Kids may be on vacation from elementary school, but some of their teachers have been in class this month at UC Davis learning about earth science. The teachers are learning how to teach science through experiments rather than books. They're also studying how to integrate the fun and adventure of science into the school day. For the 76 teachers from the greater Sacramento area, July mornings at UC Davis begin with science songs. Lectures by top university researchers are interrupted frequently by the teachers' questions. During the morning break the group participates in a "science energizer" fun recess activity. Afternoons are spent in the lab learning experiments that kids can use to discover answers all by themselves. On weekly field trips, the teachers have visited earthquake faults in the Bay Area, the geological hazards of Sacramento Valley and the rocks of the coastal range. On Tuesday, July 26, the teachers will explore the geology of the Sierra Nevada. Once the July workshop ends, the teachers will return to campus one Saturday each month for refreshers during the school year, as well as hold training workshops for their colleagues. Called Excellence In Teaching Elementary Science (EXCITES), the $1.08 million program is funded by the National Science Foundation.