Museum to offer adult workshop on matter

LAWRENCE — What do you really know about matter? You know, the bits of stuff that make the world what it is.

For those who are curious about how those bits comprise everything from shoes to plants to iPhones, the University of Kansas Natural History Museum will offer a science program just for adults from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 7.

The hands-on workshop, "What's the Matter? with Bekkah and Teresa" will introduce the states of matter, explore the size and properties of the smallest building blocks of matter and model what happens at the subatomic scale during a chemical reaction. Participants should bring their sense of humor and be ready for active participation for this introduction to physics.

What also sets this evening apart from your high school physics class is that there will be appetizers and beverages available, including wine for those over age 21.

Bekkah Lampe, museum educator, and Teresa MacDonald, director of education, will lead the workshop.

"Often the only opportunities for adults to learn about science occur through lectures and articles," Lampe said. "We want to give adults the chance to explore science topics that they are unfamiliar with through hands-on experiences."

Participants are asked to register for the workshop by 5 p.m. Nov. 5 by calling (785) 864-4173. Open to adults ages 18 and older, the workshop is $10 for museum members and KU students, and $12 for the public.