Grade School

What makes arches and triangles so strong? Explore both the physical science and the history of arch and truss bridges. Participants will perform five experiments to investigate the inherent strength of these shapes and understand why civil engineers frequently use them in the design and construction of structures in general, and in designing and constructing bridges in particular. Participants will also build a structure that they can take home with them.

Program is appropriate for school-age children and families! Please note a $20 workshop admission price.

Join us at Petco Park on Saturday, March 2nd for a day full of FREE, FUN SCIENCE! From 10-5 the park will be packed with over 130 different hands-on activities showcasing STEM for participants of all ages!

Have you ever peered inside a brain? Ever touched a brain? Dissect a brain with scientists from San Diego State University's Brain Development Imaging Labs. Kids (ages 4-12 years) are welcome to join us as we learn about the parts of the brain, how it works, and even tease our own brains with optical illusions. Kids will be divided into two groups (younger kids and older kids) led by a brain scientist so that they can learn brain science in language they can understand. Parents can learn about exciting research that the Brain Development Imaging Labs is conducting.

As a leading supplier of security scanning equipment to the Department of Homeland Security and customs organizations around the world, Leidos is proud to open our doors and introduce San Diego’s kids, parents, teachers, industry leaders and community member to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) as part of the San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering.

Explore nature nestled right in the heart of Mission Valley! This special event will include lots of opportunities for kids to practice hands-on science, learn about nearby nature, and share their new knowledge with the community. Kids will get to skim for plankton samples and analyze them, collect river water samples and test the water quality, and go on a guided nature walk along the San Diego River! This hands-on learning opportunity is a great way for the whole family to get outdoors and get to know our region’s namesake waterway!

Visit Ms. Smarty-Plants™ at the beautiful Water Conservation Garden for an outdoor learning adventure! Play along with her special mixture of music and magic, as Ms. Smarty-Plants™ ignites the EARTH HERO in each of us. Learn a special song in American Sign Language, and be inspired to change the world. Kids will enjoy an interactive lesson about the importance of water, tour The Garden’s trails, and plant a succulent to take home. The program is 90 minutes in length and is in line with California State Standards, and NGSS.