Golden Gate Raptor Observatory Hawk Talk and Banding DemoCome 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: San FranciscoCost: Free
Monarch Butterfly MigrationsCome explore the life of a monarch butterfly. Discover what these beautiful insects need from us and from nature to survive their long annual migrations between Canada to Mexico. Meet at the park visitor center.
The Sea Otter is a keystone species in the kelp forests of the central coast of California. Once severely threatened with extinction by the fur trade, the population of these incredible animals has rebounded to about 2,700 animals and healthy kelp forests have recovered with them. Today, their population has ...
Where: Santa CruzCost: Free with admission
The Physics of AnimationComputer animation in feature-films is a modern-day nexus of art and science.Professor Alejandro Garcia developed and teaches "Physics of Animation", a science course for visual artists. During 2011, he took a professional leave and worked in Dreamworks Animation's department of Artistic Development as a physics consultant on "Madagascar 3: Europe's ...
Where: San JoseCost: $10 General, $5 Members
Free Sunday at the California Academy of SciencesMuseum Free DaysFree Day ChangesThe Academy is changing its free day policy to target more working families, who were previously unable to come on the Wednesday free days. We hope that this change to weekend dates will allow a wider range of people to attend.Starting in 2012, the Academy's monthly ...
Where: San FranciscoCost:
3.14159265... in the Skypi, π, (3.14159265...)The world's largest ephemeral installation is scheduled to appear in the sky above the San Francisco Bay Area between Sept. 12 and 16.Merging art and technology, ISHKY has brought together a team of artists, programmers and scientists to give life to a compelling vision that a community of ...
Where: Cost:
Monday, 09/17/12
Solar Neutrinos in 2012: The End of Days? Huge strides have been made in the field of solar neutrinos in past decades, with the resolution of the solar neutrino problem providing clear evidence of neutrino oscillation. This has allowed us to move beyond the basic questions to a precision era, in which we can use the Sun to ...
Where: Rohnert ParkCost: Free
'Call of Life'Film evenings begin with potluck refreshments & social hour at 6:30pm, followed by the film at 7:30pm, followed by a discussion after the film. A film by Species Alliance, including David Ulansey and Monte Thompson.All over the world species are becoming extinct at an astonishing rate, from 1000 to 10,000 times ...
Where: OaklandCost: $5 Donation
Tuesday, 09/18/12
i4Energy Center Research SymposiumThe i4Energy Center is a nexus, bringing multi-disciplinary minds together together to create information technology advances for our multi-layered energy challenges. i4Energy is a collaboration among CITRIS (U.C. Berkeley, Davis, Merced, and Santa Cruz); the California Institute for Energy and Environment (CIEE); and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). The ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Zero Net Energy in Context: Achieving the ZNE Targets for California New ConstructionIn this forum, the PG&E Zero Net Energy Pilot Program is bringing together multiple viewpoints to explore the concept of zero net energy within the larger framework California's energy efficiency and environmental goals and policies that drive them. We will hear from stakeholders in the policy, planning, utility and design ...
Cities have always been constantly evolving ecosystems of innovation, but advances in technology and enhanced access to information have enabled our cities and our citizens as never before. How can we better leverage data and information to help our cities? Join moderator Hugh Aldridge, from the UC Berkeley Center for ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $10 General, Free members
Energy Upgrade California Program Homeowner WorkshopThe purpose of this workshop is to introduce home performance and provide information on the Energy Upgrade California Program to homeowners, as well as to familiarize them with the Energy Upgrade California web portal.
Where: San JoseCost: Free
Urban Foraging in San Francisco & BeyondSpeaker: Curt Haney, President, Mycological Societyof SFEach general meeting begins with mushroom identification and cultivation delights, then features a guest speaker on a selected mycological topic.
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
Wednesday, 09/19/12
Active geologic processes in the solar system: Mars, Io and Icy SatellitesIn this talk, Dr. Phillips will address several outstanding questions regarding the dynamics of geological processes in solar system bodies. She will address several key areas she has studied on Io, Europa and Mars including dark slope streaks on Mars, impact cratering and change detection on icy satellites, and ongoing ...
In this talk, I'll focus on the deep motivations that drive so many to create, interact, and collaborate on Facebook, StackExchange, Wikipedia, Twitter, and countless other sites. As social media have become the Internet's driving force, questions about motivation and incentives have come to the forefront. Motivation, however, is hard ...
CrowdSolvingWhat happens when hundreds of thousands of non-experts play a protein folding game? They make important scientific discoveries, of course! Behind the scenes, such magical applications are being enabled by advances in simulation technology and by our deepening understanding of on-line social games. This talk will describe several large-scale experiments ...
Geoff Marcy & Dan Werthimer: The Great Debate: Are We Alone?Science fiction often portrays our galaxy as teeming with advanced civilizations engaged in interstellar commerce and star wars. Back in our real universe, extraterrestrial life has proved elusive. The arguments for and against technologically advanced life in the galaxy have sharpened in recent years. Evidence abounds on Earth of the ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20 standard, $8 members, $7 students
Nerd Nite SF #28: Mites Mystery, Weird WWII SF, and Pierrot LunaireItching to get out of the house? Feeling a little moonstruck? Ever wished our lecture-in-a-bar catchphrase were "the History Channel with beer" instead? Well, you're in luck, 'cause we have a NNSF grab-bag to fit almost any predilection, with a biologist's personal account of ectoparasite hell, a history buff's tales ...
You could almost say that Shannon Bennett's career as a virologist found her after she became infected with parasites while on a volunteer stint in Liberia during her college years. She was fascinated by the experience to the point that she has been on a quest to understand the life ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $12 Adults, $10 Seniors, Free Members
UPDATE: This event has been postponed from Thursday, September 20th, to Friday, September 21st. The schedule will remain the same and all car passes already issued will be valid. Editor's Note: Endeavor will be flying over other portions of the Bay Area, including around the Golden Gate Bridge and down ...
Since Fall 2002, the Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering has hosted the Silicon Valley Leaders Symposium (SVLS). The Symposium hosts industry and technology leaders to talk about business and technology trends. It also features prominent leaders who discuss broader societal and political issues that shape our life and society.Speaker: ...
How are 73 of the world's biggest cities addressing climate change? A new global report from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) reveals how climate change is impacting cities today, the current levels of carbon emissions and key actions cities are taking to reduce emissions. Join Claire Bonham-Carter of AECOM, who ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $10 General, Free members
Go Wild! Kid's Nature Program - CANCELEDDid 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.
Canick posits that aging is not simply a neurodegenerative process resulting in serious memory decline or cognitive loss. On the contrary: Some mental abilities actually improve and are only seen in the mature brain. In people with highly developed intellect, says Canick, assessment of cognitive problems is crucial because such ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20 General, $8 Members
How Language Affects the Way We ThinkWith an increase in international student populations, it has become more critical for educators to reach students in a culturally responsive manner. International students need instructional methods that are comprehensive and transformative and that honor their unique diversity and culture. Educators, counselors and administrators are invited to this dynamic free ...
The emergence of strange new diseases is a frightening problem that seems to be getting worse. In this age of speedy travel, it could threaten a worldwide pandemic. The bugs that transmit some of these serious infectious diseases share one thing: They originate in wild animals and pass ailments to ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20 General, $8 Members
Plastic in our Oceans: Just How Bad Is it? Can We Stop It? What Can the Public Do?Our oceans are being degraded from ocean trash, made up mainly of plastics. Plastics have accumulated in the North Pacific Ocean to a point that some are calling the area the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Learn about the extent of the problem and what we can all do to help ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free, but see web link
Bone Cleaning Class with Ron CaubleThe Bone Room's own Ron Cauble will again teach a class on the basics of bone and skeleton cleaning. Class fee is $10, and space is again limited so please call in advance to sign up.
Launched five years ago, Vaux's Happen-ing enlists volunteers to locate, observe, and gather data about communal roost sites used by Vaux's Swifts in migration. Chim- neys have proved to be among the most significant sites. Vaux's Happening quickly expanded into an effort to raise awareness of and try to preserve ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $5 General, Free for members
Bay Area Life CyclesPhotographer and naturalist Becky Jaffe will discuss the Bay Area's seasonal wildlife migrations and offer tips on the best local observation sites. She will illustrate her talk with photographs that unite a biologist's curiosity with an artist's sensibility.
Liam O'Brien's life changed forever in the spring of 1996. The professional stage actor had just returned to San Francisco after two years on Broadway in Les Miserables, when a western tiger swallowtail flew into his yard. He bought a butterfly field guide, joined the Lepidopterists' Society, and began gaining ...
Space shuttle Endeavour is scheduled to visit northern California with a low-level flyover of NASA Ames Research Center before flying to Los Angeles to be permanently installed at the California Science Center. The approximate time for the flyover is between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. To commemorate this event celebrating NASA ...
Where: Mountain ViewCost: Free
Endeavor's Final FlightDo you see what we see? We're offering an awesome vantage point to see the Space Shuttle Endeavor fly over the Bay Area. Join us bright and early for some hot chocolate or coffee, hands on astronaut training fun and our viewing party (PJ's optional). The viewing party and activities ...
Seismic forces that shaped the citySan Francisco is famous for its hills, which lend the city its character and breathtaking views. On this tour, we'll explore the unique qualities that have shaped San Francisco's distinctive terrain, while munching through edible seismic activities and getting up close and personal with the ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $30 with discount code 'Schmooze'
Attempts to sell the smart grid to electricity consumers and taxpayers have understandably leaned toward promoting the "carrot" of customer-side applications and their benefits, the "stick" being regulatory mandate. Unfortunately, these promised benefits, while attractive, are not the whole story, and will likely not be fully realized for many years. ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
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
Houge Park Start PartyMeet with members of San Jose Astronomical Society for a Star Party, weather permitting.
Where: San JoseCost: Free
Saturday, 09/22/12
Whale Watching at the Farallon Islands Please join SF Bay American Cetacean Society chapter and The Oceanic Society for a whale of a time Whale Watching at the Farallon Islands!The Farallon Islands, just 27 miles off San Francisco, lie amid the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, a food-rich marine ecosystem that attracts whales, dolphins, seals and seabirds each summer and fall, ...
Where: RossCost: $115.00
Learn to Build and Launch Your Own Rocket!Interested in how things get into space? Come to the NASA Ames Visitor Center on Saturday, September 22, between 8:30 and 10 a.m. to build your own rocket and see what it takes to launch. Volunteers from LUNAR, the Livermore Unit of the National Association of Rocketry, will be available ...
Where: Mountain ViewCost: Free
Fall Equinox ExtravaganzaExplore and celebrate fall! Join captivating naturalist Peter Leveque for this autumn journey along the less traveled Redwood Canyon loop trail. We will explore the woodlands, forests and redwood grove, observing signs of fall activity in the flora and fauna. This is a strenuous hike that may go off trail ...
Where: Santa RosaCost: $10
Fall Nature HikeJoin a Park Docent on a 5-mile moderately strenuous hike to enjoy panoramic views and discover how these rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then carpool to a trail nearby. Bring sun protection, water, camera, sturdy hiking shoes and layered clothing. Note: This ...
Where: San JoseCost: Free
Golden Gate Raptor Observatory Hawk Talk and Banding DemoCome 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: San FranciscoCost: Free
Food Chains and Mud StainsJoin the Environmental Volunteers for a special interactive presentation and hands-on learning activity with marshland mud creatures! Docents will demonstrate the nitty gritty details of the fascinating food chains that exist within the Bay's ecosystems. Participants will have the opportunity to get their hands dirty by searching through mud samples ...
Science and creativity in the city of innovationSan Francisco's creative nature inspired innovation long before the silicon chip: Some of the world's most influential inventions were dreamed up by San Franciscan tinkerers. On this tour, we explore seven surprising stories of innovation that exemplify San Francisco as a hotbed of ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $30 with discount code 'Schmooze'
History of the U.S. Army Corps of EngineersJoin Ranger Bill to learn about the "When/Where/Why/What/How," the diverse, complex, many faceted missions, goals and objectives of the USACE's "Birth" in 1775 under General George Washington.
Where: SausalitoCost: Free
Mad Science: Kitchen ChemistryCooking is all about chemistry! Students will be introduced to the virtual laboratory we call a kitchen in a novel and practical application of science! Dinnertime will never be the same….This program is limited to the first 30 students.
Where: San JoseCost: Free
Web of Skepticism: Guerrilla Activism in the Age of the InternetWikipedia, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter. That's where the action is for a new generation of critical thinkers and a host of "fence sitters" wondering how to navigate extraordinary claims. The single most powerful skeptical tool on the Internet today is Wikipedia.Just over ten years old, this living, breathing encyclopedia has already ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
Mt. Diablo Astronomy Program: Stars of the TriangleAs summertime ends, don't miss this chance to explore the Summer Triangle! Take home a star map of what you discover. Last chance to view Mars this year.BONUS: International Observe the Moon Night!
Where: Walnut CreekCost: Free, but $10 park admission fee
Jazz Under the StarsVisit our roof top observatory and see the moon and Saturn thru our telescopes, while listening to KCSM Jazz 91 FM. Dress warmly.No food or drinks in the observatory. Children are welcome and need to be attended at all times. Parking is free in lot 5, Marie Curie
Where: San MateoCost: Free
Sustainability BaseNASA is using lessons and innovations from space exploration to build the government's greenest building on Earth. Sustainability Base will be an evolving exemplar for the future of buildings.Speaker: Krisstina Wilmoth, NASA-Ames Research Center
