The Site of Rik Panganiban
A short tribute to Claude, the albino alligator and ambassador for the California Academy of Sciences, from 2008 to his passing a week ago. I had the pleasure of working with Claude for the six plus years I served in the Academy education department. Most every morning, I would greet Claude on the way to …
I finally got my act together and become a supporting member of the California Academy of Science. As a former staffer, I have fond memories of the museum, from the enormous rainforest to the lush aquarium to the spectacular planetarium. So it was so satisfying to walk through the doors flashing my new member pass. …
A few weeks ago, I was so pleased to receive my copy of my friend Barry Joseph’s new book Making Dinosaur’s Dance (American Alliance of Museums). Subtitled “a toolkit for digital design in museums,” the book uncovers Barry’s unique take on how to create powerful learning experiences in museum spaces using a variety of digital …
Today I was reflecting on all the different causes and issues I have devoted my career to over the past three decades or so. On the one hand, they seem pretty disparate and distinct. On the other hand, I can see the links that connect them to each other, and how one organically led to …
As a former museum professional and longtime fan of Bay Area museums, I’m so thrilled to see that several of our local gems are either already open or opening soon, as our area’s coronavirus numbers go down. Here’s a quick list of local institutions and their opening plans: Asian Art Museum: Open Aquarium by the …
Over the weekend, I needed a break from the terrible condition of the air in the Bay Area due to nearby wildfires. So I headed over to one of the most peaceful places in the city that I know: the Osher rainforest at the California Academy of Sciences. The five story rainforest did not disappoint. …
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 …
I have on my desk a pile of plastic 3D-printed marine animal parts that I’ve kept for years. I’ve use it as a reminder of that: Technology can and often does behave in unexpected ways. Running a Digital Learning program involves a certain amount of risk and uncertainty. Plan accordingly. I realize that I’ve been …