This page contains the material submitted to the local paper - The Davis Enterprise - for Explorit Science Center's news column published in that paper on Fridays.

Article for: The Davis Enterprise
Date: July 18, 2003
Author: Vanessa Gregory
Contact: Tom Wickersham

WEATHER MEASURING PART OF EXPLORIT EXHIBIT

On a mountaineering expedition, a climber might use a barometer to measure air pressure. Air pressure is usually lower on stormy days than on clear, dry days. Falling air pressure is an indication that a storm is approaching. By taking regular readings with a barometer and observing the clouds, a mountaineer can decide if a storm is brewing and whether or not it's safe to climb to the summit.

Like the mountain climber, we make decisions based on the weather as well - from what to wear to when and where to take the next family vacation. But most of us rely on weather forecasts prepared by meteorologists. Visitors to Explorit's "Count on it: Numbers in Nature" exhibit can learn the basics of weather measurement and forecast. Fun, hands-on activities at the weather activity station help kids and adults become amateur meteorologists.

Professional meteorologists use radar and other high tech equipment to predict the weather, but the basic tools of weather measurement are more accessible. Explorit visitors can get acquainted with the functions of barometers, thermometers, psychrometers, and other tools for measuring weather patterns.

What's a psychrometer? It's a device that measures relative humidity. Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air. Relative humidity compares the moisture present in the air to the amount of moisture that the air can hold. Visitors can test out the psychrometer and other tools of the weather trade at Explorit.

Using thermometers, barometers, and psychrometers to make observations about the weather reveals patterns. Like many things in nature, weather follows some predictable patterns. A simple example: Here in Davis we have four seasons because the earth follows a fixed path as it orbits around the sun.

Weather is just one discovery topic at the "Numbers in Nature" exhibit. The exhibit explores a variety of different mathematical patterns that can be found in nature. Lava flows, avalanches, and human growth may appear random, but can actually be described mathematically.

Explore symmetry, conduct nature counts, and start a pattern of science learning this summer at Explorit.

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Explorit is planning to build a new 5,000-plus-square-foot Science Center building at Second Street, between the Pelz bicycle overcrossing and the end of the bike path. The existing Explorit buildings in Mace Ranch Park will continue to be used and upgraded for family and school science programs.

Community members are invited to share ideas about the planned expansion at a community meeting. The meeting is set for Monday, July 21 from 7 to 9pm at the Davis Waste Removal Community Room, 2727 2nd Street.

Come help plan for expanded indoor and outdoor spaces for hands-on science exploration. Your input is needed!

For more information about this meeting or Explorit's expansion plans please call 756-0191.

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Explorit Science Center is at 3141 5th Street in East Davis. The current exhibition is "Count on It: Numbers in Nature," which continues through Sept. 27. 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. For more information, visit www.explorit.org or call Explorit at (530) 756-0191.