Many local organizations will offer science classes...

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 age 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 age 3 to 5, and in first grade through high school, beginning Thursday. 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 age 6 to 9 can become “Nature Explorers,” in two sessions beginning July 17 and Aug. 7. Call (805) 682-4726, Ext. 102.

ASTRONOMY

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

MEDICAL RESEARCH

* Dr. Susan Love, director of the Multidisciplinary Breast Center at UCLA, will speak to the Channel Islands Oncology Nursing Society at the Amgen Lecture Hall in Thousand Oaks at 7 p.m. Thursday. She will give an update on breast cancer research and treatment. Reservations required. Call (805) 446-8888.

FIRST AID

* Basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation will be taught two times in July, under the auspices of Simi Valley Hospital. The classes will be from 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday and July 12. Preregistration is required. Call (805) 527-2462, Ext. 7308.

* First aid essentials, with an emphasis on controlling bleeding, caring for a shock patient, dealing with burns and how to care for someone who becomes suddenly ill, will be taught July 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. Call Camarillo Health Care District, (805) 388-1952, Ext. 228.