Health/Science Calendar

Family science The American Association for the Advancement of Science will hold a family science day at the Hynes Convention Center, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Among the highlights: the science behind NASCAR racing, weather forecasting, and yo-yoing. Go to aas.org/meetings and click on "family science days."

Childhood obesity On Sunday, the scientific group will host a town hall discussion about childhood obesity and nutrition. The program, which runs from 1:15 to 5:30 p.m., is aimed at parents, teachers, and community leaders. At the Boston Marriott Copley Place, Go to aaas.org/obesity.

Scientific panels The public can attend panels and lectures Friday through Sunday as part of the group's annual convention at the Hynes Convention Center and the Boston Marriott Copley. Topics range from global health to robotic space exploration to the architecture of the mind. Register at the door or at aaas.org/meetings (go to "register now," then "register via the Internet," then "non-member registration.")

Scientific valentine The Coolidge Corner Theater will screen the classic erotic thriller "Body Heat," introduced by Boston University biologist Michael Baum. General admission $9.75. At 7 p.m. at the theater, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. Order tickets at coolidge.org/science.

Happy birthday, Charles Darwin The Greater Worcester Humanists will host a lecture about Darwin's view of the human body in honor of the 199th anniversary of the biologist's birth. Begins 7 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester, 90 Holden St., Worcester.

A toast to Darwin The Center for Naturalism will host a birthday celebration for Charles Darwin at 7 p.m., at Redline, 59 JFK St., Cambridge. Call 617-480-8846 or 617-491-9851.

Dancing vegetables Foodplay, a nutrition theater show will be performed at the Underwood Elementary School, 101 Vernon St., in Newton Corner. At 7 p.m. Call 617-559-9660 or go to foodplay.com.

Nanotechnology and alternative energy The Museum of Science will host a forum to discuss whether research funding should be dedicated to developing new technology or to implementing existing ones. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Go to mos.org/forum. Food allergies workshop The New England Chapter of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America offers tips for managing childhood food allergies. A 7 p.m., at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, 2014 Washington St., Newton. Go to asthmaandallergies.org.

Copy caterpillar Tufts neurobiologist Barry Trimmer will talk about locomotion in soft-bodied insects such as caterpillars and the robots that emulate them. At 7:30 p.m. at the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology, 26 Oxford St., room MCZ 101. Go to entclub.org.

Animal attraction In time for Valentine's Day, the Franklin Park Zoo will host a talk about the love lives of animals, covering mating rituals, nesting behaviors, and friendship. From 5:30 to 7:15 p.m., at Redline, 59 JFK St., Cambridge. Registration required; 21+ only. Call 617-989-3760 to register.

Healthy heart The National Women's Heart Health Fair will offer free screenings and health tips From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Shops at Prudential Center. Go to sistertosister.org.

Why we cook The Harvard Museum of Natural History will host a lecture by Harvard anthropologist Richard Wrangham about the role of cooking in human evolution. At 6 p.m. at 26 Oxford St., Cambridge. Go to hmnh.harvard.edu.

Tribes of the ocean The New England Aquarium will debut a new IMAX film, Dolphins and Whales in 3D. First showing at 10 a.m., at the aquarium. Go to neaq.org.

Of moss and men Native plants expert Bill Cullina will discuss his latest book, about native ferns, moss, and grasses at the Harvard Museum of Natural History. At 2 p.m. In the museum's Geological Hall, 26 Oxford St., Cambridge. Go to hmnh.harvard.edu.

Lizards and snakes, oh my The Museum of Science will open a living exhibit featuring 26 lizard and snake species from around the world. Runs through April 27. Included in exhibit halls admission. Go to mos.org.

Events may be sent to healthscience@globe.com.