Media Room Keyword science learning

Keep on Playing Gala: An Evening at the Purple Museum of Grown-ups

May 31, 2023

Past CEO of Girl Scouts USA and NASA rocket scientist Sylvia Acevedo is the 2023 Legacy for Children Award honoree presented annually by Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. She will be honored at the 23rd annual “Keep on Playing” adults-only “fun-raising” event to be held at the museum in downtown San Jose on Saturday, June 24 at 6 p.m. Learn More

Creativity through the Arts, General Museum, Partnerships & Resource Development, Science Learning

Environmental Education Program Culminates with Nature Festival

May 15, 2019

Happy Trails, the innovative program launched last fall by the museum narrows the "nature gap" by removing barriers for inner city families to experience and enjoy the outdoors. Through three facilitated hikes, workshops, and parent resources in Spanish, Vietnamese and English, families gain skills, comfort, and confidence in the outdoors. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Science Learning

BioSITE Celebrates 25 Years of Sparking Curiosity in Science

The Mercury News
April 12, 2019

For 25 years, the museum's BioSITE program has been turning local waterways into living laboratories and classrooms for local youth. Fourth and fifth graders mentored by high school students test water quality and monitor the health of rivers, creeks and streams with the goal of fostering an appreciation and respect for the environment. Learn More

Community Service Learning, Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, General Museum, Partnerships & Resource Development, Science Learning

Oracle Helps Ignite Passion for Scientific Inquiry and Environmental Stewardship

June 13, 2018

More than 1,000 students rolled up their sleeves and pant legs and got their hands and feet wet while learning first-hand about water quality, the protection of plants and animals, and qualities that make up a healthy watershed, thanks to a $25,000 contribution from Oracle for BioSITE, the museum's award-winning program. Learn More

Environmental Stewardship, Partnerships & Resource Development, Science Learning

Local Hero and Former Astronaut Steve Smith to Receive Legacy Award

May 1, 2018

This year's Legacy for Children Award honoree is out-of-this-world. Former astronaut and local resident Steve Smith is a remarkable role model who inspires young people to pursue their dreams with confidence, tenacity, and courage. After four rejections from NASA, Smith was accepted into the astronaut program at age 33. At 35 he traveled into space and became one of America's most experienced astronauts who now captivates audiences around the country as a motivational speaker. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, General Museum, Partnerships & Resource Development, Science Learning

Museum Makes Great Vacation Destination

VacationIdea Dream Vacation Magazine
December 11, 2017

The museum has long been a local favorite for Bay Area families. It's also a popular destination for families in search of enriching ways to spend time together beyond amusement park-like attractions when on vacation. Learn More

General Museum

There’s a New Backyard at the Museum

Bay Area News Group
October 27, 2017

When Bill Sullivan stepped down 10 years ago as CEO of Agilent Technologies, he got an unusual retirement gift from his company: a rendering of an outdoor exhibit space and play area that would be built at Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose and bear his name. “It was a heck of a lot better than receiving a gold watch,” Sullivan told the crowd gathered for the dedication of Bill’s Backyard on Thursday, Oct. 19, at the downtown museum. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, General Museum, Partnerships & Resource Development, Science Learning

Nature NOW! Bill’s Backyard Opens Oct. 29

Red Tricycle
October 22, 2017

Go outside and play. This sentiment is often at odds with the valley's tech-heavy culture, especially in the Bay Area. To encourage kids to put down their devices and engage with the outdoors, Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose recently doubled its exhibit space to add a new outdoor exhibit, Bill’s Backyard: Bridge to Nature, and it’s the tree house and dig pit of childhood dreams. Every detail was meticulously planned from the living roof on the junior ranger station to the life-sized bronze animals hidden throughout the exhibit. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, General Museum, Partnerships & Resource Development, Science Learning

Seventy-five Charming Third Graders Help Dedicate Bill’s Backyard

The Mercury News
October 20, 2017

The same kids who tossed seeds into a patch of dirt last November burst through a commemorative ribbon and helped dedicate the museum's new outdoor space, Bill's Backyard: Bridge to Nature, on Thursday. Mayor Sam Liccardo, Santa Clara County Supervisor Ken Yeager, and representatives from the visionary donors including Open Space Authority Santa Clara County, the California Coastal Conservancy, FIRST 5 Santa Clara County, and Agilent Technologies were among many who were on-hand to mark the occasion and speak about the importance of this new outdoor learning environment to children and the entire region. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, General Museum, Partnerships & Resource Development, Science Learning