Family : ‘Dr. Zed’: A Mr. Wizard With Flash

Make a “bugsucker,” create amazing molecular art, learn the difference between boys and girls (it’s not what you think)--even adults will find themselves tempted to try “Dr. Zed’s Brilliant Science Activities,” a home video from Owl/TV, Canada’s nature and science television series.

In this live-action show, Dr. Zed, a gray-haired, bespectacled fellow in turquoise jumpsuit, bow tie and yellow tennis shoes--Mr. Wizard with flash--shows an appealing bunch of kids one nifty science trick after another to demonstrate gravity, optical illusions, electricity and so on. Admit it, deep down, wouldn’t you like to know how to balance a spoon on your nose?

Other videos in the series include “Creepy Creatures and Slimy Stuff!,” with plenty of slugs, snakes, scorpions, frogs, lizards and bats, “Wet and Wild--Under the Sea With Owl/TV” and “Born to Be Wild! Funny, Furry, Fuzzy Fun.” Each show runs about 30 minutes and comes with an activity booklet. Owl/TV Home Videos, the Children’s Group, $9.98, (800) 668-0242.

Star-Gazers: If your offspring walk around with stars in their eyes, check out “Astronomy 101, a Beginner’s Guide to the Night Sky.” Geared for ages 7 to 12, this new 25-minute video from the producers of “I Dig Fossils” is a no-nonsense but accessible primer for family star-gazing, hosted by Michelle, a real kid with an engaging enthusiasm for constellations, telescopes and star charts. Her mom joins in now and then, reinforcing the subtle reminder that science is for girls, too. Mazon Productions, $19.95, (800) 332-4344.

For Young Adults: If you’re between ages 15 and 23 and a Pearl Jam concert or a big-screen action thriller just isn’t your ticket, check out “Voices & Visions,” the Music Center’s sampler performance series for students, beginning in February.

The $25-fee includes “Black Elk Speaks” at the Mark Taper Forum (Feb. 19), a dress rehearsal of “Don Pasquale” with the L.A. Opera (March 15) and performances by the Los Angeles Philharmonic (April 20) and Master Chorale (May 14). In addition, post-performance receptions enable patrons to mingle with peers and professionals.

Information: (213) 972-8013.

Family Fun: Families can share some quality time at the UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History in a series of programs and workshops beginning Jan. 28 with a gallery tour of the exhibition, “En Calavera: The Papier-Mache Art of the Linares Family,” and a related workshop, at noon and 3 p.m., especially geared toward families with children ages 5 to 12. It’s free, but reservations are necessary as space is limited.

The series continues Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. with the opening day of the exhibition, “Crowning Achievements,” featuring lectures by the co-curators, a reception, music and children’s storytelling with Sybil Desta from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., exploring the role of hats and hair in African and African American cultures. Free.

On March 19, Desta will perform children’s storytelling based on the exhibition “Coiffure Moderne” from 2 to 3 p.m. and Inliss Kyte will demonstrate contemporary African braiding techniques at 3:30, 4 and 4:30 p.m. Free, but space may be limited; early arrival is recommended.

The arts and cultures of Indonesia will be celebrated in “An Indonesian Festival,” with dance, puppetry, music and art-making on April 2 from 2 to 5 p.m. Bring a picnic lunch. Free.

The last program of the series is “Papel Picado, the Mexican Art of Paper-Cutting,” led by artist Olga Ponce Furginson for families with children ages 7 to 12, on April 8 and April 22 at noon, 2:30 or 4:30 p.m. Space is limited, so reservations are required (call after Feb. 1). There’s a $5 workshop fee per child.

For reservations and information for the series, call Museum Education at (310) 206-5663.