A museum of rocks? Why would you want to go there? Well, the answer to that is quite simple. The Earth Sciences Museum at the University of Waterloo is more than just rocks and stones. This museum features numerous fossils (including dinosaur skeletons), gemstones, ground water exhibits, and fascinating tours and lectures.

The tours and lectures cover a wide array of topics including:

• Volcanoes
• Gems and minerals
• Facts and fiction on paleontology (the study of dinosaurs)
• Ground Water
• Mines and miners
• Dinosaurs and fossils
• Much more!

The ground water exhibits are something many find particularly interesting, as ground water plays a huge role in our daily lives. After all, what can be more interesting than learning about something that is absolutely crucial to the survival of the human race?

One of the exhibits on display has 200 2-liter bottles of water that light up to visually demonstrate how much water the average person uses daily. You might be astonished to find out exactly how much water you use when engaging in simple activities such as taking a shower or running a dishwasher.

Perhaps the best feature of this museum is the free admission, meaning that you have nothing to lose by visiting this museum. However, you are encouraged to give a donation, as this will help to improve the quality and maintenance of the facility and the number exhibits available. The museum hours are 8:30am to 4:30pm weekdays and other times upon special request for tours.

To find the museum, go to 200 University Avenue West, at the University of Waterloo campus. Scheduling a tour is a breeze, as you can call the museum at 519-888-4567 Ext. 32469. Finally, if you have any other questions, need directions, or wish to preview what is on display, visit the Museum’s homepage at http://www.earth.uwaterloo.ca/services/museum.