EUGENE–Middle school students, who already know or want to learn the answers to such questions as who wove Oregon’s 10,000-year-old sandals, are invited to join The Naturals, the University of Oregon Museum of Natural History’s youth docent program.

"We’re looking for students in grades six, seven and eight who are curious about such topics as ‘how volcanoes make sharp obsidian, foamy pumice or basic basalt?’ or ‘what kind of bird eats the ants in your backyard?’" says group leader Kristina Horton, a senior anthropology major of 401 Arbol Via, Walnut Creek, Calif.

She says The Naturals is a year-long program for middle schoolers who are curious about natural and cultural history–and who would like to have a say in designing and leading the Museum of Natural History’s educational programs.

The Naturals meet every other Thursday from 3:30—5:30 p.m. during the school year, starting Oct. 21. Enrollment is open through fall term 1999.

The cost is $15 per term, plus $10 for a one-year student membership in the Friends of the Museum and a one-time $10 fee for the official T-shirt.

For details, call the museum, (541) 346-3024; drop by the museum front desk from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; send e-mail to mnh@oregon.uoregon.edu; or mail inquiries to Horton at the museum, 1680 E. 15th Ave., Eugene, OR 97403.

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