Science Action Club
In-depth science in out-of-school time
Kids crave hands-on, feet-in-the-mud, look-under-rocks science. Recognizing the shortage of high-quality science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs for young people—especially those in underserved communities—the Academy launched Science Action Club (SAC) in 2011 to bring exciting, interactive science experiences to middle-schoolers globally.
By cultivating young people's innate curiosity about the natural world while honing their observational and analytical skills, SAC is empowering the next generation of science professionals and environmental ambassadors.
Real experiments designed by Academy experts
From conducting sky surveys and collecting insect specimens to assessing habitat health, SAC activities, experiments, and games get kids out in nature and contributing real observations to sustainability research.
The Academy’s trusted role as a museum, research institution, and educational trailblazer helps keep SAC’s curriculum materials cutting-edge and informed by emerging trends and best practices in environmental education.
Positive outcomes for participants and planet
Since debuting in the Bay Area in 2011, Science Action Club is now active in over 480 communities, reaching over 79,000 youth and educators from Anchorage to Albany. A 2020 post-participation survey proves the high impact of SAC curriculum:
- 80% of youth report "being in SAC makes me more curious about science and nature.”
- 89% of youth believe “anyone can be good at science” after participating in SAC, and “learning about science can help me better understand the natural world.”
- 98% of SAC educators report that the SAC training “was beneficial for my professional growth.”
Awards and accolades for Science Action Club
We're proud to announce that Science Action Club has won two coveted Brandon Hall Group Gold awards for Excellence in Learning!
In their own words
Read about SAC’s profound impact on a student, trainer, and activity leader.
