Can you dig it?

March 4, 2015

Visitors will have the opportunity to uncover Earth’s geological wonders by observing simulated volcanic eruptions, sifting for minerals and gems and other activities during the ninth annual “Can You Dig It?” event March 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Florida Museum of Natural History, 3215 Hull Road.

This free, family-friendly event will provide an understanding of Earth’s materials and processes through hands-on activities and educational demonstrations.

“It’s not just a walk-by-and-look-see kind of event,” said program organizer Matt Smith, a senior lecturer and undergraduate advisor in the University of Florida department of geological sciences. “People who come tend to spend some time and really engage.”

The latest additions to this year’s list of activities include learning how to identify real meteorites from imposters (“Meteorites or Meteor-wrongs”) and exploring ways researchers study ocean currents ("The Ocean’s Conveyor Belt”).

Other activities include investigating how increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can threaten the ocean’s coral reefs and how water shapes the state of Florida. Participants may also create landforms in an augmented-reality sandbox and observe a real-time, 3-D color topographic map showing how rainwater will flow on the surface. Visitors who collect stamps on their event “passport” while exploring activity stations may redeem it for a mineral or fossil prize.

Florida Museum public programs coordinator Catherine Carey said anything messy like volcanic eruptions and water activities are always crowd-pleasers. “It is a great way to learn about everything from groundwater to volcanoes while having a blast,” Carey said.

“Can You Dig It?” is sponsored by the UF department of geological sciences and Florida Museum of Natural History in collaboration with the Gainesville Gem and Mineral Society and other community groups. The GGMS will present demonstrations of stone cabbing, jewelry making and more. Food from High Springs Orchard and Bakery will be available for purchase.

For more information, please visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/calendar/grid/can-you-dig-it/ or call 352-273-2064.