Science / Medicine : Autumn Sea Fair Set at Marine Museum

A man-made kelp forest, environmental information booths and a living sand sculpture contest are some of the events that will be featured at the Cabrillo Marine Museum’s fifth annual Autumn Sea Fair on Saturday.

The fair will mark the beginning of a yearlong celebration of the 10th anniversary of the museum’s location in the Frank Gehry-designed facility.

Activities for children and adults are planned, including a retrospective exhibit tracing the evolution of the museum’s programs and research projects over the last 10 years.

The daylong event begins at 10 a.m. For general information call (213) 548-7562. For information on the contests only call (213) 548-7563. Entry forms must be submitted by Friday.

MEDICINE/HEALTH

The American Lung Assn. of Los Angeles County will be observing National Radon Action Week this week. Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the nation, according to the Lung Assn. Consumer information packets on the detection and mitigation of radon in the home will be available from the Lung Assn. throughout the week. Call (213) 935-LUNG or (818) 797-LUNG.

The problems specific to the professional person with chemical dependencies will be addressed in a program offered by St. John’s Hospital and Health Center as part of the Chemical Dependency and Related Issues series on Saturday at 10 a.m. Reservations are required. Call (213) 829-8905.

On Oct. 23, the hospital will present a panel discussion for parents and community leaders on identifying and managing childhood and adolescent depression. Reservations are required for the 7:30 p.m. program. Call (213) 829-8513.

Occupational therapy as a method for returning women to fully functional physical condition after treatment for breast cancer will be discussed at the Breast Cancer Recovery Plus meeting on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Center for Women’s Health, across from the Brotman Medical Center. Call (213) 478-9463 or (213) 452-0200.

SCIENCE FOR FAMILIES

Children ages 4-7 and their parents can learn about the important role such animals as snakes, lizards and toads play in our environment in “Leapin’ Lizards,” a hands-on class offered by the Wilderness Institute on Oct. 26 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Call (818) 991-7327.

ASTRONOMY/PLANETARY SCIENCE

The great solar eclipse of July 11 and data on other solar and lunar eclipses will be the subject of the El Camino College Planetarium program on Friday and Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. After the planetarium program, weather permitting, participants can view the planet Saturn through the college’s 16-inch telescope. Tickets must be purchased through the Auditorium Box Office. Call (213) 715-3200.

U.S. Geological Survey scientist Jim Mori will discuss the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo and its far-reaching effects around the planet at the Santa Monica College Planetarium on Oct. 25 at 8 p.m., after the Night Sky Show at 7 p.m. Telescope viewing after the lecture will be available, weather permitting. Call (213) 452-9223.