Public Events

Carrol C. Hall Science Series: Through "Green" Eyes: See the Difference You can Can Make

Carrol C. Hall Science Series: Through "Green" Eyes: See the Difference You can Can Make

• Location: Illinois State Museum, Springfield, Springfield
• Date: Saturday, February 21, 2009, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Free Program for Students in Grades 6-8

On Saturday, February 21 from 1:00–3:00 pm, the Illinois State Museum will present the annual Carrol Hall Science Series for students in grades 6-8, Through "Green" Eyes: See the Difference You Can Make. At 1:00 p.m., Chad Pregracke  (president and founder of the not-for-profit organization Living Lands & Waters based in East Moline, IL) will present a dynamic and inspirational talk based on his unique experiences removing garbage from rivers. After the presentation, students will learn about vermiculture, water quality, carbon footprints, recycling, and other environmental topics through hands-on activities. This free event is designed to help students learn how they can help protect the environment.

At the age of 17, Chad Pregracke began cleaning the Mississippi River with only a small boat and a determined spirit.  Living Lands and Waters has now grown into a large non-profit organization that has pulled 4 million pounds of trash from America’s rivers, earning Chad over 40 awards including the Jefferson Award for Public Service in 2002, which Chad accepted along with Rudolph Giuliani, Bill and Melinda Gates, and Lily Tartikoff.

This is the tenth in a series of annual science programs funded by a generous bequest from the Carrol C. Hall estate to the Illinois State Museum Society. Mr. Hall was a prominent and respected educator who taught chemistry for 28 years at Springfield High School and was a co-founder of Horace Mann Insurance Company.

For information about the event, contact Elizabeth Bazan at ebazan@museum.state.il.us or (217) 782-5993.