STEAM Spotlight

Learn about gravity and the chemical makeup of planets with exciting hands-on activities with CJ, an Interpretation Specialist at the Burke.

CJ became interested in informal education while completing their Bachelors of Science in Astrophysics at Michigan State University. There, they found a life-long love for science communication while presenting shows and researching at their local planetarium. CJ then received a Masters in Curating Science from the University of Leeds. Over the last decade, CJ has held numerous positions at planetariums across the country, including at the local Pacific Science Center and serving as the State Chair for the Great Lakes Planetarium Association in Michigan.  

They are excited to share seemingly complex scientific topics in a way that highlights that anyone can be involved with STEAM if they are interested! 

More Activities on Free First Thursday

Experience Alcoves | Shapes and Patterns
All day

Stop by the Floor 2 and 3 Experience Alcoves for crafts and activities. Learn more.
 

BLUEs.Weave in the Artist Studio
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

BLUEs.Weave (Jai Kobi Kaleo'okalani) will host a listening-and-performance-based activation of the Black musical archiveby non-linearly exploring the branches of the tree of Black music (blues, jazz, hip hop, and more), they hope to reveal through-line interests, goals, and modes of expression across time and across these traditions. Learn more.

Biology Workroom
2–5 p.m.

Learn about marine mammals with visiting educators from the Seattle Aquarium.
 

Collections Open Doors | Paleontology
3–6 p.m.

Talk to members of the Burke Paleontology team about a newly described fossil pareiasaur (Permian reptile) from Niger.
 

Collections Open Doors | Archaeology
4:30–7:30 p.m.

Just in time for Valentine's Day, learn how chocolate appears in the archaeological record through Mesoamerican vessels.