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Stephanie Greenman Stone (415) 379-5121
sstone@calacademy.org
What's On in January at the California Academy of Sciences
Exhibits, Events, Courses, 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 am to 5 pm. California Academy of Sciences,
875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000.
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 am 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 am 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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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 am 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 am to 5 pm. California
Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000.
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 am to 5 pm. California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street.
(415) 379-8000.
JANUARY EVENTS
EVERY DAY
Penguin Feedings
During daily penguin feeding shows, visitors may watch and ask questions
as one of 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. Every day at 11 am and 3:30 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.
|
Army Ant Feedings
Known as the "Huns and Tartars of the insect world," Army ants are such
voracious eaters that one colony can decimate an area of more than 1,800
square yards in a single day. Now you can watch these fascinating ants
eat during a scheduled feeding every afternoon. Every day at 2:15 pm;
California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000. Free
with museum admission.
EVERY WEDNESDAY- SUNDAY
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. Takes
place every Wednesday through Sunday in January at 4 pm; California Academy
of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 1
Academy is Open from 10 am - 5 pm on New Year's Day
Ring in the New Year to the sounds of 800,000 Army ants marching, a colony
of African penguins braying, and groups of children laughing as they touch
tidepool animals. California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415)
379-8000. Free with museum admission.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 8
Children's Story Time
Children ages three to seven are welcome to join us for Story Time. This
month's selections will feature stories about California birds and mammals.
10:30 am; California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000.
Free with museum admission.
California Seabirds
Explore the amazing diversity of bird life in the offshore waters of California,
including migrants from the southern Pacific Ocean. 12:30 & 1:30 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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Music from the American South
Eric and Suzy Thompson are virtuoso performers of regional music from
the American South, including old-time Appalachian ballads and breakdowns,
classic country blues, and Louisiana Cajun music. Using fiddles, guitars,
a mandolin, and a Cajun accordion, they'll demonstrate the ways in which
European, African, and French traditions have influenced American music.
1 pm, California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000.
Free with museum admission.
The SSsssnakes of California
Examine snake specimens from the Academy's herpetology collection, and
learn more about the endangered San Francisco garter snake and other serpent
species living throughout California. 2 pm; California Academy of Sciences,
875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 11
California Mammals
Explore the diversity of California mammals. Touch pelts, examine skulls,
and discover more about wild animals and their adaptations to life in
diverse habitats. 1-3 pm; California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street.
(415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 14
Scientific Illustration Demonstration
Meet a scientific illustrator and experience a live demonstration of drawings
used for scientific publications and research. 3 pm; California Academy
of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 15
Children's Story Time
Children ages three to seven are welcome to join us for Story Time. This
month's selections will feature stories about California birds and mammals.
10:30 am; 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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Afro-Cuban Dance
The Olorun Ensemble pays homage to the African roots of Cuban folkloric
dance. The company's director, Susana Arenas, will explain the origin
and cultural significance of each dance, many of which enact stories of
the Orishas - deities of the Lukumi tradition from West Africa. 1 pm,
California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000. Free
with museum admission.
What's That Ant In My Kitchen?
Learn how to collect and identify local ant species. Researchers working
on the Bay Area Ant Survey will be available to answer questions and provide
information on how you can participate in this exciting scientific project.
Data sheets and ant collecting kits will be provided for all participating
families. 1-3 pm; California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415)
379-8000. Free with museum admission.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19
Lunch Break Lecture: Gray Whales are Here!
One of the longest mammal migrations can be observed off the coast of
California as gray whales move between their feeding grounds in Arctic
waters and their breeding grounds in Mexico. Enjoy a slide show to explore
their natural history, and learn how you can witness this event yourself.
12:30 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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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. 12-1:30 pm; California Academy of Sciences,
875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 20
Third Thursday
Filled with cocktails, conversation, clownfish, and corals, the Academy
after-hours is the place to be on the third Thursday of every month. Explore
exhibits and aquarium displays while listening to live music and enjoying
a no-host bar. 5-9 pm; California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street.
(415) 379-8000. $5 admission.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 21
What's That Ant In My Kitchen?
Learn how to collect and identify local ant species. Researchers working
on the Bay Area Ant Survey will be available to answer questions and provide
information on how you can participate in this exciting scientific project.
Data sheets and ant collecting kits will be provided for all participating
families. 1-3 pm; California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415)
379-8000. Free with museum admission.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 22
Children's Story Time
Children ages three to seven are welcome to join us for Story Time. This
month's selections will feature stories about California birds and mammals.
10:30 am; California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000.
Free with museum admission.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 28
Scientific Illustration Demonstration
Meet a scientific illustrator and experience a live demonstration of drawings
used for scientific publications and research. 3 pm; California Academy
of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 29
Children's Story Time
Children ages three to seven are welcome to join us for Story Time. This
month's selections will feature stories about California birds and mammals.
10:30 am; California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000.
Free with museum admission.
What's That Ant In My Kitchen?
Learn how to collect and identify local ant species. Researchers working
on the Bay Area Ant Survey will be available to answer questions and provide
information on how you can participate in this exciting scientific project.
Data sheets and ant collecting kits will be provided for all participating
families. 1-3 pm; California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415)
379-8000. Free with museum admission.
JANUARY COURSES & LECTURES
SATURDAY, JANUARY 15
Birding at Palo Alto Baylands and Mountain View Shoreline
Field trip with Dan Murphy. With levees and boardwalks, Palo Alto Baylands
and Mountain View Shoreline are among the most accessible sites for birders
on the bay. Eighty bird species, including ducks, shorebirds, waders,
and raptors, winter in their freshwater marshes, extensive mudflats, and
open grassy areas. Clapper and black rails are regularly seen at the baylands'
extensive salt marsh. Pre-registration required. 8 am-3 pm; $30 members,
$40 non-members; Palo Alto Baylands, Palo Alto.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 18
One With Nineveh: Politics, Consumption, and the Human Future
Special lecture with Paul Ehrlich, Ph.D
Using current research in ecology, demographics, economics, biodiversity,
climate, politics and globalization, Paul Ehrlich, Ph.D. examines overpopulation,
consumption, and the political and economic inequity that is leading to
the degradation of the environment and modern life. Booksigning to follow
the lecture. 6 pm; $7 members, $12 non-members; World Affairs Council,
312 Sutter Street, San Francisco.
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For a high resolution version of this image
or others, email Stephanie at sstone@calacademy.org.
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MONDAY, JANUARY 24
Exploding Stars, Blazing Galaxies & Monstrous Black Holes: The Extreme
Universe of Gamma-ray Astronomy
Benjamin Dean lecture with Lynn R. Cominsky, Ph.D.
Gamma-rays are created by the most violent and energetic processes in
nature, including flares from super-massive black holes at the centers
of galaxies. Images and data from NASA's Compton Gamma-ray Observatory
will demonstrate these exotic phenomena. New results from the Swift gamma-ray
burst explorer and information about the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope
(GLAST) project will also be presented. 7:30 pm; $4; JCCSF, 3200 California
Street, SF. Conversations at the Herbst: Craig Venter, Ph.D. Craig Venter
of the J. Craig Venter Science Foundation will speak in conversation with
Roy Eisenhardt. Venter founded Celera Genomics and was the former President
of the Center for the Advancement of Genomics. 8 pm; lecture: $16.50 members,
$18.50 non-members; series: $108 members, $115 non-members; Herbst Theatre,
401 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26
Conversations at the Herbst: Jared Diamond, Ph.D.
Ecologist and evolutionary biologist Jared Diamond will speak in conversation
with Academy curator Nina Jablonski, Ph.D. Diamond has authored Collapse
and Guns, Germs, and Steel. 8 pm; lecture: $16.50 members, $18.50 non-members;
series: $108 members, $115 non-members; Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Avenue,
San Francisco.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 29
Illustrating Reptiles and Amphibians
First workshop in a two-Saturday series with Carolynne Griffin. Explore
the diversity and beauty of reptiles and amphibians with the unique combination
of colored pencils, pen and ink. Using the Academy's collections, supplemented
by illustrations and photos, learn more about the animals' fundamental
structural differences and similarities while developing illustration
skills in color, texture, and pattern. Suitable for adult and teen students
of all skill levels. Pre-registration required. Continues Saturday, February
5. Both Saturdays: 9:30 am-2 pm; $65 members, $75 non-members. California
Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000.
ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
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For a high resolution version of this image
or others, email Stephanie at sstone@calacademy.org.
|
PENGUIN FEEDINGS
Every Day
During daily penguin feeding shows, visitors may watch and ask questions
as one of 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. Every day at 11 am & 3:30 pm; California Academy of Sciences,
875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
ARMY ANT FEEDINGS
Every Day
Known as the "Huns and Tartars of the insect world," Army ants are such
voracious eaters that one colony can decimate an area of more than 1,800
square yards in a single day. Now you can watch these fascinating ants
eat during a scheduled feeding every afternoon. Every day at 2:15 pm;
California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000. Free
with museum admission.
CHILDREN'S STORY TIME
Saturdays, January 8, 15, 22, and 29
Children ages three to seven are welcome to join us for Story Time. This
month's selections will feature stories about California birds and mammals.
10:30 am; California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000.
Free with museum admission.
THE SSSSSNAKES OF CALIFORNIA
Saturday, January 8
Examine snake specimens from the Academy's herpetology collection, and
learn more about the endangered San Francisco garter snake and other serpent
species living throughout California. 2 pm; California Academy of Sciences,
875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
CALIFORNIA MAMMALS
Tuesday, January 11
Explore the diversity of California mammals. Touch pelts, examine skulls,
and discover more about wild animals and their adaptations to life in
diverse habitats. 1-3 pm; California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street.
(415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
WHAT'S THAT ANT IN
MY KITCHEN?
Saturday, January 15; Friday, January 21; Saturday, January 29
Kids and their families can learn how to collect and identify local ant
species with Academy researchers. Data sheets and ant collecting kits
will be provided for all participating families. 1-3 pm; California Academy
of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
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 will
be 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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