Science Sunday at UA Museum Features Natural Hazards

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The community is invited to learn more about the science behind natural hazards during the Alabama Museum of Natural History’s Science Sunday at Smith Hall on The University of Alabama campus.

The event, which will take place from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 24, will feature museum experts and guest presenters offering hands-on activities concerning various hazards, including earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, forest fires and meteorites.

“We want families to understand the science. What causes natural hazards? Where can we expect natural hazards? What’s the frequency of natural hazards?” said Dr. Amanda Espy-Brown, education and outreach coordinator for UA’s Alabama Museum of Natural History. “People are well educated on tornadoes, but we are also impacted by earthquakes and hurricanes, and most people don’t know a lot about those hazards.”

Not only is it important to know how and when natural hazards occur, but also how to prepare for them.

“Families need to know the signs, and they need to know what to do when they see those signs,” Espy-Brown said. “We want them to understand how being prepared helps limit injury and damage.”

At the event, families will learn how to put together emergency kits for the different natural hazards. There will also be a unique art collection by elementary and middle school students at Holy Spirit Catholic School on display. The art pieces were created from tornado debris.

In addition to museum experts, there will be scientists from various UA departments, particularly the department
of geography, and representatives from the U.S. Geological Survey and Alabama’s Emergency Management Agency, as well as fire department personnel, who will be showing children how a fire truck works.

Admission is $2 per person. UA’s Alabama Museum of Natural History is in Smith Hall near the Quad at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Capstone Drive on The University of Alabama campus.