Commuting by Bike Helps Clean the Air

Commuters can help clean the air by taking part in the American Lung Assn. and California Bicycle Coalition’s “California Bike Commute” and bicycling to work Thursday.

According to association estimates, the average motorist who commutes by bicycle just one day a week can eliminate about 78 pounds of air pollution a year.

The event is part of Clean Air Month, observed annually since 1972, and National Bike Month. Los Angeles-area residents can call 1-800-COMMUTE to register for the event and become eligible for special prizes. For more information about Clean Air Month, call (213) 935-5864.

ENVIRONMENT

* “Shadowbirds,” an exhibition of photographs chronicling the 20-year quest of nature photographer William Burt to capture a glimpse of the rail, a tiny and enigmatic bird found in rapidly disappearing wetlands, will open Saturday at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Call (213) 744-DINO.

MARINE SCIENCE

* “Scientific Exploration of the Ocean with New Technologies: A Look at the Achievements of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute,” will be discussed by Executive Director Peter G. Brewer at a Caltech Environmental Engineering Seminar 4 p.m. Wednesday in 142 Keck Labs. (818) 395-4652.

* Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s Science at the Seashore will offer a “Discover Center” workshop, led by museum education staff and featuring hands-on experience for all ages, from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. (310) 548-7563.

SCIENCE FOR FAMILIES

* The Pacific Shell Club will hold its annual Sea Shell Show featuring shells from throughout the world, and educational activities on shell classification, coral reef destruction and marine conservation at the Cabrillo Marina Community Building, Berth 28 in San Pedro from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. (310) 514-8012 or (310) 541-1568.

* Toddlers and children age 5 and older can “Take Flight,” and learn all about birds and flying in several workshops that will be offered by Kidspace Museum in Pasadena on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Call the museum for times and details, (818) 449-9144.

HEALTH/MEDICINE

* A new course offered by UCLA Extension will focus on exercise, nutrition and fitness for children and adolescents. “Healthy Start: Exercise Nutrition and Fitness for Children,” a two-day program of lectures and hands-on workshops, will begin Saturday. Call (310) 825-7093.

CHEMISTRY

* “Chemistry by the Numbers” will be the Caltech 1995 Beckman Lecture given by UC Berkeley Prof. Peter G. Schultz at 4 p.m. Wednesday in 22 Gates on campus. (818) 395-4652.