Saturday, August 20, 2005 9:30 a.m. to noon, Science Room, New Roads School (see map)

Jim Solliday will conduct a workshop on phase contrast. Jim will explain the principles behind phase contrast, and provide an overview of appropriate subject types; for example, members will learn that phase contrast is well suited for live material but counter productive for histological sections. Participants will practice the correct way to setup the condenser annuli with the phase objective. Optimum filtration will also be addressed. If possible, bring a friend who is interested in this sort of workshop and future MSSC activities.

Saturday, July 16, 2005 9:00 a.m. to noon, Santa Monica College (Science building), room 134.
Enter on Pico Blvd, just west of 20th Street, and park in Lot 1. (see map)

At this hands-on workshop Dr. John Moss will explore the fertilization of the sea urchin, sex on a slide. Check out the NewScientist article Sea Urchin sperm are synchronized swimmers. He will also cover the following: gut microbes in Termites, Tardigrades and Rotifers hatching from their resting stages, and Sea Cucumber spicules. Microscopes and accessories will be provided if you do not bring your own. If possible, bring a friend who is interested in this sort of workshop and future MSSC activities.

Saturday, June 18, 2005 9:00 a.m. to noon, Santa Monica College (Science building), room 134.
Enter on Pico Blvd, just west of 20th Street, and park in Lot 1. (see map)

At this hands-on workshop Ed Tarvyd will demonstrate how to prepare slides of various marine subjects including anemones, urchin spines, fish scales, sand from Hawaii, volcano nodules and more. Microscopes and accessories will be provided if you do not bring your own. If possible, bring a friend who is interested in this sort of workshop and future MSSC activities.

Ed Tarvyd's Trip to San Simeon State Park, April 29 to May 1, 2005.

For natural history buffs, this is a wonderful opportunity, organized by Ed Tarvyd, to San Simeon State Park. The main attraction will be a study of marine life at the Park. Other events include a session studying sun-spots facilitated by several professors using a solar telescope, whale watching, and a number of nature walks. If you are interested or need more information please contact Ed Tarvyd by e-mail at LTarvyd@aol.com.

Field Trip to Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, San Pedro, Saturday, April 2, 2005, 10:00am to 12:00am.
3720 Stephen White Drive, San Pedro, CA 90731, tel (310) 548-7562

Mike Schadt, a friend of Ken Gregory's, works for the Aquarium and will take us on a behind the scenes tour including showing the labs, microscopes and various life-support apparatus they use with marine organisms. Mike used to work in the Biology Department at Long Beach University with both Stuart Warter and Ken Gregory.

The public aquarium area itself is easily self-conducted and after the formal tour members can spend as much time as desired in the Aquarium until closing time (5pm). Please feel free to bring guests along. Admission to the museum is free (but a $5.00 donation is encouraged). 38 saltwater aquariums display Southern California sea creatures, including sharks, eels, octopi and crabs as they would appear in nature. Visitors can touch live animals in the tide pool "touch tank" and learn about the marine environment from modern, interactive exhibits, daily slide presentations and special events. Weekend tadpole walks and children's programs are available. In addition to the Marine Aquarium you might wish to visit the Maritime Museum a few miles closer to the freeway.

Please visit the Aquarium's web site for instructions on how to get there. As you approach the Aquarium, there is a parking lot just before a turnaround that is free but fills up early; there is a charge for the “official” parking lot. If you live in the West L.A. area you might consider gathering in front of Izzy’s house and carpooling down to the San Pedro area.

Please send an e-mail to Jim Solliday if you plan to attend.