Nature and the Tall BuildingSafe, efficient structural forms are abundant in nature. The challenge, however, is to mathematically describe these forms and to derive behavior that is adaptable to constructible, cost effective building solutions. These adaptations, mathematical derivations that use nature's mechanics in structural design, are particularly important in regions of high seismic risk ...
NANOPHOTONIC LIGHT-TRAPPING IN SOLAR CELLSDr. Zongfu Yu of Stanford University will be discussing his most recent work regarding a way of 'light-trapping' to enhance light absorption in conventional bulk silicon solar cells. This work may create more efficient solar cells for the future.
Where: Rohnert ParkCost: Free
Understanding Neutrinos Using Deep Dark ScienceNeutrinos are extremely difficult to detect. However, in recent years large detectors located in deep laboratories to avoid cosmic background radiation have helped to define the properties of neutrinos and their role in the most basic laws of physics. Neutrinos have also become a valuable cosmic messenger, providing unique information ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Chemistry: Colorful and Fun with Professor Marvin Lang and Dr. ShowalterIn October, the California and Santa Clara Sections (www.scvacs.org) together are sponsoring an unusual and a not-to-be-forgotten special program, Chemistry – Colorful and Fun in 2010, at several venues in Northern California as part of celebrating National Chemistry Week. This will be presented by Dr. Showalter and Professor Marvin Lang ...
Where: MoragaCost: Free
Tuesday, 10/19/10
Imagine H2O WorkshopCalling All Entrepreneurs & Engineers: The Water Energy Nexus Needs Your AttentionFew of us are aware that a full 3% of the U.S.'s electric power generation is used for treating, pumping and distributing water. In California, where it's as high as 19%, many residents save more energy by turning off ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Interferometry in a Quantized Hall StateProf. Bertrand Halperin of Harvard University will give the Applied Physics/Physics colloquium on Tues., Oct. 19, 2010, entitled "Intereferometry in a Quantized Hall State".
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Ecologies and Oceans: Whales, Humans and Earth Lessons Learned from the Gulf SpillExperts Abrams and Takahashi-Kelso take you inside the most devastating oil spill in history and its ecological impacts on Earth's systems from the Caribbean to the oceans and waterways beyond. Get a new understanding of more than 70 percent of the Earth's ecology as Abrams and Takahashi-Kelso bring the power ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20 General, $8 Members, $7 students
Bookworms Club: Skinned, Stuffed and StretchedThe word "taxidermy" often conjures up images of hunting lodges, dusty dioramas or a beloved Fido, immortalized forever. Milgrom, however, delves into the unusual and sometimes obsessive world of taxidermy, from its Victorian roots with connections to natural history museums, to bizarre art-forms and the World Taxidermy Championship. Join us ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
Free 3-Session Climate Action Workshop During three weekly workshop sessions, you will join with a small group of Bay Area residents to:*Calculate your carbon footprint*Consider ways to reduce your ecological footprint and make substantive changes in your community*Take action (as much or as little as you choose)*Access the wisdom, advice, and collaboration of your community ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Chemistry: Colorful and Fun with Professor Marvin Lang and Dr. ShowalterIn October, the California and Santa Clara Sections (www.scvacs.org) together are sponsoring an unusual and a not-to-be-forgotten special program, Chemistry – Colorful and Fun in 2010, at several venues in Northern California as part of celebrating National Chemistry Week. This will be presented by Dr. Showalter and Professor Marvin Lang ...
Where: ChicoCost: Free
Wednesday, 10/20/10
Dark Matter: The Other UniverseA startling discovery in science in the past few decades is most mass in the universe is in "dark matter" -- some very clever form of matter capable of speeding up the motion of stars and galaxies while eluding direct detection at the same time. Dr. Ma will summarize the ...
Leveraging Machine-learning and Crowdsourcing to Process Text Messages in the world's Less-resourced LanguagesText-messaging has quickly become the dominant form of remote communication in much of the world, surpassing email, phone calls and even grid electricity. This has social development and crisis response organizations to leverage mobile technologies to support health, banking, access to market information, literacy and emergency response. The need to ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Upgrading the Energy Efficiency of California's Residential SectorMillions of stimulus dollars have flowed to the California Energy Commission for residential energy efficiency upgrades. How can this money have the greatest effect for the greatest amount of residents? Is policy and politics helping or hurting? Find out what the state is doing with its money and learn about ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Urban Rain Gardens Along San Pablo Avenue – A Case StudyJerry Bradshaw is Public Works Director / City Engineer for the City of El Cerrito and will talk about the new urban rain gardens along San Pablo Avenue with an emphasis on the entire project process.Speaker: Jerry Bradshaw, Public Works Director / City Engineer, City of El CerritoRoom 315 A
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Music and the BrainSpeakers: Chloe Veltman, Journalist/Broadcaster/Musician; David Wessel, Professor of Music, UC BerkeleyOsher Lifelong Learning InstituteRoom 150
Where: BerkeleyCost: $10
Development as DesignMy research is concerned with the design of appropriate and accessible information systems serving the needs of poor, indigenous, remote and otherwise marginalized communities in the developing and developed world. One major thread of this work is concerned with the design of accessible and trust-worthy applications for users with limited ...
According to the article on Hypermedia in Wikipedia, Ted Nelson coined the term in 1963 and published it in 1965. The definition in the article states that "hypermedia is used as a logical extension of the term hypertext in which graphics, audio, video, plain text and hyperlinks intertwine to create ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Compressive Sensing Compressive sensing is a new sampling/data acquisition theory based on the discovery that one can exploit sparsity or compressibility when acquiring signals of general interest, and that one can design nonadaptive sampling techniques that condense the information in a compressible signal into a small amount of data. Interestingly, this may ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Dark Energy: Finding Your Way in the DarkWhile we can't tell you if it's the stuff that gave Darth Vader all that power, we can help you understand what dark energy is, why it's important, and how we might be able to prove that it is there.Dr. Alexie Leauthaud of Lawrence Berkeley National lab will speak on ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: $10 General, $8 LHS Members & Students
The Ultimate Fate of the Solar System and the Music of the SpheresThe long-term fate of the planets in our Solar System has intrigued astronomers and mathematicians for over 300 years. Although the planetary orbits are often held up as a model of clockwork regularity, the Solar System is in truth an extremely complex and chaotic system. Dr. Laughlin will explain how ...
Where: Los Altos HillsCost: Free ($2 Parking)
Chemistry: Colorful and Fun with Professor Marvin Lang and Dr. ShowalterIn October, the California and Santa Clara Sections of the American Chemical Society (www.scvacs.org) together are sponsoring an unusual and a not-to-be-forgotten special program, Chemistry – Colorful and Fun in 2010, at several venues in Northern California as part of celebrating National Chemistry Week. This will be presented by Dr. ...
Where: Rohnert ParkCost: Free
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 ...
Our ocean waters teem with tiny microscopic life called plankton. Using recycled plastic, create a sculpture sparked by your exploration of the museum's Living Systems' plankton exhibits. Investigate concepts such as mobility, impact and diversity in your art. Leave with your own translucent sculpture and a newfound understanding of our ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $25 Exploratorium members; $35 non-members
Synthesis of fossils and genetics reveals host controls on the post-glacial migration of a parasitic plantTo survive changes in climate, successful species shift their geographic ranges to remain in suitable habitats. For parasites and other highly specialized species, distributional changes not only are dictated by climate but can also be engineered by their hosts. The extent of host control on parasite range expansion is revealed ...
Nightlife at the FarallonesCelebrate the Farallon Islands – an isolated gathering spot for sharks, birds, and seals just 28 miles off the coast of San Francisco – with a brand new short film called Sanctuary in the Sea: A Gulf of the Farallones Experience; a new Academy exhibit module about the fragile islands; ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $12 General, $10 Members
Though visible on a clear day, few people have been out to the Farallon Islands, just 27 miles off our coast. The Farallon Islands and the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary are an important and biologically diverse ecosystem, closely connected to the health of our local environment and ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $12 General, $8 Members
Animals Uncovered! True Stories of Oakland Zoo animal acquisitionsJoin us for a rare evening as we share the true story of why and how new animals are brought into our zoo family. Where did the sun bears come from? How do we encourage new chimpanzees to get along with our current troupe? With a focus on chimpanzees and ...
Where: OaklandCost: $15-$20
The New, New Math: Calories and CarbonImproving our eating habits is one of the best ways to reduce our environmental and carbon footprint, while also trimming our waistlines. How do we get the biggest bang for our dietary bucks? When it comes to climate change, are domestic steak and imported salmon created equal? Why does cheese ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20 General, $12 Members, Free Students
Chemistry: Colorful and Fun with Professor Marvin Lang and Dr. ShowalterIn October, the California and Santa Clara Sections (www.scvacs.org) together are sponsoring an unusual and a not-to-be-forgotten special program, Chemistry – Colorful and Fun in 2010, at several venues in Northern California as part of celebrating National Chemistry Week. This will be presented by Dr. Showalter and Professor Marvin Lang ...
Where: San RafaelCost: Free
From 'Flipper' to 'The Cove' and 'Blood Dolphin$': A Conversation with Earth Island's Ric O'BarryRic O'Barry, star of the Oscar-winning documentary The Cove and the hit Animal Planet TV series "Blood Dolphin$", will update us on Earth Island's Save Japan Dolphins campaign and his recent trip to Japan, where he delivered our 1.7 million signature petition to stop the annual dolphin slaughter in Taiji.
Where: BerkeleyCost:
Vampires: The Truth behind the LegendKitty Burns from San Francisco Vampire Tours will be here to speak about the medical and historical facts underlying the vampire legend. She uses vampires as an example of one of the many mythological beings posited in the natural history literature.
Where: BerkeleyCost: FREE
Sudden Oak DeathBrice A. McPherson, PhD, Associate Specialist in the Center for Forestry at UC Berkeley, will give an update on Sudden Oak Death. Doors open at 7:30 pm for mushroom identification. Meeting and lecture starts at 8:00.
Solar observation with NuSTARThe Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) is a NASA Small Explorer being readied for launch in 2012. It will be the first true imaging telescope in the hard x-ray band (5-80 keV). It is led from Caltech and JPL, with significant scientific and design participation from SSL, where the ground ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Teachers: Learn the Science 'Behind the Scenes'Area elementary and middle school teachers will have a chance to learn the science behind Hollywood's special effects at the "Behind the Scenes with Chemistry" workshop Oct 30 from 9 am to 3 pm at the Resource Area for Teaching (RAFT) in Redwood City. There will be hands-on training in ...
Where: Redwood CityCost: Free
Attention, Organization and Perceptual Experience: A Story of Indirect PerceptionI read Irvin Rock's book The Logic of Perception in college. I read his book Indirect Perception ten years later. Only after having been in the business of attention and perception research long enough to look backward a bit, however, did I realize how much his ideas influenced my work, ...
Dynamics of multiphase plumes in the environmentDynamics of multiphase plumes in the environment with application to CO2 sequestration, lake aeration, and tracking of oil released from accidental oil-well blowouts.Speaker: Scott Socolofsky, Coastal & Ocean Engineering, Texas A&MRoom 534
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Chemistry: Colorful and Fun with Professor Marvin Lang and Dr. ShowalterIn October, the California and Santa Clara Sections (www.scvacs.org) together are sponsoring an unusual and a not-to-be-forgotten special program, Chemistry – Colorful and Fun in 2010, at several venues in Northern California as part of celebrating National Chemistry Week. This will be presented by Dr. Showalter and Professor Marvin Lang ...
Where: HaywardCost:
Full Moon Hike through the RedwoodsJoin us for a full moon hike through the redwoods. As you explore the forest, your guide will discuss planetary orbits, seasonal changes in the sky, and the importance of the "Hunters' Moon." You will also learn how to predict which planets will be visible in the night sky. After the ...
Where: OaklandCost: $7, not including museum admission
Spooky Slough! What types of creatures lurk about and fly around at night at the refuge? Find out at Spooky Slough and learn about nocturnal wildlife! Kids are encouraged to come in costume. Enjoy hands-on activities, live animals, a twilight trek, games, story time, and so much more! Be prepared for cold ...
Where: AlvisoCost: Free
Navigating Food Choices in Today's EconomyAcclaimed author of Food Politics, Marion Nestle, will join local restaurateur and food critic, Narsai David, in a dialogue on navigating food choices in today's economy and the implications of the food choices we make for our health, the environment and the economy.See website for registration information after 8/1.
Where: BerkeleyCost:
Owls at the Lindsay Wildlife MuseumBring the whole family to Lindsay Wildlife Museum for an evening with our owls! Meet the "Tiger of the Night", the "Silent Hunter" and even the "Ghost in the Night" as you learn about their behavior, biology and their individual stories. Enjoy light refreshments and discover the magic of these ...
Where: Walnut CreekCost: $15
Saturday, 10/23/10
2010 Roundtable at StanfordFrom family dynamics to the global economy, the graying of the boomer generation will impact every aspect of society. What is next for boomers and the generations that follow in their wake?As the planet's population surges towards 9 billion in 2050, our sheer numbers will exert tremendous pressure on resources, ...
Where: StanfordCost: $10 General, Free for students, faculty, staff
Celebration of Wild, Foraged, & Indigenous FoodsMany California First Peoples depended on acorns as a staple food source. Acorns are still one of the most efficient and sustainable food sources available to the modern forager. Kevin Feinstein (FeralKevin) and Kim Curiel will demonstrate leaching acorns (11am-1pm) in various ways, identify acorns that are best for eating, ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Drawing Our Natural WorldObserving our natural world around us is something we do on a daily basis. These projects will help young eyes develop a relationship with what they see. Each class begins with a demonstration of each project and the use of mediums. The remainder of the class is dedicated to the ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $15 per parent/child pair
Science and Engineering Festival at UC BerkeleyExplore the wonders of science with activities for the whole family at the first-ever Cal Science & Engineering Festival. This free event will take place at UC Berkeley, on Spieker Plaza (located next to Haas Pavilion) on Saturday, October 23 from 10am to 2pm. It's all about science in action! ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Science fun for KidsKids will have a chance to be a scientist this weekend at San Jose State University.The fun will start with a Slime Lab, a spin of the Chemistry Wheel of Fortune, Indoor Snow and Boo Bubbles. This all happens Saturday October 23 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Martin ...
Where: San JoseCost: Free
Chemistry: Colorful and Fun with Professor Marvin Lang and Dr. ShowalterIn October, the California and Santa Clara Sections (www.scvacs.org) together are sponsoring an unusual and a not-to-be-forgotten special program, Chemistry – Colorful and Fun in 2010, at several venues in Northern California as part of celebrating National Chemistry Week. This will be presented by Dr. Showalter and Professor Marvin Lang ...
Where: San FranciscoCost:
Living WetlandsOur refuge consists of salt marsh, salt ponds, and tidal and non-tidal sloughs that are teeming with life. Why are our wetlands important to us and how do they affect ocean fisheries? Learn about the life and death struggles of our wetland inhabitants through a slide show. Open to all ...
Where: AlvisoCost: Free
Chemistry: Colorful and Fun with Professor Marvin Lang and Dr. ShowalterIn October, the California and Santa Clara Sections (www.scvacs.org) together are sponsoring an unusual and a not-to-be-forgotten special program, Chemistry – Colorful and Fun in 2010, at several venues in Northern California as part of celebrating National Chemistry Week. This will be presented by Dr. Showalter and Professor Marvin Lang ...
Where: San JoseCost:
Combots Cup VFighting robots return to the San Francisco Bay Area with Combots Cup V! The Combots Cup: like the Stanley Cup, except MORE METAL.Combots Cup VSaturday, Oct 23rd 2:00pm – 7:00pmSunday, October 24th, 2:00pm – 7:00pmat San Mateo County Event Center, San Mateo, CaliforniaGETCHER TICKETS HERE!SEE heavyweight fighting robot behemoths like ...
East Bay Mini Maker FaireEast Bay Mini Maker FaireFirst, the details:When: October 24, 2010, 10 am to 5pmWhere: Park Day School, 370 43rd Street, Oakland, CAWho: Makers, crafters, cooks, musicians, parents, and kids!What and why: A Maker Faire is about celebrating learning and doing – not the finished and perfect end product. It's a ...
Where: OaklandCost:
Chompers & StompersEver wondered why birds come in so many shapes, sizes, and colors? Find out why some birds exhibit wacky behaviors. We will examine different bird specimens we have collected over the years to see how birds have adapted some extraordinary features. Come admire the wonders of the bird kingdom and ...
Where: AlvisoCost: Free
The Entanglement IllusionNo, I am not a quantum mechanic, nor do I play one on TV. However, I have long been concerned that the widespread success of the mathematical framework known as quantum mechanics has lumbered physics with a corollary notion known as "entanglement" that posits the idea that previously associated sub-atomic ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: free
Combots Cup VFighting robots return to the San Francisco Bay Area with Combots Cup V! The Combots Cup: like the Stanley Cup, except MORE METAL.Combots Cup VSaturday, Oct 23rd 2:00pm – 7:00pmSunday, October 24th, 2:00pm – 7:00pmat San Mateo County Event Center, San Mateo, CaliforniaGETCHER TICKETS HERE!SEE heavyweight fighting robot behemoths like ...
Where: San MateoCost: $15-25
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. Space limited. Reservations required: (831) 459-3800.
