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It's a typical hot Thursday night after dinner and the kids are clamoring for something cool to do. How about spectacular chemistry experiments, star gazing with telescopes, or creating art from trash?

Sound too ambitious? Not if you visit Explorit to take part in a series of free public programs designed for children and adults to learn together.

Each Thursday night this summer Explorit presents a variety of hands on programs, free of charge. Having kicked off last night and continuing through August 24, Explorit's Thursday Night Science programs are a great way to beat the heat.

June 29
Disassembly Required
How are things put together? What happens when things are taken apart? Try your hand at making and taking apart things plus see a special presentation by the UC Davis Chemistry Club - see what happens when various chemicals are mixed together or separated.
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

July 6 & July 13
X Marks the Spot
Grab your passport and your imagination and get ready to travel 'round the world to experience science from around the globe. Learn a bit about making maps and reading compasses along the way in this family-friendly event. 
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

July 20 & July 27
The Astronomer's Lab
Discover the ways in which astronomers explore our universe. Learn about the Earth, its moon and other celestial bodies through inside hands-on activities and outdoor telescope observations. Great for kids and adults.
7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

August 3 & August 10
A Brush with Science
Art and science are interconnected in more ways that you can imagine. Create original art while learning about the science of the tools and the materials.
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

August 17 & August 24
Savvy Stewardship
Learn to become a better steward of the land by planting grasses for the Mace Ranch Community Park Owl Habitat Area, diverting waste from going to the landfill by creating "trash art" and more.
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

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Explorit Science Center is at 3141 Fifth St. in East Davis. The current exhibition "Way to Grow: Health and the Human Body" runs September 10. 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.