In the News

Sunstones at The Lawrence
December 23, 2024

Celebrating 2024: A Year of Discovery, Innovation, and Science Adventures

With 2025 approaching, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the incredible discoveries and experiences we shared throughout 2024. From remarkable…

Two children interact with a large tactile wall filled with movable orange pegs in a brightly lit play area.
December 12, 2024

Introducing Playtopia Juegolandia and Curiosity Corner/Esquina Curiosa

The Lawrence Hall of Science is undergoing exciting changes to make science exploration even more accessible for its youngest visitors….

November 27, 2024

Hands-on Science Events and Holiday Celebrations at The Lawrence This Winter!

The Lawrence has exciting special events planned for Winter, and we hope you’ll join us!

Grad students sharing their love of spiders at The Lawrence
November 14, 2024

Creepy Crawly Critters Crawl Into The Lawrence!

On Saturday, November 2, families and nature enthusiasts gathered at The Lawrence Hall of Science for the Creepy Crawly Critters event.

A child looking up at a life-sized T. rex model
October 30, 2024

A Roaring Good Time at the Dinosaur Lookout Member Preview!

On Friday, October 18, excitement filled the air as members gathered at The Lawrence Hall of Science for the highly anticipated opening of the Dinosaur Lookout exhibit!

October 17, 2024

Behind the Science: an Interview With Our Biotech Design Lead

Get to know our Biotech Design Lead in this Behind the Science interview!

local sixth-grade teachers visit Bayer as part of The Lawrence's Exploring Biotech program
October 3, 2024

Students and Teachers Explore Cutting-Edge Biotechnology at The Lawrence and In Their Communities

When you think of biotechnology, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Medicine? Genetically modified plants? Biotech can be…

Michelle Rodriguez
September 19, 2024

Behind the Science: an Interview With a Public Experience Design Lead

Michelle Rodriguez Public Experience Design LeadShe/HerFrom El Cerrito, CA Michelle has worked at The Lawrence for over 9 years. What…

A parent helps a child across stepping stones at a park, with another child watching as the sun sets in the background.
September 4, 2024

Fall Events at The Lawrence

Check out our slate of special fall events and mark your calendars so you don’t miss out!

Students in a classroom are working on a SEPUP activity about the moon.
August 29, 2024

SEPUP Middle School Curriculum Earns “All-Green” Rating from EdReports

‘Issues and Science’ designated as high-quality instruction.

Tim Hurt working on a science project with a kid.
August 22, 2024

Behind the Science: An Interview with a Data Science Educator

Get to know Tim Hurt, our Computational Science Education Lead, in this Behind the Science interview!

A woman with curly hair and a blue headband smiles as she watches a boy in a red shirt examine the contents of a brown paper bag in a brightly lit classroom.
August 8, 2024

Behind the Science: An Interview with our Early Childhood Science Specialist

Get to know Cássia Izaac, our Early Childhood Science Specialist, in this Behind the Science interview!

A student writing in a nature journal.
July 25, 2024

California Educators Want More Environmental Learning, but Need Additional Support

A new report examines how much environment-based education is happening in California classrooms and outdoor spaces.

July 11, 2024

Behind the Science: An Interview With Our Head of Youth STEM Pathways

Get to know Emily Weiss, our head of youth STEM pathways, in this Behind the Science interview!

A Teen Research Program participant practicing using a pipette
June 27, 2024

Summer is for Teen Scientists at The Lawrence and on Campus

With Summer Camps and Teen Research Programs underway, check out photos and discover a day in the life of a program participant and a summer camp intern.

Planetarium Specialist Ellen Thompson sitting at her desk
June 13, 2024

Behind the Science: An Interview With Our Planetarium Specialist

Get to know Ellen Thompson, our Planetarium specialist, in this Behind the Science interview!

Kids playing on the Sunstones sculpture at The Lawrence
May 29, 2024

Summer Events at The Lawrence

Check out our slate of special summer events and mark your calendars so you don’t miss out!

Shira Baskind, associate director of elementary camps, holding a chinchilla
May 15, 2024

Behind the Science: An Interview With Our Associate Director of Elementary Camps

Get to know Shira Baskind, our associate director of elementary camps, in our first Behind the Science interview!

Group photo of the Climate Ambassadors at The Lawrence
May 2, 2024

Climate Ambassadors Study Soil Health and Biodiversity in The Lawrence’s Backyard

In Climate Ambassadors, a cohort of passionate teen scientists gained valuable science investigation and communication skills.

Three youth are conducting a science experiment with dry ice and wearing safety glasses.
April 18, 2024

Summer Science Spectacular: Dive into Discovery in The Lawrence Summer Camps!

Summer Camps at The Lawrence are all of your young explorer’s favorite things about our science center rolled into one long action-packed experience filled with experiments, discovery, and fun!

A boy interacting with Pulse
April 4, 2024

Sun, Earth, and Fire: Expressing Creativity With Science

A crowd gathers in our Forces That Shape the Bay outdoor exhibit, buzzing with anticipation. They’re admiring a giant 8-foot sculpture made of metal, shaped like a human heart, complete with anatomically correct chambers and blood vessels.

A boy using a microscope in the Hands-on Biotech exhibit
March 21, 2024

Paint by Numbers and Zoom in on Life in Hands-on Biotech

Visitors to The Lawrence can get an introduction to biotechnology and its current and potential uses in our Hands-on Biotech exhibit!

Scholars in the Manufacturing and Design Academy, Kennedy High School, Sacramento City USD .
March 7, 2024

College and Career Collaborative Network Drives Equitable Transformation of Public Education Systems

The College and Career Alliance Support Network (CCASN) works with collaborative partners to transform public education systems and build pathways to college and careers.

A child walking near the fountain on the plaza at The Lawrence
February 21, 2024

Spring Events at The Lawrence

Check out the full schedule of events and mark your calendar for a sensational spring!

Three teens participate in a Lawrence Hall of Science Teen Research Program
February 8, 2024

Teen Research Programs Help Students Find Their Path to a Career in Science

Through our Teen Research Programs, a socio-economically diverse group of Bay Area middle and high school students visits labs, kindles their curiosity, and discovers that they, too, can pursue a degree or career in STEM.

New Years Eve Celebrations at The Lawrence
January 11, 2024

Colorful Confetti Cannons Complete Captivating Commemoration of 2023

Thanks to all members and visitors who came out to send off 2023 and start the new year with a bang!

The Lawrence supernova graphic with a collage of images from The Lawrence
December 21, 2023

Look Back at an Exciting Year of Discovery, Exploration, and Science Fun!

Take a look at the top stories of the year, and get ready to make 2024 another thrilling year of science fun!

View from The Lawrence where two visitors are looking out over the bay
December 21, 2023

2023 Highlights Reel

Dear friends, As the year draws to a close, and as I reflect back on all we have accomplished this…

Two scientists from UC Berkeley presenting their research to an audience in Spanish
December 14, 2023

Ciencia en Español: Sharing Science With Oakland’s Spanish-speaking Community

Next summer, Science at Cal is expanding its Caminos events to make them even more accessible, engaging, and relatable to the Spanish-speaking patrons of the Oakland Public Library.

A child explores the Virtually Human AI exhibit
November 29, 2023

Virtually Human Explores What it Means for AI to Act Like a Human

A new exhibit at The Lawrence aims to demystify the latest technology and engage visitors’ curiosity about how AI works.

Products from our 2023 Holiday Gift Guide arrayed on a shelf in the Discovery Store
November 15, 2023

Holiday Gift Guide: Toys, Books, and More From Our Discovery Store!

Because we know what engages children, we’ve put together a list of science kits, books, crafts, and more that make excellent gifts or stocking stuffers.

A child observes a turtle in the Animal Discovery Zone.
November 1, 2023

Reptile Revelry: Celebrating the Reopened Animal Discovery Zone

On Saturday, October 21, visitors and members were among the first to experience the new Animal Discovery Zone!

A Sunprint being made using a peacock feather
October 19, 2023

Solar-powered Photography: the Science & History of Sunprint® Kits

For nearly 50 years, kids and families have used Sunprint paper to flex their creativity, capturing everything from leaves to action figures in signature white and blue images.

An image of an annular eclipse
October 5, 2023

Discover the Science Behind the “Ring of Fire” Eclipse on October 14

On Saturday, October 14, a partial eclipse will be visible across a large swath of the country, including right here in the Bay Area!

A student is launching a model rocket during a science activity while two other students look on
September 21, 2023

Supporting Teachers With Field Trips, Classroom Workshops, and More!

Picture a school gymnasium, except instead of kids playing dodgeball, it’s filled with the sights and sounds of discovery. The gym is transformed into a miniature science center!

A man and two kids outside looking at an augmented reality planet
September 6, 2023

Explore Outer Space With DIY Solar System, Our Newest Science App!

What’s it like to pilot a robotic rover on another planet? What would it take to design and build a…

Sunstones at The Lawrence Hall of Science
August 23, 2023

Upcoming Fall Events at The Lawrence and In Your Community

As summer turns to fall, The Lawrence has big plans to keep the science fun going. Join us throughout this…

The Outdoor Nature Lab
August 4, 2023

A Garden in Bloom: Reflecting on One Year of the Outdoor Nature Lab

In the year since it opened, thousands of visitors have explored nature in our backyard, searching for birds, learning about pollinators, and so much more. This week we’re looking back at what’s changed and what we’ve learned together, and looking forward to new experiences and ways to discover the wonders of the outdoors in the future.

Lucy sculpture on display at the National Museum of American History
July 27, 2023

Sculpture from The Lawrence on Display at the Smithsonian

Thanks to a generous donation and a new museum exhibition, a piece of The Lawrence has made it all the…

A Lawrence Hall of Science volunteer showing a group of girls a butterfly identification card in the Outdoor Nature Lab
July 13, 2023

The Lawrence to Conduct First-of-its-kind Environmental Literacy Study

The Lawrence will conduct a first-of-its-kind landscape study to assess the state of environmental instruction and education across California.

A Blue-tongued Skink
June 28, 2023

Caring for Our Animals During an Extreme Home Makeover

The ADZ team works hard to care for the many mammals, reptiles, and other critters in our animal colony. Soon, both staff and visitors alike will have more room to work with thanks to exciting renovations happening right now!

Visitors take in the view of outer space on the Planetarium dome
June 14, 2023

Coding the Cosmos: How We Develop Interactive Planetarium Shows

Have you ever wondered what it takes to develop the educational content and the dazzling visuals of a Planetarium show? Like all of our exhibits and learning experiences, it takes hard work and the collaboration of experts across The Lawrence to create engaging experiences that keep our members and visitors returning for more space exploration.

A boy and a girl looking at a computer screen
May 31, 2023

New Grant Integrates AI Ethics with Tech Learning

When you hear “artificial intelligence” (AI), the first thing that probably comes to mind are popular generative programs like ChatGPT…

A woman interacts with a cardboard prototype of an exhibit as part of the Making Music exhibition
May 18, 2023

Talking Shop: Behind the Scenes of Making Music, Our Upcoming Exhibition

Deep in the bowels of The Lawrence Hall of Science is a place where few visitors have set foot. As…

A family building a miniature roller coaster using recycled materials during a Build, Engineer, Invent science festival.
May 3, 2023

New Partnership Brings Hands-on Science to San Leandro and San Lorenzo

Have you ever designed and built your own miniature roller coaster using recycled materials? How about experimenting with hydraulics? Young…

A Mother and child look out over The Lawrence's panoramic view of the San Francisco Bay.
April 19, 2023

The Lawrence to Co-Develop Mixed Reality Exhibits with Ohlone Youth

A new project by The Lawrence and its partners, funded by a $1.29 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, aims to center Ohlone culture, using mixed reality technology to create immersive science experiences.

Easter Egg Roll at the White House
April 6, 2023

Exploring the Physics of Flight at the White House

UPDATED: The Lawrence Hall of Science stirred some science “egg-citement” when it returned to the White House Easter “EGGucation” Roll…

A group of Taiwanese students observing a globe.
March 23, 2023

Staff Promote and Teach The Lawrence’s Ocean Literacy Curriculum in Taiwan

An ongoing curricular project at The Lawrence improves students’ and educators’ understanding of the global impact the ocean’s health has on our planet.

Students from the YESS program are building solar suitcases.
March 8, 2023

Girls Build Solar Generators for International Schools with The Lawrence

Youth Engaged in STEM Service (YESS) is a four-year project that began in 2020 to develop and study the impact of two different science-focused summer camp experiences for black and brown teen girls in their communities.

A summer camp educator and a young boy examine a bird nest using magnifying glasses.
February 23, 2023

Big Give 2023 is for the Camp Scholarships Fund

Update, March 14: We are truly thankful to all those of you who contributed to our 2023 Big Give campaign….

Tuff Pupil performs on stage
February 9, 2023

Newly-Minted Grammy Winners Make Data Security Fun

A new video series created by The Lawrence Hall of Science, Tuff Pupil, uses animation and hip hop music to…

Students analyze soil samples in the community
January 19, 2023

Youth Present to Joint Powers Authority on Local Lead Contamination Research Findings

On October 27, 2022, a group of young people presented the findings of their environmental quality research to the Alameda…

A collage of four photos of students engaged in science activities at The Lawrence and in the community
December 22, 2022

2022 Highlights Reel

As 2022 comes to a close, we celebrate our work, engaging people with the power of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to inspire tomorrow.

Claudia Bustos Headshot
December 15, 2022

Claudia A. Bustos Joins The Lawrence as Executive Director of Public Engagement

The Lawrence Hall of Science, UC Berkeley’s public science center, has hired Claudia A. Bustos to be the new Executive Director for Public Engagement.

Un Vistazo al Laboratorio
August 10, 2022

Science at Cal – Un Vistazo al Laboratorio Video Series

Meet UC Berkeley & Berkeley Lab STEM leaders in “A Look in the Lab”, a Spanish video series hosted by…

Families learning about vaccines at a community engagement event
July 15, 2022

Communities for Immunity: The Vaccine Learning Hub

“I can’t believe my family is doing science together!” exclaimed a Park Middle Schooler. The student attended the Vaccine Learning…

Two children are using the DIY Sun Science app on their tablet
July 7, 2022

New DIY Sun Science App

A new version of the DIY Sun Science App from UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science is now available. July,…

children sitting on top of Pheena
June 3, 2022

Summer is Here at The Lawrence!

Summer is here, and with it some exciting new opportunities to explore and discover at The Lawrence! Join us for…

A collage of children engaged in science activities, with information about the NSF Video Showcase
May 10, 2022

Lawrence Hall of Science Research Featured in NSF Video Showcase

Beginning Tuesday, May 10, The Lawrence Hall of Science will be participating in the annual National Science Foundation (NSF) “STEM…

The Lawrence team on the South Lawn of the White House
May 10, 2022

The Lawrence Brings Science to the White House

Lawrence Hall of Science visitors and staff are very accustomed to the sound of excited children exploring science.  On April…

Banner for Innovations and Inspirations Benefit event at Lawrence Hall of Science with Joel Sartore photo of an iguana
March 16, 2022

Renowned Photographer Joel Sartore to Speak at The Lawrence

Joel Sartore is a world-renowned National Geographic photographer and founder of the National Geographic Photo Ark. On Tuesday, April 26, Sartore will visit The Lawrence and speak about his compelling photography at a benefit event.  

BIG GIVE 3-10-22 Make a donation to our Children's Scholarship Fund
March 9, 2022

Big Give 2022

A Big Thanks to all of you who responded when we asked you to make a difference in a young…

Two students are outdoors examining nature using a magnifying glass and a microscope
February 8, 2022

Lingering Concerns & Signs of Hope for Nation’s Outdoor Science Programs

February 8, 2022, Berkeley, California– Millions of children have missed out on enriching outdoor science education experiences since the start…

Middle school students work in pairs, observing simulations on a laptop, in their classroom using Amplify Science curriculum
January 28, 2022

Independent Study: Amplify Science for Middle School Has Significant Positive Impact on Student Learning

Curriculum materials designed for Next Generation Science Standards show promise A gold-standard independent study led by the nonprofit research, development,…

Masked student seated outdoors on a lawn raises hand
December 1, 2021

The Lawrence Shares Best Practices for Outdoor Learning with Schools and Districts

The Lawrence Hall of Science has created a set of sample menus for best practices in outdoor learning, thanks to…

A butterfly lands on a child's finger
October 1, 2021

Remembering Elizabeth Karplus

Betty dedicated her life to science and learning and was committed to engaging young people of all abilities in both.

View of the The Lawrence and the city below
September 30, 2021

The Lawrence Reopens Halloween Weekend!

The Lawrence is excited to announce that after being closed for 19 months, we will reopen our doors starting Saturday,…

Drawing of the Community Connections exhibit at The Lawrence
September 15, 2021

A Call for Artifacts for New Upcoming Exhibit

Share Your Story in Our Upcoming Exhibit! Do you have something to share? We want to show off your 2-D…

A drawing of the Outdoor Nature Lab
August 26, 2021

The Robert and Elizabeth Karplus Outdoor Nature Lab

“Where Inspiration Grows” The Outdoor Nature Lab—under construction right now—will be the first new addition to The Lawrence in 20…

Two adults are conducting research outdoors.
May 10, 2021

How is BEETLES Changing Outdoor Science Education?

Discover the long-term positive impact on the field of outdoor science education of the Better Environmental Education, Teaching, Learning, and Expertise Sharing (BEETLES) project in our latest research brief.

Emily Weiss
April 26, 2021

Recognized for Extraordinary Teaching in Extraordinary Times

Congratulations to Emily Weiss, School Program Director at The Lawrence Hall of Science, honored by UC Berkeley for exceptional, innovative instruction during the pandemic.

Two sets of hands as photos are examined.
March 11, 2021

Designing NGSS Assessments for Young Learners

Researchers at The Lawrence, in collaboration with WestEd and SRI International, are developing an approach to assessing science learning in first grade. Learn more about the Next Generation Science Assessments for Young Scientists.

How to Train Your Robot book cover in which three students are examining a robot vacuum cleaner.
February 18, 2021

How To Train Your Robot

How To Train Your Robot by Blooma Goldberg, Ken Goldberg, and Ashley Chase, illustrated by D. Clegg (with support from…

Jennifer Doudna speaking at an event at The Lawrence Hall of Science
October 9, 2020

UC Berkeley Biochemist Dr. Jennifer Dounda Wins 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

UC Berkeley Biochemist Dr. Jennifer Doudna won the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, sharing the prize with Dr. Emmanuelle Charpentier,…

A young person sits in the forest reading
August 20, 2020

BEETLES & BaySci Host Virtual Open Space Conference

Since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lawrence Hall of Science researchers and educators have felt gravely concerned about its…

Children playing on the DNA sculpture at the Lawrence
June 10, 2020

COVID-19 pandemic could slash environmental, outdoor science education programs in half nationwide

For immediate release June 10, 2020 Study finds 11 million children at risk of losing access to the educational and…

Two children and a staff member are working together during a science activity.
May 1, 2020

Supporting Learning at Home

Like many of our members and visitors, The Lawrence Hall of Science staff are working at home under California’s shelter-in-place…

The Lawrence Hall of Science
March 16, 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

The Lawrence Hall of Science is temporarily closed to the public due to the Bay Area Shelter-in-Place order to help…

Children playing on Pheena the Whale
March 16, 2020

A letter from our director on the extended closure.

On March 16, 2020, the Lawrence Hall of Science closed temporarily to visitors, based on guidance from health officials about…

Students in front of The Lawrence
September 19, 2019

The Learning Design Group & Partners Accept Grant to Support Educators

Media Contact:Suzanna Lopersjloper@berkeley.edu(510) 642-7771 September 18, 2019—Berkeley, CA: The Learning Design Group at the Lawrence Hall of Science, the University…

A group of young people gather together for Artificial Intelligence Summer Camp
September 12, 2019

Artificial Intelligence Summer Camp with AI4ALL Is a Success

This August, the Lawrence Hall of Science and the Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research (BAIR) group, in partnership with the youth-serving…

A young person looks through a telescope of the view at The Lawrence.
March 14, 2019

BIG THANKS!

BIG THANKS to everyone who donated during the Big Give on March 14, 2019! With your generous support, we raised…

A child looks through a telescope.
March 13, 2019

Amplify Science Earns “All-Green” Rating from EdReports

Lawrence Hall of Science Media ContactAdam FrostMarketing & Communications Specialist(510) 642-2226adamfrost@berkeley.edu March 13, 2019–Berkeley, CA—Amplify Science, a curriculum developed by…

lunar eclipse phases of the moon
January 18, 2019

Super Wolf Blood Moon Visible Across the Bay Area

This weekend, Bay Area residents have a prime opportunity to witness an exciting phenomenon. On Sunday, January 20th, a total…

The Lawrence receives special congressional recognition for its role as a partner for NASA’s Kepler mission
December 14, 2018

UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science Earns Recognition in Congress

UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science, along with many educational institutions, researchers, and astronomers, has earned special congressional recognition for…

Dr. France Córdova
December 6, 2018

The Hall Welcomes NSF Director Dr. France Córdova

On November 5, the Hall hosted a special event featuring as its keynote speaker Dr. France Córdova, Director of the…

A child and an adult work together on a science project at an exhibit at The Lawrence.
October 31, 2018

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

In celebration of our mutual 50th anniversaries, the Lawrence Hall of Science has partnered with the Oakland A’s to bring…

Two young people explore an exhibit at The Lawrence.
June 19, 2018

The Hall’s Google Science Journal App Encourages Outdoor Explorations

Here at the Lawrence Hall of Science, we are committed to equitable access to science and knowledge. That is why…

Two children at an exhibit at The Lawrence.
May 9, 2018

NGSS In Practice: A Model Unit And Teacher Development

This project will be featured as part of the 2018 National Science Foundation (NSF) STEM for ALL Video Showcase. Visit…

1968-2018 The Lawrence Hall of Science University of California Berkeley 50 Years
May 9, 2018

Thank You for Celebrating Our 50th Anniversary with Us!

May 2018 marked the 50th anniversary of the Lawrence Hall of Science, established as part of UC Berkeley’s centennial celebration…

Howtosmile
February 12, 2018

Howtosmile.org Named a Top-100 Educational Website for 2018

We are proud to announce that howtosmile.org has been endorsed by Homeschool Base and the homeschooling community as one of…

A young person is building a structure at The Lawrence.
August 23, 2017

Solar Eclipse at the Hall

On the morning of August 21st, as millions of people across the country gathered to witness a partial or total…

Marian Diamond
August 1, 2017

Remembering Former Hall Director Dr. Marian Diamond

Image credit: Elena Zhukova The Lawrence Hall of Science community was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr….

Four Achieve Interns are standing in a row and smiling for the camera
July 20, 2017

Achieve Interns in the Ingenuity Lab

Each summer, as the Hall extends its open hours and welcomes hundreds of children for summer camps, an additional wave…

Speakers and attendees at the Kepler event.
July 6, 2017

How to Discover 2,332+ Planets

The Kepler spacecraft launched into heliocentric orbit in March 2009, atop a Delta II rocket. It carried just a single…

Sunstones at The Lawrence
May 19, 2017

Assessing Oral Scientific Argumentation

This project is featured as part of the 2017 National Science Foundation (NSF) STEM for ALL Video Showcase. Visit the…

Volunteer Mary Thompson celebrates 1,000 hours of service
April 17, 2017

Volunteer Spotlight: 1,000 Hours of Service

The Lawrence Hall of Science works with many great people, from our educators and staff to our student workers and…

Children playing on the DNA sculpture at the Lawrence
April 16, 2017

TechWomen: Promoting STEM a Continent Away

16 Apr2017 Hall Educator Ramya Sankar hosts a session about her work with EBAYS. Photo courtesy of TechWomen. Ramya Sankar,…

A young scientist experiments with the Hall's Tesla Coil in front of a crowd.
March 20, 2017

The Hall recognized as 2017 IMLS National Medal Finalist

A young scientist experiments with the Hall’s Tesla Coil at the Lafayette Library in Lafayette, CA. Lawrence Hall of Science…

Two children and a staff member are working together during a science activity.
March 7, 2017

Reading & Science: A Winning Combination

07 Mar2017 Can first graders read to learn as they learn to read? That was the intriguing question that drove…