Bay Area Discovery Museum
25 Years
OUR MISSION:
to ignite and advance creative thinking for all children
NEWSLETTER SPRING 2016
letter from the director We have much in store for you this spring. After many months of prototyping, our Fab Lab will open on May 14, coinciding with our final installment of the STEM Superhero Series, “Code Our Future: Super Solving with Robots.” If you attended the January or February events, you know what fun (and deep learning) there is to be had for STEM Superheroes of all ages. Make sure your kids bring back their capes to collect all four badges (and we’ll have additional capes for firsttimers). The third event, “Power Up! Super Solving for Food, Waste & Energy,” is on April 23.
OUR MISSION: To ignite and advance creative thinking for all children.
The Fab Lab and STEM Superhero Series are on-site proof points of the innovative, research-backed approach that differentiates us and cements our position in the national conversation about children and early learning. Over the next few months our experts will be sharing the Museum’s important work at national conferences, including SXSWedu in Austin in March (with Elizabeth Rood, VP of Education Strategy at the Museum and Director of the CCC, and Helen Hadani, Head of Research at the CCC, both speaking on panels) and Learning and the Brain in Orlando in April (with Helen presenting a keynote). And we will host our own, much-anticipated annual thought leadership luncheon, Creativity Forum, on March 3.
ADDRESS 557 McReynolds Road Sausalito, CA 94965 BayKidsMuseum.org PHONE NUMBER (415) 339-3900 MUSEUM HOURS Tuesdays – Fridays 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Also this spring the CCC will release a new white paper on school readiness, identifying the key predictors of success in school (executive function and prosocial skills win out over academic skills) — check out our feature article for a sneak peek, with tips on how to cultivate these skills in children.
CLOSED Most Mondays, March 27 & May 21
And we hope you’ll join us for our first ever Family Gala on May 21. With the theme Make + Believe, the Museum will transform into a magical and futuristic wonderland, a mash-up of nostalgic fairytale and 21st century technology (think robot fairies and LED pirate flags), that promises fun for the whole family.
SPECIAL OPEN DATES March 14 & 28 April 4 & 11
Spring ahead, indeed! I look forward to seeing you around the Museum. Karyn Flynn CEO & Executive Director
DIRECTIONS Take Alexander Ave. exit. Follow the signs to the Bay Area Discovery Museum and Fort Baker.
Contents 1 2–6 7 8 – 10
Please note: Dates, times and prices are subject to change. Please check our website for the most up-to-date listings.
ANNIVERSARY
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DISCOVERY CAMPS
MUSEUM NEWS
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DAILY MUSEUM PROGRAMS
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MUSEUM CLASSES
PARTIES, SITE RENTALS & THE DISCOVERY STORE RESEARCH FEATURE
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MEMBER EXCLUSIVE EVENTS
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THE DISCOVERY SCHOOL
BayAreaDiscoveryMuseum
16 – 17
MUSEUM EVENTS
18 – 20
CALENDAR
@BayKidsMuseum
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FAMILY GALA
BayAreaDiscoveryMuseum
Anniversary
BAY AREA DISCOVERY MUSEUM AT 25
By the Numbers 1991 Bay Area Discovery Museum opens at Fort Baker.
600
296,000 Total number of visitors in 2015.
The number of native plants donated by Headlands Nursery for the Tot Spot Tot Lot.
37,895 Child visits since Connections program launched in 2008.
105 2011 75 The number of different materials stored in our Art Studios at any given time for programs.
The number of giant blue blocks in our first set of Imagination Playground blocks on April 1, 2011.
Center for Childhood Creativity is established.
Share your story! We’d love to hear your memories of the Museum over the years — please send them to media@badm.org, or share on our facebook or twitter pages. Those families that have enjoyed the Museum for multiple generations, we’d especially love to hear from you!
Museum News
Museum News STEM Superheroes Take Over Museum What is STEM?
Science Technology Engineering Math
STEM education engages students and equips them with critical thinking, creative problem solving, and collaboration skills, and ultimately establishes connections between the school, work place, community and the global economy.
On January 30, the Museum kicked off our new four-part STEM Superhero Series with a full day of curated STEM programs, art activities and special performances focusing on solving extreme water challenges. Approximately 1,400 visitors attended the first event in the series, “Extreme Water: Super Solving for Drought, Storms and Floods.” Upon arrival, each child received a superhero cape and event badge before
running off to super solve for severe water conditions like drought, storms and floods. With stations set up all around the Museum, children engaged in interactive programs where they learned how to design dams, water filters, canals, drought-resistant lawns and more. A popular activity station was Saltwater Circuits, where children ran experiments and learned that saltwater conducts electricity but plain water doesn’t.
To further explore this topic, children received kits to grow their own salt crystals at home. We hope you’ll join us for the final two events in the series: “Power Up! Super Solving for Food, Waste and Energy” on April 23 and “Code our Future: Super Solving with Robots” on May 14.
Power Up! Super Solving for Food, Waste & Energy Saturday, April 23
Code Our Future: Super Solving with Robots Saturday, May 14
Presenting Sponsor
Supporting Sponsor
Super Solve it with
STEM! 2
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Get a fr cape & ee e new b arn a adg each e e at vent!
Museum News
The Bay Area Discovery Museum and the Center for Childhood Creativity present
Creativity Forum 2016 “The Science of Creativity” Featuring Scott Barry Kaufman
Thursday, March 3 Luncheon 12 – 1:30 p.m. The Fairmont San Francisco Join us at Creativity Forum, the Museum’s annual fundraiser luncheon, on March 3 to hear psychologist and author Scott Barry Kaufman share tips on cultivating creativity in kids. Funds raised at the event support the Museum’s work in early childhood education and our efforts to close the achievement gap before it begins. Buy tickets at BayKidsMuseum.org/forum or (415) 339-3931. A podcast of the program will be available online in the days following.
Special thanks to our corporate sponsors:
Credit Suisse • EY • Goldman Sachs • McKinsey & Company • ScholarShare 529 College Savings Plan
Don’t Miss Special Exhibition Children’s China Take a trip to China — no passport required! Experience a traditional tea ceremony, learn Chinese character writing, participate in a dragon parade and more! Exhibition runs until May 8, 2016. For more information, visit BayKidsMuseum.org/china
Children’s China: Celebrating Culture, Character and Confucius is part of the Freeman Foundation Asian Culture Exhibit Series funded by The Freeman Foundation and administered by the Association of Children’s Museums.
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Museum News
Museum News Fab Lab Opens May 14 The Museum is thrilled to open the nation’s first early childhood Fab Lab for children ages 2 – 10 on May 14. Fab Labs are high-tech maker spaces that provide children with hands-on STEM experiences through cutting-edge machines, like 3-D printers, vinyl cutters and laser cutters. The Fab Lab model is a growing global network that has increasingly been adopted by upper elementary, middle and high schools. “Through our first-ofits-kind early childhood Fab Lab, we aim to ignite children’s creativity and interest in STEM at a younger age — ultimately, inspiring the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers,” says Karyn Flynn, CEO and Executive Director of the Museum. The Fab Lab opening coincides with our STEM Superhero Series event, “Code Our Future: Super Solving with Robots.” Under the guidance of Museum educators, children explore digital design and fabrication from start to finish using the latest technological tools. Some initial programs include stamp making, skyscraper design, and apparel and jewelry design. For Fab Lab schedules and program information, visit BayKidsMuseum.org/fablab.
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Thank you to our Fab Lab supporters: INSTITUTIONS Battery Powered The Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation Caplan Foundation for Early Childhood Sparkfactor.org
INDIVIDUALS Anonymous Zoe & Scott Faber Gwen Hinze & Ernest Chow Anne Kerr & Matthew L’Heureux
The Museum is a proud recipient of a Battery Powered award from The Battery Foundation in the amount of $250,000 over 2 years.
Museum News
Museum Offers STEM Programs for Local Schools The Museum offers three programs for preschool through third grade classes to experience our quality STEM programming. All school programs are rooted in Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards. School programs include:
1. D iscover-It-Yourself Visits – Schools can book on-site
field trips to the Museum. Students, along with teachers, can explore the Museum on their own.
2. Idea Labs – Schools can book 45-60 minute inquiry-based STEM workshops facilitated by Museum educators at the Museum or in the school’s classroom.
3. S TEM Intensives – Schools can book a series of three
60-minute inquiry-based STEM workshops facilitated by Museum educators. Two of the workshops are held in the school classroom, and one workshop is held on-site at the Museum.
Learn more at BayKidsMuseum.org/schoolprograms. Tell your child’s teacher to sign up!
Give to the Museum’s Annual Fund As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Museum relies on the generosity of the community to make ends meet. A gift to the Museum’s Annual Fund provides critical funding for our ongoing operations, including exhibits and programs like our new Fab Lab.
$50 $100 $250 $500 $1,000
Your gift can help us… fund two weeks of art supplies for the Art Studios. allow 35 children to visit the Museum through our Programs for Schools Scholarship Program. pay Museum admission for 5 families using our Open Door Policy. give 4 families year-long Family Access memberships to the Museum. give 3 underserved children a week of summer Discovery Camp.
Double your impact!
ignite creative thinking for all children
Thanks to a group of generous trustees, your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar. Give your Annual Fund gift at BayKidsMuseum.org/annualfund or (415) 339-3952.
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Museum News
Museum News
1,000 Students Attend STEM Field Trip Day The Museum hosted STEM Field Trip Day for 1,000 Bay Area students from subsidized and Title 1 schools for a day of on-site high-quality STEM programs on December 14. Kindergarteners through third graders attended with teachers and parents and received exclusive access to the Museum at no cost, thanks to Google, whose funding made it possible. Many teachers saw great involvement and excitement from their students during the field trip. “My entire group was completely engaged in the Fort Building program,” said a kindergarten teacher, who attended the event. “I don’t think any of my kindergartners had ever handled a hammer or nailed something into wood. For urban students, it’s such a novel idea to handle tools.” “STEM Field Trip Day was a great extension of our mission to ignite creative thinking in all children,” says Cami Gordon, Manager of Programs for Schools and Teachers at the Museum. The field trip day was such a success that Google is sponsoring a second STEM Field Trip Day at the Museum on May 2. STEM Field Trip Day is sponsored by
Museum Provides Free STEM Program to 1,700 Preschoolers Connections is the Museum’s school partnership program, where we provide 1,700 low-income preschoolers (ages 3 – 5) with free STEM programming onsite at the Museum. Established in 2008, the Connections program currently serves 43 subsidized preschools in the Bay Area. The Museum’s Connections educators work with each partner school to facilitate five field trip visits to the Museum during the school year. For each field trip, students are bused to the Museum with teachers and parents for an immersive day of child-directed activities. Connections currently works with: Marin Head Start; Community Action Marin Child Development Program; San Francisco Unified School District Child Development Program; Wu Yee Children’s Services; Model Centers funded by Mimi and Peter Haas; and Contra Costa Head Start. All participating schools have committed to the Connections program for several years. This allows the Museum to create meaningful relationships between the students, teachers and families.
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Parties, Site Rentals & Discovery Store
Parties & Site Rentals
Birthday Parties
Host your child’s birthday party at the Museum! All parties include access to the Museum’s exhibits, with options that include face painting, music, art projects, party décor and more. Learn more about our packages and pricing at BayKidsMuseum.org/birthdays.
Site Rentals
Host your private event at the Museum, a space that encourages imaginations to run wild in an unmatched location framed by the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge. We can help you create an event both indoors and outdoors. Learn more at BayKidsMuseum.org/eventrentals.
Discovery Store Purchases from the Discovery Store directly support the Museum’s mission to ignite and advance creative thinking for all children. Here are some of our favorite items right now:
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Green Toys Watering Can $17.95 (Members $16.16) Encourage your little gardener’s green thumb with this watering can, rake and shovel set. Made from 100-percent recycled plastic milk jugs, these toys encourage kids to help take care of the world around them.
Creaturepedia by Adrienne Barman $22.99 (Members $20.69) Filled with fascinating facts, curious creatures and characterful cartoons, this book will keep young explorers busy for hours.
Botany Experimental Greenhouse Science Kit $39.95 (Members $35.96) Young botanists learn about plants and seeds by experimenting in specially designed greenhouse domes. Children learn how to plan and grow beans, cress and zinnia flowers.
100% of Your Purchase Supports the Museum Visit the store anytime. No Museum admission required. BayKidsMuseum.org
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Research Feature
School Readiness: Research-Backed Ways to Get Children Ready for School Executive function and prosocial skills are essential for children’s success in school.
An excerpt from the Center for Childhood Creativity’s white paper coming out later this spring. By Helen Shwe Hadani, Ph.D., Head of Research at the Center for Childhood Creativity at the Bay Area Discovery Museum As parents, we often think about how we can help our children succeed in school. Typically, we start by teaching kids academic skills like identifying letters and counting to 10. While these are important, the more critical skills children need in order to be “ready to learn” are executive function and prosocial skills. How children learn is just as important as what they learn. This is where executive function and prosocial skills come in. Executive function skills include the ability to plan, curb unwanted actions, remember instructions and focus attention. Prosocial skills include helping, giving and cooperation, which are essential for navigating the social dynamics in the classroom and on the playground.
A LOOK AT EXECUTIVE FUNCTION SKILLS Children who can follow directions, finish tasks and work with others are eager to learn and adjust to school more easily. Research shows that children with strong executive function do better in math, language and literacy during preschool than their peers with weaker executive function. Furthermore, research tells us that executive function skills predict children’s success as well as, if not better than, IQ tests. The three main brain processes that support executive function are working memory, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. Working memory allows us to hold and mentally manipulate information in our mind. For example,
Executive function skills include the ability to plan, curb unwanted actions, remember instructions and focus attention.learning environments.
computing any math facts requires working memory, as does making sense of written or spoken language. Young children can tend to act impulsively to satisfy their immediate needs. Developing self-control allows kids to concentrate and persist in challenging learning environments, and have successful relationships with peers. Cognitive flexibility is closely linked to creativity and allows us to consider different perspectives and strategies, or “think outside the box.” Children are not born with executive function skills. Rather, these skills are learned through nurturing and supportive environments where children have the
opportunity to make decisions, think through plans and practice self-control.
EXECUTIVE FUNCTION SKILLS THROUGH PRETEND PLAY Though it seems counterintuitive, executive function skills (the ability to plan and exert self-control and focus) are directly linked to creative thinking and imagination, and pretend play is a great method to help children build strong executive function skills. Through pretend play, children learn to inhibit their impulses and follow socially based rules. For example, when playing tea party, children have to ignore that a teacup is empty in reality and treat it as if it were full of liquid. Pretend play also
do with their children help them develop strong prosocial skills. For example, encouraging your child to play with others and take turns. These behaviors help kids adapt to playground and classroom dynamics.
A LOOK AT PROSOCIAL SKILLS
PROSOCIAL SKILLS THROUGH RECIPROCAL PLAY AND READING
Many parents assume that children naturally know how to get along with others and regulate their emotions. However, similar to executive function skills, adults must guide children to learn these skills. This social-emotional learning begins at birth. The good news is that many of the things parents already
As with executive function skills, we can help our kids develop strong prosocial skills (the ability to help and cooperate with others) in many ways, such as encouraging reciprocal play and expressing emotions while reading. Researchers speculate that in reciprocal play children learn that the “right” way
to play with others is being responsive to each other’s needs and this leads children to be more helpful and generous. For example, research shows that rolling a ball back and forth or taking turns playing a musical instrument can increase children’s tendency to help and share with others. Reading storybooks with your child and encouraging them to talk about emotions and mental states is another simple and fun way to foster prosocial behaviors. Research shows that children who tend to help and share more often have parents who encourage their children to talk about emotions when reading picture books.
Research Feature
fosters the development of cognitive flexibility—considering and selectively attending to more than one aspect of a situation. When children engage in role play, they have to take the perspective of another (e.g., what would Superman do?) and simulate the other’s beliefs, desires and emotions.
AS THE MUSEUM’S RESEARCH DIVISION, THE CCC IS ADVOCATING NATIONALLY FOR THE CRITICAL IMPORTANCE OF CREATIVITY DEVELOPMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ESTABLISHING NEW INSIGHTS AND FRAMEWORKS THAT INFORM MUSEUM PROGRAMMING.
Center for Childhood Creativity Examines School Readiness Research At the Bay Area Discovery Museum, we believe in putting creativity at the core of every child’s learning. That’s why we created the Center for Childhood Creativity—to bring the best research in creativity out of academia and into practice for the benefit of children, caretakers and educators. Here’s a look at some of the latest findings on school readiness that we are implementing across our Museum programming and exhibitions: Adele Diamond, a psychology professor at the University of British Columbia, helped design Tools of the Mind (toolsofthemind.org), an early childhood education curriculum that aims to enhance executive function. In one of Diamond’s studies, preschoolers in a low-income school district were exposed to 40 executive function-promoting activities. This included telling oneself out loud what one should do (“self-regulatory private speech”); dramatic play; and memory and attention aids (e.g., a picture of an ear to remind the child to listen). Diamond compared executive function competencies of students in Tools of the Mind curriculum with students in a literacy curriculum that covered similar academic content.
Children in Tools of the Mind classrooms had significant improvements on standard cognitive and neural tests of executive function compared to children in the control classrooms. In addition, the children with the lowest levels of executive function showed the most improvement. Research also shows that simple reciprocal activities can elicit altruistic behaviors in young children. In one of these studies, one- and two-year-olds either played reciprocally with an experimenter (e.g., rolled a ball back and forth) or engaged in parallel play (e.g., the experimenter and children played with their own balls next to each other). After a few minutes, the experimenter “accidentally” knocked an object to the ground and clearly needed help from the child. Toddlers who engaged in reciprocal play were three times more likely to help pick up the object as children who engaged in parallel play. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that parents and other important adults play a key role in developing strong executive function and prosocial skills in young children — two critical components of preparing children to succeed in school.
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Research Feature
School Readiness at the Museum Part of what makes the Museum magical for children is the significant autonomy and choice they experience here, due in large part to the safety of the space. Parents feel comfortable in allowing children to direct their own play, learning and exploration in a way that is not possible in other community spaces. The sense of freedom children experience at the Museum creates joy for them. But there is also a deeper cognitive benefit: children develop their executive function skills when given choice and opportunity to chart their own course. So next time you visit the Museum, relish the risk-friendly environment, and know that, by giving your child the chance to direct their own experience here, you are building life-long skills for success!
Tip: Before entering the Museum, give your children
Coming Soon: Look out for new child-
exhibits will you visit? In what order? How long will you
give your child a real-life opportunity to make and carry
stay at each? What will you play with in each space?
out a Discovery Plan.
a map and ask them to make a Discovery Plan. What
friendly maps at the Museum this spring! Using these,
School Readiness at Home You can develop your child’s executive function skills by providing opportunities for your child to make and execute plans, practice self-control and engage in imaginative play. To give your child a chance to make and execute plans, you might invite your seven year old to plan your family’s Saturday, including when you will wake up, what you will eat, where you will go, and what the schedule will look like. With younger children, providing a limited set of choices and empowering them to make a decision will support cognitive development connected to planning. For instance, when reaching the entrance of the grocery store with your three-year-old, invite him to choose whether you will start on the left, middle or right aisle of the store.
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Asking your child to delay gratification develops self-control. When shopping for a present for a friend’s birthday, you will likely encounter your child asking to buy something for herself. Resist the urge, despite the fuss that might follow, knowing that you are helping your child develop life-long skills when delaying gratification. Finally, remember that rich imaginative play is not wasted time. Children are wired for imagination because it is a key part of their brain wiring! So pull those costumes out, let your child create wild and complex narratives, head outdoors for inspiration! Imaginary play in childhood predicts creativity in adulthood and builds core executive function skills that kids need to thrive in life.
Member Storytime
Supporting Level Member Event
Museum educators lead interactive adventures using books, puppets and props to bring stories to life. Take home a fun activity based on the book of the month. Complimentary coffee is available for adults. Registration is not required. Learn more at BayKidsMuseum.org/ memberstorytime.
Fab Lab: Digital Designers Saturday, April 30 Session 1: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Session 2: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
“ Bug Life”
Saturday, March 26 10:45 – 11:30 a.m.
“ Protect Our Planet“ Saturday, April 23 10:45 – 11:30 a.m.
“ All Our Families” Saturday, May 28 10:45 – 11:30 a.m.
Member Play Dates Member Play Dates are free monthly events for members only, featuring a hands-on art- and STEM-based project. Play Dates are open to children of all ages. Registration is not required. Learn more at BayKidsMuseum.org/ memberplaydates.
Science of Color
Tuesday, March 1 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Children investigate the science of color through various tools and guided experiments, including glue, oil, water and light tables.
Environmental Artists
Tuesday, April 5 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Kids explore Bay Area flora and fauna in this collaborative outdoor experiment. Mix paint recipes and design a brush using environmental materials.
Magnificent Magnets
Tuesday, May 3 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Children study the science of magnets through experiments with a variety of materials.
Member Exclusive Events
Member Exclusive Events
Donor Circle Member Events Fab Lab: Digital Designers Sunday, April 3 Session 1: 10 – 11 a.m. Session 2: 2 – 3 p.m.
Donor Circle members are invited to an exclusive sneak peek of our brand new Fab Lab exhibition. During this event, kids (ages 2 – 10) create wearable art out of paper, plastic, LED lights and more. Under the guidance of Museum educators, children make bracelets, hats and capes using 3-D printed beads and laser cut fabrics. Two sessions are available. Space is limited. To reserve your spot, RSVP to Lea Wood: lwood@badm.org or (415) 342-6372.
Super Springtime Adventure Sunday, May 1 10 – 11:30 a.m.
This special event, exclusively for Donor Circle members, provides kids with the chance to use their STEM superpowers to keep the planet safe by producing food and power, and eliminating pollution. Activities include creating a rain garden, building a hydroponic plant holder, making water turbines and decorating superhero capes. To RSVP, contact Lea Wood: lwood@badm.org or (415) 342-6372.
Supporting Level members are invited to an exclusive sneak peek of our brand new Fab Lab exhibition. During this event, kids (ages 2 – 10) create wearable art out of paper, plastic, LED lights and more. Underthe guidance of Museum Education staff, children make bracelets, hats and capes using 3-D printed beads and laser cut fabrics. Two sessions are available. Space is limited. To reserve your spot, RSVP to Lauren Cooper: lcooper@badm.org or (415) 339-3954.
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Become a Member! Save Money. Visit Often. Receive 10% off at the Discovery Store and Bean Sprouts Café, as well as discounts on family classes and Discovery Camps! Plus, all members now receive two free guest passes! Will you visit three times this year? A Museum membership pays for itself in three visits*, allowing you to visit more and save money. Learn more and join at BayKidsMuseum.org/ members. *For a family of four
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The Discovery School
The Discovery School Museum’s Preschool to Become a Lab School
In our continued effort to bring the best research on creativity and early childhood learning out of academia and into practice, the Museum’s preschool will transition this fall into a laboratory school. As a lab school, The Discovery School will be a place for top university researchers to conduct studies on child development in a preschool setting. “The lessons and research that comes out of our preschool will shape the national dialogue on how educators design experiences to set kids up for lifelong success,” says Elizabeth Rood, Vice President of Education Strategy at the Museum and Director of the CCC. In addition, The Discovery School teachers will receive access to cutting edge research from the leading thinkers in cognitive development and early childhood education, which they can implement immediately in the classroom.
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“As an institution, we are uniquely positioned at the intersection of research and practice — all of the experiences we design for kids are rooted in academic research,” explains Rood. “We are proud to be contributing to the larger scientific advancement of early childhood education, and use the findings to bolster our school curriculum.” The Discovery School’s curriculum will continue to be based in Reggio educational principles, in which experiences are designed to support the growth of the whole child, including: cognitive, social-emotional, physical and academic. Our educators use methods of observation, documentation and reflection to share weekly updates with parents. Learn more about The Discovery School at BayKidsMuseum.org/thediscoveryschool. FACILITY NUMBER 214005255
“ My son feels so much love and acceptance by his teachers and peers at The Discovery School, and it’s reflected in how he interacts with everyone outside of school.” – THE DISCOVERY SCHOOL PARENT, 2016
Discovery Camps
Discovery Camps
Spring Break and Summer Camp Registration Now Open Discovery Camps are designed to intentionally boost creativity, STEM skills, and critical thinking through hands-on, childdirected activities. Register now for upcoming camps at BayKidsMuseum.org/camps.
On the Bay
SPRING BREAK CAMPS
SUMMER CAMPS
The Museum offers two sessions of spring break Discovery Camps — Imaginary Worlds (March 28 – April 1) and On the Bay (April 11 – 15) — for children ages 4 – 8 years old. Hours are 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., with extended care available from 2 – 4 p.m. for an additional $40 per day.
The Museum offers summer camp for six different age groups, each catering to children’s developmental needs. Camp groups are: Preschool (3 – 4 years old), Pre-Kindergarten (4 – 5 years old), Mixed-Age (4 – 8 years olds), School-Age (6 – 8 years old and 8 – 10 years old) and Junior Counselors (9 – 16 years old).
Supporting Family Members $425 General $450
Spring Break Session 1: Imaginary Worlds (Ages 4 – 8) March 28 – April 1
Campers seek out hidden wonders and use their imagination to write a personal story. Family and friends are invited to view a performance at the end of camp. Supporting Family Members $425 General $450
Spring Break Session 2: On the Bay (Ages 4 – 8)
We’ve added new camp themes this year, including Fab Lab City in the Museum’s new Fab Lab, and Magic Chemistry Camp, where kids experiment with scientific tools and delve into chemistry-based activities like mixing concoctions. New this year we’ll also offer a camp at the Marin Art and Garden Center, in Ross. Summer Discovery Camps run from May 31 – August 26. Spaces are filling up — register today! For the full schedule and camp descriptions, and to register, visit: BayKidsMuseum.org/camps.
April 11 – 15
Campers investigate native Bay Area plants and animals through hands-on discovery. Campers also explore the outdoors through hiking.
Imaginary Worlds
Fort Building
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Daily Museum Programs
Daily Museum Programs At the Museum, we offer a variety of daily hands-on activities and interactive programs for kids to explore early science, math, art and literacy. For dates and times, check BayKidsMuseum.org/programs. Price: Free for members; Free with Museum admission. Registration is not required.
Toddler Circle Time
Toddler Circle Time
Storytime
(Ages 0 – 3)
Designed specifically for infants and toddlers, Toddler Circle Time helps children practice language and movement skills through singing, dancing, jumping and play. Adult participation is required.
Creativity Kits (Ages 0 – 5)
Museum educators lead STEM-based activity stations that include a dancing station, where kids play musical instruments; a math station, where kids learn math concepts through interactive games; and a water station, where kids learn about the properties of water.
Research Toys (Ages 0 – 5)
In partnership with the National Living Laboratory, Research Toys engages children with interactive activities based on the latest research on child development and creativity development and provides adults with research-backed tips on how to encourage childhood creativity. Developed with support from the National Living Laboratory, using funding from the National Science Foundation under Award Number 1113648. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation.
Storytime (Ages 3 – 5)
Museum educators lead children through interactive adventures using books, puppets and props to bring stories to life.
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Art Lab
Art Lab
(Ages 3 – 8)
Children explore various artistic techniques and media, and learn about art movements and styles from around the globe. Each Art Lab covers a different topic, such as traditional art, calligraphy, cartography, graphic design, jewelry making and fashion. Thank you to The Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation for its generous support of our arts programming.
This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Chinese Games (Ages 3 – 8)
Part of the Children’s China exhibition, children play traditional Chinese board games and participate in a Dragon Parade around the Museum. Chinese Games runs until May 6.
Science Lab (Ages 3 – 8)
Children use real science tools and inquiry-based methods to see how scientists conduct experiments and refine results. Kids learn how to hypothesize, experiment, observe, evaluate and repeat. Each Science Lab covers a different topic, such as environmental science, biodiversity, engineering and more.
Archi-Tech (Ages 5 – 8)
Using engineering principles and materials, kids learn about architecture and technology.
Maker Lab (Ages 5 – 8)
Maker Lab aims to inspire children to think like inventors, designers and tinkerers. Kids use digital and analog tactics to create, invent and build unique solutions to global issues.
Museum Classes
Museum Classes At the Museum, we offer various three- to five-week classes for children to dive deep into STEM topics. Registration is required and class fees apply. Register now at BayKidsMuseum.org/classes.
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FAMILY CLASSES: 3-week series Session A: Thursday, March 3, 10 & 17 10 – 11 a.m. Session B: Thursday, March 3, 10 & 17 11:15 – 12:15 a.m. Session C: Friday, March 4, 11 & 18 10 – 11 a.m.
3-week series Session A: Thursday, April 21, 28 & May 5 10 – 11 a.m. Session B: Thursday, April 21, 28 & May 5 11:15 – 12:15 a.m. Session C: Friday, April 22, 29 & May 6 10 – 11 a.m.
Get Ready to Get Messy: Young Investigators (Ages 2 – 4) Location: Idea Spot, next to Art Studio 5 $60 for members (per child & adult pair) $85 for non-members (per child & adult pair) Additional sibling 50% off
A three-week class where children learn STEM basics through multisensory, exploratory activities like mixing, pouring, and scooping materials and exploring different textures and tactility. A caregiver must accompany child during this class.
Get Ready to Get Messy
Outdoor Learning (Ages 2 – 4) Location: Outdoor Learning Lab, Coast Guard Beach & Fort Baker Parade Grounds $60 for members (per child & adult pair) $85 for non-members (per child & adult pair) Additional sibling 50% off
A three-week class where children (and adults) explore the wonders of our natural surroundings across various locations in Fort Baker. Kids take an in-depth look at local plants and animal habitats in the Museum’s Outdoor Learning Lab, Coast Guard Beach and Fort Baker Parade Grounds. A caregiver must accompany child during this class.
Outdoor Learning
Outdoor Learning
BayKidsMuseum.org
SPRING 2016
15
Museum Events
Museum Events See schedule details at BayKidsMuseum.org/events.
Art Journey
Flying Angels
FUNDRAISER:
PERFORMANCE:
March 3, 12 – 1:30 p.m.
March 20, 11 a.m.
Join us at Creativity Forum, the Museum’s annual fundraiser luncheon, on March 3 to hear psychologist and author Scott Barry Kaufman share tips on cultivating creativity in kids. Funds raised at the event support the Museum’s work in early childhood education and our efforts to close the achievement gap before it begins. Location: The Fairmont San Francisco Buy tickets at BayKidsMuseum.org/forum
Enjoy an interactive, traditional Chinese dance performance by the Flying Angels Chinese Dance Company, a San Franciscobased youth dance troupe. Price: Free for members; Free with Museum admission
ART JOURNEY:
Families get an up close and personal look at our local emergency response agencies, including the coast guard, fire department, police department, sheriff department and more. In partnership with the National Park Service, Public Safety Day—held in the Museum parking lot — features helicopters, fire trucks, ambulances and service animals. Children can sit inside safety vehicles and talk with public safety personnel. Location: Museum parking lot Price: Free
Creativity Forum
Mission Murals
March 13, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Families are invited to join Museum educators at this off-site Art Journey in the Mission District of San Francisco to discuss the “MaestraPeace” mural and its creation by seven female artists. Art Journeys are a unique opportunity to explore off-site art installations around the Bay Area, including an engaging discussion and art making activity. Location: 3543 18th St., San Francisco Price: Admission is free, however space is limited. Registration is required. RSVP to Christina Sheils at csheils@badm.org. This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Flying Angels Chinese Dance
FESTIVAL:
Public Safety Day
March 30, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
WORKSHOP:
Chinese Brush Painting April 2, 1:30 – 3 p.m.
PERFORMANCE:
Artist Pauline Tsui teaches basic Chinese brush painting techniques in this hands-on workshop, where kids create original works of art. Price: Free for members; Free with Museum admission
March 19, 10:45 – 11:30 a.m. & 11:45 – 12:30 p.m.
FESTIVAL:
Award-winning children’s band, The Hipwaders, are playing their irresistible blend of witty lyrics and pop-rock songs like “Educated Kid” and “Hey Josie.” Come dance and sing along!
April 10, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Hipwaders
Price: Free for members; Free with Museum admission
16
Hipwaders
SPRING 2016
BayKidsMuseum.org
Week of the Young Child Come join us for a celebration jam-packed with fun literacy, math and science school readiness activities! A wide variety of community partners will be on hand to discuss everything from car seat safety to being a new parent. Price: Free for members; Free with Museum admission
Museum Events
Public Safety Day
STEM Superhero Series
PERFORMANCE:
Octopretzel
April 16, 11 – 11:45 a.m. Octopretzel, a children’s folk music band, plays an interactive musical performance, including puppets, lullabies, nursery rhymes and more. Price: Free for members; Free with Museum admission
FESTIVAL:
STEM Superhero Series: Power Up! Super Solving for Food, Waste & Energy April 23, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
During this all-day special event, children are invited to use their STEM superpowers to find creative solutions to the Earth’s food, waste and energy crisis. There will be several Museum educatorled activity stations throughout the Museum for kids to play and flex their creative problem solving skills. Each child receives a free cape to wear, plus a badge for each STEM Superhero event. (If you already attended a Superhero Series event, don’t forget to bring your child’s cape to fill in all the badges.) Price: Free for members; Free with Museum admission
PERFORMANCE:
The Bug Family Band
May 7, 10:45 – 11:30 a.m. & 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. In this outdoor performance, The Bug Family Band plays adultfriendly music that gets kids dancing and signing along. Price: Free for members; Free with Museum admission
Family Gala
FESTIVAL:
STEM Superhero Series: Code Our Future Super Solving with Robots May 14, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
During this all-day special event, children are invited to use their STEM superpowers to solve real world challenges. In this last event in the four-part series, children learn to use robots and technology. Each child receives a free cape to wear, plus a badge for each STEM Superhero event. (If you already attended a Superhero Series event, don’t forget to bring your child’s cape to fill in all the badges.) Price: Free for members; Free with Museum admission
WORKSHOP:
Family History Project
May 13, 20, & 27, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Children delve into their individual family story by digitally recording their family’s history, unique traditions, language and experiences. Price: Free for members; Free with Museum admission
FUNDRAISER:
Family Gala: Make + Believe Fab Your Own Fairytale May 21, 5:30 p.m.
No babysitter needed for this gala! The whole family is invited to our first Family Gala, an evening of fabulous fairytale fun for kids of all ages (and adults that never grow up!), including costume making, treasure hunts, dancing, food, drinks and special performances. Proceeds from Family Gala: Make + Believe support our mission to ignite and advance creative thinking for all children. Location: Bay Area Discovery Museum Buy tickets at BayKidsMuseum.org/familygala
BayKidsMuseum.org
SPRING 2016
17
Calendar
FREE DAILY PROGRAMS (pg. 14) :
March 1 TUESDAY
Check the schedule at BayKidsMuseum.org/calendar
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
2 WEDNESDAY 3 THURSDAY 4 FRIDAY 10 THURSDAY 11 FRIDAY
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 10 – 11 a.m. 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. 12 – 1:30 p.m.
14 MONDAY 17 THURSDAY 18 FRIDAY
10 – 11 a.m.
FAMILY CLASS: Get Ready to Get Messy: Young Investigators (Session A, Class 2 ) $ – pg. 15 FAMILY CLASS: Get Ready to Get Messy: Young Investigators (Session B, Class 2 ) $ – pg. 15
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
10:30 – 11:30 a.m
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 10 – 11 a.m. 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m
10:45 – 11:30 a.m. & 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
20 SUNDAY 26 SATURDAY
11 a.m
10:45 – 11:30 a.m.
27 SUNDAY
18
FAMILY CLASS: Get Ready to Get Messy: Young Investigators (Session A, Class 1) $ – pg. 15 FAMILY CLASS: Get Ready to Get Messy: Young Investigators (Session B, Class 1) $ – pg. 15 FUNDRAISER: Creativity Forum at The Fairmont San Francisco $ – pg. 3 & 16 FAMILY CLASS: Get Ready to Get Messy: Texture Exploration (Session C, Class 1) $ – pg. 15
10 – 11 a.m.
19 SATURDAY
FREE FIRST WEDNESDAY: Sponsored by ScholarShare 529 College Savings Plan
10 – 11 a.m.
10 – 11 a.m.
13 SUNDAY
MEMBER PLAY DATE: Science of Color – pg. 11
FAMILY CLASS: Get Ready to Get Messy: Texture Exploration (Session C, Class 2 ) $ – pg. 15
ART JOURNEY: Mission Murals (meets off-site in the Mission District, San Francisco) – pg. 16
MUSEUM OPEN FAMILY CLASS: Get Ready to Get Messy: Young Investigators (Session A, Class 3 ) $ – pg. 15 FAMILY CLASS: Get Ready to Get Messy: Young Investigators (Session B, Class 3 ) $ – pg. 15 FAMILY CLASS: Get Ready to Get Messy: Texture Exploration (Session C, Class 3 ) $ – pg. 15
PERFORMANCE: The Hipwaders – pg. 16
PERFORMANCE: Flying Angels Chinese Dance Performance – pg. 16
MEMBER STORYTIME: – pg. 11
MUSEUM CLOSED: Easter
28 MONDAY
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
MUSEUM OPEN
28 MONDAY – 1 F RIDAY (APRIL)
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
SPRING BREAK DISCOVERY CAMP: Imaginary Worlds $ – pg.13
30 WEDNESDAY
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
SPRING 2016
BayKidsMuseum.org
SPECIAL EVENT: Public Safety Day – pg. 16
April
Check the schedule at BayKidsMuseum.org/calendar
2
SATURDAY
3
SUNDAY
10 – 11 a.m. & 2 – 3 p.m
4 MONDAY
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
5 TUESDAY
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
1:30 – 3p.m.
WORKSHOP: Chinese Brush Painting – pg. 16
DONOR CIRCLE EVENT: Fab Lab: Digital Designers – pg. 11
MUSEUM OPEN
MEMBER PLAY DATE: Environmental Artists – pg. 11
6 WEDNESDAY
9 a.m. – 4 p.m
FREE FIRST WEDNESDAY: Sponsored by ScholarShare 529 College Savings Plan
10
SUNDAY
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
FESTIVAL: Week of the Young Child – pg. 16
11
MONDAY
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
MUSEUM OPEN
11 MONDAY – 15 FRIDAY
10 – 11 a.m.
16 SATURDAY
11 – 11:45 a.m.
21 THURSDAY 22 FRIDAY
SPRING BREAK DISCOVERY CAMP: On the Bay $ – pg. 13
FREE PERFORMANCE: Octopretzel – pg. 17
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
FAMILY CLASS: Outdoor Learning (Session A, Class 1) $ – pg. 15 FAMILY CLASS: Outdoor Learning (Session B, Class 1) $ – pg. 15
10 – 11 a.m.
FAMILY CLASS: Outdoor Learning (Session C, Class 1) $ – pg. 15
10 – 11 a.m.
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
FESTIVAL: STEM Superhero Series: Power Up! – pg. 2 & 17 MEMBER STORYTIME: “Protect Our Planet”– pg. 11
23 SATURDAY
10:45 – 11:30a.m.
28 THURSDAY
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
FAMILY CLASS: Outdoor Learning (Session A, Class 2 ) $ – pg. 15 FAMILY CLASS: Outdoor Learning (Session B, Class 2 ) $ – pg. 15
10 – 11 a.m.
FAMILY CLASS: Outdoor Learning (Session C, Class 2 ) $ – pg. 15
29 FRIDAY 30 SATURDAY
10 – 11 a.m.
9:30 – 10:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
April 2 Chinese Brush Painting
Calendar
FREE DAILY PROGRAMS (pg. 14) :
SUPPORTING LEVEL MEMBER EVENT: Fab Lab: Digital Designers – pg. 11
April 16 Octopretzel
April 23 STEM Superhero Series
BayKidsMuseum.org
SPRING 2016
19
Calendar
FREE DAILY PROGRAMS (pg. 14) :
May 1
Check the schedule at BayKidsMuseum.org/calendar
10 – 11:30 a.m.
SUNDAY
3 TUESDAY
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
4
WEDNESDAY
5
THURSDAY
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 10 – 11 a.m. 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
6 FRIDAY
10 – 11 a.m.
7 SATURDAY
10:45 – 11:30 a.m. & 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
13 FRIDAY
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
14 SATURDAY 20 FRIDAY
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
21 SATURDAY 27 FRIDAY 28
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
SATURDAY
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 5:30 p.m.
DONOR CIRCLE EVENT: Super Springtime Adventure – pg. 11
MEMBER PLAY DATE: Magnificent Magnets – pg. 11
FREE FIRST WEDNESDAY: Sponsored by ScholarShare 529 College Savings Plan FAMILY CLASS: Outdoor Learning (Session A, Class 3 ) $ – pg. 15 FAMILY CLASS: Outdoor Learning (Session B, Class 3 ) $ – pg. 15 FAMILY CLASS: Outdoor Learning (Session C, Class 1) $ – pg. 15
PERFORMANCE: Bug Family Band – pg. 17
WORKSHOP: Family History Project – pg. 17
FESTIVAL: STEM Superhero Series: Code Our Future – pg. 2 & 17
WORKSHOP: Family History Project – pg. 17 MUSEUM CLOSED: For set up of Family Gala FUNDRAISER: Family Gala: Make+Believe $ – pg. 17 & 21
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
WORKSHOP: Family History Project – pg. 17
10:45 – 11:30a.m.
MEMBER STORYTIME: “All Our Families” – pg. 11 SPECIAL EXHIBITION: Magic Tree House opens – pg. 22
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
May 7 Bug Family Band
May 14 STEM Superhero Series
First Free Wednesdays are sponsored by:
March 2, April 6 & May 4 Free First Wednesday
20
SPRING 2016
BayKidsMuseum.org
THE BAY AREA DISCOVERY MUSEUM PRESENTS
Get your tickets: BayKidsMuseum.org /familygala
NON-PROFIT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID OAKLAND, CA PERMIT NO 259
Fort Baker 557 McReynolds Road Sausalito, CA 94965 BayKidsMuseum.org
Special Exhibition Opens May 28 Based on the best-selling children’s book series, “Magic Tree House,” written by Mary Pope Osborne, this exhibition allows children to explore American history through a magical, time-traveling tree house.