Volume1/Issue4 Winter 2016

TRUASSIC TIMES

A YEAR IN REVIEW

2016 has been an incredible year of change for Akron Fossils & Science Center. It’s hard to believe it’s already coming to a close! When the year began, AFSC set out with a vision of growth and change. Our exhibit hall was just beginning to undergo major renovations, new programming was being proposed, and new events were being planned. Now, looking back after a year of hard work on the part of so many people, it is truly stunning to see how far the science center has come. Our exhibit hall is now completely redesigned and equipped with new displays and technology. We had the opportunity to meet with pastors in the Akron area during our first annual Pastor’s Night and had so much fun at our first ever Chronicles of Narnia Summer Carnival. Our park now boasts brand new play equipment; the lecture hall now has two newly built animal learning areas to accompany its many other updates including our Camp Creation Cabin and turtle pond. From renovations to new and growing programming, AFSC has experienced stunning growth and blessings over the past 12 months. None of these changes would have been possible if not for the generous donations, countless hours of volunteer labor and materials, and of course, the blessings of the Lord. Thank you for your continued support of Akron Fossils & Science Center’s mission to bring quality, science-based creation education to the Akron community. We cannot wait to see what the next year has in store.

“Our mission is simple. To connect people to the truth of creation.”-

Bill Sanderson

LOOKING FORWARD: 2017

2016 was a year of growth and change for AFSC, all of which we were able to achieve through the hard work and generosity of everyone who invested in our ideas and believed in our vision. As

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IN THIS ISSUEA Year In Review ………..pg. 1

Looking Forward: 2017... pg. 1

Kids Zone…………………. .pg. 2

Icy Warmth: The Science of Igloos ………………………..pg. 3

Founder’s Fodder………..pg. 4

2016 Highlights…………..pg. 5

Our Donors…………………pg. 6

How YOU Can Help……..pg.

Mark your calendars for December’s Super Science Saturday!

Volume1/Issue4 Winter 2016 we look forward to 2017, we seek to take that internal change and energy and turn it outward—to all of you, and to the community.

In 2017, we want to do more than simply have the community come to us- we want to reach out to the Copley community! This means more partnerships, more fun events, and more booth appearances. We want to get to know our neighbors and learn how we can best serve them. Join us as embark on a journey to IMPACT the Copley community!

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Kids ZoneIt seems that Simply Science students just began their Fall session, but here we find ourselves at the close of a successful semester! This semester, students have had the chance to study a wide range of sciences including Chemistry, Biology, Botany, Astronomy, and Anatomy and Physiology. Here’s a peek at what our Simply Science students have been up to this semester!

We are so thankful for our wonderful students who make Simply Science so much fun! This has been another great semester and we can’t wait to get into our Spring classes on January 19th. In addition to continuing our year long courses (biology, botany, and chemistry), this spring semester we will also be offering classes in CSI, Physics, and Geology. For a complete description of what each class offers, click here. Enrollment is now open for the Spring semester!

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Icy Warmth- The Science Behind Igloos Written by: Alysha Schall

Brrr! When the weather outside is frightful, you’ll want to head into your…house of ice? It may seem counter-intutive, but igloos have provided a warm shelter from the bitter weather for Inuit hunters for hundreds of years. The snow dwelling was never used or intended as a permenant dwelling. Instead, it was used as a temporary shelter for hunting expeditions (think your pop up tent, but with snow) during which hunters traveled far from their homes to the far colder coastal areas to hunt seals and needed temporary

shelter from the snow and wind. On the tundra, commonly used buiding materials are few and far between except for one- snow! Igloos were most commonly intended for one or two people, but in the case of longer hunting trips, could be built larger and with corridors connected to other igloos for longer trips in which the entire family or village was brought along. So we now know that the igloo was a convenient form of temporary shelter, but how exactly does this chilly structure keep its inhabitants warm?

The answer lies in science, beginning with the building material itself. While many think of igloos as being constructed of ice, they are actually constructed of tightly packed snow. This is important because of snow’s excellent ability to insulate. Heat wants to move its energy into a colder, lower energy area. An insulator stops the flow of that energy. Tightly packed snow, with its many air pockets, acts as an excellent insulator while also being far lighter in weight when compared to ice blocks. With its insulating building materials, an igloo works to trap the heat provided by body heat and a small fire, keeping its inhabitants warm. The warmth also works to strengthen the structure, causing the inside to melt the inner layer of snow, while the fridged temperature outside quickly re-freezes the melting snow into ice. A similar process happens on the outside. The morning sun slightly melts the outside of the igloo, which

then refreezes at night. This process takes the reletively weak snow structure and turns it into a very strong structure of ice.

The second key to an igloo’s warmth is its constuction. When you heat a gas, such as air, it expands, becoming less dense than the air around it, causing it to rise. The inside of the structure is actually tiered, taking advantage of this principle. The uppermost level is for sleeping, the middle

for work and a fire, and the lowermost level acts as a “cold sump”, with the coldest air falling to the bottom, allowing upper portions to stay warm. The entance is usually dug out at a right angle, effectively keeping the high winds out. By applying the basic scientific principles of insulation and rising heat, igloos can be up to 70 degrees warmer than the outside temperature.

While a shelter built entierly of snow may not seem like the ideal place to find protection from -50 degree temperatures, by applying some basic principles of science, you can take cold blocks of snow and turn it into a cozy refuge from the frozen tundra!

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Volume1/Issue4 Winter 2016 Sources:https://www.quora.com/How-does-an-igloo-work

http://people.howstuffworks.com/igloo1.ht

Founder’s FodderI always look forward to the Silent Auction. It is a great time to connect with our supporters who have a heart for the work we are doing. This year featured another chapter in the "Clue" mystery of the "Case of the Missing Donation". The mystery was enhanced by the outstanding performance by all of the characters who stepped up to a new level this year. Thank you for all of those who worked hard rehearsing and preparing for the evening from basket preparation, to setting up, cooking, serving and cleaning up after the

evening was ended. There are so many hands that are involved to pull off the evening, that it is impossible to name everyone. Just know you are not taken for granted and very much appreciated. We are truly blessed and are making a difference one day at a time.

As the year winds down, the staff and board members turn our thoughts to the year before us. Planning begins in earnest and the calendar begins to fill out. Jodie has already published the class offerings for the next session. Take a look and see if there might be something that fits your needs. There are also plans being firmed up for Super Science Saturday and the summer camp offerings.

Nick Reinfeld, Todd Styer, and Christian Alexander, have been working hard to complete the finishing touches on the exhibit hall which is almost completed and ready for fully informative and self-guided tours. This has been a huge project which is finally coming to completion. Marketing plans are also being finalized around the new exhibit hall and will hopefully result in a new measurable revenue stream.

2017 will be an important year for the Science Center. We must close the operating gap. Alexandria has attended grant writing classes and will begin to tap this source in earnest. Pray that her efforts will be successful. Also pray that the Lord will continue to raise up those who may have the resources to help us become sustainable into the future.

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Volume1/Issue4 Winter 2016 Our mission is simple. "To connect people to the truth of creation.” We have touched thousands with our message, and pray that the Lord will show us the way forward to continue. We wish all of you the Merriest of Christmases and the most optimistic of New Year's celebrations.May God Bless.

Bill Sanderson

2016 Highlights!What an amazing year it’s been! From remodels, to camps and carnivals, to our science fair and Simply Science fall semester, 2016 has been a year to

remember! Let’s take a moment to look back on some of our favorite moments!

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Our DonorsThank you to everyone who has made the many changes and improvements at AFSC possible this year! None of it would have been possible without the generous donations of the following individuals. Without their investment and faith in Akron Fossils & Science Center, we would not be able to accomplish all that we do. THANK YOU!

Dr. Al Gotch, Sun Biofine: Sponsoring the Intelligent Design Exhibit

Maimone Family: Sponsoring the Carbon Dating Exhibit

Power Graphics: Sponsoring Tower of Babel Exhibit

Darlene and Kevin Stoner: Sponsoring Mineral Exhibit

Anonymous Donor: Sponsoring two exhibits

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If you would like more information about how you, your family, or your organization can become donors, please contact Alexandria Schall at alexandriaschall.akronfossils@gmail.com or call 330-665-3466

How Can YOU Help?Are you looking for a way to be more involved with AFSC in 2017? As we enter a new year, this is the perfect time to join in on our mission to present the truth of creation! Whether its through a donation of time, skill, finances, or something else, there are are so many ways to contribute! Below are some of our current needs and ways you can get inolved.

Volunteer: The easiest way to get involved with AFSC is by joining our team! We are always looking for volunteer tour guides, park maintenance, and general up-keep, but we are also looking for a solid team of event volunteers for some of the big events we have planned for 2017. Whether its one hour a month or a few hours every day, your help is always welcome! Check out our volunteer page for more information on becoming an AFSC volunteer!

Donate: As a non-profit organization, AFSC works double time to keep itself financially sound. As our founder moves into a season of retirement, our aim for 2017 is to be financially independent. Even small donations can help us achieve this goal and ensure that Akron Fossils and Science Center is here more many more years to come! Check our donation page for more information on how to donate.

Sponser: Our exhibit hall still has several exhibits that need your support! Exhibit Sponsorships! Exhibit sponsorships offer the opportunity to become directly involved with the

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Volume1/Issue4 Winter 2016 work we are doing here throughout the year. For just $250, your sponsorship of an exhibit will provide the vital resources needed to maintain exciting and professional exhibits that make up the foundation of what Akron Fossils & Science Center is all about. Along with a sponsor name plaque featured above the sponsored exhibit, each exhibit sponsor will receive an Annual Membership to Akron Fossils & Science Center so that you can come back and see how your exhibit is impacting the lives of visitors throughout the year.

Your Word: One of the phrases we here most often at AFSC is “ I didn’t even know you were here”. One of the best ways you can support Akron Fossils and Science Center is simply by talking about it! Did you have a fun time riding our zip-line? Did you feel your tour left you better able to understand the science of creation? Tell your friends! Tell your church! Word-of-mouth can often work better than any paid adervising, so help us out let everyone know what you love about AFSC!

Item Donations: During our busy season, our equiptment can take quite the beating and items such as vaccume cleaners need replaced or repaired often. Unfortunately, sometimes, a new vaccume is simply not in the budget. One way you can help us out is by taking a look at our list of needs and consider donating something from the list. The item that is still currently featured as an immediate need is a commercial vacuum cleaner. Between animals and kids, our carpets take quite a beating and our poor household vaccumes simply cannot keep up! If you or anyone you know has a gently used commerical vacuum clearner they would be willing to donte, please contact us at (330) 665-3466 or by emailing Alexandria Schall at alexanriaschall.akronfossils@gmail.com.

Christmas SALE!!!It’s gift giving season! Why not get some of your holiday shopping done and support your local creation science center at the same time? This holiday season, Akron Fossils & Science Center is having a HUGE Christmas sale! From November 25 th through the end of December , we are offering FOUR of our program packages for 25% off!!!

Program packages available:

Camp sessions, Simply Science classes, Super Science Saturday one year pass, and a variety of our Birthday Party packages.*

Purchase one of the packages and we will even bundle it up with a few extra goodies so it’s ready to go on Christmas morning. Christmas packages may be picked up at AFSC or shipped right to your door for a small extra fee.

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Volume1/Issue4 Winter 2016 Each bundle includes:

Program package of your choice

3 FREE zip-line rides

2 BOGO day-passes to Akron Fossils & Science Center

A small surprise toy

PLUS all of our t-shirts will be 25% off!!

Don’t miss out on the BEST DEALS OF THE YEAR!!

To place your order and take advantage of this fantastic sale, click the Christmas tree!

* For a complete breakdown/details of program packages click here

*****HOLIDAY BRAIN TEASER*****Can you figure out what classic Christmas song each picture represents?

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Volume1/Issue4 Winter 2016

More Than Just Fossils

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Volume1/Issue4 Winter 2016 Most of you are familiar with Akron Fossils & Science Center as aplace to get a great tour, ride a zipline, have a birthday party, and have summer camp. But did you know that AFSC actually has a lot of programs that not everyone is aware of? Below is a list of some of the lesser known programming that AFSC has to offer.

Education Days: Education days are a fantastic opportunity for girl scout and cub scout groups looking to earn their badges, for homeschool or public/private school groups looking to meet education requirements, or even for adult learning groups looking to strengthen their knowledge base! Education days give your group a chance to experience learning that is specifically catered to your group’s needs. Topics range from Geology to physics to even apologetics (for a complete topic range, click here). Check out our website or call us at 330-665-3466 for more information about how your group can take advantage of our education days!

Youth Nights: The teen years are a time when students begin to ask the hard questions concernting their faith as they search for answers. Questions about life and origin are often at the top of that list. We would love to help you answer those questions at our youth nights! Youth nights offer youth groups a chance to come, learn, and ask us the hard questions. See our blog and check out our website for more information on this fantastic program aimed at helping teens understand and defend their faith.

Overnight Lock-Ins: Have you ever wished you could experience a REAL “night at the museum”? Well our overnight lock-ins give you a chance to do just that! Perfect for scout groups, homeschool groups, or anyone who wants to spend a night with fossils learning and having fun! During our lock-ins, groups spend the night learning, doing fun educational activities, and of course enjoying our zip-line. See our website for a typical nights schedule!

Adventure Trips: Every summer, Akron Fossils & Science Center hosts several amazing adventure trips! Our annual Wilderness Canoe Trip takes you up to the beautiful Minnisota- Canadian Boundry Waters while our Rappelling Trip takes guests down to Hocking Hills to rappel off of the beautiful cliffs of the State Park. If you’re looking for something that takes a bit less gear, we also lead fossils digs every September! Check out our website to see how you can join in on the adventure!

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UPCOMING EVENTS

December 17th : Super Science Saturday- CSI: Who Stole Santa?

December 24th: CLOSED for Christmas Eve

December 31st: CLOSED for New Years Eve

January 14th : Volunteer Meeting for Summer Carnival

January 17th: Simply Science Spring Semester Begins

January 21st: Super Science Saturday

February 18th: Super Science Saturday

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AKRON FOSSILS & SCIENCE CENTER

2080 S Cleveland Massillon Rd, Copley OH 44321

[Recipient Name]

[Street Address][City, ST ZIP Code]

Don’t miss December’s Super Science Saturday on Dec 17th to solve the case of “ Who Stole Santa?” !

Contact Us

Akron Fossils & Science Center

2080 S Cleveland Massillon Rd, Copley OH 44321330-665-3466info@akronfossils.comakronfossils.com