CSULB opens doors, minds at Science LIVE!

Published October 6, 2025
By Wendy Thomas Russell Campus Update
Educator watches a child assemble a hands-on science project at a table.

Science LIVE! turned CSULB's Hall of Science into an open house last weekend, welcoming families, alumni and future Beach scientists for four hours of hands-on discovery. Departments across the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (CNSM) opened labs and classrooms so visitors could see science up close — astronomy on the plaza, creature encounters below ground and everything in between. 

"Seeing the next generation discover and get excited about science is incredibly gratifying," said Curtis Bennett, the Richard D. Green dean of CNSM.

More than 600 guests moved through a mix of stations: safe solar telescope viewing, an augmented-reality sandbox that “moved mountains,” chemistry demos, math puzzles and a fossil dig with real tools. In the shark and marine labs, visitors met live animals and heard how researchers study and protect local waters. The Mammal Lab let children get up close to a variety of with real animal skulls and skins. And the Science Learning Center kept K–8 scientists busy with simple experiments that made big ideas click. 

More broadly, faculty, students and community members traded questions and swapped “aha” moments, showing that science here is open to every age and background. 

"In CNSM, we really aim to be scientific leaders in the community and help create the scientists of tomorrow," Bennett said. "Events like these expose the community to science in a way that is accessible, memorable and ultimately fun."

Children shape an augmented reality sandbox displaying contour lines.
Visitors examine a small specimen in a biology lab surrounded by jars and displays.
Child looks into a microscope at a lab bench
Two students share rock and mineral samples with a child at an outreach table.
Visitors use solar telescopes near the campus tower during a daytime event.
Student volunteer speaks with a child at an observatory table outside.
Instructor explains patterns on a whiteboard to two children during a math lesson.
Facilitator leads a physics balance demo with a child on a rotating stool.
Student volunteer talks with a child at a marine touch tank in a lab.
Caregiver guides a child's hand to feel animal pelts at a touch table.