Chabot Space and Science Center


This place would make an amazing field trip!

The Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland, California was a delightful museum that I can't wait to visit with a class. It had a wonderful mix of activities, planetarium shows, and visual displays that made science come to life. Every inch of this museum has been carefully crafted to get students thinking about what it would take to survive in space. I learned lots of new concepts and can't wait to go back. We signed up ahead of time and were able to go on a simulation to Mars. The event was split in two parts. First, we were piloting a space shuttle, and then we were at mission control helping a shuttle take off. The medium sized telescopes were available to use during the day time, but were much more impressive after dark. We saw the Clown Nebula and enjoyed the clear skies from the mountaintop view. I hope you make a journey here and possibly bring a class on a field trip!
Mrs. Dailey at the entrance

There are several of these beautiful balconies nestled in the trees

Photo of Einstein with his telescope

Mrs. Dailey next to Einstein's telescope!

Each puzzle part fits together to give the timeline of our universe

Mr. Dailey playing with ferrofluid. This station mimics the patterns found on the sun because of magnetic fields.

Mrs. Dailey enjoying the plasma ball.

I could see students enjoying the plasma ball here! I learned that plasma is the 4th state of matter today!

At the entrance there is a giant nose.

Students in my 5th grade class are writing opinion pieces currently. This is a clever way to share on a bulletin board.

Close up of the opinion board

Here a are some tools used in space, it would be fun to show students these and have them infer what they could be used for.

Tools used in space

Simulation where Mr. Dailey tried to fix things like the astronauts would

He pulls himself around by his arms
Simulation that allows a person to try working without resistance

Astronauts work without resistance

Astronauts practice underwater to train for missions


Astronauts must wear protective clothing that has been designed to keep them safe

Special toilet made for space

I think students would enjoy learning about this toilet

Space food

It would be meaningful to talk to students about why we seal food like this for space 

More space food

Eating in space

Mrs. Dailey the astronaut

This is the entrance to Bill Nye's Climate Lab. Inside there are many activities for students do. It is an educational and fun area that makes learning about our world engaging.

There are several of these medium sized telescopes

Mr. Dailey takes a look at Mars during the day

Climb the stairs for a peek
Learn about space travel before people went

very small space for animals in space


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