Flagstaff's Science Festival is Making Waves in September

As more than 70 percent of our planet is made up of water, the 2012 Flagstaff Festival of Science is highlighting the importance of healthy rivers, lakes and oceans with its theme Making Waves, Sept. 21 - 30.

Flagstaff's 23rd season in science begins with National Geographic emerging explorer and storyteller Alexandra Cousteau as the Shoemaker Keynote Presenter. Granddaughter of legendary underwater filmmaker and marine biologist Jacques Cousteau, Alexandra learned to swim before she learned to walk. She grew up on sea-going expeditions diving with whales, dolphins and manta rays and learning to love and now protect water as the lifeblood of our planet. Today, she continues the family business of bringing awareness and appreciation to aquatic life while pushing the boundaries of discovery, adventure and global problem solving.

"Our oceans are facing a critical time. We've lost 90 percent of the big fish and 25 percent of our coral reefs. Dead zones are growing around the world as nutrient pollution and carelessness take their toll. With climate change, the situation will only get worse," she says. "We all have an impact on the world around us and we only have a few decades to take real action."

The 2012 event also will explore ancient oceans, disappearing springs and efforts to save endangered fish, as well as share in the adventures of river running scientists. In addition, the Discovery Channel Telescope near Flagstaff is set to serve as a window into the mysteries of the universe with its First Light.

Festival favorites will be back again this year including Science in the Park, Flagstaff Medical Center's Fantastic Voyage, Northern Arizona University's Science and Engineering Day and Coconino Community College's Celebration in Science!

"This season's lineup will no doubt motivate our own emerging explorers and encourage the next generation of scientists, doctors, technicians, engineers and mathematicians," says Festival President Bryan Bates.

The Flagstaff Festival of Science serves to connect and inspire the citizens of Northern Arizona, especially our youth, with the wonders of science and the joy of scientific discovery. The Festival offers more than 70 FREE activities, including field trips, archaeological excavations, interactive exhibits, star parties, open houses at research stations, chemistry magic shows and presentations.

Support from businesses, organizations and individuals makes the Flagstaff Festival of Science possible. Major funding comes from the City of Flagstaff/BBB tax revenues, Flagstaff Cultural Partners, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Flagstaff Community Foundation, Northern Arizona University, Science Foundation Arizona, Stardust Foundation and W. L. Gore & Associates.