Special Field Trip Events

Any field trip day to The Tech is special, but sometimes we make it extra special with unique events and programs designed to serve a specific audience or celebrate a particular topic. Check back regularly for upcoming specialty field trip events or programs.

National AI Literacy Day Summit

March 27, 2026

Join us on Friday, March 27, 2026, for a nationwide day of action focused on exploring the fundamental question, “What is AI?”

To advance our mission of promoting AI literacy through education, The Tech is hosting our third annual National AI Literacy Day Summit, in partnership with The EDSAFE AI Alliance, aiEDU, and Common Sense Media. We invite students, educators, and community members from across Silicon Valley to join us in exploring the rapidly evolving technology that is shaping our world.

Field trip groups visiting the museum on March 27 will have access to special activities and experiences highlighting AI innovations in the real world. We will also have lots of hands-on activities for students to practice the skills necessary for being responsible AI users.

DNA Day

April 24-25, 2026

Celebrate with us on National DNA Day -  a day to celebrate the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 and the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA in 1953! 

To celebrate, The Tech and our partners at Stanford Genetics will be presenting genetics-based activities all day! Here’s what your students will have the opportunity to do on their field trip (in addition to all our other amazing experiences!)

ChromoZONE

CSI San Jose: Use genetics to discover who left their DNA at a crime scene.
DNA Necklaces: Extract your own DNA and take it home in a necklace!

  • Times: 10am-12pm, 12:30pm-2:30pm
  • Location: Biotinkering Lab

PTC Tasting: Discover if you're a "taster" or a "non-taster" of PTC, a bitter compound found in food! In this fun, interactive challenge, explore how your genetics shape the way you experience taste.

  • Times: Please check upon arrival for times
  • Location: Body Worlds Decoded 

DNA friendship bracelets: Create a colorful bracelet inspired by DNA’s perfect pairs! Use beads to represent base pairs and design a unique accessory to wear or share with a friend. It’s the perfect mix of biology, bonding, and beadwork—because great friendships, like DNA, are all about the perfect match!

  • Times: Please check upon arrival for times
  • Location: Lower Level Atrium

DNA and Genetics Science Lab (add-on experience): In this hands-on science lab, students investigate the mysteries of DNA and genetics including extracting their own DNA to see it with the naked eye!

  • Times: 9:30 am, 11 am, and 12:30 pm
  • This experience is a paid add-on experience and must be booked at least three weeks in advance. 

 

Past Events

Teen Week

January 27 - 30, 2026
Middle and High School Only

Dedicated to providing unique and engaging programming to teens across the Bay Area and beyond, Teen Week is reserved just for middle and high school students at The Tech.

Throughout the week we will feature programs and experiences that are aimed towards teens as they begin to navigate their next steps in education and explore career options.

The Great Shakeout

October 16, 2025
All ages

Prepare for the next “Big One” by joining us for the biggest earthquake drill in the world! The Great ShakeOut is an international event that brings together millions of people each year to participate in an earthquake drill, all at the same time! A practice drill will take place at 10:30 a.m., and there will be special hands-on activities throughout the day, and the chance to interact with experts who will share information on geology, earthquake preparedness, rescue, and more. 

 

Computer Science Education Week

December 9 - 12, 2025

Celebrate the power of creativity and code! Join us for a week of hands-on activities and challenges that showcase how computer science shapes our world. Activities include:
- Escape the Gingerbread House: Dodge gingerbreads and candy gum drops to find your way out of the gingerbread maze! Use scratch code blocks and work as a team to navigate obstacles in this hands-on coding challenge.
- Machine Learning Unplugged: Explore machine learning and practice thinking like a computer in this arctic themed guessing game.
- Arctic Animal I Spy: Can you spot an AI generated image? Put your skills to the test and learn about some tips and tricks to determine what is real and what is AI.
- Ancient DNA: Use your computational thinking skills to solve genetic puzzles about ancient organisms.

Finished Planning Your Field Trip?