Dig into the past with a simulated dinosaur dig. Learn how to identify dinosaurs and other fossils that provide clues to reconstructing extinct creatures and the ancient environment in which they lived. 

This free drop-in event led by KU botanists will feature activities about plant anatomy, the diversity of plants – including fluorescent lichens – and even offer the chance to make wildflower “seed bombs” that can be planted after the event.

The seed balls, which combine seeds, clay and compost rolled together, include many locally growing varieties such as Maximilian’s sunflower, Illinois bundle-flower, showy partridgepea, black-eyed Susan, purple prairie-clover, and several varieties of coneflower, including upright, clasping, gray-head and purple.

Other activities include instruction on building a plant press to preserve plant specimens, crafts using flowers to make sun-inspired photo prints, and ways to explore the differences between plants, such as the difference between fruits and vegetables.

Our gut bacteria outnumber human cells 10:1, yet only recently has our microbiome been linked with human disease, including alcoholic liver disease.  First recognized in the late 1990s, the full extent the gut microbiome has on liver disease pathogenesis remains mostly a mystery.  For this Science on Tap, Assistant Professor Michele Pritchard will discuss what is known about how our bacterial colonists induce liver injury and the preclinical development of new therapeutic options for patients with alcoholic liver disease.

Science on Tap is a science cafe hosted by Free State Brewing, 636 Massachusetts St. Guest moderators introduce a topic and then guide discussion with the audience. Bring your curiosity and your questions.
 

 Ever wonder what it takes to start your own collection of insects, plants or other specimens? For this Science Saturday, we'll explore all kinds of collections, from the ones that scientists assemble to those you can create at home.