2008 ISGS Open House

Exhibits, Activitites, and Demonstrations

GEOLOGY

Aerial Geology A computer demonstration showing the use of historic aerial photographs as an aid in understanding and mapping the geology of Illinois. You can also learn how to view and download these captivating 1930s and 1940s photographs from the ISGS Web site. (Room 239)

Earthquakes in Illinois! Learn what to do during an earthquake, how earthquakes affect the Midwest, and where earthquakes have occurred. See how sand liquefies during large earthquake ground motions. A computer display shows recent earthquakes in the Midwest, and a seismograph monitors vibrations. (Room 165)

Fun with Gases, Liquids, and Solids: Physical Chemistry in Action Join us for simple experiments showing the characteristics of liquid nitrogen and the influence of sub-zero temperatures on certain gases. Observe sublimation and a demonstration of pressure and vacuum. (Room 223)

Geologic Time The Earth is a very old and very dynamic place. It is often difficult to imagine just how old the Earth really is. This display illustrates part of the Earth's history, shows where Illinois has been on the Earth in the past, and shows examples of the kinds of animals or plants that lived in Illinois. (2nd Floor Hall)

Glacial Geology of Illinois See how the huge glaciers that repeatedly covered parts of Illinois during the Ice Age caused both erosion and deposition as the ice advanced and then retreated. Glacial deposits are the parent materials of Illinois' richest soils. (Room 101)

Groundwater Model Come see how groundwater moves through the subsurface. Groundwater flow toward a pumping well can easily be seen. Learn how earth materials of different grain sizes affect the movement of groundwater and how surface contaminants can impact groundwater quality. (Room 211)

Illinois Wetlands: A Water Resource An introduction to Illinois wetlands and their importance. This exhibit gives examples of wetland research conducted by ISGS geologists. It also features interactive tabletop demonstrations, including "bog in a bucket." (NRB Garage)

Kids' Fossil Dig Kids of all ages can dig for plant and animal fossils—keep one of the fossils you find! Fossils range in age from 300 million to 480 million years old. (NRB Garage)

Lake Michigan Coastal Geology Research Vessels Special boats and technical equipment are needed for studies of erosion and shoreline change along the 63 miles of Illinois' Lake Michigan shoreline. Two of the ISGS coastal geology research vessels will be on display: the 15-foot Esther and the 17-foot Abigail. (NRB Garage)

Middle Illinois River Watershed Restoration: Assessing Subwatershed Conditions To reduce sediment in the Illinois River and restore favorable wildlife habitats, there is a need to understand how geology, geomorphology, and cultural history have shaped and influenced existing conditions within the river's subwatersheds. This poster illustrates how this information is gathered and put to practical use. (2nd Floor Hall across from Main Elevator)

Sloth says...Ice Age, WHAT? This "hands-on" exhibit is about the materials deposited by glacial ice in Illinois. You can touch samples of "glaciers"; watch how water sorts sediment; examine till, striated rocks, and gravel containing erratic pebbles; and learn where to look in Illinois to see these materials in situ (where they "live"). (Small Tent North of NRB Garage)

Trees Tell Stores Trees can provide a geologist with much more than just decoration on the landscape. Learn how to identify trees and read the stories tree rings tell about past climates and landscape changes. (NRB Garage)

Underground Cavern Display View a simulated cave environment featuring stalagmites and stalactites. Internal illumination of one stalagmite—which started growing 80,000 years ago—reveals the abundant growth rings that tell the story of the geologic processes and climate changes that took place during its formation. (1st Floor Northeast Entrance)

ENERGY RESOURCES

The Many Wonders of Carbon Dioxide Come explore the wonders of CO₂! This odorless, colorless gas is very important to life on planet Earth. Essential for plant photosynthesis, this gas is frequently in the news for its role as a major greenhouse gas. (1st Floor Center)

Mining of Coal Resources in Illinois Maps, photos, and video illustrate coal resources and coal mining history in the state. (1st Floor Center)

MAPPING

Festival of Maps This self-guided exhibit first appeared as part of the Festival of Maps Chicago and was on display at the Daley Center during late fall 2007. The exhibit includes several Chicago area maps, a visual history of statewide geological maps, and maps that show the location of energy, mineral, and water resources; potential engineering and earthquake hazards; and areas susceptible to groundwater contamination. (1st Floor Hall)

Illinois from Space Have you ever wondered what your farm, city or hometown looks like from space? You’ll see the unique landscapes of Illinois at this interactive exhibit that uses images acquired from satellites orbiting approximately 705 kilometers (438 miles) in space. Take home a map of the entire state to hang in your room! A satellite image map of the Chicago metropolitan area will also be available. (2nd Floor Hall)

New Geologic Mapping for ISGS STATEMAP Effort View the most recent geologic mapping completed by the ISGS. Maps of surficial geology and bedrock geology help problem-solvers and decision-makers understand how and where geology affects land-use decisions. (2nd Floor Hall)

What's in Your Backyard? Use a computer to search for sites of potential environmental concern in your neighborhood and print out a map to take with you. Check out the nearby poster—can you guess which buildings were once gas stations? (Room 261)

DRILLING EQUIPMENT AND GEOPHYSICS EXHIBITS

Borehole Geophysics Watch the ISGS excursion logging vehicle and probes during a well logging simulation. You'll learn the "how and why" of geophysics and its many applications. Used by the ISGS as early as 1942, geophysical logging of boreholes was used mainly for groundwater applications. Today, the ISGS supports a variety of research activities with logging using more than 15 different probes at depths of up to 3,500 feet. (Main Tent)

Magnetometer Survey Try using a magnetometer to locate a buried utility line or attempt to stump a friend with a hidden magnet. (Main Tent)

Make the Earth Shake Beneath Your Feet! Learn how seismic methods are used to visualize geology below the surface in Illinois. Send seismic waves through the ground yourself and watch how the ground shakes underneath your feet when you walk. (Main Tent)

EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH

Build Illinois Geologists are storytellers! They read the rocks like the pages in a book and recreate for your imagination the vanished landscapes of ancient Illinois. Hop into an imaginary time machine and head back through time in this wonderfully engaging demonstration of Illinois' geologic history. (Room 101)

ISGS Field Trips ISGS scientists regularly host field trips that take participants to view specific geological features and acquaint them with the geology, landscape, mineral resources, and biodiversity of different parts of Illinois. Get information about upcoming ISGS field trips! (Room 139)

Rocks, Minerals, Fossils, and Dinosaurs See typical plant, invertebrate, and dinosaur fossils, and rock and mineral specimens—most of which can be found in Illinois. Explore Dino Russ's Lair and find out why no one has yet to find a dinosaur fossil in Illinois. (Room 175)

SALES AND RESOURCES

Information Stop here for information. (Multiple Entrances and Main Tent)

Geophun Have more "phun" with ISGS-related merchandise including T-shirts, sweatshirts, and mugs. All are for sale from the ISGS social committee, Geophun. SATURDAY ONLY. (Main Tent)

Publication Sales Now is your chance to examine or purchase many of the most popular, most recent ISGS products and publications. Enter drawing for free pubs. (Room 139)

Teacher Resources Teachers, bring Illinois geology into your classroom. Find out about teacher workshops conducted by ISGS scientists, ISGS publications and other materials suited for classroom use. Enter drawing for free pubs. (Room 139)

OTHER AGENCIES

The Future of Coal is Now! The coal mining industry has a rich and proud tradition in Illinois. Coal plays a vital role as an energy source, and the industries involved in the mining, transportation, and utilization of coal provide thousands of jobs for Illinoisans and economic stability to many communities across the state. (NRB Garage)

Illinois Natural History Survey Mobile Science Center Walk through this Center, designed and constructed for use in small city and rural school districts across Illinois, and tour its exhibits. (Outside South of NRB)

Illinois Petroleum Resource Board Display Van Visit the exhibit trailer to see working models of oil field equipment and other information. The traveling exhibit will help you learn about the importance of oil and gas in our daily lives and increase your awareness of the science and business aspects of the Illinois oil and gas industry. Visit their web site at http://iprb.org/. (Outside South of NRB)

Cave Rave The University of Illinois Department of Geology invites you into their "cave" exhibit for a hands-on demonstration of how speleothems can be used as tools for paleoclimate reconstruction. Visitors will be able to split open a speleothem to read its growth bands and other indicators of climatic change. Other features will include a display of cave photographs, calcium carbonate specimens, a demonstration using a weak acid to dissolve calcite, and a video about caves and paleoclimates. (NBR Garage)

New This Year! The first running of the Earth, Wind and Fire 5K Run and 2.5K Walk will kick off at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 8. For more information on this event or to register go to http://www.isgs.illinois.edu/about-isgs/openhouse/5k-run/5k-run.shtml, or contact the Race Director, Don Luman at 217-244-2179 or e-mail him at dluman@isgs.illinois.edu. SATURDAY ONLY (Registration in Main Tent: South of NRB. Race starting line: Northeast of NRB)