New Promo Video for Science Action Club
Check out the new promotional video about Science Action Club at the California Academy of Sciences. I think it tells the story of SAC really well!
Digital Civics Toolkit: Support the Next Generation of Digital Citizens
I’m quite excited about the new Digital Civics Toolkit, a suite of educational resources to “support youth to explore, recognize, and take seriously the civic potentials of digital life.” A project that grew out of the MacArthur Research Network on Youth and Participatory Politics, the Digital Civics Toolkit is organized into five sections: Participate Investigate Dialogue Voice and Action …
500 Queer Scientists: A Database of LGBTQ STEM Professionals
I love this new project 500 Queer Scientists, started by two scientists at the Cal Academy, to highlight the stories of LGBTQ science professionals. The goals of the project are to: Ensure the next STEM generation has LGBTQ+ role models; Help the current generation recognize they’re not alone; Create a database that facilitates diversity among …
Launch a Science Action Club Near You!
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 …
Six Things “The Great British Bake Off” Taught Me about Leading “Scrummy” Education Programs
I’ve been binge-watching the reality show “The Great British Bake Off” for the past couple of months. For those that haven’t watched it, “The Great British Bake Off” is a baking competition in the UK where amateur bakers compete in a weekly series of cooking challenges, set by two expert culinary judges. If you are …
Leaving the Academy, Looking for New Professional Opportunities
After more than six wonderful, exciting years at the California Academy of Sciences, I’m now looking for new professional opportunities. I’ve had an incredible run at the Academy, grown a lot, met some wonderful colleagues, and worked on a number of fun and exciting projects. Now feels like the right time to move on and …
Cleaning a Whale Skeleton Two-stories Up
I caught a couple of my hard-working colleagues cleaning a whale skeleton suspended high above one of our galleries. I love how calm and focused they are, despite the height of the cherry picker they are on.
Academy Guests Meet Claude the Albino Alligator
It’s Spring Break for many schools in the area, so we’ve got lots of guests at the California Academy of Sciences. I always love seeing our science presenters doing their thing with a large audience. Here’s one of them giving a “Swamp Talk” to some of our visitors. Here’s more video of Claude in action!
“Expedition Reef”: New Planetarium Show Highlights Our Precious Coral Reefs
“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, …
KQED Learn: A Free, Safe Space for Students to Discuss Important Issues, Share Media
I’m excited to share the news about KQED Learn, a free, safe online space for students to engage in thoughtful discussions about timely societal topics, using fact-based arguments and social media that they share. As the next generation of KQED’s awesome “Do Now” series, this looks like a great tool for teachers to facilitate thoughtful debates …