Science Classes in the Great Outdoors

Not all scientific activity takes place in dreary labs. Much of it is is carried on outdoors, and what better outdoor laboratory is there than Southern California?

Several local organizations are offering outdoor science courses for youngsters this summer. Many will take advantage of local facilities, such as museums and science labs, and most incorporate hands-on activities for children. A sampling:

* Cabrillo Marine Museum in San Pedro will be offering weeklong “Science at the Seashore” classes for children in grades 1-12. Sessions are arranged by age group and taught by museum biologists. Hands-on activities include water sampling, viewing marine life through a microscope or binoculars and, for high school students, a day aboard a “floating lab.” Classes continue through August. Call (310) 548-7563.

* The California Museum of Science and Industry in Exposition Park will have one-day and weeklong workshops for children ages 5 to 13 in courses such as astronomy, chemistry, light and lasers and robotics. A new addition is the Curator Kids Club, which challenges youngsters to develop an exhibit module that demonstrates science in areas such as astronomy and the urban environment. Call (213) 744-7444.

* Natural science workshops for children in grades 1-9 are being offered this summer by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County in Exposition Park. Each grade level will study a different subject, ranging from botany to paleontology to geology. The four-day classes run through July. Call (213) 744-3534.

* The Orange County Marine Institute in Dana Point has scheduled a series of summer programs to teach children ages 3 to 13 about the ocean. Classes include a Junior Sea Camp for 5- to 7-year-olds, in which they are taught about the ocean’s food chain and sharks, and a Sea Adventure Camp in which 5- to 8-year-olds will visit a sea lion rescue and rehabilitation center. Call (714) 496-2274.

ASTRONOMY

* The unusual properties of black holes will be discussed at the Santa Monica College astronomy program Friday and on July 23 at 8 p.m. in Room 105 of the business building. The program follows the weekly Night Sky Show at 7 p.m. Call (310) 452-9396.

BOTANY

* “California’s Endangered Plants: Solutions for a Flora in Decline” will be discussed by botanist Mark Skinner at the California Native Plant Society, Los Angeles/Santa Monica Mountains chapter meeting tonight at 7:30 in the Brentwood Science Magnet School auditorium. Call (213) 933-8993.

BIOLOGY

* The relationship of a child’s developing brain to learning will be the focus of the second annual conference on “The Developing Brain: New Frontiers of Research” at UCLA’s Neuropsychiatric Institute Auditorium on Saturday and Sunday. Designed primarily for educators, psychologists and parents, the conference will explore new techniques in brain imaging, the effects of environment and nutrition, and recent insights into learning and attention disorders. Call (310) 825-4191.