Science / Medicine : Exhibit Explores ‘Invisible Forces’

The newest exhibit at the California Museum of Science and Industry in Exposition Park provides a challenging look at two powerful forces--electricity and magnetism.

“Invisible Forces/Electricity and Magnetism” examines through the use of hands-on experimentation the basic science of electromagnetic forces. Children and adults can explore the intricate pathways of a microchip through a microscope, power an electromagnet or experience the charge of static electricity in this latest addition to the museum.

With an interactive learning approach and a visual emphasis, the exhibit and is designed to complement school curricula. Call (213) 744-7400.

ENVIRONMENT

The devastating effects of the Exxon Valdez oil spill on the Alaskan environment are portrayed in photographs taken by Richard Newman shortly after the spill in Prince William Sound. They will be on display at the Santa Monica College Photography Gallery through June 23. Call (213) 452-9289.

MARINE SCIENCE

The grunion are again coming ashore, and the Cabrillo Marine Museum in San Pedro will have programs to acquaint people with these elusive little fish. Programs are scheduled for tonight, June 20, July 3 and July 20 at 9 p.m. The museum will open at 8 p.m. on these nights. Call (213) 548-7562.

HEALTH

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Louis Sullivan will be the keynote speaker at the 82nd annual meeting of the American Lung Assn. of Los Angeles County at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Regent Beverly Wilshire. Call (213) 935-5864 or (818) 797-5864, Ext. 215.

SCIENCE FOR KIDS

The sun, moon and stars and the bones, muscles and circulatory system will be examined in a variety of workshops--including mystery science workshops--at the Kidspace Museum in Pasadena. The mystery science workshops will be held Wednesday and on June 14 at 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.; astronomical bodies will be explored Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and children can learn about the human body on June 17 and 18 at 1:30 p.m. Call (818) 449-9144.

Children visiting the Los Angeles Children’s Museum will view the world through magnifying glasses and learn about aerodynamics in two special programs at the museum. “Magnified Discovery” will be held June 14 and 15 from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. and children ages 6 and up can explore aerodynamics June 17 and 18 in half-hour programs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (213) 687-8800.

ASTRONOMY

The Earth’s long-term environmental forecast will be examined in the Santa Monica College Planetarium feature show Friday, June 16 and June 23 at 8 p.m. following the Night Sky Show at 7 p.m. Call (213) 452-9223 or (213) 452-9214.

The Los Angeles Valley College Planetarium show will explore our planetary neighbors in a “Tour of the Solar System” Friday at 8 p.m. Call (818) 781-1200, Ext. 335.

Tom Dorff, president of the Los Angeles Astronomical Society, will introduce participants to the night sky at a Forest Service star party at Crystal Lake in the Angeles National Forest on June 17 from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Call (818) 910-1149 or (818) 335-1251.