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November 2015: Programs and Events at the California Academy of Sciences

November's fun includes live bats, an out-of-this world sleepover, 'Tis the Season for Science, and more!

Penguins+Pajamas Sleepover Friday, November 13 | 6 pm – 8 am following morning Ages 5-17, with adult chaperone Why count sheep when you can count geckos, butterflies, sharks, and penguins? Camp out next to your favorite Academy exhibit or creature for a cozy fall night to remember! Tickets: $89 members, $109 non-members. Registration required. Visit calacademy.org/sleepovers for program details and registration.

Live Bats at the Academy! Sunday, November 1 10:30 am East Garden Bat expert and TV personality Rob Mies from the Organization of Bat Conversation invites you to step into the mysterious world of bats and explore their lives, habitats, and nocturnal strategies. You’ll learn surprising facts about the benefits of bats, the need for conservation, and what can be done to help these unique mammals.

‘Tis the Season for Science Opens November 25 through January 3 The Academy’s annual holiday exhibit returns! Celebrate the festive winter season with live reindeer, indoor snow flurries, special daily holiday-themed programs, and more.

'Tis the Season for Science Daily Programs:

“P” is for Penguin November 29 – January 3 | Daily at 11 am Piazza Find out why African penguins are perfectly suited to their rocky ocean homes during this jolly interactive program. Best for ages 10 and under.

Reindeer Rendezvous November 29 – January 3 | Daily at 12 noon East Garden Trace reindeers’ epic 3,000-mile migration through forests and tundra to discover why they roam and how they impact their far-flung habitat.

Wild Winter Trivia November 29 – January 3 | Daily at 1 pm Piazza Team up and explore the winter survival strategies of different animals with this friendly game-show-style trivia contest.

The Science of Snow – and Live Snow Flurries November 25 – January 3 | Daily, starting 15 minutes after opening Snowman Theater Explore the science behind fluffy white snow under an immersive digital dome, then proceed over to the nearby snow storm area to catch some snowflakes.

Festive Holiday Performances November 27, 28, 29; December 6; December 19 through January 3 (except December 25) Daily at noon and 2 pm Piazza Come see holiday themed performances including musical concerts, song and dance performances, magic shows, and the famous Tap Dancing Christmas Trees! For a schedule of performances, please visit calacademy.org/daily-calendar.

Benjamin Dean Astronomy Lecture Series The Universe in a Box Monday November 9 | 7:30 pm Planetarium Dr. Tom Abel, Director, Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, Stanford University Galaxies that began assembling, one star at a time, just one hundred million years after the Big Bang are still growing today. Join Dr. Abel in a fascinating journey through the early universe, where he uses the latest computer animations of early star formation, supernovae explosions, and the buildup of the first galaxies to offer remarkable predictions about the development of our universe. $8 members, $10-12 non-members For additional lecture details, visit calacademy.org/lectures.

Don’t miss Whales, closing November 29! There’s never been a better time to come face to face with some of the Earth’s largest and most elusive creatures. Experience Whales: Giants of the Deep to marvel at the enormity of a sperm whale skeleton, crawl through a life-sized replica of a blue whale heart, and learn how scientists are working to study and sustain whale populations around the world and in our own backyard. For details, visit calacademy.org/whales.

Ongoing Events at the California Academy of Sciences

Family Nature Crafts Saturdays | 10 am Sundays | 11 am Swamp Spark creativity with nature-inspired crafts for the whole family. In November, there will be colorful bats and cute owl projects to celebrate Fall.

Junior Scientist Adventure Daily | 10 am Be a junior scientist for the day by checking out a field science backpack full of tools and activities to guide your exploration. Backpacks checked out daily 10 am – 4pm on a first come, first serve basis. Program generously supported by Oracle.

Animal Color Encounters Daily | 12 noon Science Today Station Meet an amazing live animal and learn how colors help it thrive and survive.

Ocean Action Daily | 12:30 pm Project Lab Explore the ocean’s special chemistry in this fun, experiment-based program.