Archive Index ... Column Index
By: Suzette Smiley
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How does an archeologist know people inhabited an ancient site or that dinosaurs lived and flourished at a particular spot? The answer is often, bones.
To an archeologist, bones are clues that help them understand the past.
At Explorit's current exhibit, "Solving Mysteries with Science," you can try on an archeologist's hat for a little while. Closely examine bones from animals that lived 10,000 to 30,000 years ago and accidentally became trapped in the gooey tar of the La Brea Tar Pits found in Los Angeles. Are these species still found today?
Then, using your eyes and hands, try to identify which bones belonged to birds versus mammals. Here's a clue: which animal would need lighter bones to move around?
"Solving Mysteries with Science" is open at Explorit Science Center 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. Explorit is located at 3141 5th Street in East Davis.
Admission is $3. Explorit members, teachers and children under 4 are always admitted free.
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Find out "How Geology Can Contribute to the Health of Your Pets and Livestock." Professor Peter Schiffman of the UC Davis Geology Department will discuss this topic during a "Meet the Scientist" presentation this Saturday, February 10 at 2:00 p.m.
Professor Schiffman is using powerful analytical techniques routinely used by geologists to help researchers at the UC Davis Veterinary School. They are trying to better understand how urinary and intestinal stones, called calculi, are formed in cats, dogs and horses.
Next Saturday, February 17, graduate student Jeff Light of the UC Davis Geology Department will talk about "What We Know About Dinosaurs and How We Study Them" at 2:00 p.m.
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Explorit will be offering some super Spring Vacation Classes for elementary age students the week of April 1-5.
Students can learn about "Creepy Crawlies" of the insect world, the significance of "Animal Talk" or how the environment can be "Cleaned Up with Chemistry." These are just three of many class opportunities to choose from.
Registration forms are available at Explorit or can be obtained by calling 756-0191. Prices are $9/class for Explorit members or $10/class for non-members. Explorit now accepts Mastercard or Visa payments by phone.
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Don't forget to pick up your tickets for the March 30th Vintage Masters Wine Tasting and Auction. This is a great opportunity to sample premium wines from California, Oregon and Washington, as well as gourmet food from six area restaurants.
Tickets for this annual event benefiting Explorit are $25 single/$40 couple for Explorit members and $35 single/$50 couple for general public. Tickets can be purchased in Davis at Explorit, the Valley Wine Co. or Carousel Stationery.
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Have a birthday party at Explorit! Let Explorit "wow" your guests with the "Science Magic" of colors, light and optics. There will be plenty of hands-on action during the one hour program. Then you are welcome to use Explorit facilities for one hour to conduct your own party festivities. Explorit birthday parties are designed for children ages 3-10. Please call 756-1091 for more information.
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Look for Jennifer LeBlanc, our new Exhibit Assistant. She will be glad to help you solve the puzzle of the mysterious powder using the chemistry station or help you play the computer game "Science Sleuth" in the current exhibition. Jennifer came to Explorit from Canada where she earned her Master's Degree in Aquatic Ecology.
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The free public lecture on "Tobacco Mosaic Virus and Plant Genes" by Jonathan Donson, scheduled for Tuesday, February 20 at the Senior Center, has been canceled.
The next lecture in this monthly "Cutting Edge of Science" lecture series, on Tuesday, March 19, will feature Robert Matthews of the Geology Department, UC Davis, speaking on "Fog and Drinking Water."