THANKS to sponsors/contributors

This event certainly would not be possible without the donations of many departments and companies. We would like to thank those contributors greatly!!!

Departmental/Office Contributors:
Ofc of the Dean & University Librarian
Student Affairs Special Events Fund
Institute of Environmental Sciences
Botany
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Computer Science & Systems Analysis
Electrical & Computing Engineering
Geography
Geology
Manufacturing & Mech Engineering
Mathematics & Statistics
Paper & Chemical Engineering
Microbiology
Zoology

Company Donations

$100 donation and discount on food towards event





Donation of two "dinner for two" packages (a $100 value)





Donation of coffee and cups for the food microclimate



Donation of food towards the food microclimate


Prize Contributors

What is GAIA anyway?

GAIA, The earth mother, is the Greek goddess of the Earth. Many Neopagans actively worship Gaia. Beliefs regarding Gaia vary, ranging from the common Wiccan belief that Gaia is the Earth (or in some cases the spiritual embodiment of the earth, or the Goddess of the Earth), to the broader Neopagan belief that Gaia is the goddess of all creation, a Mother Goddess from which all other gods spring. Gaia is sometimes thought to embody the planets and the Earth, and sometimes thought to embody the entire universe. Worship of Gaia is varied, ranging from prostration to druidic ritual.


The Gaia Hypothesis is an ecological hypothesis that proposes that living and nonliving parts of the earth are viewed as a complex interacting system that can be thought of as a single organism, which was proposed by John Lovelock. There are many versions of the original hypothesis, such as, Influential Gaia asserts that biota have a substantial influence over certain aspects of the abiotic world, such as temperature and the composition of the atmosphere. Another, Teleological Gaia, asserts that the atmosphere is kept in homeostasis, not just by the biosphere, but by and for the biosphere. Homeostatic Gaia asserts that the biota influence the abiotic world, and do so in a way that is stabilizing, by negative feedback linkages. Finally, Co-evolutionary Gaia asserts that the biota influence their abiotic environment, and that the environment in turn influences the evolution of the biota by Darwinian process.

Sources:

Mercatante, A. S., & Dow, J. R. (2004). The facts on file encyclopedia of world mythology and legend (2nd ed.). New York: Facts on File.
Kirchner, J.W. 1991. The Gaia hypothesis: Are they testable? Are they useful? In Schneider, S. (ed.) Scientists on Gaia. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press)

Global Awareness Grab Bags

The Environmental Action Committee will have grab bags available for free during the open house. Grab bags contain a reusable grocery bag, a compact florescent light bulb, and other information. If you would like a grab bag, pick one up at the organization tables on the first floor of Brill.

Navigating the Event

So....how does it all work? When you enter the event, you will be given this document to the left (a passport fan or a passport protest sign -- you'll get it once you see one in person)...

You will need to visit four of the microclimates listed on the passport PLUS the Evidence and Evaluation microclimates to be eligible for prizes and class credit.

Once you have completed the requirements, just take the passport to the entrance tent and a staff member will validate it. At that point you can fill out your prize entry and you will receive an attendance certificate if you need it for class.

Featured Speaker: Dr. Wil Burns

October 5, 3:30 PM
Science Library 4th Floor
Reception to follow

Dr. Wil Burns, Santa Clara University, presents:

The Potential Impacts of Climate Change on Terrestrial and Marine Wildlife



More Info About Dr. Burns

COMMENT: Is your mind already made up? Why?

One of our goals of this event is to expose you to evidence from both sides of the global climate change argument so that you can make an informed decision as to whether the change is really occurring and if it is, what the cause(s) are.

For those of you with strong opinions on the subject, what evidence helped you decide? A newspaper article? A movie? Share your thoughts on the subject by commenting to this post.

Prize sneak peak!

Here's a look at some of the prizes that will be available..

All-in-one printer available for winner of photo contest (student division)

Three digital cameras to give away

Five flash drives to give away

We also have two dinner packages from Kona available. Thanks so much to Kona for their donation of these great packages!

What are these microclimates about?

Here is a description of a few microclimates you will experience during the event:

Evidence

The evidence microclimate will provide all types of global climate evidence from multiple perspectives and points of view. The evidence will include data, news/magazine articles, and scholarly journals just to name a few formats. Attendees will have the opportunity to view the evidence and make their own conclusions on global climate change. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their opinions on climate change and how they made their own conclusions.

Effects

The effects microclimate will feature some of the effects that are caused by a warming planet. Topics include (but are not limited to) increased sea level and temperature fluctuations, extreme weather events, and socioeconomic consequences.

Climate Mapping

This microclimate will feature a variety of climate maps including a glimpse of how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology can be utilized to analyze climate change.

The Amazing Read

This microclimate is loosely based upon “The Amazing Race”, and will be a fun and interactive way to discover current and classic books on global climate change.

Local & Organic Foods

Explore a multitude of foods from area farms and food that is produced organically. Learn what it takes to produce organic foods, and what effects local and organic foods have on the environment.

Attn: Faculty Members

Please consider offering extra credit to students in your classes for attending Brill's GAIA event. It is an excellent way for them to become acquainted with the library. For more information, contact Eric Resnis at 9-7205 or resnisew@muohio.edu

Nature Photo Contest

Yes!! Show everyone what a great photographer you are. In the weeks preceding GAIA, Brill Science Library is sponsoring a photo contest. Great prizes are in store (including a photo printer). Winners will be announced at 3pm on October 5.

CONTEST GUIDELINES/STIPULATIONS
1. All photo submitters must be affiliated with Miami University; amateur photographers only.
2. Submissions are limited to two per person.
3. Judging will occur in two categories: students and faculty/staff.
4. By submitting your photo, you agree to having it displayed at the GAIA orientation (Oct 5) and the IES environmental symposium on Oct 6.
5. Winners will be announced at 3:00pm on Oct 5 (winner does not need to be present to claim prize).
6. To be considered, entries must be submitted by 12:01am, October 5.