By: Tom Wickersham

WEATHER HAPPENS AT EXPLORIT

With only a little more than a week remaining in Explorit's current exhibition, "Weather or Not: Forces Affecting the Earth," you might want to stop by to glean some insight into the wonders of said forces.

Forces of all kinds can dramatically change Earth's features. For example, weathering is the natural breakdown of Earth's features, most often resulting from affects of water, ice, chemicals, plants and changing temperature. Geologists separate the weathering process into two types: physical weathering and chemical weathering.

Physical weathering actually breaks rocks apart. One of the ways this occurs is when ice forms in the cracks of rocks. When water accumulates in the crevices of rocks and the temperature drops below freezing, the water, expanding as it freezes, can break apart the rocks.

Chemical weathering breaks down the substances that make up the rock. For example, water from rain or rivers and streams dissolves some minerals that form rocks, causing them to fall apart.

But you'll have to hurry. You only have until April 11 to learn more about weather and weathering before this exhibition evaporates.

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Speaking of hurrying up, Explorit Science Center's exciting Spring Vacation Science Classes program has few remaining spaces available. If you haven't made plans for your children during spring break, you might want to sign up now.

The classes take place April 5 - 9 at Explorit. Kindergarten classes are full. There are, however, spaces remaining for children in grades 1 through 5.

Sign up for "Wings of Flight" on April 5, "Secret Agent Science" on April 6, "Construction Connections" on April 7, "Hot Science is Cool" on April 8 and "The Wonders of Color and Light" on April 9. Classes for grades 1 and 2 take place 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. and classes for grades 3 to 5 take place 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.

If you have additional questions about Explorit's classes or if you wish to register over the phone, please call (530) 756-0191 Monday through Friday, 9:00 - 4:30 p.m.

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One final note. April is Community Services Month. Looking back on all the past years, it becomes clear how important a role community service has played in the building and shaping of Explorit Science Center. For over 16 years, Explorit has been, and continues to be the beneficiary of thousands of volunteer hours.

From donors to weekend volunteers, envelope stuffers to classroom assistants, Explorit members to clean up crews, Explorit receives all kinds of community support. Explorit again wishes to thank all those who've contributed, little or large, to the on-going process of bringing important science education, discovery and fun to countless young children, students and adults.

In honor of Community Services Month, Explorit Science Center encourages you to find an organization or group that could use your skills, talents or time. Who knows, maybe you'll find that community service ought to be celebrated all year long.

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Explorit Science Center is located at 3141 5th Street in East Davis. The current exhibition is "Weather or Not: Forces Affecting the Earth." Public hours are Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesday through Friday from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. Regular admission is $3; members, teachers (with school ID) and children under 4 are free. For more information, visit Explorit's web site at www.dcn.davis.ca.us/GO/EXPLORIT/ or call Explorit at (530) 756-0191.