Science Education

Sparking a Love for Science

LVOC’s open and unclassified environment is ideal for science education and outreach activities. The ability to bring diverse groups of students, educators, and life-long learners to campus is vital in increasing access to world-changing science and technology. From exciting summer camps to free workshops for teachers, LVOC hosts science education activities sure to inspire current and future generations.

Entrance to Discovery Center
Discovery Center Logo

Sited on LVOC, the Discovery Center provides visitors with a window into our science and technology through engaging demonstrations, games, and displays. Exhibits are designed to excite the next generation of researchers about new innovations and the work that we do at the Laboratory. The Discovery Center is open noon to 4 p.m. on weekdays and is closed on major holidays.

Learn more about The Discovery Center

Education Programs

Person presenting to a group of students

Fun with Science

The Discovery Center offers free Fun with Science field trips to 5th grade students from local elementary schools. Fun with Science field trips introduce students to the science behind the National Ignition Facility, the world’s largest and most energetic laser system. Students will learn about the concepts of light, lasers, optics, and physics through demos, hands-on activities, and science displays.

Learn more about Fun with Science

Person presenting to a group of students

Teacher Research Academy

For more than 20 years, LLNL has offered the Teacher Research Academy (TRA) program to middle school, high school, and community college teachers looking for unique professional development experiences. At no cost to educators, TRA workshops enhance curricula with the latest advancements in science and technology.

Learn more about Teacher Research Academy

Group of SAGE students

SAGE

Science Accelerating Girls’ Engagement (SAGE) is a free one-week summer camp headquartered at LVOC for public high school students from all backgrounds. Hosted by professional scientists and engineers with a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), SAGE builds community, fosters innovation, and sets students on a path to exciting careers. 

Learn more about SAGE

Person holding a phone

STEM with Phones

Smartphones are a powerful educational tool and a low-cost complement to traditional physics teaching methods to reinforce students’ interest in learning. Hands-on workshops at LVOC make physics experiments more engaging with built-in phone sensors so students and teachers can attach real-world experiences to abstract concepts.

Learn more about STEM with Phones

Classroom in front of projector screen

Class Visits

See more of LVOC on one of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s planned tours. High school teachers are invited to bring their class for an onsite or virtual visit to several premier facilities, including the National Ignition Facility (NIF), the National Atmospheric Release Advisory Center (NARAC), and the Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory (AML).

Learn more about Class Visits and Virtual Tours

Public Tours

Public tours coming soon, check back for more information.

Tour group in front of a building

 

Partnering with Us

Potential collaborators come to LVOC with different challenges, capabilities, and resources. We tailor engagements to help meet your needs. If you have a big idea that could benefit from national laboratory expertise, we’d like to hear from you. Connect with us to explore opportunities for collaborations or plan a visit to the campus.

Get in Touch with LVOC