Mini Martians Day: Science for tots not alien concept

Mini Martians Day: Science for tots not alien concept:

Even Marvin the Martian would be entertained by the activities planned for Sunday's Mini Martians Day at Oakland's Chabot Space & Science Center.

For a few hours, youngsters can explore the tactile weirdness of slimy Gak, punch some liquid-solid oobleck, taste "alien food" - dehydrated astronaut ice cream - and make alien masks, among other activities, says Liz Austerman, Chabot's visitor and community engagement manager.

"With Mini Martians Day, we really want to highlight some of the early-learner programs we have here," she says. "Many families may not realize that we have space here at the center called the Discovery Lab that's really designed for younger children. Our programs are really cognizant of early learners, and we aim to provide open experiences, like dramatic play with the miniature rocket that kids can play in."

The hands-on Discovery Lab is outfitted with fun stuff for preschoolers, including microscopes, wooden blocks, Lego gears and gadgets. And while you're at the center, the entire family can enjoy Chabot's exhibits, like the "Beyond Blastoff: Surviving in Space" show where you can check out real spacesuits and take a spin on astronaut exercise equipment.

Over at the "One Giant Leap: A Moon Odyssey" exhibit, visitors can squeeze into a Mercury capsule or try their hand at landing a lunar module. (Note that Mini Martians Day is free with museum admission.)

Besides the activities, and some story-telling time about friendly aliens, families can also catch the Chabot's new 30-minute planetarium show, "We Are Aliens," which will run throughout the day. Narrated by Rupert Grint of "Harry Potter" fame, the larger-than-life show explores the possibility of life beyond Earth in eye-popping 360-degree digital animations.

Also running Sunday will be planetarium shows including "Secret of the Cardboard Rocket," an adventure through the solar system, and "Tales of the Maya Skies," which introduces audiences to the history and ancient astronomy of the Mayan people.

"It's a day where we hope to make people aware of everything that we do," Austerman says, "that we will be beefing up our programs for early learners, but there are activities that are really interesting for all ages and great for the whole family."

Tricycle Music Fest: S.F. concert series adds chapter

Photo: Ed Ritger

Tricycle Music Fest: S.F. concert series adds chapter:

The largest "kindie-rock" festival on the West Coast gets under way this weekend, when the Tricycle Music Fest rolls into San Francisco and San Mateo libraries - yes, libraries - with concerts continuing throughout September and October.

The Tricycle Music Festival originated in 2007 as a popular annual concert series for families at the public library of Charlotte, N.C., says Christy Estrovitz, early literacy coordinator for the San Francisco Public Library.

"I had a colleague working there and when I happened to meet him for coffee, we talked about what projects he was most excited about, which turned out to be Tricycle Music Fest," she says.

She was so intrigued by the idea of a festival that linked lively music and songs with early literacy for kids, that she brought the idea home to San Francisco and in 2009 helped launch the first Tricycle Music Fest at the San Francisco Public Library.

Four years later, the festival has expanded to encompass a roster of nine performers, with free concerts in 28 libraries. For the first time, Estrovitz says, the San Francisco library is partnering with the San Mateo County Library to co-present the festival, which takes the half of the shows to branch libraries in San Francisco and the other half to San Mateo.

Engaging with music and song is a great way, Estrovitz says, to build key literacy skills, including vocabulary, listening skills, oral language and sound discrimination.

The lineup kicks off this weekend with the irrepressible and high-energy Seattle kindie-rock favorites the Not-Its. Future weekends will feature artists from across the nation, Brooklyn to Los Angeles, including 2013 Grammy winners the Okee Dokee Brothers, Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band (whose album "A Potluck" was named No. 1 cool kids album by People magazine) and a Beatles-inspired Bay Area trio, the Hipwaders.

"The nice thing is that the performers are so enjoying it that they've been pitching playing the Tricycle Music Fest to all their colleagues," Estrovitz says. "Now, when bands are touring through the Bay Area, they think about coming to the public library. Who knew the public library could be such a great venue for music?"

Indeed, if libraries are usually thought of as quiet places, Estrovitz says the Tricycle Music Fest will shift away from that image with what she calls a "fully engaged family rock show." Most of the concerts take place outside, or if weather does not permit that, in the children's room or community room. As an added bonus, organizers will raffle off a tricycle at each concert.

"We want to engage families with young children right at the library," Estrovitz says, "and help them rediscover their library as a family destination."