The North Bay Science Discovery Day is a one-day, free community science festival to spark curiosity and wonder in children and families in the San Francisco North Bay (hosted at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds).
The festival brings together 100+ organizations and 10,000 attendees — supported by 70 sponsors and 150 volunteers — for youth to talk with scientists and engineers while exploring 150+ interactive exhibits, from rockets and beehives, robots and sharks, catapults and hearts, animation, animals, art, and more.
Mission
To spark young people’s wonder and curiosity about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); to strengthen the San Francisco North Bay’s STEM learning ecosystem; and to connect the STEM industry, education, and public sectors to deepen and sustain young people’s STEM learning.
STEM-Rich Experiences
The North Bay Science Discovery Day provides opportunities for youth and families to experience STEM from over 100 exhibitors including from large corporations, small businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, research institutions, schools, and community clubs. The diversity in exhibitors as well as their STEM content offers attendees an incredible range of hands-on STEM activities, all designed to be engaging, interactive, and accessible for youth and families, highlighting the breadth and depth of the region’s STEM learning ecosystem.
We recognize that science festivals offer short engagements with hands-on science activities. We help exhibitors with intentional design to leverage these experiences for learning. Read more on the educator fact sheet.
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Outcomes
What do youth, families, and student volunteers experience and learn?
At the 2024 North Bay Science Discovery Day, youth, families, and student volunteers reported rich, engaging learning experiences that sparked curiosity and deepened their connection to science. Youth and families explored hands-on STEM activities that introduced scientific concepts in fun and accessible ways, promoting both enjoyment and learning. Many children left the event with a stronger sense of STEM identity (feeling that they could be scientists or engineers) and expressed excitement to learn more. Student volunteers gained valuable real-world experience in science communication, leadership, and community service, enhancing their confidence and sense of purpose. Collectively, participants described the day as inspiring and empowering, with lasting educational and personal impacts.
What are the event's larger impacts in the community?
The North Bay Science Discovery Day (NBSDD) creates profound ripple effects that extend well beyond the one-day event, fostering long-term benefits for the community. It strengthens the regional STEM ecosystem by connecting schools, businesses, nonprofits, and public agencies, promoting collaboration and shared goals. The event sparks curiosity and STEM identity among youth and adults alike, helping attendees (especially those from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds) see themselves as scientists or engineers. It also cultivates intergenerational engagement with science, weaves together families, sponsors, and educators, and raises public awareness of local educational initiatives. Importantly, it serves as a catalyst for forming new partnerships, affinity groups, and inclusive outreach strategies, all of which contribute to a more connected, informed, and equitable community.
History
The North Bay Science Discovery Day began in 2011 with the inspiration of the North Bay Leadership Council and a National Science Foundation grant through University of California, San Francisco's Bay Area Science Festival. The Buck Institute for Research on Aging recruited a volunteer team. In 2019, the event host transitioned to the University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources 4-H Youth Development Program.