Prof to Talk Pyramids in ‘The Science of Africa’

The famous pyramids and Alexandria Library will be among the topics discussed by Egypt native and UALR professor, Dr. Amin Akhnoukh, at the Museum of Discovery‘s latest Science After Dark installment. UALR and the Museum of Discovery, along with the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service and the Little Rock Zoo, will present “The Science of Africa” from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27. In honor of Black History Month, the Science After Dark event will feature interactive, science-based areas highlighting the physical and earth sciences of Africa. The program is open to those 21 and older. Dr. Warigia Bowman, assistant professor at the Clinton School, and Joel Gordon, visitor experience director at the Museum of Discovery, collaborated to come up with the interactive experience. The event will include:

• Meeting some African animals and learning more about many of the continent’s best-known inhabitants.

• Examining some of the more exotic skeletons of African animals as well as the skulls, hides, and other animal artifacts from the Little Rock Zoo.
• Learning about the science and scientists of Africa, including troubling phenomena like the melting of the snow cap on Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Exploring “The Development of Construction from the Age of the Pharaoh to Modern Egypt,” as Akhnoukh talks about pyramids, pharaoh temples, and newer projects such as the high dam in Aswan, Cairo Tower, the famous Alexandria Library, and the Egyptian Museum.

Other presenters include representatives of the Reptile Rescue Center, members of the education staffs of the Little Rock Zoo and the Museum of Discovery, as well as Hamadi Njoroge, owner and operator of African Wildcats Adventure Safaris. Admission to Science After Dark is $5 and is payable at the door.  The event is free for Museum of Discovery members. Bosco’s will provide a cash bar, and visitors will have full access to the 85 interactive exhibits featured in the museum’s three galleries. For more information, visit www.museumofdiscovery.org.