It’s Earth Science Week across the state, and the University of Wyoming is celebrating with “Passport Earth,” a 12-stop program that will run all week.  The public can participate to view science through the eyes of some famous Wyoming scientists.  A “fossil-hunting” field trip is just one of the many prizes that participants can win.

This year’s theme for Earth Science Week is “Visualizing Earth Systems,” designed to students and the public alike on how our planet is seen by those who study the geosciences.  The Wyoming State Geological Survey is partnering with the University of Wyoming Geological museum, as well as entities across Albany County and the UW campus, in sponsoring “Passport Earth.”

Here are the events where participants can get their passports stamped and some special shows hosted as part of Earth Science Week:

UW Geological Museum; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mon.-Sat. – full skeletons of famous Wyoming fossils have been mounted, accompanied by displays on the state’s geology.

Wyoming State Geological Survey; 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. – Displays about Wyoming energy resources, fossils, gemstones, and geologic hazards.

UW Libraries– The third floor of Coe Library houses the Emmett D. Chisum Special Collections, which include the Hebard Collection- the most developed collection of published materials about Wyoming.  UW biographical materials, history, maps and guides for all areas of study are available to researchers of all ages.  UW alumnus and acclaimed American paleontologist Charles Whitney Gilmore will be highlighted in exhibits on the third floor.

UW Art Museum; 10 a.m. -7 p.m. Mon. and 10 a.m. -5p.m. Tues.-Sat. – Thomas Moran’s Paintings, “Cliffs of the Upper Colorado River,” will be on display, featuring Moran’s connections with John McPhee and J. David Love.

UW Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center; 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. – A children’s corner to explore micro-fossils and a “Tree of Life” exhibit.

UW Anthropology Museum; 8 a.m. -5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. – “The Human Odyssey” features displays on early hominids, the Vore Buffalo Jump, Native American culture, and the Colby mammoth kill site.

UW Brinkerhoff Geology Library; 8 a.m. -5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. – Topographic maps, aerial photographs, and geology maps are just a few of a variety of available resources.

UW School of Energy Resources’ Shell 3-D Visualization Center; 3:30-4:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri. – Explore the subsurface of Wyoming in a 3-D virtual environment.

UW Harry C. Vaughan Planetarium – show times at 7 p.m. on Wednesday and 10 a.m. on Friday.

UW Museum of Vertebrates; 3-4 p.m. on Wednesday – The Museum is opening its doors, which are typically closed to the public, to demonstrate how collections of Wyoming’s wildlife can assist in furthering the study of Paleontology.

Albany County Public Library – An exhibit of published works by J.D. and Jane Love.  Their field tools and historic photos will also be on display.

Participants who receive all 12 stamps will get a unique prize from the Wyoming State Geological Survey, in addition to being eligible for prize drawings.

Gov. Matt Mead designated the second week of October as Earth Science Week back in 2012.  Fitting right in this week are National Fossil Day (Oct. 14) and Geologic Map Day (Oct. 16).

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