Hands-On Tech Labs
Tech labs enhance students' museum experience by allowing them to explore a science topic in an interactive, hands-on setting. Most labs utilize Design Challenge Learning, an exciting, fun process that enables students to engage in an open-ended design process that results in an original solution. All of our labs align with California standards of learning
Lab sessions are available (Monday through Friday) throughout the school year. Labs begin at 9:30 am and 12:30 pm, and last 90 minutes. Labs have a maximum of 32 students per session. Each lab session costs $205, and a full fee waiver is available for Title I schools.
Groups with Science Labs: Day of Visit Information
Groups with scheduled labs will meet their lab instructor at the Group Entrance. The instructor will then escort the group to their lab location in the museum. Morning lab groups will be picked up at 9:20 am and afternoon lab groups will be picked up at 12:20 pm. It is important that the group arrive early so that the lab can begin on time. Failure to arrive on time may result in cancellation of the lab without refund.
Building for the Big One
Grades 4-8 (Design Challenge)
How do architects and structural engineers design buildings to stand up to the power of earthquakes? Your students will find out as they build and test structures while learning about the earthquakes that shake them!
California Content Standards: Grade 4: 6, 6c, 6d, Mathematics 3.7; Grade 5: 6; Grade 6: 1d, 1e, 1f, 2d, 7, 7a; Grade 7: 7, 7e, Mathematics 3.6; Grade 8: 2a, 9, 9a, 9b, 9c
Buoyancy to the Rescue
Grades 4-8 (Design Challenge)
This lab builds upon students' understanding of buoyancy, density, mass, and volume to design and build submarine exploration and rescue vessels from everyday items. Students will use their vessels to gather underwater samples and simulate the rescue of endangered "sea creatures."
California Content Standards: Grade 4: 6, 6c, 6d; Grade 5: 6; Grade 6: 7, 7a; Grade 7: 5, 7, 7e; Grade 8: 2a, 2b, 2d, 8a, 8c, 8d, 9, 9a, 9b, 9c
Chemical Properties
Grades 4-6
This class brings the periodic table alive! From protons, neutrons, and electrons to chemical reactions, students explore the chemistry of elements and compounds.
California Content Standards: Grade 4: 6a, 6c, 6f; Grade 5: 1a, 1b, 1d, 1g, 3b; Grade 6: 7e
DNA and Genetic Traits
Grades 4-8
Students work in teams to learn the basics of genetics and inherited traits. Students not only spool real DNA from real cells, they also learn about its role as the blueprint for human characteristics. This lab is an excellent tie-in with The Tech's Genetics: Technology with a Twist exhibit.
California Content Standards: Grade 4: 6f; Grade 7: 1, 1c, 1e, 2, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e; Grade 8: 9.
Energy At Play
Grades 4-8
Energize your students with this exploration of potential and kinetic energy, and Newton's Law of Conversation of Energy. Using Tinker Toys, household items and their own knowledge, students build fun contraptions that will make a ball move and hit a target.
California Content Standards: Grade 4: 6, 6c, 6d; Grade 5: 6; Grade 6: 3a, 7, 7a; Grade 7: 7, 7e; Grade 8: 2a, 2c, 2d, 2e, 9, 9a, 9b, 9c
Simplicity of Electricity
Grades 4-8
Students will learn how to make electricity work for them. This enlightening workshop will help students learn about switches and circuits as they light up the world and make some noise!
California Content Standards: Grade 4: 1a, 1g, 6; Grade 5: 1c, 6; Grade 6: 3a, 7; Grade 7: 7; Grade 8: 9
Physics of Rollercoasters
Grades 4-8
They love to ride them, now they'll love to build them! Students explore kinetic and potential energy and Newton's 1st and 2nd Laws of Motion while building their own marble roller coasters.
California Content Standards: Grade 4: 6, 6c, 6d; Grade 5: 6; Grade 6: 3a, 7, 7a; Grade 7: 7, 7e; Grade 8: 1e, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 9, 9a, 9b, 9c
More about Design Challenge Learning
More cool stuff for the classroom