’Tis the Season for Science
Enjoy wintry festivities and family fun that celebrates the science behind some of our most familiar holiday sights, sounds, and traditions. Join us November 23, 2011 through January 16, 2012.
Celebrate Winter
Returning for a second year is our special exhibit, ’Tis the Season for Science. Indoor snow flurries occur twice an hour in the Piazza. View taxidermy specimens of the real birds mentioned in “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” including swans, geese, colly birds, hens, doves, and a partridge in a pear tree. Get into the festive spirit with art and music from the Bay Area’s greatest talents, including carolers, musicians, dancers, theater troupes, and more.
Snowman Theater
An immersive digital dome, shaped like a giant snowman, plays two new shows on the science of snow on Earth and on other worlds.
Live Reindeer
Visit a pair of live reindeer that have taken residence in the East Garden, and learn about their amazing adaptations during a daily presentation, Reindeer Rendezvous.
Spice Forest
Enter the “Spice Forest”, a life-size sculptural representation of trees, featuring an aromatic display of the raw botanical specimens from which we get cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and other familiar holiday ingredients.
Thank you to the sponsors of ‘Tis the Season for Science:
Media sponsors:
Programs and Activities
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REINDEER RENDEZVOUS
Daily at 12:30 pm
Gather ’round for an up close and personal experience with live reindeer. Learn about their fascinating adaptations, including an annual migration of up to 3,000 miles per year, and why they are so important for the ecosystems of the far north. -
HOLIDAY QUEST
Daily at 1:30 pm
In this fun and interactive game show-style program, explore the globe, gain a new perspective on holiday plants and animals and the places they come from, and perhaps even win a prize. -
PLANETARY EXPLORATION
Daily at 12:00 pm from November 28 - December 16 and January 3 - 16
Daily at 2:30 pm from November 25 - 27 and December 17 - January 2
Using Google Earth, we take a close look at how seasonal phenomena like the winter solstice affect life. Explore how life has adapted to Earth’s unique quirks, and even investigate the possibility of life on other worlds! -
TART SIDE OF DNA
Saturdays & Sundays at 2:30 pm from November 23 - December 16 and January 3 - 16
In this 15-minute program, we will crush up cranberries and extract their DNA for all to see up close, without the aid of a microscope. Join in the investigation, and discover why some scientists call DNA the most extraordinary molecule on Earth. -
FESTIVE PERFORMERS
Throughout December
Enrich your family’s visit with art and music from some of the Bay Area’s greatest talents, including Dance Along Nutcracker, Un-Scripted Improv Group, Yuletide Carolers, and more.
Special Holiday Events
Mad Science!
12:30 pm and 2:30 pm on November 25-27, January 2 and 15-16
Mad Science of Mt. Diablo sparks the imagination and curiosity of children through fun, hands-on science programs. Their interactive presentation will be an exploration of the science of snow and the colors of the seasons.
Miss Rosa and Mr Steve
2:30 pm on December 2
Meet Mr. Steve and Miss Rosa, two stars of PBS KIDS preschool programming, and take part in a special singing and storytime appearance.
Dance-Along Nutcracker
12:30pm and 2:30pm on December 3
Get a taste of San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band's famous Dance-Along Nutcracker at this mini-Dance-Along. The Dance-Along Nutcracker is the San Francisco holiday favorite that has you dancing in the aisles. This year's show is a celebration of the 60s and 70s, as the Nutcracker, Sgt. Lemon-Pepper, takes Clara on a Magical Mystery Tour!
California Revels’ Solstice Ensemble
12:30 pm on December 4
Every December, California Revels presents a joyous production welcoming the return of the light, back from the darkness of winter. The Solstice Ensemble is the face and voice of the Revels at these events. Clad in emerald green and ruby red, this band of choristers brings the Revels tradition of seasonal celebration to the larger community.
Eskimo Traditions by Chuna McIntyre
12:30pm and 2:30pm on December 10, 11 and 18
Chuna McIntyre is a storyteller, artist and musician from Eek, Alaska. He grew up learning his Yupik Eskimo culture’s traditions, which now inspire the contemporary stories, sounds and images of Yupik culture that he performs around the world. His performance will move and astound you!
Radio Disney AM 1310 Road Crew
12:00pm - 1:30pm on December 17
Join the Road Crew in the Islands of Evolution exhibit for non-stop holiday entertainment. Play fun games, learn cool things about science and the environment, dance and sing along to your favorite tunes, and win awesome prizes!
Musical Art Quintet
12:30 pm and 2:30 pm on December 19 and 27
The Musical Art Quintet formed out of chamber music jam sessions at Cafe Revolution in San Francisco. They perform an improvisational and vibrant mix of classical, Argentine Tango, Afro-Cuban, klezmer, and even electronic music.
Ghirardelli Chocolate Day
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Steve Genzoli, VP of Chocolate Development at Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, will share the art and science of chocolate – from bean to bar. Enjoy complimentary samples. Learn more »
Yuletide Carolers
12:30 and 2:30 pm on December 21-22 and 24
Adorned in authentic Victorian attire, the Yuletide Carolers will entertain with unforgettable renditions of the some of the world’s favorite holiday tunes from a variety of traditions.
Un-Scripted Theater Company
12:30 and 2:30pm December 23, and December 28-30
Adorned in Victorian costumes, the talented comedians of the Un-Scripted Theater Company will perform a short musical play, mixing the Dickensian seasonal genre with a different genre chosen by the audience. The result will be a fun and absurd experience with quirky characters and sly narration. Not to be missed!
BATS Improv Comedy
12:30 pm and 2:30 pm on December 26, and January 1, 8 and 14
BATS Improv is the longest-running improv theatre in Northern California, and their unique theatrical experiences surprise and delight audiences of all ages. Their comedic performance at the Academy will incorporate fun natural science topics with wacky suggestions from the audience!
SPECIAL NEW YEAR’S PERFORMANCE!
Taiko Ren
12:30 pm and 2:30 pm on December 31
Celebrate the new year with traditional Taiko drum performance! “Taiko” is a Japanese style of drumming that combines dynamic movement and percussion. Taiko Ren explores this expressive and powerful art form to life through their joyful performances.
essence
12:30 and 2:30pm on January 7
Since touring with musicians Jason Mraz, Shawn Colvin, and Sarah McLaughlin, essence has begun creating spirited songs that have kids and kids-at-heart singing along. Her clever, imaginative, heartfelt, and witty songs and stage presence promise to engage, entertain, and educate. This performance marks the official San Francisco CD Release Party for essence’s fourth album - and first children's album - “A Dog Named Moo!”
Radio Disney AM 1310 Road Crew
1:00pm - 2:30pm on January 14
Join the Road Crew in the Islands of Evolution exhibit for non-stop entertainment. Play fun games, learn cool things about science and the environment, dance and sing along to your favorite tunes, and win awesome prizes!
Conservation Photography Workshop & Field Excursion
The Life of Water: From Headwaters to Oceans
Saturday January 14th and Sunday January 15th
Dive into the art of conservation photography during this hands-on, two-day workshop, which includes a photography workshop held at the Academy and a field excursion on the following day. The group will learn the method and techniques of conservation photography, and put them into practice on an all-day excursion to the waterfalls and salmon streams of the Mount Tamalpais watershed. Throughout the experience, Academy staff and guest experts will offer photographic guidance and insight into the subjects' natural history.
Buy Tickets |
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Reindeer Fact |
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Lichens and mosses are the reindeer’s favorite food. One species of lichen is so commonly eaten by Santa’s sleigh-pullers that it’s called “reindeer lichen.”
Name the Reindeer |
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Come meet our 8-month-old reindeer named Aurora! Congratulations to Destani Derrico, the winner of our Name the Reindeer Contest! Learn More
Ghirardelli Chocolate Day |
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On December 20th, enjoy complimentary chocolate samples and learn about the art and science of chocolate.
Academy Carols |
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Listen to our radio spot for a dose of holiday cheer with an Academy twist.
Store Open to All! |
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Just in time for the holidays, the doors to The Academy Store are open to all. No admission required! Come find that perfect gift during ’Tis the Season for Science, November 23 - January 16.
Share the Cheer! |
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Extend seasons greetings to your friends and family with a free Academy e-card. 4 additional gifts to choose from.
