‘Wyoming Rocks! Water Ways’ Family Event Scheduled at UW Geological Museum Oct. 11

Families will have an opportunity to learn how rivers carve valleys; how groundwater flows beneath our feet; and how Wyoming's rocks hold the story of water through time.

The Wyoming Geological Museum and the Wyoming State Geological Survey will co-host "Wyoming Rocks! Water Ways," a free, family-friendly outreach event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 11, at the University of Wyoming Geological Museum.

"Attendees can explore the powerful relationship between water and geology through interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities for all ages," says Laura Vietti, museum and collections manager at the UW Geological Museum. "Although Wyoming appears quite dry today, water is still one of our most important resources today and in the past. At our outreach event, we will highlight how water has played a role in the formation of the rocks we see today through interactive activities. And the Wyoming State Geological Survey will be providing some great demonstrations on how Wyoming's water moves through the ground."

Highlights of the event include:

-- Learning how groundwater flows beneath our feet through demonstrations by the Wyoming State Geological Survey.

-- Cracking your own geode. A geode is a rounded rock containing a cavity lined with crystal and is formed over thousands of years as mineral-rich groundwater seeps into a void in existing rock.

-- Making your own crystal kit.

-- Digging for your own opal.

Event organizers are still looking for volunteers to help with the event, Vietti says.

For more information, call Vietti at (307) 766-3774 or email [email protected].