The original sketch for the Periodic Table. Source: © Samantha Guthrie/Memorial Apartment Museum of Dmitri Mendeleev/SRAS Students in Russia
This week’s Curator: Kishore Hari of Big Screen Science
Yes – I’m a huge science nerd, no surprise to loyal fans here. Science events tend to focus on the future of science – but there is a seemingly boundless history to science that I find endlessly fascinating. This week, the Periodic Table turns 150 – yes that dusty poster that resides atop every science classroom and now adorns bad parody t-shirts. But that iconic design wasn’t the only version considered – I’m partial to this curled ribbon version, but its hard to not enjoy that Mendeleev jotted down the original design on the back of an invitation to a cheese factory. New life goal – try and get an invitation to a cheese factory.
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COMING UP THIS WEEK:
WED, APR 24, 7PM, City Lights, SF; Free
Paxton Gate After Hours: Moth Mixer
Paxton Gate is hosting its first ever after hours event just for the adults. Enjoy tasty beverages while you dive into some of the strangest creatures around, starting with a poisonous Madagascar Sunset Moth. You’ll learn step-by-step how to hydrate, spread, pin, and preserve your own framed insects and take it home at the end of the class!
THU, APR 25, 8-10PM, Paxton Gate, SF; $80
Neon Speaks Festival
Neon light are a disappearing art form that once dominated Bay Area streets. This annual festival celebrates the historic legacy of these amazing pieces of art, while helping preserve the precious few signs that remain. This 3 day festival includes talks, demos, shop tours, and lots and lots of incredible neon art. Take an illuminating dive into our artistic past!
FRI, APR 26 – SUN APR 28, Various Times and Locations in SF; Single tickets avail, 3 Day Passes Sold Out
Bay Area Butterfly Summit
Several of the Bay Area’s leading butterfly experts discuss what we can do to help struggling butterfly populations in the Bay Area, including simple gardening techniques, creating butterfly corridors, and preserving habitat. Plenty of hands-on activities for the kiddos, and I hear that there might be a butterfly or two in attendance.
SAT, APR 27, 10AM-3PM, Richmond; Free
STEAM Fest Redwood City
I’m a sucker for science festivals – no surprise there. But I also love that central square in Redwood City – its the blank canvas for everything from cultural celebrations to mini golf pop ups. Seems appropos to have science take over the square – with loads of hands-on booths for the kiddos. Our friends at Taste of Science are hosting two booths – one on brain illusions (Ready your proprioception) and a VR exploration of proteins.
SAT, APR 27, 11AM-3PM, Redwood City Square; Free
Theremin Workshop
The theremin is one of the most mysterious and challenging instruments to master. Dig into this workshop for beginners who would like to get to know the instrument and infuriate their neighbors.
SUN, APR 28, 10:30AM-12PM, Musicians Union Local 6, SF; $25
Nerd Nite East Bay: New Elements, CA Hip Hop History, Marvel Law
Avengers mania descends this week as our heroes finally put a stop to the Mad Titan. But superheroes aren’t the only people who wear capes – could our legal system bring down Thanos as well? Nerd Nite East Bay is on the case with a examination of the constitutionality of the Sokovia accords and how we’d put Thanos on trial for war crimes. Plus, a discussion of the search for more elements on the periodic table and an exploration of hip hop culture in California.
MON, APR 29, 7PM, Club 21, SF; $8 online, $10 at door.
Big Screen Science: Avengers Endgame
I haven’t seen the movie yet, but I still booked an event to discuss the science behind Avengers Endgame. We’ll explore the weapons, the power of glowing gems, and yes – the infamous Thanus theory. Plus, I get to test the theory that after a 3 hour epic, a crowd of 300+ will be ready to talk science. A few seats left and I hear the movie is good?
MON, APR 29, 630PM, Alamo Drafthouse, SF; $15