Despite having lived in San Francisco for seven years and working in a tech field, I’ve never actually participated in a hackathon. Since I’m not a developer or a designer, it just never felt like something that I would have much to contribute to. That changed this weekend. For the past couple of months, I’ve …
In these difficult times for anyone who cares about science, the state of our educational system, fact-based inquiry, and the values of diversity, ‘Science Fair’ could not come sooner. A National Geographic documentary, ‘Science Fair’ follows seven teams of dedicated young scientists from around the world, all vying for a spot at the International Science …
Thoughout most of my career, I’ve had the enormous benefit of having my jobs custom-made for me, based on my skills, interests and background. That was true at the Cal Academy, Global Kids, TechSoup, even at my first real job at the World Federalist Movement so many years ago. I’m so fortunate to have had …
Art doesn’t spring from nothing. It emerges from something that already exists in the world. As Michelangelo famously said: “The sculpture is already complete within the marble block, before I start my work. It is already there, I just have to chisel away the superfluous material.” A major barrier to creating art is how to …
I never understood why in the 1990s there seemed to be shelves full of educational games at my local computer store, and then suddenly they were all gone. According to The Outline, that was the work of one man, Kevin O’Leary, a businessman trying to break his way into the lucrative educational software industry. In …
It’s been awhile since I’ve had a work-related dream. But a couple of nights ago I dreamed that I was leading a group of young people in some sort of after school program that was going very badly. The youth were supposed to learn some poem or chant in an African-sounding language. I think they …
On September 27, 2008, the California Academy of Sciences officially opened their new space to the public – a dramatic, modern, environmentally-friendly science learning facility designed by world-renowned architect Renzo Piano. Ten years later, 15 million visitors have experienced powerful exhibits, eye-popping planetarium shows, awe-inspiring animals in the aquarium, and incredible views from the living …
This weekend, I had the pleasure of taking the night tour of Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay. This has long been on my bucket list of things to do in the city. And as a museum professional, I was curious about what the experience would be like. The boat ride over to Alcatraz …
A friend asked me to suggest some local places to bring a group of young people who were interesting in engineering and science. The San Francisco Bay Area is a treasure trove of amazing places to visit for young scientists and engineers. Here’s some of my favorite spots: The California Academy of Sciences is the world’s …
The new film Eighth Grade by director Bo Burnham is required viewing for anyone who live or works with adolescents. Starring the incredible Elsie Fisher, the viewer gets a unflinching kid’s eye view of the social pressures and inner turmoil that a lot of modern young people experience. Yes, junior high has always been terrible. …