Grade School

X-ray Vision Isn’t Just for Superman: The Leidos® Experience

As a leading supplier of security scanning equipment to the Department of Homeland Security and customs organizations around the world, Leidos is proud to open our doors and introduce San Diego’s kids, parents, teachers, industry leaders and community member to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) as part of the San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering.

Clean Water Warriors

Explore nature nestled right in the heart of Mission Valley! This special event will include lots of opportunities for kids to practice hands-on science, learn about nearby nature, and share their new knowledge with the community. Kids will get to skim for plankton samples and analyze them, collect river water samples and test the water quality, and go on a guided nature walk along the San Diego River! This hands-on learning opportunity is a great way for the whole family to get outdoors and get to know our region’s namesake waterway!

Ms. Smarty-Plants™ Garden Field Trip

Visit Ms. Smarty-Plants™ at the beautiful Water Conservation Garden for an outdoor learning adventure! Play along with her special mixture of music and magic, as Ms. Smarty-Plants™ ignites the EARTH HERO in each of us. Learn a special song in American Sign Language, and be inspired to change the world. Kids will enjoy an interactive lesson about the importance of water, tour The Garden’s trails, and plant a succulent to take home. The program is 90 minutes in length and is in line with California State Standards, and NGSS.

League of Extradordinary Scientists and Enginneers and J Craig Venter Institute

In the “Making Waves” tour, kids and adults will be introduced to marine plankton and encouraged to think critically about what makes them unique and important in providing much of our oxygen and key players at the base of the marine food web. This event will include the JCVI Mobile BioLab, a modified motor coach, outfitted with advanced laboratory equipment. We will have multiple types of microscopes onboard enabling participants to visualize the microscopic work of marine phytoplankton.

Hike Eagle Peak Preserve & Practice Citizen Science!

This is your chance to be one of the few lucky people to explore the beautiful open space of Eagle Peak Preserve, a 1152 acre conservation area owned by the San Diego River Park Foundation! This area is normally not open to the public, but for River Kids Discovery Days, we will be taking a special group on a guided hike of this special space! Take in the breathtaking views of the San Diego River Gorge, explore the expansive open space, and practice citizen science!

Coastal Habitat Restoration - at the beach!

You can help save one of the last Coastal Dune Habitats in San Diego! This special ecological area at the mouth of the San Diego River is home to threatened and endangered plant and animal species. Join the Friends of the San Diego River Mouth for family-friendly conservation activities; including invasive plant removal, native plant watering, trail maintenance and litter removal. Your work will help to keep this special place beautiful for visitors and maintain native habitats for birds and other animals. An educational walking tour will be included.

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It takes true community spirit and engagement to build a successful Festival Week and momentum to support ongoing programs. Our mission is to provide meaningful year-round STEAM experiences for youth and adults alike in San Diego, and throughout the state of CA through our virtual platform.

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