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What's On At The California Academy of Sciences
December 2003
The California Academy of Sciences is celebrating its last month in
Golden Gate Park with programs, lectures and events. The Academy will
be open free to the public on the last three days of the year, December
29, 30, and 31. Also, every Sunday in December we will assist visitors
in taking "Parting Pictures" at their favorite exhibit spot
whether it be the African Watering Hole or the Swamp. Now is the perfect
time for visitors to catch exhibits closing December 31. The Academy will
return to Golden Gate Park in 2008. In the interim the Academy will be
open to the public with Steinhart Aquarium, changing natural history exhibits,
programs, and courses at 875 Howard Street opening this coming Spring
2004.
Exhibits
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Seasons of Life and Land - Ongoing through
December 31, 2003
150 Years of Science - Ongoing through December 31, 2003
Skulls - Ongoing through December 31, 2003
Village Children - Ongoing through December 31, 2003
Dennis Anderson Photos - Ongoing through December 31, 2003
-Exhibit Descriptions-
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Seasons of Life and Land
Ongoing through December 31, 2003
In the far northeastern corner of Alaska, a pristine wilderness known
as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge pulses with life, even in the depths
of a white subzero winter. Until recently, most images of this vibrant
ecosystem were captured only during the brief summer seasons when weather
conditions permitted more comfortable photography - leaving many to imagine
the area as largely frozen, barren and lifeless during the rest of the
year. However, physicist-turned-photographer Subhankar Banerjee has now
shattered any such assumptions by recording four seasons of abundant life
in the refuge with a series of stunning photographs. In early 2000, Banerjee
left his job at Boeing, raided his savings, and began a two year photographic
journey of the region, enduring blizzards, bitter cold, and a trek that
totaled 4,000 miles to capture polar bears, musk oxen, the rare buff-breasted
sandpiper, and dozens of other species that thrive in the refuge throughout
the year. Forty-nine of these stunning photographs are on display at the
California Academy of Sciences.
150 Years of Science: Exploring Nature's Wonders
Ongoing through December 31, 2003
The Academy's 150th Anniversary Exhibit: 150 Years of Science: Exploring
Nature's Wonders features an enormous timeline streaming through the Academy's
exhibit halls, giving visitors the opportunity to walk through 150 years
of history as they learn how world events and major discoveries have shaped
the pursuit of science and the Academy. The timeline will lead visitors
to further exhibits that detail the Academy's plans for its future.
Skulls
Ongoing through December 31, 2003
Skulls includes almost 1,700 different dead heads -- ranging from monkeys
and giraffes to warthogs and rats to bears and dolphins. Created by Academy
staff, 860 sea lion skulls are on display in a 93-foot-long undulating
display. Skulls shows visitors what the study of human and animal skulls
can reveal about behavior, injury, disease, evolutionary adaptation, and
more. This strange and stunning display will captivate young and old alike.
Village Children
Ongoing through December 31, 2003
See faces of children from around the world, in villages both rural and
urban. This collection of photographs is a tribute to communities that
allow people to live and work in a space of human dimensions and shared
values. Village Children is a traveling exhibit of photographs by the
noted photographer Dr. Philip Rasori.
Dennis Anderson Photos
Ongoing through December 31, 2003
Dennis Anderson presents portraits of life on the San Francisco Bay. From
glowing undersea creatures and sunset scenes to commercial fisherman and
cargo handling, Anderson's work captures the Bay as an intersection of
nature and commerce in still photographs. Get a glimpse of San Francisco
Bay through Anderson's photography exhibit on display at the Academy in
Wild California Hall.
Free Wednesday
The first Wednesday of every month is free. The museum stays open until
8:45 pm on free Wednesdays - at 5 pm step into Morrison Planetarium for
a free half-hour concert. Wednesday, December 3, 2003 10 a.m. - 8:45 p.m.
California Academy of Sciences, free.
-Free Family Programs-
All programs free with museum admission unless otherwise noted.
Skull Detective
Thursday, December 4;1 pm
Examine skulls for clues that may reveal the owner's lifestyle. See samples
of food that may have been eaten when they were alive. All ages.
Bird Watching for Kids
Saturday, December 6;10 am-Noon
Search for birds in Golden Gate Park, and learn about what to look for
or hear when identifying birds in the field. Wear warm clothing in layers,
walking shoes, and bring binoculars and water. Ages 8-12.
Make-A-Skull
Saturday, December 6; 12:30 pm-3:30 pm
Examine real skulls and then make a simple machine skull model of your
own. All ages.
Tule Reed Crafts in Native California
Saturday, December 6; 1 pm-3 pm
Visiting the Bay Area from the Yosemite Park Museum, Kimberly Cunningham-Summerfield
demonstrates the many uses of tule reeds by California Indians, including
baskets, duck decoys, and mats. This is a special program in honor of
Native American Heritage Month.
Children's Story Time
Saturday, December 6; 10:30 am
Favorite stories of the natural world for young children.
Parting Pictures
Sunday, December 7; 11 am-1 pm
Academy visitors are invited to take farewell photos of the Academy as
we prepare for our move at the end of the year. Special photography zones
by the African Watering Hole and the Swamp will be available. Each spot
will have an assistant available to take photos of you and your family.
Bring your camera and your smile.
Sun Prints
Sunday, December 7; 1:30 pm-3:30 pm
Younger visitors are invited to make sun prints in the Academy courtyard.
Pressed leaves and flowers, shells, animal transparencies and stencils
will be available for compositions.
Bird Skulls
Sunday, December 7; 11:30 am & 1 pm
Meet a live toucan, touch real bird skulls and explore avian skull design.
Skull Detective
Thursday, December 11; 1 pm
Examine skulls for clues that may reveal the owner's lifestyle. See samples
of food that may have been eaten when they were alive. All ages.
Bird Watching for Kids
Saturday, December 13; 10 am-Noon
Search for birds in Golden Gate Park, and learn about what to look for
or hear when identifying birds in the field. Wear warm clothing in layers,
walking shoes, and bring binoculars and water. Ages 8-12.
Make-A-Skull
Saturday, December 13; 12:30 pm-3:30 pm
Examine real skulls and then make a simple machine skull model of your
own. All ages.
Annual Holiday Concert
Saturday, December 13, 2 pm
Members of the Deutscher Musik Verein brass band return to the Academy
for their annual concert of Christmas music from around the world. Get
in the holiday spirit and join us in celebrating the joyous sounds of
the season.
Children's Story Time
Saturday, December 13, 10:30 am
Favorite stories of the natural world for young children.
Parting Pictures
Sunday, December 14; 11 am-1 pm
Academy visitors are invited to take farewell photos of the Academy as
we prepare for our move at the end of the year. Special photography zones
by the African Watering Hole and the Swamp will be available. Each spot
will have an assistant available to take photos of you and your family.
Bring your camera and your smile.
Sun Prints
Sunday, December 14; 1:30 pm-3:30 pm
Younger visitors are invited to make sun prints in the Academy courtyard.
Pressed leaves and flowers, shells, animal transparencies and stencils
will be available for compositions.
Skull Sounds
Sunday, December 14; 11:30 am & 1 pm
Discover the strange sounds that animals can make with their skulls, and
explore the way your skull affects your voice.
Owl Pellet Forensics
Tuesday, December 16; 11:30 am-12:30 pm
Look for skulls in owl pellets and find out who is on the menu. We'll
provide owl pellets, dissecting tools, and skull identification guides.
Skulls Revealed
Thursday, December 18; 11:30 am-12:30 pm
Learn how to tell what an animal eats, how it may find its' food, and
other interesting behavioral clues all by looking at the skull! We will
examine different skulls from herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores.
Skull Detective
Thursday, December 18; 1 pm
Examine skulls for clues that may reveal the owner's lifestyle. See samples
of food that may have been eaten when they were alive. All ages.
Bird Watching for Kids
Saturday, December 20; 10 am-Noon
Search for birds in Golden Gate Park, and learn about what to look for
or hear when identifying birds in the field. Wear warm clothing in layers,
walking shoes, and bring binoculars and water. Ages 8-12.
Make a Skull
Saturday, December 20; 12:30-3:30 pm
Examine real skulls and then make a simple machine skull model of your
own. All ages.
Children's Story Time
Saturday, December 20; 10:30 am
Favorite stories of the natural world for young children.
Parting Pictures
Sunday, December 21; 11 am-1 pm
Academy visitors are invited to take farewell photos of the Academy as
we prepare for our move at the end of the year. Special photography zones
by the African Watering Hole and the Swamp will be available. Each spot
will have an assistant available to take photos of you and your family.
Bring your camera and your smile.
Sun Prints
Sunday, December 21; 1:30 pm-3:30 pm
Younger visitors are invited to make sun prints in the Academy courtyard.
Pressed leaves and flowers, shells, animal transparencies and stencils
will be available for compositions.
Bird Skulls
Sunday, December 21; 11:30 am-1 pm
Meet a live toucan, touch real bird skulls and explore avian skull design.
Skull Detective
Friday, December 26; 1 pm
Examine skulls for clues that may reveal the owner's lifestyle. See samples
of food that may have been eaten when they were alive.
Bird Watching for Kids
Saturday, December 27; 10 am-Noon
Search for birds in Golden Gate Park, and learn about what to look for
or hear when identifying birds in the field. Wear warm clothing in layers,
walking shoes, and bring binoculars and water. Ages 8-12.
Make-A-Skull
Saturday, December 27; 12:30 pm-3:30 pm
Examine real skulls and then make a simple machine skull model of your
own. All ages.
Children's Story Time
Saturday, December 27; 10:30 am
Favorite stories of the natural world for young children.
Parting Pictures
Sunday, December 28; 11 am-1 pm
Academy visitors are invited to take farewell photos of the Academy as
we prepare for our move at the end of the year. Special photography zones
by the African Watering Hole and the Swamp will be available. Each spot
will have an assistant available to take photos of you and your family.
Bring your camera and your smile.
Sun Prints
Sunday, December 28; 1:30 pm-3:30 pm
Younger visitors are invited to make sun prints in the Academy courtyard.
Pressed leaves and flowers, shells, animal transparencies and stencils
will be available for compositions.
Skull Sounds
Sunday, December 28; 11:30 am-1 pm
Discover the strange sounds that animals can make with their skulls, and
explore the way your skull affects your voice.
-Courses, Seminars and Field Trips-
Pre-registration is required.
Wild World of Algae
Adult Seminar suited for ages 15
Sunday, December 7; 10 am to Noon $25
Find out what algae is and the important role this often overlooked organism
plays in aquatic ecosystems. Instructed by Academy curatorial assistant
Linda Novitski.
Illustrating Mammals from the Inside Out
Adult Workshop Saturday, December 13; 9 am to 4 pm $65
Discover mammal anatomy and how to accurately draw forms with pencil.
Instructed by naturalist and illustrator Jack Laws.
Monterey Bay Wildlife Refuge by Sea Kayak
Adult Field Trip
Saturday, December 13; 9:30 am to 3:30 pm $100
Enjoy a day of kayaking at Monterey Bay Wildlife National Marine Sanctuary,
a freshwater marsh home to large numbers of waterfowl, shorebirds, and
hawks. Instructed by naturalist Greg Meyer.
Free Wednesday
The first Wednesday of every month is free. The museum stays open
until 8:45 pm on free Wednesdays - at 5 pm step into Morrison Planetarium
for a free half-hour concert. Wednesday, December 3, 2003 10 a.m. - 8:45
p.m. California Academy of Sciences, free.
-Lectures-
Modern Human Behavior in the Egyptian Middle Paleolithic
Fred Wendorf
The questions of when modern behavior began, how it can be identified,
and the relationship between that behavior and the modern physical type
are perhaps the most controversial issues concerning human development.
A study of the Bir Tarfawi and Bir Sahara basins in Egypt reveals a long
sequence of human occupations on the shores of the ancient lakes beginning
300,000 years ago and continuing intermittently through the Middle Paleolithic.
Join Wendorf as he explains that the Tarfawi/Sahara Middle Paleolithic
occupations represent a unique opportunity to examine modern human development
and juxtapose behavior with the modern human physical type.
Thursday, December 4, 7:30 pm $8 non-members
California Academy of Sciences
Book-signing to follow the lecture
Lonely Planets
Dr. David Grinspoon
It's been a quarter of a century since Carl Sagan first addressed the
general public from the perspective of a practicing scientist confronting
the possibility of extraterrestrial life. In Lonely Planets, Dr. David
Grinspoon explores the big questions: How widespread are life and intelligence
in the cosmos? Is life on Earth an accident or in some sense the "purpose"
of this universe? And how can we, working from a sample size of one, even
begin to think intelligently about life on distant planets? He gives us
new ways of thinking about life and outlines his controversial view that
Venus, not Mars, is the best candidate for finding nearby life. Lonely
Planets concludes with provocative speculations on human destiny and reveals
how the search for ET life unites our spiritual and scientific quests
for connection with the cosmos.
Tuesday, December 9, 7:30-9 pm, Free
California Academy of Sciences
Book-Signing to follow the lecture
Galaxies and What Lies Between Them
Dr. Jessica Rosenberg
The universe is filled with tenuous filaments of gas and dark matter with
galaxies and galaxy clusters residing at the intersections. Is the gas
between the galaxies a reservoir of pristine material still in the process
of forming galaxies or is it the refuse of star formation in galaxies?
What is the connection between galaxies and these intergalactic filaments?
Dr. Jessica Rosenberg from the University of Colorado at Boulder will
discuss these questions, and how new instruments should shed light on
them in the next few years.
Tuesday, December 16, 7:30-9 pm $3
California Academy of Sciences
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