Explore the elements of science through Lawrence Livermore's popular lecture series

LIVERMORE, California — Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's popular lecture series, "Science on Saturday," returns Feb. 7 and runs through Feb. 28. The series will offer four lectures with the theme "Seeking Solutions in Elemental Science."

The lectures are free and will be held in the Bankhead Theater, located at 2400 First St. in Livermore. Two presentations are offered at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m.

Each lecture highlights cutting-edge science presented by leading Lab researchers who are joined by master high school science teachers.

Kicking off the series of four Saturday sessions on Feb. 7 is: "Shale Gas Revolution," by LLNL scientist Roger Aines and teacher Dean Reese of Tracy High School. Aines will discuss energy systems, how natural gas is changing energy in the U.S., the fracking process and the challenges faced in finding environmentally appropriate energy methods that meet the world’s needs. See the complete schedule of lectures.

• Feb. 7: "Shale Gas Revolution," by LLNL scientist Roger Aines and teacher Dean Reese of Tracy High School.
• Feb. 14: "Green Power: Making Electricity Out of Thin Air," by LLNL scientists Jeff Mirocha and Suzanne Singer, instructor Eric Harpel of Las Positas College and teacher Tom Shefler of Granada High School.
• Feb. 21: "Hydrology of an Ant Farm," by LLNL scientist Andy Tompson and teacher Erin McKay of Tracy High School.
• Feb. 28: "Computer Simulations of Earthquakes in the San Francisco Bay Area," by LLNL scientist Arthur Rodgers and teacher Dan Burns of Los Gatos High School.

Lectures and demonstrations are targeted to middle- and high-school students. The lectures are sponsored by LLNL's Science Education Program. Seating is on a first-come basis. There is no pre-registration.

The lecture series will be available at a later date via the LLNL YouTube Channel. A student worksheet outlining each talk will soon be available on the Science on Saturday website.

Go to the Web for more information about Science on Saturday, directions and a map or contact albala1 [at] llnl.gov (Joanna Albala), (925) 422-6803.