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What's On At The California Academy of Sciences
Exhibits, Lectures, Programs and Events
May 2003
150 Years of Science Ongoing through December 31, 2003
Skulls Ongoing through December 31, 2003
X-Ray Ichthyology Ongoing through December 31, 2003
Village Children Ongoing through December 31, 2003
Dennis Anderson Photos Ongoing through December 31, 2003
-Events-
Astronomy and Space Day
Saturday, May 10, 10 am-2 pm
Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Astronomy Day, created to share the
joy of astronomy. In addition to regular planetarium shows, Morrison Planetarium
will be hosting hands-on astronomy activities for kids and families, and
solar observing through special telescopes (weather permitting).
Activities include:
" Get inside the Star Lab provided by the Palomares 4-H Astronomy
Project. A star lab is a portable planetarium that fits almost anywhere.
On display from noon to 2 pm.
" See the sun through a telescope when the San Francisco Amateur
Astronomers host solar observing - weather permitting.
" Tim Tulley - will present his DVD The Universe with images from
space including several from the Hubble telescope.
" Morrison Planetarium Star Shows will take place from noon to 4
pm on the hour.
" Visitors may view an Orrery - Orrery's show the planets in our
solar system in small to-scale models. An Orrery is a mini planetarium
that illustrates the relative positions and motions of bodies in the solar
system by rotation and revolution of balls (or planets) moved by wheelwork.
" Kids may bring home their own night sky when they make Paper Cup
Planetariums.
" Kids may learn about their birthday moon and make an ornament to
take home.
Co-sponsored by NASA's Solar System Ambassador Program.
Mother's Day
Sunday, May 11, 2003
California Academy of Sciences members who are mothers, together with
their families, receive free admission to the EXPLORATORIUM and the SAN
FRANCISCO ZOO on this special day. In order to receive your free admission
present your membership card at these facilities.
18th Annual Academy Ball
Dancing Through Time
Friday, May 16, 2003
On Friday, May 16, from 6:30 pm to midnight, the Academy will celebrate
its 150th Anniversary at the 18th Annual Academy Ball, "Dancing through
Time." This year's Ball promises to be a fun-filled event, and will
be all the more exceptional as joint leadership will be provided by Ball
Dinner Chairs from the past 17 years. Dodge and Cox is the corporate sponsor.
For further information, please contact the Special Events Office by
email at dkernan@calacademy.org.
Sudden Oak Death Field Day
Saturday, May 17, 2003
Learn the latest insights about Sudden Oak Death at the California Academy
Sciences' Pepperwood Preserve. Hear what is being done and what to anticipate
in this region. Learn about the influence of this disease on our wildlife
as speakers dispel myths and inaccuracies and build on the latest scientific
information. Attendees will receive up-to-date information for homeowners
and plant professionals. Learn more about this matter from the California
Oak Mortality Task Force Education Coordinator, a Tree Care Specialist,
and a Wildlife Biologist (Wildlife Conservation Society). After several
short presentations you will have a chance to mingle with the experts,
and enjoy your lunch at the Pepperwood Preserve. A vigorous optional hike
to a diseased coast redwood and tan oak forest is also available. If you're
not up for the steep hike, stay at the facility and enjoy the best wild
view of the Santa Rosa area. Bring your own lunch, water, hiking boots
and questions.
For more information contact DendroTech (707) 942-9139.
The California Academy of Sciences Pepperwood Preserve
3450 Franz Valley Road (15 minutes east of Santa Rosa off Mark West Springs
Road)
Saturday, May 17, 2003, 10 am to 2 pm
Free and open to the public
-Lectures-
The Nature of "Nature" in the Amazon Basin
Lecture and Book Signing
IGARAPÉ GUARIBE, BRAZIL-Through the centuries, explorers and scientists
alike have placed an emphasis on the pristine nature of one of the greatest
strongholds of biological diversity- the Amazon Basin. Hugh Raffles, an
associate professor of anthropology at the University of California at
Santa Cruz, contends that the reality is quite different. The Amazon is
in fact a dramatic interplay of centuries-old human manipulation and nature's
ability to thrive after natural and manmade disturbances.
Raffles examines the impact of a wide range of people-from 16th-century
explorers and their native rivals to the 19th-century naturalists and
contemporary ecologists, logging company executives, and river-traders.
Raffles explains how humans, animals, rivers, and forests all participate
in the making of a region that remains at the center of debates in environmental
politics. Raffles tells a fascinating story that changes our understanding
of the region and challenges us to rethink what we mean by "nature."
After the presentation, he will be signing his recently released book,
In Amazonia: A Natural History. Thursday, May 8, 7:30 pm, $8 California
Academy of Sciences.
City Arts and Lectures with the California Academy of Sciences
present Russ Mittermeier primatologist, president Conservation International
and David Quammen, science writer, author of Megadiversity and Hotspots,
Song of the Dodo and Boiler Plate Rhino. In conversation with John
McCosker at the Herbst Theatre
Wednesday, May 14, 8 pm $18
This series is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Richard and
Rhoda Goldman Fund.
The California Academy of Sciences does not handle ticket sales for this
event, to order tickets, please call City Box Office at (415) 392-4400.
City Arts and Lectures with the California Academy of Sciences present
Matt Ridley, a science writer, author of Genome and Nature via Nurture
In conversation with Roy Eisenhardt at the Herbst Theatre
Thursday, May 22 8 pm $18
This series is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Richard and
Rhoda Goldman Fund.
The California Academy of Sciences does not handle ticket sales for this
event, to order tickets, please call City Box Office at (415) 392-4400.
The Farthest Stars
Dean Lecture
How did the first galaxies form? The answer can be found only when we
find the farthest stars, formed nearly 13 billion years ago. In our quest
to find the first points of light in the cosmos, we are also learning
about the universe itself-how it began, how it has aged, and how it will
most likely end. Dr. Charles Liu from the American Museum of Natural History
will speak about these oldest stars and the formation of the first galaxies
in the universe. Tuesday, May 27, 7:30-9 pm, $3 purchase tickets in advance.
Echo of the Big Bang
Lecture and Book Signing
A group of scientists and engineers spent eight years building a satellite
designed, in effect, to read the genome of the universe. The Microwave
Anisotropy Probe (MAP) has finally reported in-and it's found things nobody
ever expected. Telling the full story of MAP and its surprising revelations,
this book is both a personal and scientific tale of discovery. Michael
D. Lemonick is a senior science writer at Time magazine, where he has
written more than forty cover stories on a wide range of science-related
topics. His books include The Light at the Edge of the Universe and Other
Worlds. Tuesday, May 6, 7:30-9 pm, Free
-Free Programs-
Sculptured Waxwork Candles
Totonac Artist Jun Tiburcio, visiting from Veracruz, Mexico, crafts sculpted
candles embedded with seeds. Burning these creations reminds us of both
the beauty and the evanescence of all things. Examples of Jun's work in
various other media will also be on display. Saturday, May 3, 1 pm. Free
after museum admission .
Gamelan Sekar Jaya, a troupe of dancers from Indonesia, will guide
you through the music and dance of Bali. Dances and musical excerpts will
be performed along with a discussion of their background. Wednesday, May
7, 1 pm Free - this program takes place on the Academy's Free Day.
Japanese Paper Origami
Fold your own origami figure to take home, and learn about the traditional
Japanese art of paper Origami. Master origami artist Vicky Mihara Avery
will be onsite to explain the cultural meaning of this traditional Japanese
craft. Program in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Saturday,
May 10, 11 am- 4 pm. Free after museum admission ..
Andean Village Music
Edmond Badoux and Francy Vidal of Chaskinakuy perform village music from
the Andean highlands on a wide selection of traditional instruments, including
bone flutes and an upside-down harp. Saturday, May 10 1 pm. Free after
museum admission .
Hawaiian Kapa
The beating of plant fibers into a fine cloth known as kapa is an ancient
art in Hawaii. Malia Lealao will discuss and demonstrate this traditional
craft. This program is in honor of Asian Pacific Heritage Month. Saturday,
May 17, 1 -3 pm Free after museum admission .
Science Illustration
Meet Academy scientific illustrator Virginia Kirsch and watch a live demonstration
of scientific illustration of real insects. Wednesday, May 14, through
Saturday, May 17, 11:30 am-4 pm Free after museum admission.
Chinese Calligraphy
Meet Chinese calligraphy master You Shan Tang, and take home your own
name written in the form of Chinese calligraphy. For several millennia,
the art of Chinese calligraphy has been central to Chinese culture where
it is regarded to be one of the most revealing powers of a person. This
program is taking place in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
11:30 am-4 pm. Free after museum admission.
The Magic of Chinese Music
Led by Betty Anne Siu Junn Wong, local and visiting Chinese musicians
perform vocal and dance solos from Kunqu opera, and play the jinghu (opera
fiddle), yangqin (butterfly dulcimer), and other instruments. This program
is taking place in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Saturday,
May 31, 1 pm. Free after museum admission.
Live Penguins
See live black-footed penguins up close and learn about their history
at Steinhart Aquarium. Biologist and penguin keeper Pamela Schaller will
discuss what it's like to care for wet feathered friends and the Aquarium's
role as a Species Survival Plan member. Saturday, May 31, 1:30 pm. Free
after museum admission.
More Free Programs…
-Skull Skills-
Bare Bones - Take a crash course on recognizing animals by their
skulls alone. Examine human, hyena, turtle and rodent skulls, learning
important details used by experts to compare species.
Thursdays, May 1, May 15, May 22, & May 29, 11:30 am & 1:30 pm
Owl Pellet Forensics - 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. Tuesday, May 20, 11:30 am.
Make A Skull - Examine real skulls and then make a simple machine
skull model of your own. All ages. Saturday, May 3, Wednesday, May 7,
Saturday, May 10, Saturday, May 17, Saturday, May 24, Saturday, May 31,
12:30-3:30 pm
Mysterious Victims of Flying Predators - Examine the hunting technique
of hawks, eagles and other flying predators, and then help reconstruct
the scene of the crime as we identify the skulls of their prey. Sunday,
May 4, Sunday, May 11 and Sunday, May 18, 11:30 am & 1:30 pm
-Field Trips, Seminars and Classes-
Photographing Wildflowers
Capture the beauty of wildflowers on film. Get tips on equipment, composition,
and creative techniques to improve your images, and try out your new skills
at nearby Strybing Arboretum. Instructed by photographer Chris Kibre.
Adult Seminar and Field Trip-Sunday, May 4, 10 am-3 pm $40. For registration
information and more details, including other course offerings,
The Heyday of Natural History
Never has science been held in higher esteem and the public taken a bigger
interest in natural history than during the mid-19th century in America
and Britain when most of today's renowned science museums, including the
Academy, were established. Explore this fervor and how Charles Darwin's
Origin of Species eventually undermined it. Instructed by science historian
John Dillon. Adult Seminar-Tuesday, May 6, 7-9 pm $30. For registration
information and more details, including other course offerings.
Illustrating Mammals From the Inside Out
Discover mammal anatomy, and learn to draw them from the inside out. Learn
how to interpret what you see and accurately draw animal forms with pencil
in this intensive workshop. Instructed by naturalist Jack Laws. Adult
Workshop-Saturday, May 10, 9 am-4 pm $65 For registration information
and more details, including other course offerings.
San Francisco's California Quail
Visit some of the California quail's favorite haunts in the Presidio,
and learn about its fascinating biology and the science being used to
save the city's last populations. Instructed by birder Alan Hopkins. Adult
Field Trip-Sunday, May 11, 8 am-12 pm $40 For registration information
and more details, including other course offerings,
Recycled Basketry
Make a strong, long-lasting basket and reduce landfill by reusing the
plastic shipping straps on boxes. Instructed by basket weaver Kathleen
Hubbard. Workshop for Families with Children Ages 8 and up-Saturday, May
31, 10 am-4 pm $50 adults/$45 children For registration information and
more details, including other course offerings.
-Exhibits-
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, this exhibit is festooned with 860 sea lion heads 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.
X-Ray Ichthyology
Ongoing through December 31, 2003
Prepare to look at fish in a whole new light. X-Ray Ichthyology captures
forty-six fish from the Academy's ichthyology collection on X-ray film.
Blown up and backlit, these large-format photographs transform scaly swimmers
ranging from piranhas to guitarfish into eerie, luminescent works of art.
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, all year long! 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, May 7, 10 am - 8:45
pm California Academy of Sciences, Free.
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