Dig up Some Family Fun at SUNY Potsdam Rock & Fossil Fair on April 19

Department of Geology Sponsors Tenth Annual Free Festival on Saturday, April 19 in Timerman Hall

POTSDAM, NY (04/11/2014)(readMedia)-- SUNY Potsdam's Department of Geology is proud to announce its upcoming tenth annual Rock and Fossil Fair and Roadshow, with hands-on scientific fun for everyone.

The family-friendly event will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 19 in the Timerman Hall exhibit area. Everything is free, and the public is welcome to attend.

SUNY Potsdam geologists and paleontologists will be on hand to identify rocks, minerals and fossils visitors bring from home. The fair will also feature a fossil dig that will allow participants to dig through sand to find fossils to keep, and a "mineral mine," where minerals and rocks are waiting to be discovered.

Real moon rocks on loan from NASA will be on display once again this year.

Visitors will be able to check out their rocks or minerals under the microscope, and choose additional specimens to start or augment their own collections. Children can compete in "dinosaur races" and other contests. Other attractions at the fair include free face painting, exhibits, crafts and prizes.

This event is sponsored by SUNY Potsdam's School of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Geology and the Geology Club. For more information, contact Roberta Greene at (315) 267-2286 or greenera@potsdam.edu.

SUNY Potsdam's geology department is well known for its student field research opportunities, both in the Adirondacks and the St. Lawrence Valley during the school year and around the continent in the summer. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu/academics/AAS/Geology.

Founded in 1816, and located on the outskirts of the beautiful Adirondack Park, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges. SUNY Potsdam currently enrolls approximately 4,300 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its handcrafted education, challenging liberal arts and sciences core, excellence in teacher training and leadership in the performing and visual arts. Empowered by a culture of creativity, the campus community recently launched Take the Lead: The Campaign for Potsdam, which aims to raise $27 million by the College's bicentennial in 2016.

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