Media Room Strategic Initiative Environmental Stewardship

Museum Receives $124,000 for Exploration Portal

Local News Matters
July 28, 2023

The museum received $124,000 from Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority to develop Exploration Portal, an environmental education space adjacent to Bill's Backyard, which opened in 2017 to enhance children's learning about the natural world. Exploration Portal is slated to open in the summer of 2024. Learn More

Creativity through the Arts, Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, General Museum, Science Learning

Museum is on “Closer Look” radio show

K-LOVE 107.3
March 9, 2023

Director of Marketing & Communications Joey Sanchez joins Kindra Ponzio on "Closer Look," an in-depth radio program that airs on K-LOVE 107.3, KRTY 953. and Air1 97.7 stations. Tune in here to learn more about their wide-reaching conversation about all the happenings at the museum. Learn More

Creativity through the Arts, Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, General Museum, Inclusion & Cultural Competence, 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

Question Quest: A Week of Investigating Your World Honors 25th Anniversary of Award-Winning BioSITE Program

April 2, 2019

Did you know that over 70% of the planet is covered by the sea? Or that the Pacific Ocean covers over half the globe? Environmental and science organizations will be at Children’s Discovery Museum April 9 – 13 answering these questions and sparking more with hands-on science activities during Question Quest week. This year’s theme, Blue Planet, celebrates the 25th anniversary of BioSITE (Students Investigating Their Environment), the museum’s field-based environmental science program where students learn watershed ecology and environmental stewardship. Learn More

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

Executive Director Marilee Jennings On Diversity & Inclusion with SV Business Journal

Silicon Valley Business Journal
November 16, 2018

On any given day in the museum, you'll hear numerous languages being spoken. The museum's audience mirrors the tremendous diversity in the Bay Area. This is no accident. It's the result of years of intentional work that includes everything from the Cultural Celebration Series, tri-lingual signage, staffing decisions, and exhibits and programs to deeply held community partnerships. Learn More

Community Service Learning, Creativity through the Arts, Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, General Museum, Health Promotion, Inclusion & Cultural Competence, Learning Research, Partnerships & Resource Development, Science Learning

$25,000 Grant from Santa Clara County Open Space Authority Connects Families to Nature

September 10, 2018

Local children and adults will gain skills in how to enjoy and participate in outdoor recreation thanks to “Happy Trails.” This innovative program launched by Children’s Discovery Museum and funded by Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority aims to narrow the “nature gap” by removing barriers for inner-city families. According to CalEnviroScreen, an analysis of California communities and the environment, some of the most environmentally disadvantaged communities are within a five-mile radius of the museum and likely lack exposure to the positive health benefits of nature. This program intends to change that. Learn More

Community Service Learning, Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, 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

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

Registration Begins for Summer of Service Day Camp

February 14, 2018

Looking for options for your teen this summer? Summer of Service day camp may be just the answer. Registration is open for this nationally-recognized program that connects teens in grades 7 - 10 with volunteer opportunities. New this year is six, separate one-week sessions starting June 25 through August 3 for $300 each. Teens can sign up for one, two or all six weeks. With an emphasis on service and responsibility, participants have the option of selecting from five focus areas including community outreach activities, early childhood education, the environment, activities for museum visitors and media studio experience, and leadership development. Learn More

Community Service Learning, Creativity through the Arts, Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship