What makes up the dark matter of our universeThrough cosmology and particle physics we can view our understanding of how our universe came into existence. Of particular interest is what makes up dark matter. CDMS experiments search directly for dark matter particles passing through the laboratory. GLAST/Fermi look for gamma rays from dark matter particle-antiparticle annihilations, and the ...
Dissenting expert opinions, confusing statistics, conflicting media reports, questionable Internet testimonials and a never-ending stream of drug company ads all conspire to confound and intimidate us when it comes to making medical decisions. New Yorker writer Dr. Jerome Groopman and Harvard professor Dr. Pamela Hartzband explain how to chart a ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20-$25 General, $17-22 Members, $10 Students
Tuesday, 10/25/11
Misha Glenny: CybercrimeMisha Glenny: CybercrimeAuthor; Journalist; Visiting Professor, London School of EconomicsGovernments and the private sector are losing billions of dollars a year fighting an ever-morphing, often invisible and very smart new breed of criminal. Intrepid investigative reporter Glenny gives an edge-of-your-seat account of a new form of crime spawned by the ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20 standard, $8 members, $7 students
An evening with Steven VanRoekel: Chief Information Officer of the United StatesThis is the first public appearance of Steven VanRoekel, the Chief Information Officer of the United States, since his appointment by President Barack Obama in August 2011.6:00pm check-in/ hors d'oeuvres reception7:00pm programThis event is being offered at no charge. However, space is limited, so be sure to register here.
Where: Palo AltoCost: Free
Robert Ferguson Observatory: Fall Night Sky SeriesObliquity of the Ecliptic; Equinoxes and SolsticesPisces, Lacerta, CetusHow to RegisterEmail nightsky@rfo.org for preregistration instructions.Or, arrive a half-hour early on the night of the first class to register, as space allows. Fee:Series : $75 Single Session : $23 (available after first class)Prices include admission to the State Park at class ...
Where: KenwoodCost: $23.00
Worm: The First Digital World WarWhen the Conficker computer worm was unleashed on the world in November 2008, cybersecurity experts did not know what to make of it. The worm, exploiting the security flaws in Microsoft Windows, grew at an astonishingly rapid rate, infecting millions of computers around the world within weeks. Once the worm ...
The silicon chip has been the mainstay of the electronics industry for the last 40 years and has revolutionized the way the world operates. Today a silicon chip the size of a fingernail contains over one billion transistors and has the computing power that only a decade ago would take ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Living with a Star - dangerouslyThe sun "talks" to the Earth. One channel, still poorly understood, involves the ionosphere. The ionosphere interacts magnetically with the solid Earth, reaching deep into the crust, generating forces that can trigger earthquakes. Before major earthquakes, the crust "talks" back to the ionosphere, causing perturbations.Speaker: Friedmann Freund, SETI
Ever wonder how plants live? Or how worms produce compost? Get hands-on with science to find out! Join Cal scientists for cool, food-related investigations.This program is jointly supported by Science@Cal, Community Resources for Science, and the UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley.
Two talks: 'Cosmos: Big Data and Big Challenges' and 'Condos and Clouds'Cosmos: Big Data and Big ChallengesThe underlying plumbing for Bing includes a massively parallel storage and computation layer running over tens of thousands of servers in many data centers. Cosmos stores data triply-replicated for high availability in simple byte streams. The store layer of Cosmos holds hundreds of petabytes of ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
The Anatomy of Wearable ComputingWIMM Labs (www.wimm.com) is a Silicon Valley-based company that offers an innovative platform to enable a new class of personal devices that deliver information at a glance and a touch. The WIMM Platform, the company's platform for connected wearable devices, is licensable to brands in the mobile, sports, finance, consumer ...
Join us for this fascinating talk from Alex Filippenko, Professor of Astronomy at UC Berkeley and one of the world's most highly cited astronomers. Observations of very distant exploding stars (supernovae) show that the expansion of the universe is now speeding up, rather than slowing down due to gravity as ...
Join award-winning Stanford Computer Science Professor Ron Fedkiw and Pixar Senior Scientist Michael Kass at Pixar Animation Studios in a discussion of animation versus simulation and how both are used to create award winning films. Miles Perkins of Industrial Light & Magic will moderate.
Where: EmeryvilleCost: Free
Science and Reason with Skeptics in the Pub, West BaySkeptics in the Pub, West BayFiddlers Green, MillbraeIf ye value critical thinking, and if ye scorn the film-flam man, and if ye drink, drink with us, your friends. If ye shun the brewer's art, at least help us lay waste to bangers & mash!Skeptics in the Pub is a monthly ...
Being a kid ain't what it used to be. During the past generation, childhood has undergone a profound and, until recently, largely ignored transformation. American children today spend 90% less time outdoors than their parents did. Nearly 20% of our kids are obese, with health consequences that include rampant diabetes ...
In this chemistry activity, learners will test the pH of various foods and household sustances using cabbage. The kids will explore the concept of acidic and basic chemicals, learn that pH is a common measure of acidity, and explore various common usses of acids and bases. Ages: 8-11. Classes need ...
The Manila Galleon San Felipe, 1576A slide series tells the San Felipe's saga, shows how she was rediscovered, and describes the contents and meaning of her recovered porcelains and other artifacts. Our ten Mexico-United States expeditions from 1999 to 2011 to a wreck site along the desert shore of Baja California, and study of newly ...
Where: Point Reyes StationCost:
How brains create knowledge and meaning from fragments of informationCommonly we sniff, glance, palpate, or hark some event or object and experience a sudden flash of meaning: we know what it is. This experience highlights the difference between sensation, which is the acquisition of fragments of information by intentional search, and perception, which is the contextualization of the acquired ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Nipah Virus: Emergence and Epidemiology of a Dangerous Zoonotic PathogenSpeaker: Dr. Steven Luby, Head, Programme for (IDVS)Infectious Disease & Vaccine Sciences Projects Health Systems & Infectious Diseases Division International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B)Bechtel Conference Room
As the former emphasis on preventive care during the Maoist era has given way to a market-driven pursuit of high-tech interventions, changes in the political economy of health care have transformed China's urban medical system into a laboratory for entrepreneurial tactics. Despite critical scrutiny from scientific experts and tightening guidelines ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
No More Circling Around the Block: Evolving Ethnography to Guide Innovation in Parking Systems Parking. The biggest pain for many drivers and cities, and yet the least evolved in many ways... After many years with little innovation in parking technology, many cities are now exploring new systems meant to improve the use of limited parking real estate, increase parking convenience, and raise additional revenue.PARC ...
Just days before Halloween, NightLife will be overrun with zombies! Take a crash course in zombie neuroscience with Zombie Research Society's Brad Voytek, and learn how zombie-like symptoms would manifest themselves in real life. You won't want to miss horror maven and hostess Peaches Christ and her Zombie Drag Show and ...
Scientists are studying global migratory animal movements throughout their annual cycles to improve conservation efforts Changing climate conditions have accentuated this need, as species movements and their ranges are fluctuating every year Technology being used to study the migratory patterns ranges from leg bands to satellite telemetry and isotopic markers ...
Where: Menlo ParkCost:
Measuring the color of the seas from satellites and the fun science that followsDr. Cara Wilson, NOAA's Environmental Research Division By literally detecting the color of the ocean from satellites, scientists can measure and monitor the amount of chlorophyll at the surface of the ocean, which represents the base of the oceanic food chain. we now have a 14 year record of global ...
Where: Pacific GroveCost: free to Museum Members; $5 for the general public
Once and Future GiantsWhat caused the megafauna die-out at the end of the last ice age? Sharon Levey tells that fascinating story from all angles. She even goes further and covers a plan to, in a strange way, replace the vanished species. She will give a short talk followed by signing her book.
Lighting energy represents 30-40% of commercial building electricity consumption, yet very few buildings have advanced lighting controls. The potential energy savings are tremendous as is the opportunity to reduce demand on the grid during critical peak use periods. Charlie will describe how low-cost wireless radio technology develop at UC Berkeley ...
Enhancing thermodynamic efficiency and reducing kinetic losses through size effects can improve energy conversion. I will discuss bandgap tuning for light absorption in solar cells and reducing activation overvoltage as well as ohmic lossesin fuel cells:(1) I will report on the deposition of Lead sulfide (PbS) thin films by atomic ...
How many colors make black? Be amazed as black magically turns into vibrant purples, blues, greens, magenta, and more with just a drop of water! This hands-on science activity for children 5 and older introduces the concept of chromatography. Chromatography comes from the Greek word chroma meaning "color" and graphia meaning ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: 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 ...
The Sonoma State University Field Stations & Nature Preserves proudly presents the 3nd Annual Insecta-Palooza!Our arthropod extravaganza includes something for everyone, from the smallest enthusiast, to master gardener, watershed ecologist and the simply curious.The 2011 theme is Metamorphosis in its many guises. Our interactive exhibits, engaging activities and seminars explore ...
Where: Rohnert ParkCost: See listing
Pepperwood offers class on Invasive PlantsEcologist Peter Warner will provide an introduction to the identification, ecology, and management of several invasive wildland weeds common in Sonoma County on Saturday, October 29, 2011, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at Pepperwood Preserve. The class is $10.00 and students can register online at http://www.pepperwoodpreserve.org. Peter Warner, M.A., is ...
Where: Santa RosaCost: $10.00
San José Clean Energy ShowcaseCome see the latest in solar, wind turbine, electric vehicle and solar hot water technologies. Bring the family and get everyone excited about clean energy! The time for clean energy is now! With money-saving rebates from the State, making home energy improvements has never been easier or more affordable. Come ...
Ever wonder how plants live? Or how worms produce compost? Get hands-on with science to find out! Join Cal scientists for cool, food-related investigations.This program is jointly supported by Science@Cal, Community Resources for Science, and the UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley.
Ever wonder how plants live? Or how worms produce compost? Get hands-on with science to find out! Join Cal scientists for cool, food-related investigations.This program is jointly supported by Science@Cal, Community Resources for Science, and the UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley.
Calling all Educators! Leveraging excess stock/equipment/materials from labs/companies across the area, educators will have access to high quality materials for their classrooms. Everything at the event is free, but please only take what you need for your classroom. This FREE Giveaway is for educational and non-profit use ONLY.If you are an EDUCATOR, ...
Cal State East Bay's Science Festival kicks off the Bay Area Science Festival with a celebration of science, technology, engineering, and math. Join us on this opening day with experiments, hands-on activities, games, exhibits, lectures and much much more.Some highlights:Chemistry Magic ShowPotpourri of PhysicsObserving the Sun with a TelescopeRobots in ...
Where: HaywardCost: Free with admission
Gold Fever: How the Gold Rush Forever Changes SF BayIn 1848 gold was discovered in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, luring people by the thousands to California. Join Ranger Tammi to find out how this event changed San Francisco Bay forever.
Join Geophysics Professor Gregory Beroza of Stanford's Earthquake Seismology Group and docents Mike Alexander, Paul Billig, and John Wertzler from the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District for a leisurely hike to examine remnants left by thousands of major earthquakes, discuss the wonders of plate tectonics and learn how to prepare ...
Where: Los AltosCost: Free
FIRST Robotics LeagueWhat the Olympics are for sports and the Nobel Prize is to science, FIRST Robotics is to kid's engineering.Take part in the most prestigious robotics competition for youth in the world this fall by joining Celsius and Beyond team. You will learn about project management, computer programming, robotics design, analytical ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $950 full, $330 per month
Come to Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands and get an up-close view of the fall raptor migration with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory (GGRO), a cooperative program of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and National Park Service.A GGRO docent gives an hour-long talk about hawk monitoring and identification ...
Day: Solar Viewing and PlanetWalk are FREE.State Park Admission: $8.00Docents will be on hand to show you our only star; the Sun, through specially filtered telesccopes and other devices. This is both a fun and safe experience for the whole family!Tours of the observatory are always available.Handicapped parking and wheelchair ...
Is there really such thing as climate change? Is it politically motivated? What's all the hype about? Find out what's going on with the Earth's thermostat. Meet Ranger Linda at the reception desk.
It may seem like a barren, lifeless rock with only the haunting memories of the past, but a battle for survival continues daily throughout Alcatraz Island. Cut off from the mainland, Alcatraz is a protected, prime nesting ground for many bird species - especially black-crowned night-herons, gulls and ravens. These ...
Join this 2-mile, 2.5 hour walking tour from Discovery Street Tours to get up close and personal with some of the city's most stellar rock formations. Explore the twisted rock n' roll stories of our Bay Area landscape with edible geology activities and a hike through the city's heights. Includes snacks ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $25 special price for BASF
ComBots returns to the San Mateo Fairgrounds for ComBots Cup VI - the biggest cash prize purse in robot combat! 220 pound robots from around the world compete for dominance, cash, and the glory that is the ComBots Cup – 100 pounds of trophy-shaped awesome.
Where: San MateoCost: Free
Exploring Antarctica (Just Like Mars, Only Closer!)NASA Scientist Dr. Chris McKay will discuss his research in Antarctica and its connections to Mars' environment. How does this prepare us for human exploration of Mars? What can we learn from simulated exploration that brings us closer to reaching Mars? What is the current status of Mars exploration projects ...
Where: BurlingameCost: Free
Autumn Stargazing at Pepperwood PreserveEscape from the city lights to experience nature's autumn night sky on Saturday, October 29, 2011, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Pepperwood Preserve. Bing Quock and Ron Damann will guide you through a tour of the season's celestial sights, using a combination of historic and modern telescopes to ...
Fee: $3.00 per. adult, under (18yrs. free) Parking Fee: $8.00Park in the gravel area near the horse corrals just outside the gate to the Group Camp/Observatory site.(Handicapped parking and wheelchair access are available at the entrance to the Observatory.)The Robert Ferguson Oservatory (RFO) is open to the public at least ...
Where: KenwoodCost: $3.00 - Parking $8.00
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.
Ever wonder how plants live? Or how worms produce compost? Get hands-on with science to find out! Join Cal scientists for cool, food-related investigations.This program is jointly supported by Science@Cal, Community Resources for Science, and the UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley.
Where: OaklandCost: Free
FIRST Robotics LeagueWhat the Olympics are for sports and the Nobel Prize is to science, FIRST Robotics is to kid's engineering.Take part in the most prestigious robotics competition for youth in the world this fall by joining Celsius and Beyond team. You will learn about project management, computer programming, robotics design, analytical ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $950 full, $330 per month
Come to the Point Reyes National Seashore to hike the Estero Trail! This trail takes us through an old Christmas tree farm (a good place to look for owls) then we'll head down to the waterside to find waterfowl and shorebirds. We'll stop for lunch on a bluff that gives ...
Where: Point Reyes StationCost: Free
Mathematical Magic ShowFrom Sir Isaac Newton to Dr. John Dee, many of the world's greatestmathematicians were surprisingly, also conjurers.Mathematicians were seeking the unknown and some of their findings wereunexpected and non-intuitive; just like magic!With the audience's help, Dr. Elran of the Weizmann Insittue of Science will demonstrate card tricks that are based ...
Which Is More Fun - Dinosaurs or Robots?As part of the Bay Area Science Festival, the Hall will host a "Dinos vs. Robots" event, in which visitors participate in activities from each discipline and decide which is more fun! You will become a paleontologist for the day and discover things ...
Visit SF State's marine research campus in Tiburon for our 22nd annual open house. Learn about our research from scientists and graduate students by exploring interactive science displays and listening to fascinating lectures (see Speakers). Touch live organisms at our touch tanks, combine art and science with ceramics and other ...
Where: TiburonCost: Free
The World of Simulations - The Game of Life and Derivatives Computer games may appear to be based on complex math and computer science, but in fact they are based on a very simple set of rules and procedures.These rules and procedures formed the very first simulation prototype called"The Game of Life", invented by the British mathematician John Conway. Thegame is ...
Stanford's Genetics department leads hands-on activities every day of the festival. Try your hand at DNA spooling from animal cells and look at your own DNA from cheek cells under a microscope. Figure out what 1000 letters of your DNA look like. Solve a mystery by looking at "DNA" patterns ...
This Halloween, you can enjoy some creepy crawlers – human and non-human – at the Exploratorium's Halloween Haunts and Happenings! On October 30, from 12 – 4 pm, come see giant insects, tarantulas, blood-sucking leeches, maggots and much more. Dress up in your Halloween costume and join us in a ...
Come to Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands and get an up-close view of the fall raptor migration with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory (GGRO), a cooperative program of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and National Park Service.A GGRO docent gives an hour-long talk about hawk monitoring and identification ...
Where: SausalitoCost: Free
Bees Explained at the Observation HiveStudy the behavior of the honey bees residing in our Observation Hive in the Tropical House. The bees are encased in a glass case, revealing the comb and flurry of bee activity. Stop by at this time when a docent will be available to explain the inner workings of the ...
The Tech Museum does! Join in all the robotic fun when we roll out the robot red carpet for the Bay Area Science Festival. Meet some of our favorite robots, from Buster to AIBO, and then design and build your own robot out of Robotix parts.More details at: http://www.thetech.org/bayarea_science
Anamanaguchi is a four-piece melodic 8-bit rock band from Brooklyn, New York. Combining raw guitars and thrashing drums with sound chips from hacked Nintendos and Game Boys, they create a powerful, energetic sound that rests somewhere between organic and robotic.They are paired on this tour with Starscream, another Brooklyn band ...
