Welcome to the 2006 Flagstaff Festival of Science!!
Dive into Science!

Whether it's in the deep mysterious sea, the cool flowing rivers or the uncharted territories of space, explorers want to lead you on a great adventure as you Dive into Science! and experience a wave of discovery.

All activities are FREE (although some events require reservations.)

Friday, Sept. 22

The Shoemaker Keynote Presentation

Adventures of a Sea Hunter

James Delgado

7 p.m., Ardrey Auditorium, NAU

Dive into Science with a real-life Indiana Jones. Historian and adventurer James Delgado is a marine archaeologist who travels the world in search of lost ships and the stories they tell. Follow him into the dark and mysterious world of sunken ships hundreds of feet below the ocean's surface and learn about the people whose lives have been forever changed through some of the most famous sea disasters. This presentation immediately follows the Dive into Science Ballet.

Dive into Science Ballet

7 p.m., Ardrey Auditorium, NAU

You'll be moving with the ocean tides and meeting enchanting creatures as the dancers from the Northern Arizona University Preparatory School for the Performing Arts take you under the sea. This fun presentation is before the Keynote Lecture.

Campus Night Sky Viewing

7:30 to 10:30 p.m., NAU Campus Observatory

Explore the wonders of the night sky at NAU's Atmospheric Research Observatory.

Saturday, Sept. 23

Walnut Canyon National Monument Open House
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Walnut Canyon Visitor Center

Learn about the earliest inhabitants of the canyon and find out how they hunted and gathered food, grew crops, built cliff houses, traded with neighbors, adapted to the canyon environment and survived for centuries. Take a look at ancient artifacts and explore Walnut Canyon on park trails.

Riparian Walk
10 a.m.
Join a riparian walk with biologists from NAU's Cottonwood Ecology Group to explore the cool cottonwood, alder and sycamore forests along Oak Creek. Hands-on activities demonstrate the interactions of trees with birds, arthropods and streams. Bring water, walking shoes and an interest in trees! For information call 928-523-7291.

Science in the Park
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wheeler Park

Retrieve artifacts from an underwater environment, test your skills on a paleo puzzle, get your hands on petrified wood, try out ancient tools, smack some planets or mine for meteor shavings! At Science in the Park you can make a planisphere, crimp a stent, safely view the sun or take home your own plesiosaur crafts. Tours leave for the Centennial Forest at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.!

Mountain Campus Science Day
1 to 4 p.m., NAU Wettaw Building, #88

Calling budding scientists of all ages! Come to learn and play, meet NAU scientists and see their research in action. Be a part of an exciting chemistry magic show, hold favorite ugly bugs, view objects through an electron microscope and solar telescope and make rockets from balloons and Alka-Seltzer. Don't miss the tsunamis, earthquakes and aquifers in stereo at the three-dimensional Geo-Wall!

Sin Agua? The Aqueous Past of Walnut Canyon Field Trip
1 p.m.
Join in a guided hike by a park archaeologist and explore the many different ways that water has shaped the landscape and cultures of Walnut Canyon from pre-history through modern times. No cliff diving please! Call for reservations 928-526-3367.

A River Reborn: The Restoration of Fossil Creek
7 to 9 p.m., NAU Ardrey Auditorium

Preview the NAU/MNA broadcast documentary narrated by Cheers actor Ted Danson. Come meet Emmy Award winning producer Paul Bockhorst and Flagstaff scientists featured in the film. Danson tells viewers, "Fossil Creek stands out as one of the most important environmental restoration projects in the history of the American Southwest."

The moving story of the rebirth of a biologically critical river in the Southwest is recounted in A River Reborn: The Restoration of Fossil Creek. The one-hour documentary describes the natural and human history of Fossil Creek, examines the ecological effects of a 100-year-old dam and hydroelectric facility, and chronicles the 15-year process that led to decommissioning. Produced by Emmy Award-winning producer Paul Bockhorst. Narrated by Ted Danson.

Fossil Creek nurtured a rich diversity of life for millions of years, but in 1908 the water was diverted for the generation of electricity to power mining operations in central Arizona. Now, in a historic turnaround, the hydroelectric facilities are being decommissioned and the river returned to its natural state.

A River Reborn is a powerful case study in environmental restoration. It highlights a broad reassessment of rivers and dams globally, as well as the growing effort to balance fulfillment of human needs with protection of the natural systems that support human life. This includes the safeguarding of precious water resources and the protection of threatened and endangered species. As a focal point for this reassessment, Fossil Creek reveals both challenges and opportunities associated with riparian restoration.

Campus Night Sky Viewing
7:30 to 10:30 p.m., NAU Campus Observatory

Explore the wonders of the night sky at NAU's Atmospheric Research Observatory.

Sunday, Sept. 24

Interferometer Tours
9 a.m., 11 a.m. & 1 p.m., Anderson Mesa

This powerful array of mirrors allows astronomers to make high-precision measurements of the positions of stars, their sizes and features on their surfaces. The 90-minute tour is appropriate for ages 14 and above; 10- to 13-year-olds are welcome with adult supervision. Call for reservations 928-779-5132.

Hart Prairie Preserve Guided Nature Walks
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Meet at Fort Valley Plaza Shopping Center, SW Corner

Discover one of northern Arizona's natural jewels. Enjoy a guided tour of bird watching, wildflowers and historic landmarks. Bring water, not pets.

Elden Pueblo Public Day
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Coconino National Forest

Dive into the science of archaeology at Elden Pueblo Public Day. Participate in excavations, artifact cleaning, and hunting games with the atlatl, the rabbit stick and bow and arrow. Two-hour shifts start at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.

Fort Valley Experimental Station Open House
1 to 4 p.m., Hwy 180, 1 mile west of Snowbowl Road

Venture out to the Fort Valley Experimental Station and dive into the past where foresters first began studying our diverse ponderosa pine forest. This century-old site is being renovated so future scientists can study forestry's roots.

John Wesley Powell Dives and Delves into Colorado River Science
Richard Quartaroli, NAU
7 p.m., Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

Sure this visionary adventurer encountered a great many challenges on his watery explorations of the Green and Colorado rivers, but he also navigated through the great unknown of politics and the promotion of arid lands. Take the journey at Riordan Mansion!

Lowell Open House
7:30 to 10 p.m., Lowell Observatory

Let the stars provide an evening of dazzling entertainment with the night sky as the stage. Gaze through a number of telescopes, including Percival Lowell's 1896 original, and get your hands on the interactive displays in the exhibit hall. It's fun for all ages!

Campus Night Sky Viewing
7:30 to 10:30 p.m., NAU Campus Observatory

Explore the wonders of the night sky at NAU's Atmospheric Research Observatory.

Monday, Sept. 25

Water in the Outer Solar System
Dr. Will Grundy, Lowell Observatory
4 p.m., Lowell Observatory

In the outer reaches of our solar system, temperatures are so cold that water behaves like a rock-forming mineral. Find out what surprises recent space missions have had for scientists and about the New Horizons mission that's on its way to Pluto and beyond.


The Palat'Kwapi Trail
Jim Byrkit, Bryan Bates, Coconino Community College
5 p.m., Lowell Observatory

Time-tested and well-traveled, the Palat'Kwapi Trail has been an important thoroughfare for moving goods and information between the Hopi mesas and southern Mexico. Follow this southwestern path and get to know the ancient cultures of the region, what they traded and why they migrated.


Astrobiology and the Search for Martian Cave Life
J. Judson Wynne, Corps of Discovery International, USGS Southwest Biological Science Center, NAU Department of Biological Sciences
7 p.m., Museum of Northern Arizona

Does life exist on Mars? Learn about cave organisms on Earth known as "extremophiles," Mars-like caves on Earth and how the two may ultimately aid in determining if life exists on the Red Planet.

Tuesday, Sept. 26

Snorkeling the Grand Canyon: Exploring Life of the Canyon's Past
Jay Johnstone, Grand Canyon National Park
4 p.m., Lowell Observatory

Dive into Arizona's ancient ocean. Fossils can reveal how deep the ocean was, whether it was warm or cold, rough or calm, clear or muddy. Get your hands on these sea treasures and make your own conclusions!

What Ancient Science Tells Us about Ancient Cultures
Bryan Bates, Coconino Community College
5 p.m., Lowell Observatory

All living things, including humans, depend on information from their environment to adapt and thrive. Discover how ancient societies used astronomy, geology and plants to improve their chances of survival.

Bird Flu and Other Bio-threats
Dr. Mark Lacy, M.D., Flagstaff Medical Center
7 p.m., Museum of Northern Arizona

As the world prepares for a potential avian flu pandemic, explore the nature of flu mutations, infectious diseases and what you need to know to protect your health.

Wednesday, Sept. 27

Hart Prairie Preserve Guided Nature Walks
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Meet at Fort Valley Plaza Shopping Center, SW Corner

Discover one of northern Arizona's natural jewels. Enjoy a guided tour of bird watching, wildflowers and historic landmarks. Bring water, not pets.


Willow Bend Discovery Room
3 to 6 p.m., Willow Bend Environmental Education Center

Bring the whole family to explore our natural world and sustainability through engaging interactive displays and self-guided stations in this solar-powered facility.

School in the Creek
Sinagua High School students
4 p.m., Lowell Observatory

Join these young scientists as they dive into discovery at Fossil Creek and share their findings about fish, crayfish and invertebrates. Their research efforts require snorkeling, fishing, hiking, photographing and camping!

Cosmic Quests with the Discovery Channel Telescope
Kim Westcott, Lowell Observatory
5 p.m., Lowell Observatory

The Discovery Channel Telescope, currently under construction, will open new vistas into dwarf galaxies, killer asteroids and extrasolar planets. Come take a cosmic peek into astronomical exploration of the future!

Drought
Mike Staudenmaier, National Weather Service
7 p.m., Museum of Northern Arizona

Drought is a normal part of the precipitation cycle in the Southwest. Find out what experts are saying about the current cycle and how it compares to previous droughts. See how distant tropical oceans can affect drought cycles in the Southwest.

Thursday, Sept. 28

Spirit and Opportunity: The Mars Rovers are Still at It!
Dr. Larry Soderblom, U.S. Geological Survey
4 p.m., Lowell Observatory

Our two NASA Mars Rovers are still kickin' and returning rich scientific prizes. Spirit and Opportunity have outlived scientists' wildest expectations. They have seen the sun rise and set on Mars 1,700 times and traveled nearly 10 miles across the rocky dune-laden Martian surface. Trace their journeys and experience their surprises!

Research in the Big Ice Cube—Antarctica
Wayne Ranney, Museum of Northern Arizona
5 p.m., Lowell Observatory

What can you learn on Earth's largest ice cube? Hear from a local geologist who has visited Antarctica 30 times and has worked on research projects at the three U.S. science stations in this frigid climate.

Historical Changes in the Fishes of the Grand Canyon
Bill Leibfried, SWCA Environmental Consultants
7 p.m., Museum of Northern Arizona

The humpback chub, the razorback sucker and Colorado pikeminnow are unique names for some very unique and strange looking fish. Find out more about these curious creatures and how humans have affected their survival over the past century.

Friday, Sept. 29

A Tale of Two Volcanoes
Dr. Nancy Riggs, Northern Arizona University
4 p.m., Lowell Observatory

Red Mountain and Grand Falls are two popular destinations on the volcano tour of northern Arizona. Each of these beautiful spots has an interesting and unusual tale to tell.

Exploration and Science in the Flagstaff Area in the 1850s
Dr. Jerry Snow, Museum of Northern Arizona
5 p.m., Lowell Observatory

What did the first European scientists and explorers into our area want to know 150 years ago? Find out if it's the same thing you'd want to know!


Tsunami! The Killer Wave
Dr. Dave Brumbaugh, Northern Arizona University
7 p.m., Museum of Northern Arizona

Feel the tremendous force of these enormous waves that originate from activity on the ocean floor. Learn about the causes and results of a tsunami, including the great Southeast Asia tsunami of 2004.


Campus Night Sky Viewing
7:30 to 10:30 p.m., NAU Campus Observatory

Explore the wonders of the night sky at NAU's Atmospheric Research Observatory.

Saturday, Sept. 30

Meteor Crater Open House
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., I-40 east to Exit 233

Experience Earth's most accessible large impact crater! Take a guided hike along a portion of the rim, create your own galactic chaos with interactive meteor displays or watch a big-screen movie about how scientists believe the crater was formed. For ages 12 and up, a rare two-and-a-half mile guided hike is offered around the entire rim. Call for reservations on the whole rim hike, 800-289-5898.



Solar Home Tour
9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Willow Bend Environmental Education Center

Your adventure into sustainable homes of the future starts at Willow Bend. You'll receive information and a map to visit passive solar, straw bale and rastra block homes in our community.


Interferometer Tours
9 a.m., 11 a.m. & 1 p.m., Anderson Mesa

This powerful array of mirrors allows astronomers to make high-precision measurements of the positions of stars, their sizes and features on their surfaces. The 90-minute tour is appropriate for ages 14 and above; 10- to 13-year-olds are welcome with adult supervision. Call for reservations 928-779-5132.

Colorado Plateau Studies Symposium
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Coconino Community College Lone Tree Campus

Speakers will discuss the renewed interest in uranium and oil shale energy resources
on the Colorado Plateau. Topics include economic, environmental and social effects
of extractive industries in the West.

9 a.m. A History of Energy Development on the Colorado Plateau
Roger Clark, Grand Canyon Trust

10:15 a.m. The Geology of Energy
Pete Kohler, CCC & NAU

11:30 a.m. Oil Shale in the New West
Dr. Andrew Gulliford, Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colo.

1:30 p.m. Uranium Mining on the Colorado Plateau
Dr. Michael Amundson, Department of History, NAU

2:45 p.m. The Cost to Communities of Energy Development
Laura Kamala, Grand Canyon Trust

Wupatki National Monument Open House
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hwy 89, 12 miles north of Flagstaff, right at Sunset Crater Volcano-Wupatki National Monuments sign, 21 miles to Visitor Center

Step back in time and explore the rich archaeological history of Wupatki National Monument. View ancient pueblos and discover how people have lived in the desert for the last 1,000 years. See how they grew crops, traded with others and were affected by the eruption of Sunset Crater Volcano.


Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Open House
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hwy 89, 12 miles north of Flagstaff, right at Sunset Crater Volcano-Wupatki National Monuments sign, 2 miles to Visitor Center

Volcano enthusiasts will love the interactive activities at the visitor center! Find out about northern Arizona's volcanic past and how it impacted life and the people here. Explore the volcanic terrain on the Lava Flow Trail or through the other park vistas and trails.


Wukoki and the Wupatki Basin Field Trip
10 a.m., Noon & 2 p.m.
Wupatki National Monument Visitor Center

Join a park archaeologist for a 90-minute walk and talk about prehistoric life in the Wupatki Basin. Call for reservations 928-679-2365.


Hart Prairie Preserve Guided Nature Walks
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Meet at Fort Valley Plaza Shopping Center, SW Corner

Discover one of northern Arizona's natural jewels. Enjoy a guided tour of bird watching, wildflowers and historic landmarks. Bring water, not pets.

Geology of Oak Creek Canyon Walk
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Slide Rock State Park

Delve deep into the formation of the beautiful red rock landscape. This presentation includes a slide show and a guided walk with a park ranger.


National Weather Service Open House
Noon to 4 p.m., Camp Navajo Army Depot in Bellemont, I-40 Exit 185

Meteorologists are watching the weather 24 hours a day to help us prepare for thunderstorms, blizzards or droughts. See how they do it and check out the 4 p.m. weather balloon launch!

Fantastic Voyage
Noon to 4 p.m., Flagstaff Medical Center

It's a Fantastic Voyage at FMC where you can learn about what's going on inside your body and how to keep it healthy and fit. Kids, dive into hands-on activities and find out how your body works!

The Arboretum at Flagstaff Open House
1 to 5 p.m. 4 miles south on Woody Mountain Road

Enjoy the fall colors on a tour of the gardens at 1 p.m., a Wild Birds of Prey program at 2 p.m. and a presentation, "Not a Drop to Drink: Arizona's Last Great Drought, 1920-1941," at 3 p.m. This open house also features children's craft activities. Stick around for a special performance by the Brass Ensemble of the Flagstaff Community Band at 4 p.m.

Trails, Roads to Rails: Exploration and Science in the Area before Flagstaff was a Town
Dr. Jerry Snow, Docent, Museum of Northern Arizona,
7 p.m., Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

Time travel to the 1850's. Hear about the scientific expedition through our area that was larger than the Lewis & Clark expedition 50 years before!


Deep Sky Star Party
7 to 10 p.m., U.S. Naval Observatory
I-40 to Exit 191, 5 miles west of Flagstaff

Arrive before dark and join the party with the largest optical telescope of the U.S. Navy! Dress for the cold weather and bring a flashlight in a brown paper bag.

Campus Night Sky Viewing
7:30 to 10:30 p.m., NAU Campus Observatory

Explore the wonders of the night sky at NAU's Atmospheric Research Observatory.

Sunday, Oct. 1

Crossroads of Exploration Field Trip: Ancient Peoples and Explorers to Railroads and Route 66
9 a.m., Homolovi Ruins State Park
I-40 east to Exit 257, 1 mile north on Hwy 87

Homolovi has long been a stopping place for explorers from pre-historic to modern times. Discover what the ancient ones, and the pioneers who passed through after them, left behind. Then head to Winslow where the Santa Fe Railroad built the beautiful La Posada for travelers, right beside Route 66!

Scenic Science Skyride
10 a.m., Arizona Snowbowl

Dive into science at its peak! The Scenic Skyride will carry you to Arizona's rare Alpine Tundra where a Forest Ranger will introduce you to life at 11,500 feet! Call to reserve one of only 50 free spots on the lift, 928-779-1951, Ext. 109.

Science Day at MNA
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Museum of Northern Arizona, Hwy 180,
3 miles north of Flagstaff

Dive into science at the Museum of Northern Arizona. Learn about ammonites and the Cretaceous Sea through interactive kid's activities. Make Play Dough ammonites, visit MNA's nature trail and make a paleogeographic map.


Hart Prairie Preserve Guided Nature Walks
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Meet at Fort Valley Plaza Shopping Center, SW Corner

Discover one of northern Arizona's natural jewels. Enjoy a guided tour of bird watching, wildflowers and historic landmarks. Bring water, not pets.


U.S. Naval Observatory Open House
12:30 to 4:30 p.m., I-40 to Exit 191, 5 miles west of Flagstaff

Discover why the U.S. Navy built an observatory in northern Arizona, hundreds of miles from any port! Learn how you can use the world's largest star catalog, see the Navy's biggest single aperture optical telescope and set your watch by the Master Clock. Enjoy presentations, demonstrations, solar viewing and kids' activities.


Drawing Science Workshop
1 to 3 p.m., East Flagstaff Public Library

Artists play a big role in illustrating big ideas and discoveries. Illustrations can often communicate information better than words or photos. Bring your pad and pencils for this fun workshop with artist Zack Zdinak and pick up some tips to make your scientific drawings come to life!

Science Poetry Slam!
3 to 5 p.m., East Flagstaff Public Library

Young writers, gain confidence and pointers from the professionals! Write about the sea, the stars or the creatures yet to be discovered!


"Dear Emma" Letters by John Wesley Powell to his wife (Living History Presentation)
Todd Weber, Living History Presenter
7 p.m., Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

Join John Wesley Powell (back from the past!) on a quiet evening before departing into "the great unknown" as he writes a letter to his wife, Emma, describing the preparations, the people on the expedition and how he feels about what they may encounter.


Campus Night Sky Viewing
7:30 to 10:30 p.m., NAU Campus Observatory

Explore the wonders of the night sky at NAU's Atmospheric Research Observatory.

Supernova	Friends of the	Festival
City of Flagstaff	Arizona Humanities Council	Northern Arizona University
W.L. Gore
	Galactic Friends of	the Festival
Arizona Central Credit Union	Northern Arizona Association of Realtors
KNAU	Coconino County	APS
	Stellar Friends of	the Festival
NAU-Ecological Restoration Institute	Aspen Printing	2News
Flagstaff Area National Monuments	Arizona Daily Sun	Meteor Crater
Machine Solutions	Arizona State Parks	Frances B. McAllister
USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station	Flagstaff Medical Center	Unisource Energy Services

Planetary Friends of the Festival

Joy Cone
Arizona Space Grant Consortium
First State Bank
Help-U-Sell Realty Team
Limber Pine Enterprises
KAFF/KMGN
KOLT/KOOL/The Eagle
KVNA
Nordstrom and Associates, CPAs
Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Flagstaff
SWCA Environmental Consultants
The Inn at NAU

Cometary Friends of the Festival

Boyer Metal
Clear Aire Audio
Coconino Community College
Flagstaff Honda
Grand Canyon Association
Nestle-Purina PetCare Co.
R & A Import Auto Parts and Repair of Flagstaff
The Stockmen's Bank

The Festival is a Flagstaff Unified School District approved activity.

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Questions:  scifest@earthlink.net

Copyright © 2006 Flagstaff Festival of Science
Last modified: September 28, 2006

09/28/06kmf