Science Live
Watch Scientists at Work
Most of the work at the Academy happens in its back offices, laboratories, and collection rooms. But we’re now bringing some of it out for you to see.
Watch as our scientists and archivists press plant specimens, analyze algae samples, sort and identify insects, prepare bird skins, or care for antique lantern slides. Feel free to ask them about their work.
The work changes each day, but one or more of our scientists or archivists will be at Science Live from 1–3 pm on most Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Please check for the current daily schedule when you arrive at the Academy. (Science Live is located just outside the Auditorium.)
Stop by on your next visit to see what’s keeping us busy.
Bird Skinning at Science Live
Watch Dr. Nate Rice, Collection Manager for Ornithology, and his co-workers as they prepare and add bird specimens to the collections. The Academy's Ornithology Collection is one of the largest and most complete scientific collections in the world. It houses nearly 200,000 study skins and contains almost every species of bird living on the planet.
You can watch bird skinning at Science Live on most Wednesdays from 1–3 pm.