Tuesday

Harvard professor Peter Girguis describes “the unexpected and unique biodiversity at the hydrothermal vents” which represent “possibly the most extreme area of Earth’s biosphere: extreme heat, pressure, toxicity, darkness.  “ He speaks at the Belmont Media Center as part of the Science for the Public series. The program offer science education for adults and tapes the talks for a website run by WGBH, Boston’s public television station.

Wednesday

In addition to the start of Broad’s Midsummer Nights’ Science Series, Wednesday offers a walk in the Boston Common and Public Gardens for those who want to” learn to distinguish between the upright Ginkgo, the spreading Oak and the vase-shaped Elm.“ Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Public Garden. Registration required by contacting617-542-7696 or info@bostonnatural.org

Friday

Walter Lewin is back with installment six of the eight lectures he’s taping for Japanese TV. The MIT professor known for his entertaining online lectures has come out of retirement to go live. On Friday:”Resonance and the Sounds of Music.” Get there — MIT”s Building 6 — early.