Membership Events and Perks

Members enjoy FREE members-only events. Check back here for ticketing as space is limited.    

Past events:

• IMAX Behind the Scenes
  Have you ever wondered how the IMAX laser projector operates and what it takes to put on stunning visual renditions of educational films and Hollywood productions alike? Members now have a special opportunity to find out! We have arranged for our IMAX Dome Theater chief projectionist to give members a peek behind the scenes in a virtual webinar.
  Watch the replay
  
  
• Paper Engineering Workshop
  Do you like building things? Want to do a fun STEM project that takes about an hour? Join us for a virtual Tech Challenge Paper Engineering Workshop! The Tech Challenge, presented by Zoom Video Communications, has introduced teams of students in Grades 4–12 to engineering design for over 34 years. This special activity is free and open to members who want to enjoy a fun engineering design activity. For young participants we suggest ages 5 and up; adults of all ages may also like to try it out. All you will need to have ready is paper of any kind, scissors, and a little tape.
  Check out our activity
  
  
• Caution! Wildlife Crossing
  Calling all kids! You’re invited to a virtual, hands-on experience of Caution! Wildlife Crossing. Our newest design challenge focuses on animals and biodiversity. Members get a special opportunity to be guided in this design challenge by The Tech’s experienced staff and learn more about the need for wildlife crossings in our own community. This engineering experience is focused on ages 6 and up and can be done with things you find around your home!
  Check out our activity
  
  
• Leaf-ing Through Your Closet: Cabbage Tie-Dye
  Who said cabbage was boring? Free your cabbage from the crisper and put it to work making awesome tie-dye creations!
  For thousands of years, people have used colors from nature to create art. Many plants have natural pigments, and the one in red cabbage is very special—it can change color when it is mixed with ingredients from your kitchen. Join Caitlin Nealon, Ph.D., one of the scientists behind our Biotinkering activities, and Maria Robles Gonzalez, while we showcase the artistic possibilities of the science behind color-changing cabbage pigments. They’ll show you how to use these natural pigments with different tie-dye techniques in an event that’s full of chemistry and cruciferous art! Check out the Cabbage Inks activity guide referenced here.
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• Inspiring Innovators: A Behind-the-Scenes look at The Tech Challenge
  Before there was The Tech, there was The Tech Challenge! Now in its 34th year, The Tech Challenge is an engineering design challenge for students in Grades 4 to 12.
  Join Greg Brown, founder of The Tech Challenge, and Abby Longcor, Senior Director of The Tech Challenge as they talk about this exciting STEM experience. From planning and prototyping to testing and implementation, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how The Tech Challenge comes to be and an exclusive sneak peek at the 2021 project.
  Watch the replay
  
  
• Secrets of the Universe
  Join The Tech Interactive and Manuel Calderón de la Barca Sánchez, UC Davis physics professor and the star of the large-format film, "Secrets of the Universe," on a journey to explore some of life’s biggest questions about our planet and universe. Enjoy this family-friendly virtual event featuring clips from the film and a Q&A.
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• See Yourself In Science: A Chat with Future Scientists
  Learn what it’s like to be a scientist-in-training, potential career paths in biology, what a genetic counselor does, or how to plan for graduate school as a college or high school student. Our resident geneticist from Stanford University, Dr. Abbey Thompson, will speak with a panel of graduate students from Stanford biology programs about their path to grad school and their career plans for the future. 
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• If We Build it, Will They Come? A Behind-the-Scenes look at The Tech Interactive
  Join Michelle Maranowski, Ph.D., exhibit and content developer at The Tech Interactive, as she pulls back the curtain on how our exciting and engaging exhibitions come to life.  From planning and ideation to testing and installation, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at some of your favorite things to do at The Interactive.
  Watch the replay
  
  
• Hands-on Cooking Night
  Chef Tony, owner of The Tech Cafe and Tony Caters, hosted a culinary activity. Watch the replay for tips on handling a chopping knife like a pro, working with dough, and emulsifying a perfect vinaigrette. Don’t forget, members get 10% off at Tony’s to Go by using promo code:TECHMEMBER.
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• The Technology Behind Fireworks Webinar
  Join Pete Adams, State of California licensed commercial and theatrical pyrotechnician, for a behind-the-scenes look at the chemistry, physics and electronics behind modern fireworks displays.
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Dates are subject to change. We’ll email you when tickets are available. Please list info@thetech.org as a trusted address in your email client. If you have opted-out of email, you can check back here for updated info and ticketing.

All members of The Tech Interactive receive free or reduced admission to more than 300 science and technology centers worldwide through the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) Passport Program. Local restrictions apply to museums located within 90 miles of your residence and/or your host museum’s location. See the section on this page labeled ASTC Local Reciprocal Program Agreement for exceptions to this rule.

View the ASTC Passport Program list of participating institutions and policies.

ASTC Local Reciprocal Program Agreement

We have an exception to the local 90-mile restriction in the ASTC Passport Program:  All members of The Tech Interactive receive 50% off admission for each named cardholder at the following Bay Area institutions, which are exceptions to the local restriction. Family Membership Level and higher also receive 50% off admission for up to four children.

• Lindsay Wildlife Experience (Walnut Creek)

• Happy Hollow Park & Zoo (San Jose)

• CuriOdyssey (San Mateo)

• Children’s Creativity Museum (San Francisco)

• The Lawrence Hall of Science (University of California, Berkeley)

• Chabot Space and Science Center (Oakland)

The Tech Interactive also offers this reciprocal benefit to members of the above institutions when they visit The Tech Interactive. Participants in this local agreement are subject to change at any time. Please call ahead to confirm reciprocal discounts.

ASTC Passport Policies

• Always bring your member card(s) and valid ID.

• Reciprocal admission policies vary by institution. Before your visit, please contact the institution to confirm its reciprocal admission benefits.

• Reciprocal admission policies are voluntary and subject to change at any time

• Reciprocity extends only to regular museum admission. It does not include special exhibit fees, additional attractions, program discounts or store discounts.

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A gift certificate to The Tech Interactive unlocks a day full of creativity, making and fun for someone you care about. They can even be used toward a membership!

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