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Sunday, January 28, 2018

Aero Design Challenge at Hiller - Free Program

There are a few spots left for the final public session of the Aero Design Challenge. This is an annual event providing middle school students with opportunities to experience the engineering process with hands-on. They'll be challenged to design, build, test and improve a catapult-launched glider in an attempt to set a new distance record.

The challenges starts with a series of experiences on the theme of gliding flight, including wind tunnel tests, observations of real gliders and sailplanes, and flight simulation. Participants then work in small teams to construct and test a glider before competing their design against other teams. Aero Design Challenge is available at no charge to participants, thanks to sponsors Peaxy and SAP.

It's a 3-hour program open to grades 5-12. Engineers Week is a 1.5-hour experience for Grades 4-8. During each program, students will explore various stations throughout the Hiller Aviation Museum with their teachers, parents or chaperones while completing a design challenge. A parent, teacher or adult chaperone must accompany participants at all times while visiting the museum.

Registration is required.  Individuals or small groups can register through this link. If you have a group of 12 or more, reaching out to Hiller directly.

Hiller Aviation Museum is in San Carlos.

Saturday, January 27, 2018

Free Zoo Entrance Through January 31

Okay, so it's really just free kids' admission to the San Francisco Zoo and Gardens, but that is something! They're letting in all kids ages 14 and younger in at no cost through January 31, 2018, as part of the zoo's “Happy Zoo Year” promotion.

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Opinion study: Social Media - $125 or $150 in Menlo Park

Probe Research is doing an opinion study on January 30th and January 31st. The incentive is $125/$150 the time commitment is 30/130 minutes. The study takes place in Menlo Park and the topic is social media.

If interested, fill out their pre-survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/83QZM3P and they'll contact you if you qualify or they want more information.

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Coming Up: Mochi Pounding at the Asian Art Museum

Funny that this came across my desk, as I just saw videos of another travel writer pounding mochi in Japan. Well, now we can all try. The Asian Art Museum is hosting its mochi pounding Japanese new year tradition ceremony and you can get in on the action. This sweet rice doughy treat will be pounded (with lots of entertaining ceremony involved) from noon to 1 on January 20.

Please note that this is on the same day as Women’s March at Civic Center (rally at noon, march at 2 pm), so some streets will be closed. The museum emphasizes that their mochi celebration is about community and building intercultural communication through the arts, which connects to the values of the Women’s March: diversity, communication, and a safe space for all cultures. They encourage those attending the march to come, even if you just want to entertain the kids before the walk begins.



When: Saturday, January 20 from noon to 1 - capacity is limited.
11-2 - paper crane folding
Where: Asian Art Museum - 200 Larkin
Cost: free with entrance - kids 12 and under always free

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures in Tucson - with Kids

We visit Tucson almost every year, and the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures has been on my list to see for the last few. I finally made it a priority, and am glad I did.

This historic dollhouse opens its front automatically to reveal the rooms and dolls inside at the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures in Tucson. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan

The fun start when you walk in. There's a miniature door on the side, a regular size door within the large door (and a massive handle too). We got a kick out of that. The museum hosts 400 miniature houses and room boxes, with permanent and temporary exhibits. They have three main areas: the Enchanted Realm, History Gallery and Exploring the World.

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Review: Tipsy Tea Party in Phoenix

When in Phoenix visiting family, the ladies sometimes go for tea (while the guys find a craft brew pub). With the  2017 opening of the Tipsy Tea at the Camby, we had to go there.

The tea is in the Bees Knees, a dark paneled classic bar with mirrored walls and banquettes. Casablanca was silently playing on the wall above the fireplace. 


Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan