The John D. Cooper Archaeological and Paleontological Center is hosting “Science in the Park” Saturday, April 30, at Irvine Regional Park, featuring a free educational family program on paleontology, archaeology and Orange County history.
The 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. event will cover natural history, native animals and plants, local Native American culture and the world of science. Activities include archaeological and paleontological demonstrations and exhibits, science experiments, volcano demonstrations and lectures by leading experts in their fields.
A Junior Scientist Camp, featuring educational crafts and hands-on activities, also will be offered. The park’s Orange County Zoo will present ranger talks and children’s storytime throughout the day. Zoo admission is $2.
Scheduled speakers and demonstrations are:
11 a.m. – “California’s Volcanos” by Valbone “Vali” Memeti, CSUF assistant professor of geological sciences
Noon – Volcano demonstration by David D. Bowman, interim dean of CSUF’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and professor of geological sciences
1 p.m. – “Traditional & Contemporary Uses of California Native Plants” by Craig Torres of the Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe
2 p.m. – “Ice Age Fossils” by Eric Scott, Cooper Center associate curator for paleontology
3 p.m. – “Orange County Archaeology” by Jeannine Pedersen-Guzman, Cooper Center associate curator for archeology
Irvine Regional Park is located at 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, 92869. Parking is $5. For more information, email Jeannine Pedersen-Guzman at the Cooper Center, a partnership between Cal State Fullerton and OC Parks.