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 …
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. …
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 …
This weekend I got to experience the wonders of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the finest aquariums in the world. We’re so lucky to have this in Northern California. It was 100% a positive experience for me and my companion. Their exhibit spaces are incredibly well designed, showcasing some magnificent marine flora and fauna …
Designed for grades 5-8, Science Action Club makes it easy and fun to lead hands-on STEM in afterschool and summer camp—no experience necessary! Through games, projects, and exciting investigations, youth in Science Action Club explore nature, contribute to authentic science research, and design creative strategies to protect the planet. Each kit includes: Twelve fun activity plans for …
“Expedition Reef” is the latest planetarium show produced by the California Academy of Sciences, and my favorite so far! “Expedition Reef” focuses on one of Earth’s most precious resources — the delicate chains of coral reefs found all around our planet. The show reveals in stunning detail what makes these ocean environments so special, …
A couple of years ago, I had the pleasure of co-leading a series of community outreach events in the Philippines, along with my colleague Lindzy. This was part of a much larger "Verde Island Passage" scientific expedition, focused on an area of the Philippines called by some "the center of the center of marine biodiversity" …
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has teamed up with DJ Ben Mirin to bring us BeastBox. Make your own music by mixing wild animal voices with beatbox loops and unlock "Beast Mode" by adding five animals from the same ecosystem. You get access to a special track created by DJ Mirin! I've been playing with it …
I love Biographic, an online magazine featuring science-rich, emotionally engaging, and beautifully designed stories about nature and positive steps people are taking to protect it. It's a great read if you are looking for a change from the grind of the daily news and doomsday news reporting from other sources. And the photos, videos and …
On Saturday, two groups of teens from the California Academy of Sciences and Nature Bridge gathered at Pillar Point marine sanctuary in Half Moon Bay. This wasn’t a casual beach-day hangout. The goal was to support marine education for our local communities. Nature Bridge is a nonprofit that leads hands-on environmental science experiences for young …