On the Origins of Life - An Introduction to Meteorites and Meteor-wrongs at ROM

Note: Workshop is for an Adult Audience. This workshop is for participants ages 18+.

On the Origins of Life - An Introduction to Meteorites and Meteor-wrongs at ROM 
Sunday, January 26, 2025, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm 

Dive into the science of meteorites in a hands-on workshop that takes you on a journey through meteorite and planetary geology. Explore meteorite origins in the solar system, the different types, and their impact on the future of science and our understanding of Earth’s place in the universe.

Classroom instruction, a guided exploration of meteorites in ROM’s Earth Treasures gallery, and a hands-on introduction to meteorite classification using the Museum’s collections and equipment are all included. You’ll be guided in the use of meteorite hand samples, as well as ID tools such as magnets and hand lenses, to build experience in general overall identification skills and understanding of samples. 

This workshop is designed for audiences with limited knowledge of meteorites and meteorite identification. 

Please note: Participants are NOT permitted to bring personal specimens to this workshop.

Instructors:

Josephine Di Maurizio

Josephine Di Maurizio completed her M.Sc in Earth Science at the University of Toronto in conjunction with the Department of Natural History at ROM.  Working within the realm of space geology, particularly with Martian samples, she has been studying specimens in collections at ROM to further her research work. She is currently completing her PhD at the University of Toronto with ROM Senior Curator and Teck Endowed Chair of Mineralogy, Dr. Kim Tait.

Alex Sheen

Alex Sheen is a Post-doctoral Fellow in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Toronto, where his primary research focus is meteorites, specifically those that resemble igneous rocks on Earth. Applying his academic background in Precambrian geology and geochemical modeling, Alex examined Martian meteorites during his PhD research, measuring isotopes in tiny minerals to pinpoint their age. Since joining ROM in 2023, he examines meteorites from Mars and asteroids in ROM collections, where he seeks to uncover new clues about the earliest history of the Solar System.

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