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What's On in November at the California Academy of
Sciences
Exhibits, Courses, Programs, and Lectures
Exhibits
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For a high resolution version of this
image or others, email Stephanie at sstone@calacademy.org.
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African Penguin Colony - ongoing exhibit
Watch as The Academy's African penguins dip and dive in their new tank,
which contains four times as much water and nearly twice as much land
as their old home in Golden Gate Park. Enjoy feeding shows every day at
11:00 am and 3:30 pm. During the shows, visitors may watch and ask questions
as one the Academy's aquatic biologists dons a wet suit, measures the
temperature of the air and water, and then steps into the pool to toss
vitamin-stuffed herring and capelin to the penguins. Each feeding takes
20 minutes. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 pm. California Academy of
Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000.
SSsssnake Alley - ongoing exhibit
They're scaly, slinky, and slithery, and they line the walls of a winding
passageway called SSsssnake Alley. View Steinhart Aquarium residents that
formerly made their home in the Swamp in Golden Gate Park, including the
anaconda, African rock python, ball python, pine snake, vine snakes, California
kingsnake, ground boas, and emerald tree boas. Stop by and say hello to
some of your favorite slithering snakes. Open every day from 10 a.m. to
5 pm. California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000.
Touch Tidepool - ongoing exhibit
During your next trip to the aquarium, don't let the fish have all the
fun - start splashing at the Touch Tidepool, where visitors can handle
a few of the animals that live along the California coastline, including
sea stars, turban snails, hermit crabs, and sea cucumbers. The tidepool
is staffed from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm almost every day with naturalists
and trained nature lovers who can answer questions about the animals and
their habitat. Even when facilitators are not present, clear plexiglass
tank walls allow visitors to view the tidepool inhabitants. Open every
day from 10 a.m. to 5 pm. California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street.
(415) 379-8000.
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For a high resolution version
of this image or others, email Stephanie at sstone@calacademy.org.
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Coral Reef - ongoing exhibit
View a two-story, 20,000-gallon coral reef tank that features dozens of
tropical reef fish as well as a wide variety of colorful corals. Children
will especially love seeing the common clownfish (often called Nemo) and
the blue tang (otherwise known as Dory). Wetsuit-clad divers enter the
tank often to care for the corals and clean the tank walls. Academy biologists
are using this enormous tank to test ideas for the even larger 225,000-gallon
coral reef tank that will be a part of the New Academy when it opens in
Golden Gate Park in 2008. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 pm. California
Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000.
Steinhart Aquarium - ongoing exhibit
View thousands of fishes, a captivating array of reptiles and amphibians,
and the Academy's beloved penguin colony at Steinhart Aquarium every day.
Now that the animals are happily housed at 875 Howard Street, visitors
may view them in up-close displays that bring the back of the house to
the front, allowing the public to see the equipment and technology required
to keep an aquarium running. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 pm. California
Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000.
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For a high resolution version
of this image or others, email Stephanie at sstone@calacademy.org.
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ANTS: Hidden Worlds Revealed - through April 2005
Curated by Academy entomologist Brian Fisher, ANTS: Hidden Worlds Revealed
showcases six colonies of live ants, each of which display distinctive
nest building and food collecting behaviors. Four of the species represented
- Harvester ants, Carpenter ants, Honeypot ants, and invasive Argentine
ants - are commonly found in California. The other two species, however,
come from farther afield. Leaf Cutter ants, which cultivate gardens of
fungus in order to ensure a steady food supply, make their home in the
tropical rainforests of South America, while meat-eating Army ants migrate
through parts of Africa and the Americas in search of prey. Each of the
six live ant colonies offers visitors the chance to look inside the chambers
and tunnels of the ants' nests and watch them forage for food. Open every
day from 10 a.m. to 5 pm. California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street.
(415) 379-8000.
Astrobiology: Life in the Extreme - ongoing exhibit
What is life? How do we study it? Where is it found on Earth? And does
it exist elsewhere in the Universe? To identify the types of environments
that would be capable of supporting life beyond our own planet, astrobiologists
must study the limits of life here on Earth. They do this by researching
extreme environments, such as thermal springs and hydrothermal vents (geysers
on the ocean floor), that host hardy living organisms. Both of these types
of extreme environments are explored in the Academy's exhibit, Astrobiology:
Life in the Extreme. Astrobiology is an exciting new scientific discipline
that combines the traditional fields of astronomy, biology, geology, chemistry,
and physics to address a vast topic: the study of life in the Universe.
Open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 pm. California Academy of Sciences, 875
Howard Street. (415) 379-8000.
Programs, Courses & Lectures
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
The California Academy of Sciences invites all to join the festivities
of Native American Heritage Month in November. For further information,
call (415) 379-8000.
Wappo Ethnobotany
For thousands of years, the Wappo Indians of Sonoma and Napa counties
relied on plants for daily uses, such as food, medicines, basketry, shelter,
clothing, musical instruments, and fishing nets. Wappo basketmaker Christine
Gabaldo will bring a selection of California native plants to the Academy
and discuss their traditional and contemporary uses, as well as demonstrate
how to make rope from dried dogbane. Saturday, November 6, 1 pm; California
Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum
admission.
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For a high resolution version
of this image or others, email Stephanie at sstone@calacademy.org.
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California Indians: A Way of Life
Explore cultural traditions of California Indians through an ongoing demonstration
by world-renowned artists and educators Julia and Lucy Parker. Julia Parker,
a noted Pomo basket weaver and a cultural interpreter with the Indian
Cultural Program at Yosemite National Park, has had her work featured
at the Smithsonian Institution and in the collection of the Queen of England.
Julia's daughter, Lucy Parker, is a traditional artist known for crafting
baskets, jewelry, and games, and still practices the traditions of her
ancestors, the Yosemite Indians. Thursday through Sunday, November 11-14,
10:30 am-4 pm; California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415)
379-8000. Free with museum admission.
Celebrating Native American Traditions
Academy visitors can enjoy a full day of activities focusing on the tribal
and indigenous heritage of the Americas. Sunday, November 14, 10:30 am-4
pm; California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000.
Free with museum admission.
Hopi Silverwork 10:30 am-4 pm
Duane Tawahongva will demonstrate the overlay techniques of traditional
Hopi Indian jewelry. Many of his designs, including clouds, waves, and
prayer feathers, are inspired by petroglyph images found in the areas
surrounding his village.
Pine Nut Bead Necklaces
10:30 am-4 pm
Join Renee Shahrokh and craft a pine nut bead necklace, made out of
sanded and drilled pine nuts and shells. Learn what these necklaces
symbolize and their importance to the American Indian community.
Yup'ik Eskimo Culture
11:30 am
Chuna McIntyre will present some of the NuNamta Yup'ik art forms and
customs he learned from his grandmother while growing up in the village
of Eek. Using music, stories, dances, and traditional clothing, he will
share the beliefs and values of the Eskimo world.
Plains Indian Beadwork
1 pm
Kaiwie Fastwolf learned Kootenai beadworking skills from her husband's
grandmother, she specializes in sewing small glass beads onto soft brain-tanned
hides. In this program, Kaiwie will use the tack-down technique on buckskin,
creating plateau-style designs.
Yaqui Indian Music
2 pm
In this presentation, Martin Espino will show pre-Hispanic musical instruments,
handmade from natural materials, and demonstrate their unique sounds.
He will invite visitors to join him in playing these instruments as
he shares the sounds, language, and history of his culture.
Yaqui Indian Storytelling
3:30 pm
In his second program, Martin Espino will focus on the oral traditions
of his Yaqui Indian heritage with a selection of stories and humorous
anecdotes from the Sonora region of Mexico.
NOVEMBER ACTIVITIES
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For a high resolution version
of this image or others, email Stephanie at sstone@calacademy.org.
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Afternoon Hands-on Science at the Academy
Hands-on learning demonstrators teach visitors of all ages how to
examine microscopic aquatic life or study adaptations of marine animals.
Taking place every Wednesday through Sunday in November at 4 pm; California
Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum
admission.
Lord of the Rings: The Cassini Mission to Saturn Benjamin Dean lecture
with Kevin Grazier, Ph.D.
On June 30, the largest and most sophisticated spacecraft ever sent into
deep space entered orbit around Saturn after a nearly seven-year journey.
This was the first step of a four-year nominal mission during which Cassini
will explore Saturn, its rings, satellites, and magnetic environment,
while the Huygens probe will make in situ measurements of the satellite
Titan. To order tickets, call (415) 379-8000. Tickets also sold at the
door, when available. Monday, November 1, 7:30-9 pm; $4; JCCSF, 3200 California
Street.
Herbivore, Omnivore, Carnivore: A Study of Structure and Function
Teacher workshop for grades K-8 focuses on what can be learned about an
animal from the study of its skull. Learn some of the critical differences
that distinguish herbivores from carnivores and how omnivores differ from
both. Reservations required. Thursday, November 4, 4-6 pm; $15 members/$20
non-members. (415) 379-8000.
Children's Story Time
Children ages three to seven are welcome to join us for Story Time. This
month's selections will feature stories honoring Native American Heritage
Month. Saturday, November 6, 10:30 am; California Academy of Sciences,
875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
Briones Nature Adventure
Family field trip with Chris Giorni for adults and children ages six and
up. Have a blast in the East Bay exploring beautiful Briones Park with
spectacular views of the Sacramento River Delta and rolling green hills.
Search for threatened western pond turtles in secluded waterways. Look
carefully for western fence lizards darting across the trail. Turn over
logs to discover resting ring-necked snakes, Pacific tree frogs, and California
slender salamanders. Scan for red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, and golden
eagles high in the sky, as well as American coots and great blue herons
feeding in ponds. Plan to walk two to three miles. Reservations required.
Saturday, November 6, 11 am-2 pm; $20 adults & $15 children members, $30
adults & $25 children non-members; Briones Park. (415) 379-8000.
Wappo Ethnobotany
Learn about the native uses for plants in the Wappo culture. See above
for more information. Saturday, November 6, 1 pm; California Academy of
Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
Introduction to the Bay Area Ant Survey
Meet with Academy scientists and learn how to participate in this unique
scientific study. Limited to first 20 participants. Saturday, November
6, 1 & 3 pm; California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415)
379-8000. Free with museum admission.
California Indians: A Way of Life
Explore cultural traditions of California Indians through an ongoing demonstration
by world-renowned artists and educators Julia and Lucy Parker. See above
for more information. Thursday through Sunday, November 11-14, 10:30 am-4
pm; California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000.
Free with museum admission.
Scientific Illustration
Meet a scientific illustrator and experience a live demonstration of drawings
used for scientific publications and research. Friday, November 12, 3-3:30
pm; California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000.
Free with museum admission.
Children's Story Time
Children ages three to seven are welcome to join us for Story Time. This
month's selections will feature stories honoring Native American Heritage
Month. Saturday, November 13, 10:30 am; California Academy of Sciences,
875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
Celebrating Native American Traditions
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month at the Academy with live performances
and activities. See above for more information. Sunday, November 14, 10:30
am-4 pm; California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000.
Free with museum admission.
The California Academy of Sciences and The Sierra Club Present:
A Special Screening of OIL ON ICE, narrated by Peter Coyote
Filmmakers Dale Djerassi and Bo Boudart, in association with Lobitos Creek
Ranch, have completed production of OIL ON ICE, a multi-faceted media
project about the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the controversy
over drilling for oil. An effort to inform viewers about the connections
between oil, the environment, and America’s energy future, OIL ON ICE
includes a one-hour documentary film, four-minute exhibition video, WebDVD
and Website. View a special screening of the one hour documentary on Sunday,
November 14, from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm. Castro Theater; $10 general admission;
(415) 379-8000.
Ants in Your Schoolyard
Teacher workshop for grades K-12
Workshop includes a tour of the ANTS exhibit and an introduction to pre-visit
and exhibit-related activities for students in preparation for a fieldtrip
to the Academy's exhibit, ANTS: Hidden Worlds Revealed. Workshop participants
will learn to identify ants commonly found in the Bay Area. Teachers can
also learn how to have their students participate in an Academy survey
of ants in the Bay Area. Reservations required. Tuesday, November 15,
4-6 pm; $15 members, $20 non-members; California Academy of Sciences,
875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000.
The California Academy of Sciences Presents
An Evening with Richard Dawkins
Special lecture sponsored by City Arts & Lectures
Throughout his prestigious career, Richard Dawkins, Ph.D., Professor of
Public Understanding of Science at Oxford University, has sought to rebut
the widespread misunderstandings of evolutionary theory from Darwin onwards.
In his best-selling books including The Selfish Gene, Unweaving the Rainbow,
and A Devil's Chaplain, Dawkins has exposed common misperceptions and
rendered accessible the newest and most thought-provoking theories of
the origins of life. In his most recent work, The Ancestor's Tale, Dawkins
presents an expansive and comprehensive look at evolution. Firmly rooted
in his extensive knowledge of the history of evolutionary studies and
the latest developments in the field, as well as Dawkins' own controversial
theories, his latest book loosely follows the structure of Chaucer's Canterbury
Tales. For tickets, call the City Box Office at (415) 392-4400 or visit
cityboxoffice.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the door, when available.
Tuesday, November 16, 8 pm; $18.50; Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Avenue,
San Francisco.
Out of the Lab
Get a glimpse into the science behind-the-scenes at the Academy. Curators
and scientists will show their latest acquisitions and talk about their
research in places near and far. Wednesday, November 17, 12-1:30 pm; California
Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum
admission.
The California Academy of Sciences Presents
Evolution's Rainbow: A Closer Look At Darwin and Sexual Selection
Lecture by Joan Roughgarden, Ph.D.
In this innovative celebration of diversity in animals and humans, Joan
Roughgarden, Ph.D., challenges accepted wisdom about gender identity and
sexual orientation. A distinguished evolutionary biologist at Stanford
University, Roughgarden takes on the medical establishment, the Bible,
social science, and even Darwin himself. She examines diversity in gender
and sexuality among fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals, including
primates. Roughgarden argues that principal elements of Darwinian sexual
selection theory are false and suggests a new theory that emphasizes social
inclusion and control of access to resources and mating opportunity. She
disputes a range of scientific and medical concepts, including the existence
of a gay gene, evolutionary psychology, and Richard Dawkins' 'selfish
gene' as the driver of natural selection. Booksigning to follow the lecture.
To order tickets, call (415) 292-1233 or e-mail arts@jccsf.org. Tickets
also sold at the door, when available. For more information, call (415)
379-8000 or e-mail lectures@calacademy.org. Thursday, November 18, 8 pm;
$6 members & students, $8 non-members; Jewish Community Center of San
Francisco, 3200 California Street at Presidio Avenue.
Children's Story Time
Children ages three to seven are welcome to join us for Story Time. This
month's selections will feature stories honoring Native American Heritage
Month. Saturday, November 20, 10:30 am; California Academy of Sciences,
875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
Meet a Tarantula
Learn abut the fascinating world of spiders and meet a live tarantula.
Saturday, November 20, 12 & 1:30 pm; California Academy of Sciences, 875
Howard Street. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
Introduction to the Bay Area Ant Survey
Meet with Academy scientists and learn how to participate in this unique
scientific study. Limited to first 20 participants. Saturday, November
20, 1:00 & 3:00 pm; California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street.
(415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
Visualization Center Open House
Visit the Academy's Space Science Visualization Center in the Astrobiology
exhibit and talk with Morrison Planetarium employees who are working to
create content for the Academy's new planetarium. Saturday, November 20,
2 - 4 pm; California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000.
Free with museum admission.
Lunch Break Lecture Series: Parrots in the City
Exotic parrots now inhabit the city of San Francisco. Explore their life
history through a slide show. Wednesday, November 24, 12:30 pm; California
Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum
admission.
Scientific Illustration
Meet a scientific illustrator and experience a live demonstration of drawings
used for scientific publications and research. Friday, November 26, 3-3:30
pm; California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000.
Free with museum admission.
Children's Story Time
Children ages three to seven are welcome to join us for Story Time. This
month's selections will feature stories honoring Native American Heritage
Month. Saturday, November 27, 10:30 am; California Academy of Sciences,
875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
Bird Beak Buffet
Participate in an educational demonstration and explore adaptations for
feeding in birds. Study and compare various bird specimens as Naturalist
Center staff and interns teach visitors about bill variation in these
feathered friends. Saturday, November 27, 12:00 & 3:00 pm; California
Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum
admission.
Run To The Far Side® XX
San Francisco's most unusual run is just around the corner! Join thousands
of runners in a 5K or 10K race that pays tribute to the eccentric cartoon
creations of Gary Larson. It is the only race where herds of costumed
cows, chickens, cavemen, and assorted Far Side fanatics compete side-by-side
with serious athletes in a beautiful jaunt through Golden Gate Park. Proceeds
from this twenty-year-old fundraiser benefit the Academy's education and
research efforts. For more information or to register, go to www.calacademy.org
or call the RhodyCo race hotline at (415) 759-2690. Sunday, November 28,
8:30 am; Pre-registration prices: $20 members, $25 non-members; Golden
Gate Park.
The California Academy of Sciences, including Steinhart
Aquarium and the Natural History Museum, is open to the public at 875
Howard Street. Admission to the Academy at 875 Howard Street is: $7 for
adults, $4.50 for youth ages 12 to 17, Seniors ages 65+ and students with
valid ID, $2 for children ages four to 11 and children ages three and
younger are admitted free of charge. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every
day. www.calacademy.org (415) 379-8000.
The California Academy of Sciences, the fourth largest
natural history museum in the United States, is home to Steinhart Aquarium,
Morrison Planetarium and the Natural History Museum. The Academy is beginning
an extensive rebuilding project in Golden Gate Park. Pritzker prize-winning
architect Renzo Piano is designing the new Academy, which is expected
to open in 2008.
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