The Lawrence Hall of Science
The public science center of the University of California, Berkeley.
Open Daily 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Animal Discovery Zone 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
We’ll bring our science programs to you.
We partner with school districts to support science learning. We offer district-wide elementary, middle, and high school programs, either virtually or in-person.
We collaborate with a range of partners to innovate in science education. Together, we go further.
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Activity
Explore erosion, plate tectonics, and other geological forces that created our Bay Area landscape!
Have you ever wondered how the San Francisco Bay was formed? Discover the geologic forces and other factors that created the landscape we call home in our outdoor science park! Control and shape water flow in our simulated Sierra Nevada watershed pond, learn how water affects rock and sand on our erosion tables, and more, all with a beautiful panoramic view of San Francisco and the Bay as a backdrop.
Did you know that runoff from the Sierra Nevada mountains supplies drinking water for two-thirds of California’s population? The pond in Forces That Shape the Bay is an interactive representation of this watershed that allows visitors to control the flow of water and discover the effects downstream.
Forces That Shape the Bay features a stunning view of the city by the Bay. Step up to our telescopes and get a closer look at the San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and more!
Express your creativity by building sand sculptures in our sandbox. Then, step over to our erosion tables to set erosion in motion and discover the power of water to transform a landscape.
This 18-foot granite sculpture is a centerpiece for Forces That Shape the Bay. It links science and art and offers special viewings of astronomical events like the summer and winter solstices.
Admission
General
Age 3+: $20
Kids under 2: FREE
Members: FREE
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3D Theater
$5 + Admission
Planetarium
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