Media Room Strategic Initiative Science Learning

Bestselling Author and Nature Advocate Richard Louv to Help Dedicate Bill’s Backyard

September 19, 2017

Bill’s Backyard: Bridge to Nature, San Jose's newest outdoor learning environment, will double the museum’s current exhibit space and provide endless opportunities for fun and learning with a focus on environmental and science education. Bestselling author and chairman emeritus of Children & Nature Network Richard Louv will give the keynote address at the dedication on Thursday, October 19 at 11 a.m. San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo will speak about the museum’s leading role in making San Jose a nature-rich city for all children. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, General Museum, Science Learning

Chain Reaction, Domino Topple Record Broken

ABC 7
April 14, 2017

As part of Question Quest week and the museum's strategic commitment to Science Learning, visitors witnessed the Flashdomino team break a California record toppling 25,000 dominoes and more than 300 chain reaction steps. Learn More

Creativity through the Arts, General Museum, Science Learning

Museum is Living Laboratory for University Researcher

University of Santa Cruz News Center
September 1, 2017

How do children learn? Development psychologist Maureen Callahan's life work is understanding the various factors that shape how a child learns. Nearly 20 years ago the University of California at Santa Cruz and the museum formed a partnership to study how children and families engage in science learning. It's been a mutually beneficial relationship since day one. Learn More

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

Tree of 40 Fruit Only Public Sculpture on West Coast

Gardening Know How
July 19, 2017

Imagine picking 40 different types of stone fruit from one tree. The Tree of 40 Fruit is a delicious intersection of art and agriculture that will deliver the goods. Bursting with a kaleidoscope of pink, crimson, red and white blossoms, this living sculpture was created by environmental artist Sam Van Aken and will be the centerpiece of Bill's Backyard, producing 40 different heirloom and antique varieties mostly from Santa Clara Valley. Learn More

Creativity through the Arts, Environmental Stewardship, Science Learning

Marilee Jennings Shares Vision for Outdoor Expansion

Content Magazine
July 1, 2017

Executive Director Marilee Jennings shares her vision for Bill's Backyard: Bridge to Nature - the museum's new outdoor learning environment opening in October. After 26 years, the museum is bursting through its purple walls and connecting kids to nature with outdoor play and environmental and science education. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, Science Learning

Popular Children’s Museum Heading Outdoors

NBC Bay Area 11
November 16, 2016

More than 100 first graders tossed seeds into the bare ground in preparation for the construction of Bill's Backyard: Bridge to Nature. This new space will connect kids to nature for fun and learning with a lookout tower, fort building area, a dig pit, a tree climbing structure linked with a suspension bridge and much more. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, Science Learning

Rare Tree of 40 Fruit to Receive First Graft

August 17, 2016

The only Tree of 40 Fruit on the West Coast will receive its first graft today at Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose. Environmental artist and professor Sam Van Aiken created this remarkable work of art that will produce 40 different types of stone fruit for museum visitors. Learn More

Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, Science Learning

Partnerships Helped Museum Go Green

The Mercury News
June 30, 2016

Thanks to a donation from SunPower and Clean Solar and a partnership with the San Jose Conservation Corps, the museum is a lot greener. Ninety solar panels were installed on the roof of the museum's exhibit fabrication shop, helping to offset electricity costs and setting the stage for future education programs for visitors. Learn More

Environmental Stewardship, Partnerships & Resource Development, Science Learning

Purple is the New Green

KCBS 740 AM
June 29, 2016

Purple is the new green at the museum. A three-way partnership with SunPower, Clean Solar and the San Jose Conservation Corps is helping offset the museum's power usage through green energy. Ninety panels on the museum's exhibit fabrication shop are helping the museum go green and paving the way for future education programs. Learn More

Environmental Stewardship, Partnerships & Resource Development, Science Learning

Four-way Partnership Powers Play

June 27, 2016

Clean energy, education, and job training are uniting four local partners on a mission to save energy, educate youth, and rebuild lives. SunPower, Clean Solar, San Jose Conservation Corps and the museum have joined forces by donating solar panels, subsidizing the installation, and providing students with job training opportunities. Learn More

Environmental Stewardship, Partnerships & Resource Development, Science Learning