Free Wednesday at Cal AcademyFree admission is available to visitors on the third Wednesday of every month, through the generosity of The Bernard Osher Foundation. Admission is on a first come, first served basis, and early arrival is recommended due to the likelihood of high demand. Also, please note that final entry to the ...
20 years ago computer scientist Danny Hillis thought up a monument scale slow moving mechanical clock to serve as an icon to long-term thinking. 10 years ago a first prototype was completed and put into the Science Museum of London. 5 years ago the full size clock project began design. ...
Where: Mountain ViewCost: Free
Mapping Spins and Light in SemiconductorsUnderstanding the interactions of electron spins and photons in semiconductors may enable the development of new devices with enhanced functionality and performance, such as spin-based devices that combine logic and storage and fast optical switches for information processing. In the first half of this talk, I'll describe recent time- and ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Science with Children's Discovery Museum: Dry IceJoin us, as the library is turned into a laboratory for young scientists. Children will investigate chemical reactions with dry ice as they solve a dilemma presented within a folktale. This event stimulates kids to explore the wonders of science. (For ages 5-12)
Health, both the health of individuals and of communities, has more to do with circumstances than with the availability of health care. Students interested in the health professions are generally unaware of this relationship, and schools of medicine spend most of their curriculum on health care, not health.Gabriel Garcia will ...
Where: SaratogaCost: $12 Members; $20 Non-Members; $7 Students
Multiple Universes & Cosmic Inflation-The Quest to Understand Our Universe (and Find Others)About a decade ago, scientists completed a great transformation in the understanding of our cosmos, establishing a broad and deep understanding of how the observable universe has evolved from a hot, dense state 13.7 billion years ago. Yet a second, even bigger transformation may now be taking place, because this ...
Come join the founder of Skepchick and co-host of The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe for a night of trivia! You can play alone or, to improve your chance of winning awesome prizes, you can form a team of 5 or fewer.All questions will relate to science and skepticism, so ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: $2/person
A Case for Public Health: Influenza PandemicsSpeaker: Dr. George Rutherford, director, UCSF Institute for Global Health, head of Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, UCSFRoom 041
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Early Universe and Galaxy DevelopmentJoin Brenda L. Frye, Assistant Professor of Astronomy and Physics at the University of San Francisco, a presentation on Early Universe and Galaxy Development.Professor Frye's research interests include galaxy formation and evolution, protoclusters, galactic structures, and high redshift galaxies. Using large ground- and space-based telescopes including the Hubble Space Telescope ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
Nerd Nite SF #12: Audio Guide Revolution, Science of Magic, and Truth vs. MemoryWait-we've been nerding it up in San Francisco for a year now? My, how time flies when you're having fun! Come help us celebrate the first birthday of the best booze-addled, 3rd-Wednesday lecture series around, and get ready to have your mind blown, bent, and otherwise overhauled by a trio ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $8
Thursday, 05/19/11
TEDxHaywardTEDxHayward: The theme for this year's TEDxHayward is Peace Innovation where we cast a spotlight on how technology and emerging social behaviors and insights are promoting new paths to global peace. Please join the CSUEB Peace Innovation Lab, the Stanford Peace Innovation Lab and CSUEB Associated Students from 12-6 for ...
Where: HaywardCost: FREE (food and drinks as well!)
Traveling Reptile Program by the East Bay VivariumThis one hour program features between 20 and 30 reptiles and other CREEPIES, CRAWLIES and CRITTERS (ex. Tarantula, frogs, lizards, snakes). They teach natural history, animal husbandry and safety.
Where: San JoseCost: Free
THE MICROWAVE THERMAL ROCKETIn 1924, K.E. Tsiolkovsky wrote "there is a third and most attractive method of acquiring velocity. This consists in the transmission of energy from the outside, from Earth." He envisaged a "parallel beam of shortwave electromagnetic rays" directed from the ground to power spaceships into orbit at a future time ...
Where: Palo AltoCost: Free
America and The Pill - A History of Promise, Peril, and LiberationFifty years ago, the FDA announced approval for the birth control pill. The pill quickly became the most popular form of contraception in the country and on of the best-selling drugs in the U.S. It was hailed as a magic bullet that would halt the global population explosion, eradicate war ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Community Solar is Taking RootA national movement is brewing to develop an alternative to the big corporate central-station renewable power model. It's called Community Solar and it's embodied in many local cooperative/collective solar initiatives from coast to coast. Come learn about this movement from representatives of three Community Solar projects: Dan Rosen: Solar Mosaics; ...
Where: OaklandCost: Small donation requested
'Call of Life: Facing the Mass Extinction'Earth Island Institute along with Species Alliance and the Video Project will be presenting the East-Bay premiere of the award-winning documentary Call of Life: Facing the Mass Extinction, the first feature documentary to investigate the growing threat to Earth's life support systems from this unprecedented loss of biodiversity. Through interviews ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: $10-20 General, half price for youth
A Tale of Three Cities: The Quest for Energy Efficient Street Lighting As energy and maintenance costs begin to sky rocket, outdoor lighting has recently been targeted as a huge potential in cost reductions. In addition, the impacts of outdoor lighting on circadian cycle disruptions, nocturnal animal habitat, light trespass and sky glow have also been hot topics. Can current lighting designs ...
Amanitas: From Deadly to DeliciousBAMS co-founder Debbie Viess will bring her fascination for amanitas alive in this richly illustrated, informative and entertaining presentation. Amanitas are some of the most feared, as well as some of the most coveted of all edible mushrooms. Come learn about the realities of this often maligned but never boring ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Who Killed off the Oysters of SF Bay? Marine Biologist, Andrew Cohen, will talk about the once-abundant SF Bay's native oysters, with excursions into history, biology,, geology, and archaeology. The answers are not what people expected.
Bedtime with the Beasts is a special overnight program for youth groups (ages 6-18) and their chaperones. An Oakland Zoo education specialist will lead your group on an evening hike around the zoo where you'll get a look at what the zoo is like after all of the guests leave. ...
Where: OaklandCost: $60
Come to Foothill Observatory and join us in the exploration of our Universe!Foothill Observatory Friday Evening ProgramCome to Foothill Observatory and join us in the exploration of our Universe!Foothill Observatory is open for public viewing every clear Friday evening from 9:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Visitors can view the wonders of the universe through the observatory's new computer-controlled 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. Views ...
Where: Los Altos HillsCost:
Saturday, 05/21/11
Maker Faire Bay Area 2011The ultimate 21st century county fair, Maker Faire Bay Area 2011 mashes items possessing an On/Off switch with old-fashioned human curiosity, resulting in a round-up of robots, musical Tesla coils, fresh-squeezed sunflower oil, futuristic chariot races, antique pinball machines, super-sized Lego projects, and more neon, flame, and brightly gaseous glows than ...
Social insects dominate many terrestrial ecosystems by forming sophisticated and cooperative colonies. One species, the invasive Argentine ant, has taken this sociality to an extreme – forming massive "supercolonies" across hundreds, or sometimes thousands, of kilometers. Recent studies using synthetic ant pheromones, genomics, behavioral experiments, and old-fashioned field-work have reveal ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Saturday Night StargazingSee the Moon, Planets, Stars, Galaxies and More* Stargaze through astronomical telescopes* Ask questions and talk with amateur astronomers* Learn how to use a star map to find constellations* Share in the wonder of the universe with your friendsStargazing is always weather permitting-be sure to dress warmly. Foggy and overcast ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Sunday, 05/22/11
'Vanishing of the Bees'The documentary feature film "Vanishing of the Bees" will be shown in the Great Hall of the Education Center at the San Francisco Zoo in three screenings, at 10 am, noon and 2 pm. Vanishing of the Bees takes a piercing investigative look at the economic, political and spiritual implications of the worldwide disappearance of the ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free Admission to Film
Maker Faire Bay Area 2011The ultimate 21st century county fair, Maker Faire Bay Area 2011 mashes items possessing an On/Off switch with old-fashioned human curiosity, resulting in a round-up of robots, musical Tesla coils, fresh-squeezed sunflower oil, futuristic chariot races, antique pinball machines, super-sized Lego projects, and more neon, flame, and brightly gaseous glows than ...
Where: San MateoCost: $5-30
Marine Mammal Research TourGo behind the scenes at Long Marine Lab. Learn about the work of scientists and their studies of dolphins, seals, sea lions, and whales. Tour is best suited for adults and children over 10 years of age. Advanced reservations required.
Where: Santa CruzCost: Free with admission
Monday, 05/23/11
CITRIS Workshop: Berkeley -- INRIA -- Stanford Partnership ProgramThe objectives of this workshop are two-fold: first, to present the current state of scientific collaborations and second to work on proposal for future ambitious joint projects.See the website for registration and workshop agenda.
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Clean Cars and Advanced Biofuels:How to Cut Our Oil Dependence in Half in 20 YearsOnce again, the nation is gripped by spiking gas prices. A billion dollars are being sent out of the country each day to buy oil, the vast majority being burned in our cars and trucks. For decades, the US has tried and failed to reduce our dependence on petroleum. Why ...
More than 300 energy experts collaborated over the last four years on the Global Energy Assessment (GEA). The Report, forthcoming in Summer 2011, aims at providing the technical and scientific basis for the evaluation of social, economic, technological, and environmental challenges linked to energy. This talk focuses on findings of ...
Multimode fiber (MMF) is widely used in short-reach systems, such as data-center networks. Random perturbations cause coupling between modes having different group delays (modal dispersion), strongly limiting bit rate ´ distance products (to about 10 Gbit/s ´ 300 m in current systems). For decades, modal coupling and dispersion have been modeled using incoherent power coupling models. By using a coherent ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Tuesday, 05/24/11
CITRIS Workshop: Berkeley -- INRIA -- Stanford Partnership ProgramThe objectives of this workshop are two-fold: first, to present the current state of scientific collaborations and second to work on proposal for future ambitious joint projects.See the website for registration and workshop agenda.
Join us for an extraordinary day of activities, demonstrations, and a special appearance by a member of the San Francisco Giants. Don't miss it!
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free with admission
Extreme Data Intensive Computing in AstrophysicsProf. Alex Szalay of Johns Hopkins University will give the Physics/Applied Physics colloquium entitled, "Extreme Data Intensive Computing in Astrophysics."
Where: StanfordCost: Free
High Tech Robotics for Consumer ApplicationsThe Neato Robotics XV-11 is a high tech robotic vacuum cleaner that competes favorably with traditional manual upright vacuums. It is a fully automatic unit that vacuums your house, including handling the tough problems of rugs and pet hair. The XV-11 is one of the leaders in the new wave ...
Where: Santa ClaraCost: $10 General, IEEE members varies
In 1998 Lawrence Diller's best selling book, Running on Ritalin, raised the consciousness of a nation that was just beginning to widely medicate their children for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Now thirteen years later, Diller, a behavioral/developmental pediatrician, returns to ten of the children who were featured in the first ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Particle Accelerator on a ChipAccelerators are huge and expensive, tubes miles long that produce high energy particles to smash protons and make intense X-ray beams. 21st-century technology has taken us from the room sized ENIAC to microprocessors that fit in your pocket. Can it do the same for particle accelerators? We ...
Where: Menlo ParkCost: Free
Silicon Valley SIGGRAPH: Working on KinectJune Bonus Meeting of the Silicon Valley Chapter ACM SIGGRAPH (Special Interest Group in Graphics)Thursday June 2, 20117:30pm, Doors open, drinks, snacks8:00pm, Presentation"Working with Kinect"Johnny Lee, Rapid Evaluator, Google, Inc.Location: Intel 3600 Juliette Lane Santa Clara, CAABSTRACTWorking on KinectIn the first 60 days after launch, Kinect for Xbox 360 shipped ...
Pity poor Mimas! The "that's no moon" moon of Saturn ought to be as famous as its sibling Enceladus. All other things being equal, Mimas should be more strongly tidally heated, but this is clearly not the case. This talk will review the latest Cassini findings for both moons, including ...
Where: Mountain ViewCost: Free
History of the Bay ModelJoin Ranger Thomas for an in-depth look into the history of the Bay Model from its beginning to the present. The program will look back at the purpose of the Bay Model and how it was instrumental in helping scientists understand the hydrology of the San Francisco Bay.
Where: SausalitoCost: Free
Traveling Reptile Program by the East Bay VivariumThis one hour program features between 20 and 30 reptiles and other CREEPIES, CRAWLIES and CRITTERS (ex. Tarantula, frogs, lizards, snakes). They teach natural history, animal husbandry and safety.
Where: San JoseCost: Free
Quantum Opportunities in Gravitational Wave DetectorsProf. Nergis Mavalvala will give a special seminar entitled, "Quantum Opportunities in Gravitational Wave Detectors." Interferometric gravitational wave detectors are poised to launch a new era of gravitational wave astronomy and unprecedented tests of general relativiety. These detectors also provide opportunities for studying quantum phenomena on unprecedented scales.
Where: StanfordCost: Free
How the Languages We Speak Shape the Way We Think Do people who speak different languages think differently? Does learning new languages change how you think? Are some thoughts unthinkable without language? Boroditsky reviews data from experiments around the world that reveal the powerful and often surprising ways that the languages we speak shape the ways we think.Lera Boroditsky, Assistant ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20 standard, $8 members, $7 students
The Visualization of data is one of our most powerful tools. It enables a remarkable degree of data compression and let's us see important relationships or interconnections that we might otherwise miss. Visualization is relevant to every sector of the economy.The one-day event "From Data Collection to Display: How Visualization ...
In the past decade, organic semiconductors have shown promising applications for flexible and large-area electronics, such as displays, touchscreens, electronic skins, and etc. Among a variety of device components in these applications, organic field-effect transistors are the most essential to process electrical signals. This presentation will include a general introduction ...
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sleep but Were Afraid to AskWidely regarded as "The Father of Sleep Medicine", Dr Dement will review the importance of sleep and the consequences of sleep deprivation. Three major sleep disorders, insomnia, narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), will be discussed in depth, including best treatment practices. He will also share his personal challenges with ...
Where: Palo AltoCost: Free
The Future of Rare Earth Elements Will these high-tech industry elements continue in short supply? by Keith Long, Mineral Recourse AnalystRare earth elements provide critical material for flat-panel display screens, cell phones, electric cars, windmills, etc.Although relatively abundant in nature, deposits of rare earth elements that are economic to mine are uncommonChina produces 96% of the ...
Where: Menlo ParkCost: Free
Unweaving a Rainbow: The Physics of Iridesence'In this lecture we will explore how the physical concepts of reflection, refraction, and interference of light interact with microcsope materials to produce phenomena like rainbows. This lecture will be replete with live simulations of wave optics, as well as hands on microsopy of minerals and insects.
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Silicon Valley SIGGRAPH: Morpheme Advanced Animation SystemMorpheme is a game animation engine and tool-chain targeting in particular high quality character animation. A key benefit is that it moves the runtime animation authoring process away from code or text files and into the hands of animators using the morpheme:connect graphical UI. The morpheme:connect application presents the user ...
Where: Santa ClaraCost: Free to Members & Students, $5 others
Friday, 05/27/11
DSSS: Quantifying Surface Water-Groundwater Exchange Historical failure to recognise the connection between surface water and groundwater and to manage river and groundwater systems conjunctively has led to over allocation of water resources. Examples of river systems that have been depleted by groundwater pumping, for example, are well documented.Although conjunctive management of surface water and groundwater ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Come to Foothill Observatory and join us in the exploration of our Universe!Foothill Observatory Friday Evening ProgramCome to Foothill Observatory and join us in the exploration of our Universe!Foothill Observatory is open for public viewing every clear Friday evening from 9:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Visitors can view the wonders of the universe through the observatory's new computer-controlled 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. Views ...
Where: Los Altos HillsCost:
Saturday, 05/28/11
Hack the Future!Are you a 5th-12th grade student who wants to learn more about computers than they teach you in school? Then it's time to start teaching yourself!Hack the Future is a one-day party / hackathon for youth, to show you what it's like to be a hacker and see if it's ...
Where: San JoseCost: Free
Quantifed Self ConferenceQuantified Self 2011 is a conference for users and tool makers interested in self-tracking systems. It will be a "working meeting" for the QS community (14 groups worldwide), where we will gather, inspire, and learn from each other as we share and collaborate on self-tracking projects. We will also explore ...
Where: Mountain ViewCost: $299-$399
Galilee Harbor Wetlands ReturnsLearn the history of the disappearing wetlands of San Francisco Bay and the dedicated people working hard to restore them. This program includes a short hike to the Galilee Harbor Wetland Restoration site.
Bedtime with the Beasts is a special overnight program for youth groups (ages 6-18) and their chaperones. An Oakland Zoo education specialist will lead your group on an evening hike around the zoo where you'll get a look at what the zoo is like after all of the guests leave. ...
Where: OaklandCost: $60
SkeptiCal - Skeptics in the PubSkeptiCal - Skeptics in the PubJoin a bunch of rational, reasonable, skeptics the night before the SkeptiCal Conference for a special SkeptiCal Skeptics in the Pub! Enjoy rational discourse and a drink or two with your fellow skeptics and speakers from the next days event! It will be held at the Berkeley ...
Where: BerkeleyCost:
SMCAS Star Party Come out and bring the kids for a mind expanding look at the universe.Setup of telescopes begins around sunset, with observations beginning about 1 hour later.
The SkeptiCal 2011 Conference has been scheduled! It will be held at the Berkeley Doubletree on May 29, 2011. Tickets will be available for purchase Monday, March 21. Last year's conference sold out past capacity, so please buy your tickets as soon as possible to ensure a seat!Speakers this year ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: $45 - $85
Quantifed Self ConferenceQuantified Self 2011 is a conference for users and tool makers interested in self-tracking systems. It will be a "working meeting" for the QS community (14 groups worldwide), where we will gather, inspire, and learn from each other as we share and collaborate on self-tracking projects. We will also explore ...
Where: Mountain ViewCost: $299-$399
Are we Part of an Interstellar Nursery?An investigation of the birth and death of stars and the theory that interstellar chemistry is seeding the development of life in the cosmos.The May 29th program features SETI@home's senior scientist, Dan Werthimer. The program will begin with a brief primer on the birth and death of stars and an overview ...
Where: PetalumaCost: Free with admission to exhibit
Tuesday, 05/31/11
The regulation of foraging activity in harvester ant coloniesAnt colonies operate without central control and resemble large distributed systems. An ant's behavior depends on its recent experience of brief interactions with other ants. In the course of a brief antennal contact, one ant can assess the task of the other using odor cues. A long-term study of the ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Visualization of Quantum MechanicsProf. Wilson Ho of UC Irvine will give the Physics/Applied Physics colloquium entitled, "Visualization of Quantum Mechanics."
Recognized as one of America's most distinguished scientific experts on aging and longevity, Bortz believes that the defects of the American health-care system threaten the stability of the nation. He argues that the financial interests of biotech and drug companies have eroded the values of the medical profession and placed ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20 General, $12 Members, $7 Students
Wednesday, 06/01/11
Science for Kids: Snow Day!Join us for a snow day at the library. Using instant snow, students will experiment with the properties of a polymer, compare real snow to instant snow, and discover how the elements (water, salt) affect instant snow (for ages 5-12).
This presentation will describe the basic large-scale and local climatology of California, the mechanisms of change, and the uncertainties associated with climate model simulations and analysis. As part of our role in the 2010 California Climate Assessment, sixteen Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change global climate models were downscaled to develop ...
Where: AlbanyCost: Free
'Earth: The Climate Wars -- Episode I: The Battle Begins'A film by Iain Stewart. In the 1970s the world seemed to be falling apart. From acid rain to overpopulation, ecological concerns were at the fore. And it was at this time that climate change first became a hot political issue. But it wasn't global warming that frightened scientists, it ...
For untold centuries, people have looked to the distant skies in search of life -- be it God-like or heavenly, demonic or the whole gamut of bizarre extraterrestrials imagined. Today, for the first time in human history, science is getting close to answering the eternal question of what lies beyond, ...
Experience the wildlife and natural beauty that make Younger Lagoon an exceptional local treasure on this docent-led tour to the lagoon and its beach habitat. Learn about the ongoing research and habitat restoration work that help this vital ecosystem thrive. Tour includes a short hike and is best suited for ...
It has been said: both computer scientists and physicists do not understand time, but at least physicists admit it. The notion of simultaneity is a widely used and yet deeply misunderstood concept in computer science. The word "simultaneous", its derivatives and equivalent phrases are common, yet they carry conceptual baggage ...
Where: Palo AltoCost: Free
Cafe InquiryMeet up with rationalists, skeptics, and freethinkers south of San Francisco. Beers and Books is a social event co-hosted by the Center for Inquiry|San Francisco. We'll meet at Cafe Borrone http://www.cafeboronne.com/ between Kepler's Books and the British Banker's Club! Look for the black balloon.
Where: Menlo ParkCost: Free
explOratorium After Dark with DBR & Elan VytalDBR/Elan VytalFeaturing a Special Performance by Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR) and Elan Vytal (aka DJ Scientific) This After Dark features the music of Haitian-American composer/violinist Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR). DBR's innovative works range from orchestral scores, electronica, and chamber pieces to music for theater, film, and modern dance. For tonight's ...
The fight to restore salmon runs in the Pacific Northwest involves billions of dollars in public funds and politicking all the way up to the White House. This twisted story is captured in a new documentary airing on PBS this spring. Also this spring, a federal judge is expected to ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20 General, Free Members, $7 Students
Ralph Merkle, the director of the Alcor Life Extension Foundation, will be speaking and leading a discussion on the potential of life extension and present/future capabilities of medicine.Room M114
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Beyond Kepler: Imaging Exo-EarthsIs there another Earth out there? People have been asking this question for over two thousand years, and we finally stand on the verge of answering it. The Kepler mission (which was featured at our April meeting) will likely find the first ever Earth-sized planet around the habitable zone of ...
Where: San MateoCost: Free
Come to Foothill Observatory and join us in the exploration of our Universe!Foothill Observatory Friday Evening ProgramCome to Foothill Observatory and join us in the exploration of our Universe!Foothill Observatory is open for public viewing every clear Friday evening from 9:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Visitors can view the wonders of the universe through the observatory's new computer-controlled 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. Views ...
Where: Los Altos HillsCost:
Saturday, 06/04/11
Discovery Eco-VoyageSummer will be an amazing time to discover the bay!Join us as we take to the seas to explore all the funny, strange and wonderful things that swim, flip, and fly beneath the surface of San Francisco Bay. For this voyage, we will be departing from our dock in ...
Where: Redwood CityCost: $40 General, $10 Members
Solar ObservingRequest a parking pass from the Park Ranger at the entrance booth and/or read and adhere to the parks admission policies posted at the gate. (You will be charged the "Day Use" fee of $8.00 and receive a parking pass.) Failure to do so will result in a parking fine.
If you have ever wished to learn more about the amazing sharks, crabs, fish and sea stars from the Bay and nearshore ...
Where: Redwood CityCost: Free
Mt Tam Astronomy Program - The Milky Way as a Dark Matter LaboratoryImmerse yourself in the universe! FREE public lecture "The Milky Way as a Dark Matter Laboratory" by Dr. Michael Kuhlen of the Theoretical Astrophysics Center in the Mountain Theatre on Mt Tam at 8:30pm followed by telescope viewing in the Rock Spring Parking Lot. Sponsored by the Mount Tamalpais State ...
Where: Mill ValleyCost: FREE
Public Space Observing NightFor the evening events you are invited to join us as early as dusk, but you may choose to arrive up to two hours after twilight ends and still enjoy our full program and find the crowd smaller at the later time. The activities on a public night include an ...
Where: KenwoodCost: $3 age 18 and over, Free under 18
SMCAS Star Party Come out and bring the kids for a mind expanding look at the universe.Setup of telescopes begins around sunset, with observations beginning about 1 hour later.
Join us for a workshop that will focus on the story telling methods of conservation photography, botany in, on and around the Academy, as well as the digital darkroom. The day will be broken into two parts with the first part to take place in a classroom environment where we ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $50 General, $40 Members
Do we live in a friendly universe?Assuming life exists in other places, does love extend there also? A look at the controversy regarding whether or not it is wise to advertise our existence on earth to possible "others".A Primer on SETI, the June 5th program considers the controversy regarding whether or not it is wise to ...
Where: PetalumaCost: Free with admission to exhibit
Monday, 06/06/11
Optogenetics: development and applicationNeuroscientists are trying to gain a better understanding of severe mental disorders such as depression, autism, schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. Optogenetics is a precise new way to analyze the brain circuits underpinning mammalian behavior. As a bioengineering research technique, it may be able to obtain insights into how nervous cells ...
Where: Menlo ParkCost: Free
Big Thinking: The Power of NanoscienceBerkeley Lab scientists reveal how nanoscience will bring us cleaner energy, faster computers, and improved medicine.
Anyone can help discover new stuff in Galaxy Zoo- but why do people bother in the first place? Dr. Raddick responds with some unexpected insight into why people donate their time for open science and what they have discovered through the process. More than 250,000 people have taken part in ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $12 General, $6 Members, $10 Seniors
Tuesday, 06/07/11
The Future of Innovation and Consumer ElectronicsFrom broadband spectrum to HDTV, from gaming to Hollywood and social media, innovation is happening through industry, entrepreneurs and technology advances. How is consumer electronics driving innovation in the U.S. and abroad? What lessons can be learned from the electronics industry that can be applied to other segments of the ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20 General, $8 Members, $7 Students
The frontier of biology these days is the genetics and ecology of bacteria, and the frontier of THAT is what's being learned about viruses. "The science of virology is still in its early, wild days," writes Carl Zimmer. "Scientists are discovering viruses faster than they can make sense of them." ...
Astronomers currently know of over 500 planets orbiting distant stars beyond the confines of our solar system. Of these 500 "extrasolar" planets, most are large gas-rich planets, similar to Jupiter or Saturn. However, more recently, due to improvements in discovery techniques and instrumentation, astronomers have started to discover much smaller ...
Where: Mountain ViewCost: Free
History of the Bay ModelJoin Ranger Thomas for an in-depth look into the history of the Bay Model from its beginning to the present. The program will look back at the purpose of the Bay Model and how it was instrumental in helping scientists understand the hydrology of the San Francisco Bay.
Everyone's got a worldview, however hidden. No one would get up in the morning without one! The tough question is: How well-informed is our worldview? Tucker Hiatt has studied and taught physics for nearly forty years. He's also director of Wonderfest, the Bay Area Beacon of Science. Tucker will show ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
World Oceans Day -- Free Admission to Seymour Marine CenterCelebrate our world's oceans by spending this year's World Oceans Day with us! Come learn why we are all dependant on our oceans, find out what your family can do help them, connect with them by visiting our shark touch-pool, or just enjoy the view. …for free. Admission is free ...
Where: Santa CruzCost: Free
Thursday, 06/09/11
Health in the Summer Season: A Traditional Chinese Medicine ApproachTraditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic medicine, viewing the human being as part of nature, and thus each season provides an opportunity to harmonize the microcosm of our bodies with the macrocosm of the universe.In this lecture, you will learn how each season, and summer in particular, can have ...
Go behind the scenes at Long Marine Lab. Learn about the work of scientists and their studies of dolphins, seals, sea lions, and whales. Tour is best suited for adults and children over 10 years of age. Space limited. Reservations required: (831) 459-3800.
Where: Santa CruzCost: Free with admission
World Oceans NightlifeCelebrate our blue planet in honor of World Oceans Day. Meet experts on plastic pollution and ocean conservation from 5 Gyres and other organizations, and see renowned dance troupe Capacitor perform a piece called "Okeanos" in the piazza. Enjoy ocean images by Visuals by 3. Music by DJ Jeff Stallings ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $12 General, $10 Members
Living Well with a Diagnosis of Heart FailureWhile the term "heart failure" sounds like a sudden and catastrophic event, it is actually a condition of gradual worsening of the heart's capacity to pump blood, and as such presents with a variety of symptoms. This talk will focus on the causes of heart failure, its treatments, and the ...
Where: Palo AltoCost: Free
Friday, 06/10/11
Go Wild! Kid's Nature ProgramDid you know that there is a 30,000 acre wildlife refuge right here in the South Bay? That it is home to over 280 species of birds each year? Join us as we learn more about Don Edwards SF Bay National Wildlife Refuge with stories and fun activities.
Where: San JoseCost: Free
Come to Foothill Observatory and join us in the exploration of our Universe!Foothill Observatory Friday Evening ProgramCome to Foothill Observatory and join us in the exploration of our Universe!Foothill Observatory is open for public viewing every clear Friday evening from 9:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Visitors can view the wonders of the universe through the observatory's new computer-controlled 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. Views ...
Vertical Challenge 2011"Vertical Challenge" Helicopter Air Show is a unique event that allows visitors to see first hand helicopter operations. The show is devoted to demonstrating to the public of how helicopters affect our daily lives from traffic and news reports to its unique life saving ability, to the National Defense of ...
Where: San CarlosCost: $23 Adult, $13 Sr. & Youth, Free under 4
History of the Bay ModelJoin Ranger Thomas for an in-depth look into the history of the Bay Model from its beginning to the present. The program will look back at the purpose of the Bay Model and how it was instrumental in helping scientists understand the hydrology of the San Francisco Bay.
Bedtime with the Beasts is a special overnight program for youth groups (ages 6-18) and their chaperones. An Oakland Zoo education specialist will lead your group on an evening hike around the zoo where you'll get a look at what the zoo is like after all of the guests leave. ...
The way we see is fragmented; your eyes receive a series of still images that your brain pieces together into movement. We'll visit the Seeing Gallery, talk about perception of movement, and ponder what is unseen. Then we will adjourn to theclassroom where we'll make stop motion animations using techniques ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Per Family (up to 4): $80 General, $50 Members
EcoHouse Tour and Clinic: Solar Energy for all IncomesCome get inspired and learn new skills at the EcoHouse with a tour of the site and gardens. Begin at 10am with a tour of the Ecology Center's EcoHouse demonstration site and learn about simple improvements that can be made to green an urban home. The tour includes: Berkeley's first ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: $15 General, $10 Members
Are we waking from our evolutionary adolescence?An exploration of evolving human consciousness. A look at where we've been and where we may be heading.Speaker: Cassandra Vieten, Phd; Director of Research, Institute of Noetic Sciences
Where: PetalumaCost: Free with admission to exhibit
The way we see is fragmented; your eyes receive a series of still images that your brain pieces together into movement. We'll visit the Seeing Gallery, talk about perception of movement, and ponder what is unseen. Then we will adjourn to theclassroom where we'll make stop motion animations using techniques ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $35 General, $25 Members
Experience the wildlife and natural beauty that make Younger Lagoon an exceptional local treasure on this docent-led tour to the lagoon and its beach habitat. Learn about the ongoing research and habitat restoration work that help this vital ecosystem thrive. Tour includes a short hike and is best suited for ...
Enjoy free admission and explore how technology and science affect the way we live, work, play and learn. Over 250 fun, interactive exhibits provide hours of creative discoveries. Ride the Earthquake Platform, play with Robots, learn about Silicon Valley innovations and lots more unique hands-on fun for all ages. Does ...
Free Climate Action Facilitator Training"Climate change is not just about penguins, plants and polar bears; it's about people"-Ed Maibach, Center for Climate Change CommunicationAnd not just some people; it's about everyone. But how do you engage your neighbor who doesn't have climate change on his radar or your co-worker who's interested but not sure ...
After watching climate policies from the sidelines with a wary eye, the agricultural industry now wants to join the party. Food is increasingly recognized as a big part of the greenhouse gas equation. Advocates see opportunities for emission reductions. Do farmers, ranchers and dairymen see opportunities for revenues or regulatory ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $12 General
Frugal Innovation and Engineering for Emerging MarketsThe Frugal Innovation Lab exists within the Center for Science, Technology and Society at Santa Clara University . The lab unites students and corporate partners who seek to introduce innovations and technologies into emerging markets. Their ultimate goal is to allow the incubation and development of accessible and affordable ways to create "high ...
Where: Menlo ParkCost: Free
Wednesday, 06/15/11
Free Wednesday at Cal AcademyFree admission is available to visitors on the third Wednesday of every month, through the generosity of The Bernard Osher Foundation. Admission is on a first come, first served basis, and early arrival is recommended due to the likelihood of high demand. Also, please note that final entry to the ...
Dan Miller, cofounder and partner, the Roda Group, a Berkeley VC firm; former president of Ask Jeeves; and investor in Solazyme, a company that grows and converts algae to fuel, cosmetics, and other products, will speak about the opportunities and need for clean tech to counter climate change brought on ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free ($15 General, $10 Students for opt. lunch)
Access to suborbital space, the realm above 100 km altitude, by vehicles not traveling fast enough to go into orbit about the planet, has a long history, from the 1950's early unmanned scientific sounding rockets for meteorological and upper atmosphere studies, to Alan Shepard's historic Freedom 7 flight 50 years ...
Where: Mountain ViewCost: Free
Summer Fun Days: Dinos and Their Young FestivalTravel back in time to discover how dinosaurs cared for their young. Compare your footprints with those of a T.rex, examine models of dinosaur eggs, and create a mural. Uncover fossils and compare them with bones of a modern vertebrate, and assemble life-size dinosaur-skeleton puzzles.
In 2008, the mayors of Oakland, San Francisco and San Jose pledged to make the Bay Area the "electric vehicle (EV) capital of the United States." Join Bob Hayden of the SF Department of the Environment and Ron Miguel of the SF planning commission to hear our progress in achieving ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $5 General, Free members
Brain Plasticity Across the Lifespan It is now known that our brain changes structurally and functionally in response to our interactions with our environment throughout our lives, not just during critical times like childhood. This modern perspective is called neuroplasticity and scientists are actively exploring the intricacies of this phenomenon. Gazzaley discusses new theories on ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20 standard, $8 members, $7 students
Where: San FranciscoCost: $15 General, $10 Members in advance
Cosmic Wisdom: An Astronomer Looks at Human History...and Our Future ProspectsJoin Dr. Sandra Faber, University Professor of astronomy and astrophysics at the University of California, Santa Cruz and staff member of the UCO/Lick Observatory, for a presentation on Cosmic Wisdom: An Astronomer Looks at Human History...and Our Future Prospects. Using breathtaking images and computer simulations, Faber will tell the story ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
Nerd Nite SF #13: History of Guitars, Science in The Simpsons, and the National Ignition FacilitySchool may be out for the summer, but we're not! And what true nerd ever looked forward to summer vacation, anyway? This month's Nite is a total dork fantasyland: bizarre guitars, 192 giant laser beams, and The Simpsons teaching science. Be there or be square!"Strum und Twang: A Brief History ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $8
Thursday, 06/16/11
'Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making us Sick?'Unnatural Causes is the acclaimed documentary series broadcast by PBS and now used by thousands of organizations around the country to tackle the root causes of our alarming socio-economic and racial inequities in health. The series crisscrosses the nation uncovering startling new findings that suggest there is much more to ...
Celebrate World Sea Turtle Day during a night of interactive educational displays, expert speakers, and films by the Sea Turtle Restoration Project. Learn about these magnificent, gentle creatures and discover ways that you can help protect their dwindling populations from extinction. See for yourself how a turtle excluder's design helps ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $12 General, $10 Members
'Tracks and Signs of Insects' book signing with Noah CharneyNoah Charney: Talk and book signing for "Tracks and Signs of Insects", the first-ever reference to the signs left by insects and other North American invertebrates. It includes descriptions and photos of tracks, egg cases, nests, feeding signs, galls, webs, burrows, and signs of predation.
The Antarctic Convergence is a region where the cold waters from the Southern Ocean meet the warmer sub-Antarctic seas. This area is a nature lover's paradise with vast numbers of birds and seals that are unafraid of human visitors. Dave Hartley and Jeanine Lovett's presentation is based on several trips ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $5 Donation General, Free for members
Fuels from Sunlight: Converting Solar EnergyChemical fuels currently account for 80% of world-wide energy consumption. Thomas Jaramillo, Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering will discuss the challenges of moving away from traditional chemical fuel sources (natural gas, petorleum and coal) and instead towards a clean and sustainable path to synthesizing similar molecules using solar energy. This will involve bridging materials science, chemistry, ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free to the public
Updates on MelanomaMelanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer , develops in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the substance that provides pigment to your skin and eyes. Melanoma can occur in any part of the body that contains melanocytes. Melanoma is less common than other skin cancers, however, it is ...
Where: Palo AltoCost: Free
Getting to the Bottom of the Bay - subtleties of the subtidalMarilyn Latta, restoration ecologist, will show us a long term vision of how we can restore and manage these still thriving habitats of sand waves, eelgrass and shellfish beds, rocky outcrops, shoals and channel banks.
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
Friday, 06/17/11
Come to Foothill Observatory and join us in the exploration of our Universe!Foothill Observatory Friday Evening ProgramCome to Foothill Observatory and join us in the exploration of our Universe!Foothill Observatory is open for public viewing every clear Friday evening from 9:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Visitors can view the wonders of the universe through the observatory's new computer-controlled 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. Views ...
