Science / Medicine : Summer Also Is a Time for Learning
The end of the school year is nearing for many families, but it doesn’t have to be the end of learning. Many local organizations have a variety of activities planned for children and their families throughout the summer. A sampling:
The Wilderness Institute, a nonprofit educational organization, has a substantial schedule of events planned for this summer. Classes exploring fossils, reptiles, mammals and the natural environment are scheduled for children ages 4 to 7 and 8 to 12. Families can also learn about the geology of the Santa Monica Mountains or go on a midnight owl-observing trip with naturalists from the institute. For a schedule or to register call (818) 991-7327.
The Westside Arts Center, on the lower level of the Santa Monica Pier, has planned nine one-week summer sessions for children ages 6 to 12. Children can travel through time and space, explore the mysteries of ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome and learn about the plants, animals and ecology of the ocean and beach environment. Call (213) 395-1443.
The Los Angeles State and County Arboretum in Arcadia will be holding its weeklong Arboretum Discovery classes for children 7 to 9 and 10 to 12 in four sessions this summer. In classroom activities and daily hikes in the garden, children will be able to discover the intricacies of the plant world. Call (818) 821-3249 for registration materials.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County will offer children from kindergarten through sixth grade a chance to pet a snake, study live ants, learn about birds such as eagles and penguins and meet scientists who study dinosaur bones in natural science workshops held at the museum this summer. Parents can also join Discovery Tours of the museum while their children are in class. Call (213) 744-3534.
The Museum of Science and Industry in Exposition Park will also be having its annual summer science workshops for children ages 5 to 13. Classes in physics, chemistry and rocketry and newly added environmental classes are planned for the budding scientist. Call (213) 744-7440 for a catalogue.
The El Dorado Nature Center offers families the opportunity to learn about plants, mammals, birds and the natural environment in a number of programs scheduled for the summer. Preschoolers through teen-agers, and their families, can choose from a number of classes. Call (213) 421-9431, extension 3415.
ASTRONOMY
Edwin Krupp, noted astronomer and director of the Griffith Observatory, will discuss cross-cultural myths and astronomy legends, including eclipse stories, in a lecture based on his new book, “Beyond the Blue Horizon: The Sky and the Ancients,” on June 18 at 7 p.m. at the California Map Center in Santa Monica. Call (213) 829-6277.
The Moorpark College Astronomy program will feature “The Moon, Sun and the Eclipse Connection,” on June 16 at 8:30 p.m. at the Charles Temple Observatory on campus. Call (805) 378-1400.
HEALTH MEDICINE
Participants can take steps to learn more about the disease of alcoholism in a community education seminar offered by St. John’s Hospital and Health Center on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Reservations are required. Call (213) 829-8905.
Orthopedic surgeons will discuss ways to avoid pain and injury of the back and treatments for back problems in a seminar sponsored by Daniel Freeman Marina Hospital on June 20 at 7 p.m. Preregistration is required. Call (800) 356-2824.
MARINE SCIENCE
The Cabrillo Marine Museum is once again offering its popular and informational “Meet the Grunion” programs on nights when the unusual little fish are expected to come ashore, June 14 and 28 and July 12 and 28. The museum will open at 8 p.m. and participants will meet at 9 p.m. in the exhibit hall. Call (213) 548-7562.
ORNITHOLOGY
George Archibald, founder and director of the International Crane Foundation, will discuss efforts to restore the wetlands and wildlife of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta Plain of Reeds at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County on Saturday at 2 p.m. Call (213) 744-3534.
