Date: July 23, 2010

Budding Photographers 'Say Cheese Please' at Explorit
By Keith Banks

The cameras are rolling at Explorit Science Center this summer! Enthusiastic summer campers, from Pre-K to 5th grade, have been delving into the exciting world of photography and video with Explorit educators Liz Shenaut, Derek Woller, Carmen DeLeon, and Keith Banks.

For the past four weeks we have been looking at the artistic uses of shadows, composition of color, creation and use of illusions, and history of both still and moving cameras. Explorit students have designed and built model pinhole cameras, dissected light with prisms, and examined the world with hand-made camera obscuras.

In addition to these activities, students were able to bring in their own cameras and explore the tools used by photographers even further. From nature photography and portraits, to close-ups and action shots, our budding photographers took hundreds of pictures all in the name of science education.

For one of the classes, these new skills were put to the test on Tuesday, July 13th when Explorit unveiled its new "IKEA Little Explorers' Corner" to the public. With distinguished members of the Davis Chamber of Commerce, Dinger the RiverCats mascot, and Explorit visitors in attendance, our student photographers got a front row seat while Executive Director Lou Ziskind and Hans Greenawalt from IKEA, West Sacramento cut the ribbon for the grand opening.

When asked what their favorite photography subjects were, the students replied, "The scissors and Dinger!" With flashes firing and shutters clicking, these students captured numerous pictures of this exciting event and Explorit is proud to have the opportunity to share some of them with you.

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Tonight at Explorit:

Explorit Science Center and Black Diamond Productions present Sci-Sound III, the third opportunity to "Listen, Try, and Play" electronic music. Presentations and activities will take place at Explorit's 2801 2nd Street location from 7:00-11:00PM. The event will focus on the science behind the turntables, music, and sound.

After the presentations, visitors can enjoy a DJ Competition, designed to discover and promote new talents in the local DJ scene. Previously signed-up DJ participants will have a chance to show the audience and judges their skills and to win a free Sci-Sound IV Registration ($300 value). Potential competition line up includes: DJ Pudgey (Gabriel Esparza), DJ CindyMarie (Cindy Lucero), DJ Witty (Sean Witt), DJ Panic (Martin Arriola), DJ DOM (Dominik Zelichowski), and DJ WinGs (Nicholas McGee).

Tickets to watch the DJ Competition can be purchased at http://scisound3.eventbrite.com/ or at the door.

Nabor Contreras, owner of Black Diamond Productions says, "Some very talented DJs have come out to these Sci-Sound Competitions. I can't wait to hear what's next!" To check out footage from the last event visit http://www.youtube.com/user/bdpcali.

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Explorit Science Center, at 2801 Second St., has two exhibitions on display: "Move It! Science in Action" and "Take Matter Into Your Own Hands." Admission is $4 general, free for teachers, and ages 3 and under. The museum is open to school groups by reservation and to the general public 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information call (530) 756-0191 or visit http://www.explorit.org.