Chabot Space & Science Center

This is the second year we have joining membership at Chabot Space & Science Center. Joshua loved this place since the first time he was there. In here, Joshua has developed his great interests of stars, planets, rocket ships, and space shuttles.

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At age 3, Joshua can name all the planets. By this time, only 9 of them. I often asked: 'do you love mama?' He would nob his head, said 'yes, I love mama'. I asked ' Do you know that mama loves you?' Joshua would nob his head again. He said: 'I love mama like a space shuttle, mama loves me as big as planet earth!'

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I recommend this place for everyone to go especially if you have a 3 years old toddler. Lots of hand on experiences at the discovery lab.

Also we have watched many movies here. There are two domes:

1. Ask Jeeves Planetarium

is a full-dome digital projection system. This next generation projection technology is the most state-of-the-art on the planet. This new system is capable of projecting a brilliant seamless image over the entire 70-foot dome surface and can deliver jaw-dropping digital sound. The images surround the audience, extending beyond the peripheral vision, leading to an experience that is fully immersive and engaging.The digital dome seats 240 people under a 70-foot diameter screen, and features live and pre-recorded shows.

2. Tien Megadome Theater

Hold onto your seat in this 70-foot dome-screen auditorium! The theater seats 210 people, and is home to the Bay Area's only 70mm, 8-perf projection system. Presentations feature thrilling, larger-than-life films capable of convincing viewers they are really aboard a Space Shuttle lift-off, navigating the celestial labyrinth of outer space, or discovering the mysteries of the ocean floor.

From the previous visits, we have watched "Astronaut", "Black Holes", "Search for Life", "Secret of the Rocket", and "Sky Tonight" at the Ask Jeeves Planetarium. Among those, " Secret of the Rocket" is the most interesting one for toddlers. It is in this movie, Joshua learn about 9 planets! Also the "Black Holes" is also Joshua's favor. However it is difficult for him to understand the development of black holes. He liked the big ban explosion of the stars scene in it.

Last Saturday we finally got to watch the "Dinosaurs Alive" movie at the Magadome theater. It was an magnificent experience for Joshua. It features the earliest dinosaurs of the Triassic Period to the monsters of the Cretaceous "reincarnated" life-sized for the giant screen. After that, we even dig out the dinosaurs bones from the sand box on the activity bench held by the weekend school volunteers. Now Joshua has his own set of T-Rex bone puzzles to build at home.

Every time we visit, both the kid and parents get to learn new things about our planet earth, and the universe. Last weekend, they have a program called 'kids go green' at the discovery lab for kids to learn more about what can do to protect our Earth's climate and environment. Here is the

"10 things that you can do to conserve water and help reduce global warming"

In the kitchen

1. Store drinking water in the refrigerator rather then letting the tap run every time you want cold water.

2. Wash only full loads in the dishwasher and soak pots and pans overnight.

3. Use the least possible soap to reduce rinse time.

In the Bathroom

4. Install an Energy Efficient Aerator which reduces flow by 50% but not pressure! 5. Install energy efficient showerheads to reduce a 5 min shower that usually uses 30gal by 50%.

6. Insulate water heater/pipes to decrease the time water is heated before it can be used.

In the Garden/Backyard

7. Grow native plants that are already adjusted to local conditions and don't require extra water attention.

8. Resod/reseed with grasses that require less water.

9. Water your plants early in the morning or late in afternoon to cut down on water evaporation before it reaches roots.

10. Use homemade compost in your garden to retain moisture in soil.

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http://www.chabotspace.org/