Kids’ Stuff
At science museum, young people are the focus
By Rebecca Kuzins
November 2024
The SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity is busy with field trips, learning labs, planetarium shows and other activities to inspire students toward careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and math.
Last school year, 24,000 students visited the museum. Executive Director Andrea A. Durham expects more this year. In its mission to build interest in science, Durham says serving as role models is the most important work for museum staff.
“Students don’t pick careers they don’t have any exposure to,” she says. “So, when you ask a 4-year-old what they want to be, there’s a reason they say a policeman or a firefighter or a teacher, because those are they careers they see in their life.”
Museum staff are knowledgeable about science and discuss their careers with students. Guest speakers visit on weekends to describe science-related work. For example, take wastewater.
“We have a partnership with Sac Sewer to describe the filtration process, while talking about chemistry and careers,” Durham says.
Speakers can inspire middle- and high-schoolers who might take a science elective or think about careers.
Teachers planning field trips have a choice of programs. Some students explore exhibits. Others view exhibits and attend a learning lab. Some see a planetarium show. Others participate in daylong activities.
Programs are geared to grades and curriculums spelled out in the Next Generation Standards for Public Schools, adopted by the State Board of Education.
Field trip prices range from $330 to $825 for up to 35 students and 10 chaperones. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more.
Exhibits offer hands-on, interactive opportunities so students learn by immersing themselves in subjects on display. In June, the museum opened “Health Connection,” an exhibit by UC Davis Health, with content in English and Spanish on various health-related topics.
Other exhibits include “Water Challenge,” focusing on how water systems can adjust to serve a growing population during water scarcity. “Powering Change” describes the effects of climate change and the need for sustainable power.
Learning labs provide instruction on subjects such as “Incredible Insects” for kindergarteners and first-graders, and “Cellular Adventures” for older kids. The Multiverse Theater presents shows on astronomy.
Girl Scouts visit on weekends to view exhibits, watch a Multiverse Theater show and engage in activities to earn badges in Space Science or Robots.
Design Lab Maker Workshops, two-hour programs offered on Saturdays for fifth- through eighth-grade children and their parents, provide what Durham describes as “very hands-on experiences using very real tools.”
For example, “How to Build a Turbine” enables children to use Computer Aided Design software to design a turbine. There are soldering irons, laser cutters, 3-D printers and other tools.
These workshops “emphasize self-directed learning,” Durham says. Children select what they want to learn about, have some control over it and choose fun activities.
Multigenerational learning is another feature. “We’re getting more and more lonely, so here people are engaged, talking to each other,” Durham says. “All of a sudden, they’re having an experience that’s memorable.”
Durham became executive director in May 2023, bringing almost 30 years of science museum administration experience. She worked at the Museum of Science in Boston, Science World in Vancouver, British Columbia, and the St. Louis Science Center.
At the Museum of Science and Curiosity, she promotes a welcoming environment.
“A lot of people are nervous, unsure or intimidated by science,” she says. “Science museums can have great learning experiences and be accessible to everybody and provide great multigenerational experiences. Science museums really engage all ages together.”
SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity is at 400 Jibboom St. off Interstate 5. For information, call or (916) 674-5000 or visit visitmosac.org.
Rebecca Kuzins can be reached at kuzins63@att.net. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @insidesacramento.
