May 28, 2008 – June 1, 2008 The World Science Festival, an event-filled celebration and exploration of science in modern life, in New York City. See www.worldsciencefestival.com. August 1, 2008 Total solar eclipse, visible in Asia. Visit NASA’s site for more at eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov.

How does her garden grow? From fertile dirt with rusty nails, beer, and bacteria. At least according to the Exploratorium in San Francisco. Now that spring has arrived, green thumbs are itching to get out and get planting, and this hands-on science museum in California has put together a Web site for experienced and budding gardeners alike. Watch, for instance, as one farmer reveals the secrets of compost and neighbors transform a median strip into a lush garden full of edible plants.Go to: www.exploratorium.edu/gardening.

Mining limestone to make steel, a bright little bulb, setting a new record on the sun and finding buried thermos bottles.

Rachel Carson aficionados will recognize The Sense of Wonder as the title of one of that environmentalist's books. The Environmental Protection Agency is using that title to invite people young and old—literally and collaboratively—to explore that sense in poetry, essays, and photography. It's inviting submissions from intergenerational teams "that best express the 'Sense of Wonder' that you feel when observing the sea, the night sky, forests, birds, wildlife, and all that is beautiful." Contest deadline is June 16. For rules . . .Go to: www.epa.gov/aging/resources/thesenseofwonder.

The science of tall tales, a fluorine-spouting volcano under ice, and viruses show signs of life.

Ambitious plans for two World Fairs, helium replaces hydrogen as flying gas, and slowing down a fabled insect speedster.

These children's tunes, produced in the late '50s and early '60s have a certain nostalgic innocence. At least some are traditional tunes given new expository lyrics. They deal with astronomy (like the "Constellation Jig"), energy ("Ultra Violet and Infra Red"), experimentation ("Vibration"), weather ("Warm Fronts, Cold Fronts"), and nature ("What Is a Mammal?" and "How Does a Frog Become a Frog?"). Be forewarned: A small sample goes a long way.Go to: www.acme.com/jef/singing_science.