Homepage ... Columns from 2000 ... 1995-1999 Column Index

Article for: The Davis Enterprise
Date: October 31, 2003
Author: Leslie Madsen
Contact: Tom Wickersham

WORKSHOPS AND MORE FILL NOVEMBER AT EXPLORIT

As the weather cools and trees lose their leaves in the fall, there's a sense that much of the natural world is going into hibernation. In Davis, however, nothing could be farther from the truth. Throughout November, Explorit Science Center is bringing autumn to life with a series of activities that allow community members to reconnect with their environment.

* "Creating Autumn Art with Natural Materials" Tomorrow, children and adults alike can celebrate the fall season by using natural materials to create art. Visitors may make wreaths, mosaic art, leaf art, and even their own hand-made paper. Sponsored by Davis Waste Removal, this event takes place from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. It is free to members or with paid admission to Explorit's current exhibition, "Earth Elements: Discovering Natural Resources."

* "Exploring Solar Energy" The following Saturday, Nov. 8, visitors can bask in the sunlight while exploring the power of Earth's closest star. By making their own solar cookers and baking a sweet treat, participants will discover the thermal power of the sun. Visitors also can learn to read a sundial, and then construct one of their own. Sponsored by Davis Waste Removal, this event takes place from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. The event is free to members or with paid admission to Explorit.

* "Lunar Eclipse" Near sunset on the same day, Explorit will turn its gaze from the sun to the moon. That evening, there will be a total eclipse of the moon. The Explorit Astronomy Club will explain how and why lunar eclipses occur and lead a viewing of the eclipse. The event begins at 5 p.m. at Explorit and is free.

* "Clay Tile Workshop" On Saturday, Nov. 15, artist Sam Tubiolo will conduct a community art project. Participants will create tile art pieces that will be incorporated into public art in Mace Ranch Community Park. Tubiolo's designs for the park are part of the Neighborhood Art Projects, a public art series sponsored by the Civic Arts Commission. Tubiolo's vision for Mace Ranch Community Park responds to the area's natural features. The event takes place from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Explorit and is free to the public.

* "Lake Tahoe" On Tuesday, Nov. 18, celebrated Lake Tahoe researcher and UC Davis scientist Charles Goldman will update the community on the Tahoe Research Group's recent findings and demonstrate how scientists are working to protect the lake's clarity and preserve its unique ecosystem. Sponsored by Novozymes Biotech, this free event takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the Davis Branch Library, 314 E. 14th St.

* "Exploring Soil" Gardeners will appreciate the learning opportunities and children will enjoy getting down and dirty on Saturday, Nov. 22, when Explorit presents a workshop on vermicomposting. Visitors can observe redworms in action, learn how to mix the right ingredients to make nutrient-rich soil, and make their own worm bins to take home. The event, which is sponsored by Davis Waste Removal, is free and takes place from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. at Explorit.

* "Native Skills Workshop" Visitors to Explorit on Saturday, Nov. 29 can participate in a Native Skills Workshop. The event will take visitors back into California's history to discover some of the tools and techniques California's native residents used in their everyday lives. Participants will observe a hand-drill fire-making demonstration, make their own rope from natural fibers, and more. Sponsored by Davis Waste Removal, the event runs from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. and is free for members or with paid admission to Explorit.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Explorit Science Center is at 3141 5th Street in East Davis. The current exhibition is "Earth Elements: Discovering Natural Resources," which continues through Dec. 7. Public hours are Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. 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.