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Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Roller Coaster fun while learning the physics behind it!

Ever considered learning about science through having fun on roller coasters?


I am looking into organizing a day of fun at Santa Clarita's Magic Mountain and they have height requirements for some of the rides.

But there is a small roller coaster ride at Santa Monica's Pacific Park at the pier.  In my mailbox today is a $10 deal for Santa Monica's Pacific Park.  So, I bought a couple for my children.

If you would like to an all day $10 ticket (about half-price) for Pacific Park, this link is good only for today before midnight.



Check out this link for some science fun and here's the photo of an awesome ride from this link!

Enjoy,
GCB

http://www.funderstanding.com/aboutus/philosophy/learning-by-doing/roller-coaster


Roller Coaster

Roller Coaster Roller Coaster
Faster than a speeding bullet. More powerful than a locomotive. It’s a … roller coaster? Well, they may not be quite as fast as a speeding bullet, but unlike Super Man, roller coasters don’t need any super powers in order to fly, spin, and race through the air at top speeds. What do they need? Physics.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

This Sunday, March 20, is KIDS IN THE COURTYARD at UCLA's Fowler Museum

Fowler Museum at UCLA is another museum where my children practically grew up as my daughter was in a stroller when we first went regularly.  We know the staff well!  Once a month, there is a hands-on activity for kids to celebrate a new exhibit.   Kids usually have the opportunity to do something fun and creative with lots of art materials provided.   Last month, it was making sculptural masks you can walk with inspired by the African exhibit. Earlier, it was making kimchi AND creative decorative glass bottles!  We still have ours in the fridge ... yum!  We also learned art techniques when we made glow-in-the-dark paintings inspired by Indonesian weavers' stories which still amazes us with its glow at night. 

This Sunday, it is music making ... to celebrate their Jazz exhibit.  The permanent collection called Intersections is a treasure trove of cultural pieces from all over the world as well as videos to show the cultural contexts for their exhibits.  Wander around the beautiful UCLA campus while you are there.  Or roll down the hill outside the museum and explore the campus fountains.   Admission to Fowler is free, but UCLA parking is $10 all day or try a metered parking slot.

For current exhibits, see http://www.fowler.ucla.edu/exhibitions/current

http://www.fowler.ucla.edu/visit

Kids in the Courtyard Peanut, Peanut Butter…and JAZZ


Celebrate the opening day of Jam Session with peanut butter and jam sandwiches, and improvisational music-making led by UCLA students. 

Kids in the Courtyard: Peanut, Peanut Butter ... and JAZZ
Sunday, March 20, 2011
1-4 pm
Fowler Museum courtyard
Free Family program

The LA Marathon is also scheduled for Sunday, March 20. 
Plan your route to UCLA using this helpful guide.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Getty Center's Family Festivals offer art, storytelling, dance and music! Focus on the Far East this Saturday, March 19

If you have never been to a Getty Center's Family Festival, start going now!   You and your children will be amazed by what you see and experience in just a few hours.   Our family have been going for years and family festivals at both Getty Villa and Center have been our favorite art and cultural learning venues.   Both museums are beautiful with world-class exhibits to begin with, but on a family festival day, a themed focus brings together performance, art projects, music and dance.  Don't forget to view the special exhibits that inspire this day's celebration.

GCP'sTip:  Bring along your address book because Getty Center will mail any decorated postcards to any place in the world.

Admission is free, but there is a parking fee of $15.  Take advantage of free parking after 5pm on Saturdays and view the most beautiful sunsets and cityviews.  No reservation is required.

For more info on everything at Getty Center, click on:  http://www.getty.edu

Here's the program from Getty Center's website for your convenience:


Family Festival Celebrating Photography from the New China and Felice Beato: A Photographer on the Eastern Road

Date: Saturday, March 19, 2011
Time: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Admission: Free; no reservations required.

Discover the richness and beauty of the ancient empires of India, Japan, and China as well as recent explosions in artistic creativity. Experience traditional Chinese opera, listen to Chinese folktales told by a master storyteller, and be dazzled by the amazing music and dance of these vibrant cultures at this hands-on family festival.
Arpana Dance Company: Indian Music and Dance
A complex synthesis of music, sculpture, poetry, and color, the ancient dance form of Bharata Natyam will be brought to life by the Arpana Dance Company. The exciting display includes cross–rhythmic patterns, graceful hand gestures, and storytelling.
10:30–11:15 a.m.
3:15–4:00 p.m.
Museum Courtyard
Snap Yourself! Photo Booth
Inspired by the exhibition Photography from the New China, stop by this on–the–go photo booth to capture your family in action. Take home your picture and display it in your very own frame made at the Getty!
11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
GRI Lawn
UCLA Confucius Institute Calligraphy Studio
A demonstration by master artist Fan Duanran on the art of Chinese calligraphy and a hands-on workshop led UCLA Mandarin Teaching Scholars. Master Fan will discuss and demonstration its history, techniques, and styles. This is a unique opportunity to witness a master at work, ask questions, and try your hand at one of the critical standards for Chinese literati.
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
1:30–3:00 p.m.
Museum Courtyard
Barbara Wong—Storytelling
Hear storyteller Barbara G. Wong tell Chinese folktales full of humor and wisdom. These stories about dragons and ghosts, hundreds—even thousands—of years old, are still being told today.
11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
2:45–3:30 p.m.
Museum Lecture Hall



Beijing Opera Make-Up Demonstration
Have your make up done and dress up like a traditional Chinese opera performer!
11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Museum Courtyard
The Shaolin Warriors and Chinatown Acrobats
Monks from China's famed Shaolin Temple, the Shaolin Warriors of Chinatown perform skillfully choreographed martial–arts feats alongside the spectacular Chinatown Acrobats. Breathtaking and beautiful, these ancient art forms date back over 2000 years.
Noon–12:45 p.m.
4:30–5:15 p.m.
Museum Courtyard




A Journey into Beijing Opera
Presented by California Institute for Chinese Performing Arts (CICPA)
Enjoy a fun, interactive program filled with action, music, and beautiful costumes. Acclaimed Beijing opera artists from Taiwan, China, and England help uncover the mystery behind this traditional form of Chinese art.
1:00–2:00 p.m.
4:00–5:00 p.m.
Museum Lecture Hall
TAIKOPROJECT
TAIKOPROJECT presents a dynamic program blending traditional Japanese taiko drumming with contemporary rhythms and music.
1:30–2:30 p.m.
Museum Courtyard

Art-Making Workshops
10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Make a Frame
Use Chinese newspapers and magazines to create a frame fit for your own family portrait.

Pagoda Arcardtecture with Marni Gittleman
Construct a customized Pagoda with playing cards inspired by iconic elements of Asian architecture.

Chinese Calligraphy
Learn about the oldest continuously used writing system in the world. Explore what the characters mean and how to write them using traditional ink and brush. This workshop is led by alumni from the UCLA Confucius Institute Mandarin Teaching Scholars Program.

Postcards
Create your own work of art using rubber stamps and the Chinese calligraphy techniques you've learned. We will mail your postcard anywhere in the world!

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Discover Engineering Day at Iridescent Science on Feb 19th and March 19 - 10am to 1pm


We have been to Iridescent Science Studio several times and it is a wonderful place for kids and adults alike to learn about science and engineering with hands-on learning.  Come and discover for yourself .... check out the links!!

Location:

LOS ANGELES SCIENCE STUDIO
553 West 23rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007 


<http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=34.030619,-118.273837&spn=0.009674,0.013797&z=16>
Parking <http://iridescentlearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IridescentScienceStudioDirections.pdf>

Discover Engineering Day at the Iridescent Science Studio! February 19th 10:00am-1:00pm
Join us on this very special day and experiment with:

Stomp Rockets
Models- for our wind tunnel
Building Bridges
Bristle Bots- If you would like to create a bristle bot please bring $3.00 to cover the cost of materials

Join us for this free event-tell your friends!

Check the bristle bot out here!  <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUSTXUis_ys>

Simple Bots Workshop! March 19th 10:00am-12:00pm
Build a BeetleBot

The Beetlebot is a very simple robot that avoids obstacles on the floor. In this workshop, children will be introduced to basic electronic components: switches, motors and batteries. Each child will build and decorate their very own BeetleBot. This workshop is a perfect way to introduce a child to robotics. All materials are included with registration fee.  Sign Up Here! <http://www.mynewsletterbuilder.com/tools/refer.php?s=2655174405&u=22834381&v=3&key=dd85&skey=22737ec61d&url=https%3A%2F%2Fspreadsheets0.google.com%2Fa%2Firidescentlearning.org%2Fviewform%3Fhl%3Den%26hl%3Den%26formkey%3DdE81Y1l0ZVNSTWF6Q3NacUJHZmNITlE6MQ%23gid%3D0>
Cost: $20.00

Check the Beetlebot out here! <http://www.mynewsletterbuilder.com/tools/refer.php?s=2655174405&u=22834383&v=3&key=263f&skey=22737ec61d&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Ds6X6d-RXNps>

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Sunday Feb 13, from 1pm to 4pm FOWLER MUSEUM family art

Kids in the Courtyard: Walking Sculptures


Design and build large masks that reach towards the sky, inspired by the masquerade arts of Central Nigeria. At this drop-in art-making session, families will use cardboard and raffia to create walking works of art!

EVENT DETAILS
Kids in the Courtyard: Walking Sculptures
Sunday, February 13, 2011
1-4 pm
Fowler Museum Courtyard
Free Family Event

Related Exhibition

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Tuesday, Feb 15, 7.30pm - LOS ANGELES RIVER STORIES

Tuesday, February 15, 7:30 pm
River Stories in Los Angeles

Not only does Los Angeles have a river, it has a storied past with a bright future. Jenny Price, renowned environmental writer and dedicated LA River advocate, is returning to the Chautauqua Series with her passionate perspective about the ebb and flow of our local river. She will bring us up to date on the nature stories, history, and hopeful stories of what the river is and could be. There is still a big life left in Los Angeles' famous or infamous river.

The program and parking are FREE for the evening (1.5 hours). Meet at Woodland Hall.

Sponsored by Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and presented by Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority

We hope you will join us for a slice of Culture in the Canyon with the 2011 Chautauqua Series at Temescal Gateway Park. Temescal Canyon was the West Coast center for the early 20th century Chautauqua movement. Both the canyon and the movement have a long history as gathering places for learning and enjoyment. Culture in the Canyon at the Chautauqua Series continues this tradition monthly by offering free, quality entertainment in a great atmosphere at Temescal Gateway Park. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn something new, meet your neighbors, support your community, and enjoy a cup of coffee with regional and national talents.

Temescal Gateway Park
15601 Sunset Blvd.
Pacific Palisades, CA. 90272
  

For more information:  
(310) 858-7272 ext.131


Thursday, February 3, 2011

February 3rd - Chinese New Year begins - some festivities for this and next weekend

If you haven't seen the Los Angeles Chinatown Golden Dragon Parade, it is on Saturday, February 5th, this year beginning at 1pm.  Free parking is available at Dodgers Stadium, but it is also good to take the metro train downtown.   You will see many splendid long dragons as well as acrobatic lion dancers .... and many floats, of course.  If you would like a lion dancer to stop to endow you good luck for the year, show your favorite dancer a red packet (it doesn't have to contain more than a dollar or two) and the lion dancer will stop to take it from your hands with its "mouth."  After the parade, check out the rest of the Chinese New Year festivities ... celebrations last 15 days!

For more details, check out:
http://lagoldendragonparade.com/index.html

LOS ANGELES CHINATOWN GEARS UP FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR

Jan. 18, 2011 Contact: Linh Ho
(323) 206-6491
linh@ideationagency.com

“LOS ANGELES CHINATOWN GEARS UP FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR—THE LARGEST FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR FOR THE DISTRICT”

(Los Angeles) – The New Year marks the most important time of year throughout most of Asia and this tradition of ringing in the New Year is also celebrated in the U.S. with lots of fanfare and celebration. There’s no better place to experience this unique time of year than in Los Angeles’ Chinatown District.

The festival begins with a Midnight Ceremony to usher in the New Year at Thien Hau Temple on Feb. 2, 2011 from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. The temple is located at 750 Yale Street, Los Angeles, 90012. Thousands will gather to make offerings to the deities, set off firecrackers to awaken the spirits, and burn incense to usher in good fortune for the New Year. Participants include lion dancers, Buddhist and Taoist monks, the heads of family associations, and many others from the Southern California Chinese community.

The festivities kick into full swing the weekend of Feb. 5th & 6th, 2011. On Saturday, Feb. 5th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. the 112th Annual Golden Dragon Parade returns with colorful splendor as over 100 floats, marching bands, performers, dignitaries in cars, and costumed organizations with Chinatown roots parade through Chinatown. The parade can be viewed from both Broadway and Hills streets.

The entire weekend of Feb. 5th & 6th offers attendees a chance to participate in plenty of activities, do some shopping and eat to their hearts content. Central Plaza in Chinatown will host some of the best performers outside of Cirque du Soleil—from acrobats, lion dancers, contortionists to performance troupes never seen before in Southern California. Also in Central Plaza is the LA Craft Experience market which showcases over 40 unique vendors from Los Angeles selling original art, fashion, gifts, toys, collectibles, home accessories and much more. West Plaza will offer cultural workshops suitable for adults and children of all age groups as well as a Ping Pong Tourney for casual and avid players. A prize schedule determines giveaways for Ping Pong tournament participants. Artisans will be stationed at both plazas for face painting by Tai Ling Wong, dough sculpture demonstrations by Chris Lee and as well as others.

Attendees should prepare to eat their hearts out during the weekend-long event. Most Chinatown restaurants and merchants will be open that weekend and are serving up favorite Chinese delicacies. Some of Los Angeles’ favorite gourmet food trucks will also be in attendance to serve unique food truck cuisine.

On Sunday, Feb. 6th, “The Great Chinatown Hunt”, organized by Race/LA returns. Teams of 2 to 4 players will have a total of three hours to solve a series of clues leading them around Chinatown. To register or for more info, visit www.racela.com or call (310) 360-6950.

The festivities continue the following weekend, Feb. 12th and 13th with the annual Los Angeles Chinatown Firecracker 5K/10K Walk/Run. The weekend will feature entertainment both days, a carbo-loading event on Saturday, the walk/run on Sunday, and a 20-mile bike ride. After thirty-one years of existence, the Los Angeles Chinatown Firecracker run is the longest running Chinese New Year athletic event in America. For additional information, or to register for the run/walk/bike ride, visit www.firecracker10k.org or call (323) 256-1363.

Schedule:
2/2 (11 p.m. to 1 a.m.)
* Midnight Temple Celebration at Thien Hau Temple

2/5 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
* 112th Annual Golden Dragon Parade
* Entertainment and Cultural Activities at Central and West Plaza
* LA Craft Experience Market

2/6 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
* “The Great Chinatown Hunt” by Race/LA
* Entertainment and Cultural Activities at Central and West Plaza
* LA Craft Experience Market

2/12 & 2/13
* LA Chinatown Firecracker 5K/10K Walk/Run

All events are free and open to all ages. For information on all upcoming events in Chinatown, visit www.chinatownla.com or call (213) 680-0243.