Exhibit Marks Smokey’s 50th Year

Since 1944, Smokey the Bear has uttered his tireless message: “Only YOU can prevent forest fires.” To mark Smokey’s 50th birthday, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County will host an exhibition on the history and future of this American icon through July 24.

“Happy Birthday Smokey!” uses interactive displays that illustrate the ecological role of forests and why they are important. Children and adults can learn about the role that different types of fires play in conservation, the science of fire and the importance of natural resources.

The exhibit also highlights the Forest Service Cooperative Forest Fire Prevention program and the continued significance of Smokey’s message. Call (213) 744-DINO.

SCIENCE FOR KIDS

* The science of cooking will be the focus of workshops for children ages 4 and older at the Kidspace Museum in Pasadena on Friday. Kids can combine ingredients and apply scientific procedures to create a tasty outcome in workshops at 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Call (818) 449-9144.

* More summer science classes, camps and workshops continue to be offered this summer by local organizations. The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro will provide hands-on marine science experiences for children, including investigating animals at the aquarium and exploring nearby coastal habitats. Classes for 3- to 5-year-olds and for elementary and high school grades will be offered throughout the summer. Call (310) 548-7563.

* At the Crossroads School in Santa Monica, children can participate in Camp Crossroads, five, two-week sessions that promote environmental awareness, global understanding and local involvement through a variety of activities. Enrollment is open to children entering kindergarten through eighth grade. Call (310) 458-7300.

PALEONTOLOGY

* Carnivorous mammals use their teeth for killing and feeding. Evolutionary biologist Blaire Van Valkenburgh will discuss her research on the predatory adaptations of these mammals, with emphasis on the use of their teeth, in a lecture at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County/Burbank at 7 p.m. Wednesday. It is given in conjunction with the “Treasures of the Tar Pits” exhibit. Reservations are required. Call (213) 744-3534 or (818) 557-3562.

ASTRONOMY

* Plans by astronomers around the world to observe the collision of Comet Shoemaker-Levy with Jupiter next month will be discussed by Steve Edberg, organizer of the International Halley Watch, at 8 p.m. Friday at Santa Monica College, Room 105 of the business building. His presentation will follow the weekly Night Sky Show at 7 p.m. Call (310) 452-9396.

MARINE SCIENCE

* The Los Angeles chapter of the American Cetacean Society will sponsor a natural history and whale-watching trip to the Santa Barbara Channel aboard the 65-foot research vessel Jeffrey Arvid on July 30. The daylong trip will leave from Ventura Harbor toward Santa Cruz Island at 7 a.m. Reservations are necessary. Call (310) 519-8963.