ODU EARTH DAY OPEN HOUSE FOR KIDS TODAY

An Earth Day Open House April 21 on the campus of Old Dominion University will give school children and other members of the public the opportunity to see about 30 science exhibits and demonstrations, and to meet researchers who work in the university's laboratories.

The open house, for which no tickets or entrance fees are required, is a production of the ODU Department of Physics and Department of Ocean, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. It will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Oceanography and Physics Building.

Astronomy shows in ODU's Pretlow Planetarium are scheduled throughout the event, and demonstrations of a new interactive Chesapeake Bay computer modeling system will be given. In addition, visitors can learn about environmental issues, weather, marine life, laser technology, electromagnetic fields, and the equipment used by physicists and oceanographers.

Special stations for young children will allow them to print fish and fossil forms on tee shirts (they must provide their own shirts), experience an ocean touch tank and learn about a hand crank generator.

Large groups and school classes that want to attend should contact Amanda Renwick at 683-4280 or arenwick@odu.edu. Tour guides will be made available at the event to groups that make arrangements beforehand.