The Youth Science Institute offer kids the opportunity to learn and explore in Nature. YSI maintains three Science and Nature Centers, where we deliver our hands-on science and experiential environmental education programs in Alum Rock Park, Vasona Lake County Park, and Sanborn County Park. Each Center has unique artifacts, collections, and resources that connect the public with nature while teaching science. Learn about our Summer Science Camps, weekend Science Safaris, School and Group Programs, and annual community events!

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Who We Are

The Youth Science Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to igniting a love of learning and enthusiasm for science. Since 1953, YSI has been a leader in hands-on, nature-based science education throughout Northern California.

Our Mission

Inspiring enthusiasm for science and a love of learning in children, families, and communities.

Our Approach

Engaging Programs: We offer School and Group Programs, Summer Science Camps, weekend Science Safaris, and annual community events.
Interactive Learning: Our activities include live animals, nature hikes, and inquiry-based science education across multiple disciplines.
Community Impact: Annually, we introduce nearly 30,000 students from pre-K to sixth grade to the wonders of science.

Our Nature Centers

Visit us at one of our three Science and Nature Centers

• Alum Rock Park, San Jose, CA
• Sanborn County Park, Saratoga, CA
• Vasona Lake County Park, Los Gatos, CA
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Open hours:

Sunday: 10:00 am-3:00 am
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Friday: 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am-3:00 pm

YS offers a wide variety of school and group programs that utilize nature to teach kids science. Our programs are available for grades K-6. Each grade level has NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) content and teacher resources.

Class Info

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