Science / Medicine : Bicentennial of Modern Chemistry

The bicentennial of modern chemistry is being celebrated with a special multimedia presentation, “Molecules and Society,” at the California Museum of Science and Industry in Exposition Park.

Beginning with the founder of modern chemistry, Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier, the program examines the science of chemistry, chemical products and their impact on daily life, from television sets to chemical weapons, and future applications of the science.

Using computer-controlled lasers, strobe lights, videotapes and music, the show takes place on four stages inside a theater-like module. As the program progresses, the audience is taken from scene to scene on a platform which revolves around the theater.

The program will be at the museum through Dec. 31. Call (213) 744-7400.

ARCHEOLOGY/ANTHROPOLOGY

The cultural and historical background of the Carthaginian people will be explored in a class taught by archeologist Shelby Brown at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County at 7 p.m. on Nov. 1 and 8. The class is being held in conjunction with the exhibit “Carthage: A Mosaic of Ancient Tunisia.” Reservations are required for the class. Call (213) 744-3342 or 744-3534.

ENVIRONMENT

Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks will both be a century old in 1990 and UCLA Extension Division of Science is offering a one-day forum, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 4, to commemorate this anniversary. Speakers will discuss the status of the sequoias, the parks as ecological islands and the history of both parks. Call (213) 825-7093.

MARINE SCIENCE

Harbor seals, sea lions and great blue herons are some of the animals visitors may observe during an open ocean kayaking trip along the Corona del Mar coastline sponsored by the American Cetacean Society from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 5. Instruction in open ocean paddling will precede a round-trip paddle of about four miles. Participants must have introductory kayaking skills by the trip date. Call (213) 548-8500.

SCIENCE FOR KIDS

A three-part astronomy activity course for children ages 8-12 is being offered by the UCLA Extension Division of Science beginning Saturday and concluding Nov. 4. The class will include two morning classroom meetings and an evening observation session. Parents are encouraged to attend the morning sessions and must attend the observation meeting. Call (213) 825-7093.

ASTRONOMY

Voyager project scientist Edward Stone will discuss “Voyager at Neptune” as part of the Caltech Watson Lecture Series, at 8 p.m. on Wednesday in Beckman Auditorium on the Caltech campus. Call (818) 356-4652.

The atmospheres of Neptune and the other giant planets will be explored at the next “Encounters with Neptune” lecture tonight at the Griffith Park Observatory. On Oct. 30, Charles Kohlhase, Voyager mission design manager, will describe the overall Voyager mission design and some of the scientific highlights of the mission. Both lectures begin at 7:30 p.m. Call (213) 664-1191.

Astronomy writer Ben Meyer will discuss “The Joys of Star Watching” at the Santa Monica College Planetarium program at 8 p.m. Friday after the Night Sky show at 7. Call (213) 452-9223.