"
Presented by Research Analyst Elena Suleimani
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Tuesday, Jan. 24
"Warmer Climate, Thawing Permafrost: What Will Happen to Alaska’s Water?"
Presented by Research Professor of Water Resources Larry Hinzman
Water and Environmental Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Tuesday, Jan. 31
"Mirror Images: Exploring Auroras at Each of the Poles"
Presented by Professor of Geophysics Hans Nielsen
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Tuesday, Feb. 7
"Recreating the World of Alaska’s Dinosaurs"
Presented by Associate Professor of Geology Paul McCarthy
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Tuesday, Feb. 14
"Seals on Thin Ice: An Effect of Climate Change"
Presented by Vice Provost for Research Brendan P. Kelly
University of Alaska Southeast

ON THE WEB: www.scienceforalaska.com