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Science Center Shoots for the Stars
by Alex Leon, Office of Communications, Marketing, and Foundation

On a recent Friday evening, the Cimmarusti Science Center was bustling with the kind of activity that the science education center was intended for. An exhibit called “Bones: The Hidden Structures of Life” was up and running in the center’s exhibit hall and people were streaming in and out.

At the same time, 30-minute planetarium shows hosted by planetarium director Dave Davenport and campus astronomy professor Dave Hurst were available for viewing. The Culinary Arts Department served light refreshments in one of the science labs for everyone in attendance.

With its colorful dome serving as a beacon to the wonders that are available inside, the planetarium has hosted over 50 shows for outside visitors and a similar number for students, staff and faculty since it was dedicated September 28, 2003. The K-12 students who have taken class trips to visit the college have left with a greater appreciation of not only science, but also the educational opportunities that exist within this field.

That is why an exhibit like BoneClones is such an important part of not only K-12 Outreach, but in getting people excited about what the science center has to offer. Just the look on the face of a young boy on the opening night of the exhibit, as he held a “Bones Clones” catalog in one hand while sticking his other hand inside the mouth of a 19-foot shark jaw, spoke volumes about how important interaction and reaction are.

Visitors to this exhibit may hold and feel the skulls and teeth of an alligator, lion and bear, among other creatures. Anthropology instructor Eric Johnston and BoneClones, which produced and donated this exhibit to the college free of charge, should be commended, along with several faculty and staff, for making this outstanding display possible. The exhibition is also proudly sponsored by Glendale College Foundation, Glendale Community Foundation, Heritage Wine Company and California Picture Framing.

The exhibit hall featuring the BoneClones display will be open for viewing Monday through Friday 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and Monday through Thursday 5:30-6:30 p.m. until Friday December 10. The exhibit will also be open on Saturday October 23 and November 20 in conjunction with the college’s Science Lecture Series. Please call Barbara Jordan at x5201 for more information on this exhibit or about joining Friends of the Science Center. &

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