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By: Tom Wickersham
This weekend marks the last opportunity to interact with Explorit Science Center's exhibition, "Now You See It: Illusions and Perception." That leaves only a few more days to test your senses and learn more about how you perceive the world around you.
From Oct. 6th through the 10th, Explorit's exhibition hall will be closed. (Explorit's administrative offices and gift shop will remain open, however). Then, on Saturday, Oct. 11th, after a lot of intense work and many late night hours logged by members of Explorit's staff, you will be able to visit the center again.
When you do visit, you'll experience "Native Ways: Plant and Tool Use of Western Native People." Always a favorite, Explorit's annual exhibition on the underlying science principles of Native American practices is ready for you and your family.
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Did you know that giving financial support to Explorit Science Center can be just as fun a learning experience as visiting the center? If you didn't, then you haven't yet heard of the Corporate Science Challenge. The folks at Explorit have combined a hearty dinner, a Jeopardy-style quiz, an auction, demonstrations and even a few surprise cameos, all at the Radisson Hotel in Sacramento. "It's fast-paced and everyone has a great time," says Denise Manker, Explorit board member and chair of the Corporate Science Challenge.
There are a few tables left for anyone who wants to take part in the sixth annual event on Thursday, October 16 starting at 5:30 p.m. Join others from around the area and test your science knowledge. Questions range from elementary level to "The School of Hard Knocks." Even if you've forgotten everything you learned in high school biology, have no fear. You'll have the chance at the auction to bid for live scientists to act as your team's consultants.
So gather up a team or sign on as an individual. But be quick. The deadline for sign-ups is Oct. 7th. Compete against teams like Nolte's Nerds (Nolte and Associates of Sacramento), The Regenerates (Calgene of Davis) and Citrona Farms & Squash Team (of Yolo County) as they try to win the trophy back from last year's winners from Sacramento City College.
Why not take a science challenge right now? Here are some sample questions. (You can find the answers at the end of this column).
1. When the gate of Folsom Dam broke through on July 17, 1995, 340,000 acre-feet of fresh water were lost to the sea. What percent of Earth's water is fresh? A. 1%, B. 5%, C. 9%, D. 12%
2. Dinosaur bones have been found in nearly every continent on Earth. In which of the rock types can fossil bones be found? A. igneous B. sedimentary C. metamorphic D. plutonic
3. The Hubble Space Telescope recently photographed galaxies at distances up to 8 billion light-years. How many miles is equivalent to one light-year? A. 400 million miles B. 365 billion miles C. 5,870 billion miles D. 10,000 billion miles
Don't delay. Even if the only thing you know about science is Galileo died long before you were born or that the theory of relativity has nothing to do with your in-laws, Explorit's Corporate Science Challenge is both a fun and rewarding experience. You might even learn a thing or two.
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As always, there are plenty of other opportunities to support Explorit Science Center. Right now, Explorit is looking for volunteers to help them at their concession stand at this year's Street of Dreams. Thousands of people coming from all over will be touring these luxury homes in East Davis and Explorit will be there selling food and drink.
By helping staff the concession stand, you'll get the opportunity to tour these model homes for free! Additionally, you'll also get a free hot dog and soda. Now who said "There's no such thing as a free lunch"?
Shifts are four hours and volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Explorit is looking for individuals and organizations who want to help. Call to sign up at 756-0191. By the way, the answers are 1-A, 2-B and 3-C.
Explorit Science Center is located at 3141 5th Street in East Davis. Public hours are Saturday from 11 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, and children under 4 are free. For more information, call Explorit at 756-0191.