The Tech Interactive (formerly The Tech Museum of Innovation) in San Jose, California delivers family friendly, interactive experience focused in science and technology for people of all ages and was awarded a National Medal for Museum and Library Science in 2015.
This award is the highest honor a museum in the United States can have bestowed.
History
The idea for the Tech Museum of Innovation came from the Junior League of Palo Alto in 1978 with the Junior League of San Jose joining the collaboration shortly after. The Garage opened in 1990 in the former downtown San Jose convention center and became a educational resource in science and technology for children and families. In 1998, the facility moved into a 132,000-square foot facility and became The Tech Museum of Innovation.
The museum hosts 500,000 visitors annually and works with internationally renowned programs to make science and technology accessible for everyone. The museum is open daily from 10am-5pm and only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Exhibits
The Tech’s galleries offer interactive experience that explore technological advancement, history and innovation. Exhibits can change regularly making each visit to the museum unique.
Bio Design Studio- This studio focuses on how biology and technology have become integrated and is poised to propel future innovation. Exhibits here are interactive and hands on while education on synthetic and DIY biology, bioengineering, and biological design.
Body Metrics- Wearable technology allows visitors a chance to peek into their physical and emotional selves while exploring their own body metrics and health care techniques that are advancing biological understanding and mental wellbeing. Exhibits are meant to inspire visitors to improve their health.
Cyber Detective- The first exhibit in the US to educate visitors on internet safety, crime associated with online activities and internet security. This exhibit is best for children over 12.
Exploration Gallery- One of the most popular exhibits, visitors can explore phenomena of the earth such as earthquakes and experience the weightlessness of being in outer space.
Innovation in Health Care-Learn about how a dog can sniff out cancer, remotely diagnose medical conditions, find new ways to bring water to developing nations, experiment with new materials and build constraints, and learn about vaccines, nanotech, and 3D Printing.
Reboot Reality- This new exhibit brings digital technology to the lab through virtual, augmented and mixed reality companies and researchers. This exhibit allows visitors to create 3D virtual art, explore other worlds, and experience a story in a whole new way.
Social Robots- Build your own robot while visiting this exhibit that allows guests to use technology otherwise inaccessible to most people.
The Tech Studio- A collaborative space used to problem solve STEAM experiences and designing technology such as wind powered cars that will bring out the innovator in all ages.
Education Opportunities
While the galleries and labs are full of education in science and technology, The Tech also offers workshops and drop in activities to enhance the learning experience. Workshops and activity schedules can be found online. Advance registration for workshops is recommended as they fill up quickly. Drop in activities can be found in the Tech Studio and Atrium and are free with general admission to The Tech.
The Bowers Institute- This resource for educators allows teachers access to online resources, and a multi-year intensive program that will build their skills in Design Challenge Learning and STEM teaching curriculum.
Field Trips- Students from K-12 can enjoy field trips at The Tech with title one schools in California receiving free admission. Students can explore the galleries, labs, and watch a production in the IMAX Theater. Booking a field trip can be done online.
The Tech Challenge- This annual event invites students in grades 4-12 to solve a real-world problem using engineering. Projects are collaborative and teams spend months designing their projects which are presented in a weekend showcase in April where they must show their solution in action. Judges are present and awards are given out.
Girl Scouts- The museum offers opportunities for Girl Scouts from brownies to cadets to earn badges while participating in The Tech exhibits and programming. Badge programs are limited to 25 participants and must have a minimum of 10 girls.
IMAX Theater- The IMAX Theater features educational films focused on science, technology, and biology. Each film is 45 minutes long with a schedule and details on films available on line and in The Tech Museum.
Summer Camps- The Tech offers summer camps annually for grades 4-8 where participants will explore real world subjects with professional educators. Registration is limited; however, 18 classes are offered.
201 South Market Street, San Jose, California, 95113, website, Phone: 408-294-8324, Map
