Science / Medicine - Peek Inside a Mayan Tomb

The Rio Azul archeological project in Guatemala is considered one of the finest examples of early classic Mayan culture, encompassing the period from about AD 250-600. “Rio Azul: City of the Storm God,” highlighting discoveries from the excavation, will be at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County beginning Saturday.

Archeologists began excavating the site in 1982, but found that many of the burial sites had been sacked by looters. Artifacts from unlooted sites, however, proved to be an invaluable source of new information about the Mayan people and will be on display. A highlight of the exhibit is a replica of a tomb re-creating the scene at the moment it was discovered by archeologists.

“Rio Azul” continues through Nov. 11. Call (213) 744-3466.

JUST FOR KIDS

Several local organizations, including the American Red Cross, will be sponsoring health care fairs for children at locations throughout Southern California Sept. 8 and 9. “Kids Care Fair ‘90” will offer free immunizations and a variety of health screenings for youngsters from infants through age 18. For locations and information call 1-800-356-KIDS.

Children can learn how marine animals use camouflage for protection in workshops at the Kidspace Museum in Pasadena Tuesday through Friday at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Children can also learn about birds and help build a feeder on Sept. 5 at 2:30, 3:15 and 4 p.m. Call (818) 449-9144.

ENVIRONMENT

Environmental activist David Brower will be the inaugural speaker in a program series on the environment at the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum. Brower, chairman and founder of the Earth Island Institute, will discuss “The 1990s--the Environmental Decade” on Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m. Advance registration begins today. Call (805) 682-4711.

ASTRONOMY

Amateur astronomer Randy Cindrich will examine solar eclipses in a program sponsored by The Local Group, the amateur astronomy club of the Santa Clarita Valley, on Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Placerita Canyon Nature Center. Call (805) 259-3284 or (818) 362-1175.

ORNITHOLOGY

Expert birder Joan Lentz will lead participants on observations of bird life in a variety of habitats Wednesday mornings, Sept. 12 through Nov. 14, sponsored by the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Deadline to register is Friday. Call (805) 682-4711.