January 2017: Programs and Events at the California Academy of Sciences

‘Tis the Season for Science
Ends January 8 
Savor the last days of the holiday season through a “science lens” by visiting the Academy’s iconic holiday exhibit. Say hello to Tinsel and Velvet, the museum’s in-residence reindeer, and learn more about how these fascinating animals see in the dark, manage cold weather and grow their antlers, making them Santa’s animal helpers of choice. Plus, experience indoor snow flurries, festive performances and more. This year, the Academy will be open every day during the holiday season, including New Year’s Day.

Special holiday performances with the Simba School of Music on January 1 and a spirited dance party with the SOTA Dance Troupe on January 2. Both performances take place at noon and 2 pm in the Piazza.

Penguins + Pajamas Sleepover
Saturday January 28 | Ages 5-17, with adult chaperone
Snuggle up in your warmest PJs and flannels next to your favorite exhibit at the Academy’s first sleepover of 2017 – Penguins + Pajamas. This after-hours event lets you see the Academy in a whole new light…after dark! Includes a bedtime story and snack, plus breakfast and Academy admission the following day. $89 members, $109 non-members. Registration required. Visit calacademy.org/sleepovers for program details and registration.

Benjamin Dean Astronomy Lecture
Earth in Human Hands: A Cosmic View of our Planet’s Past, Present and Future
Monday, January 9 | 7:30 pm
Morrison Planetarium
David Grinspoon, Planetary Science Institute
What are we doing here on this planet? Can a deep-time and deep-space viewpoint help us gain the perspective to create a sustainable civilization? Informed by comparative planetology and a survey of the major transitions in Earth history, David Grinspoon will the discuss the narrative of planetary evolution, how humans have become a major agent of global change, and the ways geological and human history are becoming irreversibly conjoined. Possible implications for SETI (the search for extraterrestrial intelligence) will be considered, as well as the choices our civilization faces in seeking to foster a wisely managed Earth. Reservations required. $12 members and seniors; $15 non-members.

Ongoing Events at the California Academy of Sciences

Tour of the Universe
Monday – Friday | 4:30 pm
Morrison Planetarium
Explore the immense scale of the known Universe in this live presentation that leaves Earth far, far behind, thanks to the incredible digital capabilities of the Morrison Planetarium. Traveling even faster than light, you’ll be taken out of the solar system and beyond clusters of galaxies to the edge of the cosmos, then safely back home to Earth…without leaving your seat!

Junior Scientist Adventure
Daily | Opening to 4 pm
Are you curious about what scientists do? Explore the museum as a scientist with a free activity guide and tools! Start your adventure by checking out a field science backpack at the coat check, which contains all you need for a self-guided tour. As part of your exploration journey, visit the lobby at 10:30 am for a live science experiment that will make you think, ask questions and see what it’s like to be a scientist! Complete three or more activities to receive a special certificate. The Junior Scientist Adventure Program is generously sponsored by Oracle.

Junior Academy
Monday – Thursday | 10:15 am
Six-week series begins January 2
Junior Academy programs are designed to foster a curiosity about science and nature in the youngest Academy visitors! With age-appropriate programs created for toddlers and preschoolers, young learners participate in engaging, hands-on activities with the hope of creating interest that will last into their school years and beyond. For schedule, please visit http://www.calacademy.org/junior-academy.