Science File / An exploration of issues and trends affecting science, medicine and the environment.

Many local organizations will offer science classes and workshops for youngsters this summer. Some offer financial assistance. The popular classes fill up fast, so early registration is recommended:

*The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County will host “Adventures in Nature,” July 17 through Aug. 4 for children ages 3 to 13. Weeklong classes in subjects ranging from archeology to environmental geology will be available. Call (213) 744-3535.

*The California Museum of Science and Industry will hold its annual hands-on Science Workshops beginning July 10. Half-day, full-day and weeklong classes will be offered on rocketry, robotics, chemistry, electricity and other fields for students ages 4 to 14. Call (213) 744-7444 or (213) 744-7440.

*The Los Angeles Zoo will sponsor the Summer Zoo Camp for children in first through sixth grades July 10 through Aug. 18. Each one-week session will concentrate on birds or endangered species and includes animal tours and other activities. Call (213) 666-4650, Ext. 5.

*Placerita Canyon Nature Center in Newhall will offer its Summer Nature Camp ’95 program for children ages 6 to 12, July 10 through Aug. 3. Each session runs Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call (805) 259-7721, Saturday, Sunday or Monday.

*”Science at the Seashore” summer workshops will be offered by the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium for children ages 3 to 5, and in first grade through high school, beginning July 6. Hands-on activities will include using microscopes, exploring coastal and marine habitats and handling live marine animals. Call (310) 548-7563.

*The Friends of Madrona Marsh will sponsor a Summer Science Camp for children in third grade and above beginning July 19. Four half-day workshops will explore snails, snakes, beetles and spiders. Call (310) 782-3989 or (310) 32-MARSH.

*The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden will host summer programs beginning July 17. Preschoolers will learn about plants on five consecutive Tuesday mornings beginning July 25. Children ages 6 to 9 can become “Nature Explorers,” in two sessions beginning July 17 and Aug. 7. Call (805) 682-4726, Ext. 102.

ASTRONOMY

* NASA’s mission to map the infrared universe will be discussed at the Santa Monica College astronomy program at 8 p.m. Friday in the Business Building, Room 111, immediately following the 7 p.m. Night Sky Show. Call (310) 452-9396.

* “Cataclysmic Variables and Dwarf Novae” will be discussed at the monthly meeting of the Western Observatorium at 8 p.m. July 7 in the Tanglewood Recreation Center, Cypress. Call (714) 220-1310.

SCIENCE POLICY

* Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins will discuss “River Out of Eden: A Darwinian View of Life,” at the Skeptics Society lecture at 7 p.m. tonight at Caltech’s Baxter Lecture Hall. Call (818) 794-3119.

SPACE SCIENCE

* A panel of scientists and business people will discuss “The Space Shuttle/Mir Space Station Docking: Emerging U.S./Russian Cooperation in Space,” at 7 p.m. tonight at the Rockwell Space Systems Division, DEI Room in Downey. A live video feed from the Atlantis Shuttle and Mir is scheduled. Call (310) 364-2290 or (310) 922-5227.