The Science, Mathematics and Engineering Division is offering two series of free science presentations in the fall semester: monthly Modesto Area Partners in Science (MAPS) programs and weekly Science Colloquiums.

The Science Colloquiums are presented each Tuesday, 2:20 - 3:10 p.m. in Science 213 on East Campus, and topics have include solar cooking, health careers, global population growth and global climate change to name a few.  The topics of upcoming fall semester Science Colloquiums are available online under the Calendar of Events.

The next MAPS presentation will feature MJC Earth Science Professor Mike Whittier speaking on "Tornadoes in the San Joaquin Valley" on Friday, November 20 at 7:30 p.m. in Forum 110 on the East Campus.  The presentation is free, open to the public and appropriate for ages 12 years and older.

Whittier will explain how winds and terrain can create tornadoes right here in the San Joaquin Valley. Tornadoes are one of nature’s most violent and interesting phenomena. They develop on nearly every continent in the world, but are most prevalent in the Great Plains of the United States. However, tornadoes can also form in other regions of the U. S… including the San Joaquin Valley of California.

Whittier focused his post-graduate research on tornadoes in the San Joaquin Valley. In this talk, he will discuss some of the basics of “atmospheric tornadogenesis” (tornado development) and explore the factors that influence the distribution and development of tornadoes here in the San Joaquin Valley. Whittier will identify areas in our region where tornado concentrations are highest and explore the topographic controls that influence these patterns. The campus and community are invited to come learn some weather basics and find out if they live in a tornado hot-spot!

The final fall semester MAPS presentation will be "Nutrition and Your Carbon Footprint" with Dr. Gail Feenstra, on Friday, December 4 at 7:30 p.m. in Forum 110.  For more information about the MAPS program and their presentations, visit the website at: http://virtual.yosemite.cc.ca.us/MAPS/ or contact MJC's Science, Mathematics and Engineering Division Office at 575-6172.