Founded as a public learning laboratory in San Francisco, the Exploratorium is dedicated to creating inquiry-based experiences that transform learning worldwide through science, art, and human perception. The institution focuses on hands-on exploration, professional development for educators, and innovative approaches to science education.
1,500
Teacher leaders trained
58
Counties served
75,000 teachers
Professional development reach
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National Science Foundation Partnership
King's College London
MIT Media Lab Partnership
University of Washington Partnership
SRI International
The Exploratorium provides comprehensive professional development support through multiple channels. The Teacher Institute, active since 1984, serves as a professional development hub for middle and high school math and science teachers. Through workshops, summer institutes, and leadership programs, educators receive extensive training in inquiry-based teaching methods. The institution's effectiveness is demonstrated through its widespread impact on science education and teacher development nationwide.
5 days to 2 years
Program duration
These are the expert instructors who will be teaching you throughout the course. With a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience, they’re here to guide, inspire, and support you every step of the way. Get to know the people who will help you reach your learning goals and make the most of your journey.
Science Education Pioneer and Global STEM Learning Expert
This professional has transformed from a field geologist to a distinguished science educator over a career spanning nearly three decades. Their academic foundation includes a B.S. in Earth Science from UC Santa Cruz and an M.A. in Education from Columbia University, enhanced by their experience as a Wright Fellow at Tufts University's Wright Center for Innovation in Science Education. For the past twenty years, they have been a cornerstone of the Exploratorium Teacher Institute, where they focus on disseminating scientific content online and providing professional development for educators worldwide. Their impact on science education extends globally through workshops conducted across diverse locations from India to Costa Rica and Alaska to Australia. Their contributions to science education include authoring articles for prestigious publications such as The Science Teacher, The Physics Teacher, and various museum publications. Their unique background, beginning with geological fieldwork in the American Southwest before transitioning to education, brings a practical, hands-on perspective to their teaching methodology. Their work combines real-world scientific experience with innovative educational approaches, making complex scientific concepts accessible to educators and students worldwide.
Pioneer in Experiential Learning and Museum Education
Karen Wilkinson has established herself as a transformative figure in museum education through her role as Director of The Tinkering Studio at San Francisco's Exploratorium. Her innovative approach to learning combines playful experimentation with hands-on discovery, fundamentally shaped by constructionist principles and studio thinking methodology. With over two decades of experience in museum education, Wilkinson's expertise spans both education and technology sectors. Her most significant contribution to the field is co-authoring "The Art of Tinkering" with Mike Petrich, a comprehensive work that showcases the creative endeavors of makers and tinkerers who work at the intersection of art, science, and technology within the museum's walls. The book, which emerged from her practical experience at the Tinkering Studio, serves as a foundation for educational courses and demonstrates her commitment to fostering an environment where learning occurs through active engagement and creative exploration. Her leadership has helped establish the Tinkering Studio as a premier space for experimental learning, where visitors can engage with scientific phenomena through hands-on experiences and collaborative projects