EXPLORIT Science Center - Weekly Column

It was the weekend before Christmas and all through the town, not a student was studying not even clicking a mouse. Winter vacation had started with care in hopes that Explorit would have something exciting there.

The children of Davis were at home being terrors so they were transported to Explorit to peer into a mirror. While visions of tuning forks resonated in their ears, Mama was immersed in musical cheers. Dad was adorned in his fluffy Santa cap as he and his son hopped over to hear an underwater tap, tap.

When over in the next exhibit there arose such clatter, it was little Joe Joe making his own music magic! Straight to the oscilloscope the little boy traveled to see sound waves dance to his drum battle.

Happy holiday happenings are going on at Explorit. While you're decking the halls why not take a breather! Come and learn about the science of music during this sparkling holiday season by visiting "Hey, What's that Sound? The Science of Music.” Saturday is Free Admission Day, from 11 to 4:30 p.m. Explorit will also be open on Sunday from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Explorit is closed to the public on Mondays, and Dec. 25 will be no exception.

Explorit 2000 Winter Vacation Classes are still in full swing! They are providing much fun, but there are only three days of classes left.

"Space Adventure" happens on Wednesday to teach about stars that twinkle, planets that spin past, and other sky wonders. Thursday's class is called "Water Wonders" which will teach how floating, sinking and swimming things offer surprising explorations. Friday is the grand finale with "Fabulous Food" where you can play with food, test fruits, veggies and incredible edibles. You can even take home a "basket" of treats to share.

Class spaces remain for kids in kindergarten and in grades three through five. Please call (530) 756-0191 to see if there is still room or to register.

Need a place to pick up last minute stocking stuffers? The Explorit Store has amazing gifts to offer. Reasonably priced and scientifically pleasing, they offer a child something special and different than the usual fare. The store has mood rings, science books, kits, tops and glow-in-the-dark stars.

Another great gift for those who want to be inspired is the new "Book of Science Days" hot off the presses. For a splendid $19.95 it accounts each day that a scientist was born with 458 daily entries in 225 pages, with 80 beautiful original drawings. Pick up a copy at Explorit or stop by the Farmers Market tomorrow and get one there.

Something more magical is happening this holiday season; the Winter Solstice has began as of yesterday and the sun is at its lowest noon latitude in the sky. On December 25 Christmas day we will be able to observe a solar eclipse.

All of North America except for Alaska will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, beginning after 8 a.m. and ending at 11 a.m. Pacific Standard Time.

Want to see the eclipse? First, do not observe the eclipse with your naked eye. You can instead use a "pinhole projection." A simple version is made with two white index cards.

First, poke a small hole in the center of one card. Then, hold the card in the sunlight, allowing the light to shine through the hole and on to the other card. By changing the distance between the cards, you can focus the image of the solar eclipse.

Explorit Science Center is at 3141 5th Street in East Davis. The current exhibition is “Hey, What’s that Sound? The Science of Music.” Public hours are Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday from 1 to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesday through Friday from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Explorit Science Center Weekly Column