‘First Egyptians’ Depicted in Exhibit

The origins of Egyptian civilization and the prehistoric culture of the area are depicted in “The First Egyptians,” a recently opened exhibit at the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History through July 23.

Utilizing artifacts, maps, photographs and models, visitors can learn modern archeological techniques and about Egypt before the time of the Pharaohs.

In conjunction with the exhibit, the museum will have a series of classes on the archeology of ancient Egypt on Monday evenings beginning June 5.

Call (213) 744-3466; for class information, (213) 744-3342.

MARINE SCIENCE

Current coastal issues, such as oil spills and pollution from plastics, will be the focus of a talk by Ranger Cathy Schewmn at the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center in Ventura at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Call (805) 644-8262.

The 19th annual Whale Fiesta will be held at Cabrillo Marine Museum on June 3. Participants can learn about the gray whales that annually migrate along California’s coastline and other marine life through a variety of activities at this daylong event. Children and other visitors are encouraged to bring shovels to help build a life-size sand sculpture of a humpback whale and enter their own whale creations for display during the day. Deadline is June 1. For entry information call (213) 548-7563; general information, (213) 548-7562.

SCIENCE FOR KIDS

A visit to the doctor or dentist can be a frightening experience for a child. “Kid’s Clinic,” a new exhibit at the Children’s Museum at La Habra, can help allay those fears by introducing them to the routines and equipment of a typical medical visit. Designed as a complete clinic, youngsters can listen to their heart, test reflexes and role-play as doctors and patients in the exhibit which runs through Sept. 9. Call (213) 905-9793.

Comets, edible back yard plants and human anatomy will be examined in workshops as the “Science Festival for Kids” continues at Kidspace Museum in Pasadena. Celestial bodies will be examined on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., the human body will be the focus on May 31 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and back yard plants will be the subject on June 3 and 4 at 1:30 p.m. Call (818) 449-9144.

ASTRONOMY

Major telescope manufacturers as well as amateur telescope makers will have their equipment on display at Camp Oaks, near Big Bear City in the San Bernardino Mountains, for the Riverside Telescope Makers Conference Friday through Monday. There will be lectures, demonstrations and awards for the best telescope design. Call (714) 689-6893.

James R. French, vice president of the World Space Foundation, will discuss the possibilities of a permanent lunar base and its place in space exploration at the Santa Monica College Planetarium program at 8 p.m. Friday, after the Night Sky Show at 7 p.m. Call (213) 452-9223.

Astrophotography will be the topic at the Moorpark College astronomy lecture at 8:30 p.m. June 2 in the college observatory. Call (805) 378-1408.