2018 Field Trip Series – Florida Geological Survey Tour

TSS is offering a special field trip to attend the Florida Geological Survey’s annual open house on Saturday, December 8 from 10 am – noon (you may stay longer). The field trip to the FGS museum and facilities is free but TSS members are asked to register in advance and we will be treated as a special group. Families are welcome. The event is the Florida Geological Survey’s annual Open House at 3000 Commonwealth Boulevard in northwest Tallahassee. The open house is usually scheduled during Earth Science Week (October 14-20) but was postponed until now due to Hurricane Michael. Earth Science Week “encourages people everywhere to explore the natural world and learn about the geosciences and explore the ways that geoscience illuminates natural change processes.” This is an outstanding opportunity to learn from experts about Florida geology as well as to view FGS’s “new” facilities, interesting exhibits, and ongoing projects. We will see a dugong skeleton and an extinct mako shark jaw, as well as thousands of quality specimens of Florida’s fossils, rocks, and minerals. We will use microscopes for closer looks. We will also view a demonstration of how the GFS deep core drilling rig works and geologists will explain and show what they learn from core samples. We can visit young scientist stations where kids will enjoy coloring sheets that highlight prehistoric life in Florida. Seashells and Play-Doh™ will allow kids to experiment with fossil molds. Want to help create something spectacular? You may paint a rock for a future rock wall that will be hung at the FGS. You are also invited to bring any rock, mineral or fossil to the Open House and a geologist will help identify it. TSS members should register by emailing Dana Bryan at dcbgbw@comcast.net. Include the names of all the people in your party and all the contact information helpful for us to get back to you with further trip details and even last-minute updates on Saturday morning. You will be sent further details by email after you register.