Youth doing science
UC Science Connect

North Bay Science Discovery Day

north bay science discovery day logo

Connecting children and families with science through hands-on exploration and interaction with STEM professionals

The North Bay Science Discovery Day is a free, one-day community science festival that brings children and families together with scientists, engineers, educators, students, and community organizations from across the San Francisco North Bay.

Hosted at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Discovery Day brings together more than 100 organizations and approximately 10,000 attendees for hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Children can build, test, observe, touch, investigate, ask questions, and talk directly with people who use science and engineering in their work.

Activities span a wide range of STEM fields and have included robotics, rockets, engineering design, health and medicine, animals and ecology, agriculture, chemistry, climate science, astronomy, computer science, 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. 

Connecting with Science

Discovery Day is designed around the idea that positive, direct experiences with science matter. Rather than simply receiving information, children interact with scientific materials, tools, phenomena, and people. Exhibitors are encouraged to create short, accessible experiences in which young people can do something themselves: make an observation, manipulate materials, build or test something, investigate a question, notice a result, or explain what they think is happening. Interaction with scientists and engineers is also central to the experience. Across the 2024, 2025, and 2026 events, 88% to 96% of surveyed attendees reported talking with a scientist, engineer, or someone working in a STEM field. These interactions help make science visible as a human and community endeavor and give young people opportunities to ask questions of people who create, apply, and communicate scientific knowledge.

kids learning about birds
families look at watershed table
three student volunteers

What We Are Learning

Line chart showing Discovery Day consistently sparked STEM wonder and curiosity from 2024 to 2026. Attendees selecting “Very much” or “Extremely” increased from 87% to 89% to 90%; volunteer ratings were 73%, 72%, and 78%, respectively.

UC ANR evaluates Discovery Day to understand participant experiences and improve the event. Results from 2024–2026 show consistently strong outcomes for attendees. Across the three years, attendees rated their overall experience above 9 out of 10, and 87%–90% reported that the event sparked their wonder and curiosity about STEM. Most also interacted directly with a STEM professional, with 88%–96% reporting that they spoke with a scientist, engineer, or someone working in a STEM field.

In 2026:

  • 91% were very or extremely interested in STEM after attending, compared with 67% before the event.
  • 89% said their confidence in their ability to understand science increased.
  • 84% said their confidence that science and scientists provide trustworthy information increased.
  • 94% were likely or very likely to seek out additional STEM activities, events, or information.
Stacked bar chart showing 2026 Discovery Day impacts on science understanding and trust. Understanding science increased for 88.9% of attendees and 82.5% of volunteers; trust in science and scientists increased for 84.0% of attendees and 85.5% of volunteers. No respondents reported decreases.

These findings suggest that Discovery Day does more than provide an enjoyable day of hands-on activities. It sparks curiosity, connects families with STEM professionals, strengthens interest and confidence related to science, and encourages continued engagement with STEM.

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.

Infographic titled "The Ripple Impacts from North Bay Science Discovery Days 2011 to 2024" highlights benefits like community building, STEM learning, and inspiring future scientists through engaging science events for youth.

History

The North Bay Science Discovery Day began in 2011 through the leadership of the North Bay Leadership Council and a National Science Foundation-supported initiative associated with the Bay Area Science Festival. The Buck Institute for Research on Aging subsequently coordinated the volunteer-led event. In 2019, responsibility for hosting Discovery Day transitioned to the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources 4-H Youth Development Program. Today, the event continues through collaboration among UC ANR, a volunteer planning committee, exhibitors, sponsors, student and adult volunteers, and organizations from throughout the North Bay.