Engaging, hands-on live animal presentations, that meet CA Life Science Standards for Kindergarten through middle school. Close Encounter programs occur at the San Francisco Zoo and are 45-minute lessons featuring 4-5 program animals with specific curriculum. Pre- and post-program resources are also available.

Engaging, hands-on live animal presentations, that meet CA Life Science Standards for Kindergarten through middle school. Close Encounter programs occur at the San Francisco Zoo and are 45-minute lessons featuring 4-5 program animals with specific curriculum. Pre- and post-program resources are also available.

The annual indoor RoboParade features fully autonomous robot floats, which follow a parade route, detect robots in front of them, and are constructed and programmed by student teams in 4th through 12th grades. Team Registration procedures can be found at this link. http://www.robofest.net/roboParade.htm

Free with Peabody Museum admission: $12/adults; $10/seniors (65+); $10 non-Harvard students (with ID); $8/ages 3-18; under 3 free. Recommended for ages 5 and up accompanied by an adult. Do you know that faculty and students across Harvard University are involved in archaeological research around the world? Explore amazing artifacts - from the Maya, Aztecs, and more. Try your hand at some of the fascinating tools of archaeologists. What can be learned from the mysteries of trash? Are you up for the challenge

Free with Peabody Museum admission: $12/adults; $10/seniors (65+); $10 non-Harvard students (with ID); $8/ages 3-18; under 3 free. Recommended for ages 8 and up accompanied by an adult. Take a behind-the-scenes visit to a museum laboratory that helps archaeologists identify the animal bones found in their excavations. Researchers who study animal remains from ancient human-occupation sites (zooarchaeologists) demonstrate how this is done using skeletons of modern animals. If you have found a bone in your backyard, bring it with you and get it identified!

Brookfield Zoo will give a live animal presentation featuring exotic critters from around the world. Space is limited and registration is required. Call 815-895-9777 to register. Members: $8/person (child or adult) Non-members, price includes Museum admission: $12/person (child or adult)

Historically, miners of our area had metal picks and shovels but you can experience some of the hardships and frustrations those miners faced as you “mine” chips out of cookies - using only toothpicks. You’ll also get to try your hand at panning for gold and learn about the machine used to crush rock to find gold. Finish off the day with one of the favorite foods of miners - pancakes with butter you make yourself.

Hikes to archeological sites, booths, crafts, lectures, pottery and flint-knapping demonstrations, plus other hands-on, children activities will be featured. Guided hikes of the SCRCA trails are scheduled through out the day. Hikes require water, hat, sunscreen and appropriate hiking shoes.

To a Valentine’s Day Party where you’ll see historic Valentine Day cards and make your own to give. Play historic games, search for valentines around the museum, celebrate Arizona’s birthday and enjoy party treats from an earlier era.

What do you consider ‘Back Then’? Which is faster – you or the machine? Bring your pennies to the Museum and find out when you use the money counter at the museum. Visit the Historic Store exhibit to learn how much your paycheck from ‘Back Then’ will buy and figure how math was done before the modern calculator…without a calculator as we know it.