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Stephanie Greenman Stone (415) 379-5121
sstone@calacademy.org
What's On in May at the California Academy of Sciences
Exhibits, Events, Courses, and Lectures
EXHIBITS
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.
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For a high resolution version of this image,
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 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.
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.
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For a high resolution version of this image,
email Stephanie at sstone@calacademy.org.
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ANTS: Hidden Worlds Revealed - through May 8, 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.
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.
Scientific Illustration - March 1 - August 31, 2005
Recent works by the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators will be on display
through August 31, 2005. The skills of the scientific illustrator must
extend far beyond the ability to create an attractive drawing. In addition
to mastering the standard repertoire of artists' techniques, successful
scientific illustrators must be proficient in a host of techniques and
methods unique to their field. View watercolor, graphite, and digital
works by Northern California masters. Open every day from 10 am to 5 pm.
California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000.
MAY 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.
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Army Ant Feedings - Every Day through May 8
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 May at 4 pm; California Academy
of Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
FRIDAY, MAY 6
Children's Story Time
Children ages three to seven are welcome to join us for storytime. This
month's selections are inspired by Asian Pacific Heritage Month. 2 pm;
California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118.
(415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
Scientific Illustration Demonstration
Meet a scientific illustrator and experience a live demo of drawings used
for scientific publications and research. 3 pm; California Academy of
Sciences, 875 Howard Street, San Francisco, 94103. (415) 379-8000. Free
with museum admission.
SATURDAY, MAY 7
Children's Story Time
Children ages three to seven are welcome to join us for storytime. This
month's selections are inspired by Asian Pacific Heritage Month. 10:30
am; California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118.
94103. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
Skull Detectives
Dissect owl pellets with Academy naturalists, learn how to use scientific
keys to identify skulls, compare your bones with those of herbivores,
and prepare your own specimens to take home. 1-3 pm; California Academy
of Sciences, 875 Howard Street, San Francisco, 94103. (415) 379-8000.
Free with museum admission.
THURSDAY, MAY 12
What's That Ant In My Kitchen?
You can participate in an exciting scientific project - the Bay Area Ant
Survey. Learn how to collect and identify local ant species, then go collect!
Data sheets and ant collecting kits will be provided for all participating
families. 1-3 pm; California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118.
(415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
FRIDAY, MAY 13
Children's Story Time
Children ages three to seven are welcome to join us for storytime. This
month's selections are inspired by Asian Pacific Heritage Month. 2 pm;
California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118.
(415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
Scientific Illustration Demonstration
Meet a scientific illustrator and experience a live demo of drawings used
for scientific publications and research. 3 pm; California Academy of
Sciences, 875 Howard Street, San Francisco, 94103. (415) 379-8000. Free
with museum admission.
SATURDAY, MAY 14
Children's Story Time
Children ages three to seven are welcome to join us for storytime. This
month's selections are inspired by Asian Pacific Heritage Month. 10:30
am; California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118.
94103. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
Fantastic Fish Finding
Come get your hands wet and slimy while you practice using dichotomous
keys to identify common fish of the San Francisco Bay. 1-3 pm; California
Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street, San Francisco, 94103. (415) 379-8000.
Free with museum admission.
TUESDAY, MAY 17
Bird Beak Buffet
Study and compare bird specimens while learning about how varied bill
shapes help our feathered friends eat different foods. 11 am & 1 pm; California
Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street, San Francisco, 94103. (415) 379-8000.
Free with museum admission.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18
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, San Francisco, 94103. (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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THURSDAY, MAY 19
Music and Dance of the Philippines
Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with traditional narrative
dances, poetry, and music performed by the Kulintang Dance Theater. 6
& 8 pm; California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118.
94103. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
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,
San Francisco. (415) 379-8000. $5 admission.
FRIDAY, MAY 20
Children's Story Time
Children ages three to seven are welcome to join us for storytime. This
month's selections are inspired by Asian Pacific Heritage Month. 2 pm;
California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118.
(415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
Scientific Illustration Demonstration
Meet a scientific illustrator and experience a live demo of drawings used
for scientific publications and research. 3 pm; California Academy of
Sciences, 875 Howard Street, San Francisco, 94103. (415) 379-8000. Free
with museum admission.
SATURDAY, MAY 21
Children's Story Time
Children ages three to seven are welcome to join us for storytime. This
month's selections are inspired by Asian Pacific Heritage Month. 10:30
am; California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118.
94103. (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.
|
Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival
Enjoy a variety of demonstrations and hands-on activities that reflect
the traditional arts of several Asian Pacific cultures, including Chinese
vegetable carving, Polynesian barkcloth and Hawaiian featherwork demonstrations,
and Japanese origami. 10 am - 4 pm; California Academy of Sciences, 875
Howard Street, San Francisco, 94103. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum
admission.
Discovering Diatoms
Explore these beautiful organisms through a microscope. Researchers from
the Academy's Invertebrate Zoology Department will be on hand to answer
questions and show these intriguing life forms. 1-3 pm; California Academy
of Sciences, 875 Howard Street, San Francisco, 94103. (415) 379-8000.
Free with museum admission.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25
Lunch Break Lecture Series: Wildflowers of the Bay Area
Learn about the vast diversity of wildflowers in the Bay Area, and the
best spots to look for them. 12:30 pm; California Academy of Sciences,
875 Howard Street, San Francisco, 94103. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum
admission.
What's That Ant In My Kitchen?
You can participate in an exciting scientific project - the Bay Area Ant
Survey. Learn how to collect and identify local ant species, then go collect!
Data sheets and ant collecting kits will be provided for all participating
families. 1-3 pm; California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118.
(415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
FRIDAY, MAY 27
Children's Story Time
Children ages three to seven are welcome to join us for storytime. This
month's selections are inspired by Asian Pacific Heritage Month. 2 pm;
California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118.
(415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
Scientific Illustration Demonstration
Meet a scientific illustrator and experience a live demo of drawings used
for scientific publications and research. 3 pm; California Academy of
Sciences, 875 Howard Street, San Francisco, 94103. (415) 379-8000. Free
with museum admission.
SATURDAY, MAY 28
Children's Story Time
Children ages three to seven are welcome to join us for stories inspired
by Asian Pacific Heritage Month. 10:30 am; California Academy of Sciences,
875 Howard Street, San Francisco. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
Skull Detectives
Dissect owl pellets with Academy naturalists, learn how to use scientific
keys to identify skulls, and prepare your own specimens to take home.
1-3 pm; California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118.
94103. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
MONDAY, MAY 30
Salamanders In Your Backyard
Explore the worlds of secretive salamander species, examine specimens,
and meet a live fire-bellied newt. 2-3 pm; California Academy of Sciences,
875 Howard Street, SF, 94103. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
MAY COURSES & LECTURES
MONDAY, MAY 2
The Genesis Mission: An Overview and Report of Work in Progress
Lecture by Amy Jurewicz, Ph.D.
Genesis launched in August 2001, collected solar wind outside of the Earth's
magnetosphere for 28 months, and landed at the Dugway Proving Ground in
Utah on September 8, 2004. From the analysis of the pristine solar wind,
scientists expect to answer a myriad of questions about how our solar
system formed. 7:30 pm; $4; Jewish Community Center of San Francisco;
3200 California Street; San Francisco. For tickets, call (415) 379-8000.
MONDAY, MAY 9
Big Men: Why Does Height Matter?
Lecture by Nina Jablonski, Ph.D., Curator of Anthropology, California
Academy of Sciences
Have you ever wondered why so many CEOs, heads of state, and military
leaders are tall, and why men wear tall hats when they wish to assert
their authority? The positive relationship between height and social status
is now well documented by many studies. In this lecture, Jablonski explores
the origins and ramifications of this relationship through discussions
of the importance of stature in human origins and throughout human history.
2 pm & 7:30 pm; $8; California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street,
San Francisco. For tickets, call (415) 379-8000.
SUNDAY, MAY 15
Spring Birds of Mount Diablo
Field Trip with David Wimpfheimer
Take a relaxing hike on Mount Diablo, and enjoy its abundance of bird
life. Tanagers, vireos, and other species nest in the mountain's oak woodland
and riparian habitats, while eagles, hawks, and other raptors soar overhead.
Mitchell Canyon's lush vegetation offers an oasis for migrant birds and
hikers alike. 8:30 am-4 pm; $35 members, $45 non-members; Mount Diablo
State Park, Clayton. To register, call (415) 379-8000 or email edregistrar@calacademy.org.
TUESDAY, MAY 17
Thirty Thousand Years of World Rock Art
Lecture by Jean Clottes, Ph.D.
Although cave paintings from the European Ice Age have gained considerable
renown, for many people the term "rock art" remains full of mystery. A
world-renowned scientist, Clottes provides an engaging overview of rock
art worldwide and the importance of landscape and ritual, while explaining
how the art can be dated and how it was made. He explores the meaning
of these often enigmatic images, including the complex role they played
in traditional societies, and the threats posed to rock art today by development,
tourism, pollution, and other dangers. 8 pm; $10 adults, $6 students with
ID; Jewish Community Center of San Francisco; 3200 California Street;
San Francisco. For tickets, call (415) 292-1233 or email arts@jccsf.org.
SATURDAY, MAY 21
Nesting Birds of the San Francisco Coast
Field Trip with Dan Murphy
From the guillemots and oystercatchers on Seal Rock to the double-crested
cormorants and great blue herons at Lake Merced, get a glimpse of the
many birds that nest along San Francisco's Pacific coastline. Suitable
for adults and teens ages fifteen and up. 8 am - Noon; $20 members, $30
non-members; Sutro Baths, San Francisco. To register, call (415) 379-8000
or email edregistrar@calacademy.org.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, MAY 21-22
All-ages Overnight at Pepperwood
Overnight Field Trip with Michael Gillogly & Ginger Parish
Enjoy the magic of springtime at Pepperwood Preserve. Start with an afternoon
hike, exploring meadows and oak woodlands. After a potluck dinner, gather
for an old-fashioned campfire program. Choose to camp near the property's
cottage or sleep indoors. After breakfast, investigate a nearby pond where
reptiles and amphibians abound. Suitable for families with children of
all ages. 2 pm Saturday - Noon on Sunday; $60 adults, $50 children; Pepperwood
Preserve, Santa Rosa. To register, call (415) 379-8000 or email edregistrar@calacademy.org.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25
Conversations at the Herbst
Ken Kaufman in conversation with Jack Dumbacher, Ph.D.
A legend among bird enthusiasts, Kaufman has perhaps done more than any
other person to promote the art and science of bird watching. A longtime
friend and collaborator of Roger Tory Peterson, Kaufman and Peterson wrote
and illustrated The Peterson Field Guide to Advanced Birding, the first
authoritative guide to North American birds. The youngest person to ever
receive the highest honor of the American Birding Association, Kaufman
is the author and illustrator of many field guides including A Field Guide
to Advanced Birding, Lives of North American Birds, and the popular Kaufman
Focus Guides. 8 pm; $18.50 general, $16 50 Academy members; Herbst Theatre,
401 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco. To purchase tickets, call (415) 392-4400
or visit www.cityboxoffice.com.
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 - Through May 8, 2005
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
Fridays, May 6, 13, 20, and 27 at 2 pm
Saturdays, May 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 10:30 am
Children ages 3-7 are welcome to join us for stories inspired by Asian
Pacific Heritage Month. California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street,
SF. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
SKULL DETECTIVES
Saturday, May 7 and Saturday, May 28 from 1-3 pm
Dissect owl pellets, learn how to use scientific keys to identify skulls,
and prepare your own specimens to take home. California Academy of Sciences,
875 Howard Street, SF. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
WHAT'S THAT ANT IN MY KITCHEN?
Thursday, May 12 and Wednesday, May 25 from 1 - 3 pm
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. California Academy of
Sciences, 875 Howard Street. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
FANTASTIC FISH FINDING
Saturday, May 14 from 1-3 pm
Come get your hands wet and slimy while you practice using dichotomous
keys to identify common fish of the San Francisco Bay. 1-3 pm; California
Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street, San Francisco, 94103. (415) 379-8000.
Free with museum admission.
BIRD BEAK BUFFET
Tuesday, May 17 at 11 am & 1 pm
Study and compare bird specimens while learning about how varied bill
shapes help our feathered friends eat different foods. California Academy
of Sciences, 875 Howard Street, San Francisco, 94103. (415) 379-8000.
Free with museum admission.
ASIAN PACIFIC HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Saturday, May 21 from 10 am - 4 pm
Enjoy a variety of demonstrations and hands-on activities that reflect
the traditional arts of Asian Pacific cultures, including Chinese vegetable
carving, Polynesian barkcloth and Hawaiian featherwork demonstrations,
and Japanese origami. California Academy of Sciences, 875 Howard Street,
SF. (415) 379-8000. Free with museum admission.
DISCOVERING DIATOMS
Saturday, May 21 from 1-3 pm
Explore these beautiful organisms through a microscope. Researchers from
the Academy's Invertebrate Zoology Department will be on hand to answer
questions and show these intriguing life forms. California Academy of
Sciences, 875 Howard Street, San Francisco, 94103. (415) 379-8000. Free
with museum admission.
SALAMANDERS IN YOUR BACKYARD
Monday, May 30 from 2-3 pm
Explore the worlds of secretive salamander species, examine specimens,
and meet a live fire-bellied newt. California Academy of Sciences, 875
Howard Street, San Francisco, 94103. (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 free for children ages three
and younger. Hours are 10 am to 5 pm 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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