Saturday Scientists is a new program at the museum that emphasizes exploration of the natural world using dissecting microscopes. The program is presented each month, on a Saturday afternoon. There is always a different theme, and most presenters are former science educators. The presenter begins with a short introduction (about 20 minutes) that includes basic content about the theme and instruction on use of the microscopes. Then participants are turned loose to view a vast array of specimens that fall within the theme. Many times specimens will include living organisms. There are several roaming docents available to answer questions about the specimens and use of the microscopes. There are also reference materials available.
We have 15 scopes available for participants to use. We have been offering these programs for over a year now and they have been very well received. We would like to take this opportunity to inform you about future programs and invite you to attend with your students.
Here are some of the themes we have done in past months:
– Invertebrates
– Sand
– Feathers
– Flowers
– Estuary
– Insects
– Exoskeletons
– Aquatic Insects
On September 21st, 2pm-4pm, the Saturday Scientist program is entitled “Worms, Creepy Crawlies Inside and Out”.
Website: http://ccnha.org/events/
The Museum of Natural History is located in Morro Bay State Park and is within minutes of the Heron Rookery, Montaña de Oro State Park, the El Moro Elfin Forest and Audubon’s Sweet Springs Nature Preserve. The Museum overlooks Morro Bay which is both a State and National Estuary. Entry fees are $3 for adults and free to children 16 and under. The Museum is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every day of the year except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.