Glow-in-the-dark and rare rocks on display at minerals, fossil clinic

The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientistists welcomed families to the U of A on Saturday to check out rare rocks, minerals and fossils.

Geoscience experts are inviting people of all ages to rock out this Saturday at the APEGA Rock & Fossil Clinic.

The event put on by the association of professional engineers and geosciences at the University of Alberta will have various drop-in sessions from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m on campus. Kids and anyone interested in rocks can learn more about them at the family-friendly clinic.

“People can come and explore the depth and breadth of geoscience in a fun and interactive way,” said Elizabeth Tate, an outreach coordinator with APEGA.

Tate said kids are encouraged to bring their own rock or fossil for volunteer experts and professional geoscientists to examine, so they can help identify it and learn some fun facts.

The mineral experts will also be showcasing their own samples and collections – from petrified wood to cores – providing an opportunity to see some rare rocks and fossils up close.

“There’s stuff that you wouldn’t even get to see just with access to the museums here,” Tate said, adding there are even glow-in-the-dark ones.

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Registration for the event has closed online, but drop-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis. A schedule of the sessions is available on the APEGA website.

Organizers invite those who can’t make it to join their mailing list and to go to their website to learn more about K-to-12 resources and upcoming programs.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Sean McClune