As the University of Maryland preps for its annual “Maryland Day” celebration, ESSIC is putting the final touches on an exhibit that is sure to be an entertaining and interactive experience for the campus and community.
This will be the thirteenth year the Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center will participate at the annual event and according to ESSIC’s Maryland Day coordinator Maureen Cribb, the Center has much in store for its visitors.
“We like to make it hands on for everyone, especially because kids will be going,” said Cribb.
The ESSIC tent will be located in front of the Engineering building near the main entrance to campus, an area that is sure to see heavy foot traffic the day of the event.
This year, ESSIC will feature a series of live presentations that focus on Hurricane Sandy and the environmental factors that played a role in the development and evolution of the superstorm. Scheduled to speak are Paul Kocin of NOAA (a former Weather Channel Winter Storms Expert), Dr. Jeff Halverson of UMBC, Dr. Michael Folmer of ESSIC, and Barry Choy from NOAA Corps.
ESSIC’s “Maryland Day” mainstay “The Magic Planet” – an interactive globe that simulates weather, environmental, and climate patterns – will also be on display again this year. “Everyone loves it,” said Cribb. “Especially the kids.”
Other hands-on activities will include a rain-collection competition where visitors, equipped only with cloud-shaped sponges, will transfer water from a bucket to a rain gauge. Winners will be declared based on their total collection amount, although Cribb says each contestant will receive some sort of prize.
The Center’s always popular “Maryland Day” souvenir “giveways” for this year’s event will include posters, stickers, and a unique squishy yo-yo toy.
Maryland Day is held on the main campus at the University of Maryland on Saturday, April 27 , from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m rain or shine. For further information, see the following: Maryland Day
