Family Science Day

Overview

Family Science Day
Saturday, September 26, 2026, 1:00-5:00 pm & 7:00-11:00 pm
Science Building 36 and Theatre Building 3

Join us for hands-on makerspace projects from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, and then science workshops, planetarium shows and firefighter demonstrations from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. At 7:30 pm keynote speaker Dr. Brian Day will present “The Active Moon” followed by a reception, then star gazing from CSM’s rooftop observatory with live music. Dr. Day is the staff scientist for NASA’s Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI).

Keynote Lecture

7:00-9:00 pm, CSM Theatre (Building 3)

7:00 pm Doors Open
7:30 pm Lecture
8:30-9:00 pm Reception in the Theatre Lobby

The Active Moon

When our astronauts make their return to the lunar surface, they will begin a new stage in lunar exploration. They will work to establish a long-term, sustained human presence on the Moon. Understanding the lunar environment in which they will find themselves will be a key factor to living and working on the Moon. For a long time, we assumed that the Moon is basically geologically dead. But we are now learning that this is not the case! Geologic (especially seismic) considerations will be important as we plan and build our Moon bases. In this talk, we will take a fresh look at the Moon examining signs of its history of tectonic and volcanic history, and noting the indications that these are not necessarily strictly limited to the Moon’s distant past. To quote Monty Python, “I’m not dead yet!”

About the Speaker

Dr. Brian Day is the staff scientist for NASA’s Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI). His duties in this role include serving as SSERVI’s lead for lunar and planetary mapping and modeling. He is the science lead for NASA’s Solar System Treks family of data visualization and analysis portals. He also serves as a member of NASA’s speakers bureau, giving presentations on NASA space science and exploration to audiences of all ages. He has participated in numerous terrestrial analog studies, working in extreme environments on Earth that simulate some aspects of the Moon and Mars. He previously served as education and public outreach lead for both the LCROSS and LADEE robotic lunar missions. In 2007, he flew on NASA’s Aurigid MAC mission to examine fragments of Comet Kiess entering Earth’s upper atmosphere as a meteor shower.

Stargazing

9:15-11:00 pm, CSM Roofop Observatory, CSM Science Building (Building 36)

Star gazing from CSM’s rooftop observatory with live music.

Facilitators: Justin Stevick and Michael Gallien

Science Workshops

All science workshops are open from 1 pm to 5 pm and walk-in (anytime), unless otherwise indicated.

Presenter(s)	Workshop	Activities	Location
Alex Wong	Phabulous Physics	Sparks fly as we discover phenomena of electricity, magnetism, light, and motion.	36-114
Katryn Wiese	Earth Rocks! Let's explore it.	Explore a variety of maps, rocks, minerals, and fossils and discover what they tell us about Earth's past, present, and future. (Children must be at least 5 years old.)	36-119 Controlled Walk-in
Krista Bailey, Javier Silva	Interactive Anatomy Museum	Come explore the amazing world of human anatomy and physiology through hands-on activities and interactive displays showcasing detailed models and real human organs.	36-217
Kathy Diamond, Huy Tran	Hands-on Fun with Biology	The Biology Hands-On Museum is a fun, interactive exhibit in which you can build and take home a virus model and learn about some fascinating animals.	36-200
Christy Baird, Fire Science	A Day in the Life of a Firefighter	Who doesn't love firefighters? Come see the College of San Mateo Fire Technology students in action as they demonstrate their skills! Learn some fire safety tips and what being a firefighter on a call is like. You can even join the CSM firefighter cadets to squirt some water. (3:00-4:00 pm)	Plaza of the Sun
SMCAS, Karen Boyer	Solar Chef	Learn the secrets of how to whip up tasty treats using nothing but sunshine. The Solar Chef will demonstrate how the energy of sunlight can be harnessed to power a solar oven for cooking.	Planetarium Patio
SMCAS, Michael Cooke	Solar System Model	The Solar System Model will comprise a scale model of the inner Solar System. It will demonstrate the vast distances between and the tiny size of planets relative to a one-meter Sun.	36, Bridge toward Library
SMCAS, Chanan Greenberg, Ravi Kumar	Ken Lum Solar Workshop	Observe the sun safely through Ken Lum's solar telescope. Conditions permitting, see solar flares, prominences, and sunspots.	36 Bridge
SMCAS, Ed Ching, Michelle Torres	Making a Planisphere	Construct your own planisphere, a device for finding your way through the stars in the night sky.	36-112
SMCAS, Marion Weiler	How Telescopes Work	How do telescopes gather and manipulate light to bring distant and dim astronomical objects such as the moon, planets, and galaxies into clear focus for our viewing? Interactive demonstration and learning about how telescopes work.	36, 1st Floor Lobby
SMCAS, Kimberly Alger, Stephen Kwong, Marion Weiler	Table-Top Solar System Model	Table-top model of the solar system which highlights the relative sizes of all the planets to the sun and each other.	36, 1st Floor Lobby

San Mateo County Astronomical Society (SMCAS)

Planetarium Shows

The planetarium shows run 1 pm to 5 pm on the hour. Obtain tickets at the planetarium entrance.

Makerspace Workshops

All Makerspace workshops are open from 11 am to 1 pm and walk-in (anytime) in the Library, Building 9

Presenter(s)	Workshop	Activities	Location
Rene Oseguera	3D Printing	Check out our 3D printers in action! They're fascinating & can produce practical things like tools & fun things like your favorite characters.	Library Makerspace
Jason Yap	Fun with Lasers	Everyone likes lasers! Our laser cutter machines cut custom images & shapes into wood or acrylic.	Library Makerspace
Jason Yap	Fun with Cricut	Join us for some creative sticker fun with the Cricut designer! Our machine makes stickers and much more! Note: While supplies last	Library Makerspace
Theresa Vigilia	Light-Up Mini Planets	Paint your own perfect planet any way you like, install a small light & let it shine! Note: While supplies last	Library Classroom 9‑207
Makerspace Team	Button Making Demonstration	Want to spice up an outfit, backpack, or bag? It's quick & easy to make a custom button!	Library Makerspace
CSM Library & Makerspace Team	Fun Stations: Jumbo Jenga, Coloring, Vintage Tech, & Legos	Maybe your brain has worked enough this week & you just want to have fun? If so, come check out our fun stations!	Library Makerspace and Library Classroom 9‑207