Publications & Sites 
Family Friendly: Rocking out while learning about geology
Updated: November 1, 2012 10:14AM
You and your kids may become rock-hounds after attending Rock & Mineral Identification together.
The event takes place at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4 at Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 220 Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst.
“We start out with a basic introduction to geology where we talk about the difference between rocks and minerals, the different types of rocks and how rocks form,” said geologist Sara Johnson. That is followed by hands-on activities.
“We start with a sample mineral, analyzing the crystal for color, texture, crystal shape, cleavage, luster, transparency, hardness and streak,” Johnson said. Next Johnson shows the group a reference chart listing the different minerals for which the museum has samples so participants can identify some of them, first as a group and then individually. Afterwards, the geologist explains how to identify different rocks. The class, for ages 8 and older, also runs at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. Admission is $5, $3 for museum members.
For details, call (630) 833-1616 or visit www.lizzadromuseum.org.
GOT GAME
School age children and adults can practice their moves at Chess & Checkers, 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3 at Franklin Park Public Library, 10311 Grand Ave. Beginning as well as experienced players are invited to come and practice their skills.
For details, call (847) 455-6016 or visit www.franklinparklibrary.org.
GO SEE MO
Videos of stories by a popular children’s author will be screened during a Mo Willems Film Festival, 3 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6 at the Maze Branch of the Oak Park Public Library, 845 Gunderson Ave. All ages are invited to drop in and view the G-rated films.
For details, call (708) 386-4751 or visit www.oppl.org.
SHIVER ME TIMBERS!
That’s what kids ages 4-7 will be saying when they attend a Pirate Party, 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 10 at River Forest Public Library, 735 Lathrop Ave. Stock up on winter reading while your kids play pirate games, hear pirate stories and sing pirate songs. Registration is required.
For details, call (708) 366-5205 or visit www.riverforestlibrary.org.
LUNAR LEARNING
How big is the moon and why does it seem to follow you? Those are two questions that will be answered during “Once in a Blue Moon,” the children’s show at 2 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 4-25 at Cernan Earth and Space Center, Triton College, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove. It is paired with a mini-show, “The Friendly Stars.” Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for ages 2-12 and seniors.
For details, call (708) 456-0300, ext. 3372 or visit www.triton.edu/cernan.
