Youth Science Institute - YSI

Youth Science Institute - YSI Check out our website to register for summer camps, school programs, Science Saturdays, Science Safaris, and more!! www.youthscience.org

Youth Science Institute is a nonprofit organization that partners with nature to teach science to 30,000 preschool through 8th grade students annually. Since 1953, YSI has inspired children's enthusiasm for science and a love of learning, developed critical thinking skills, and forged connections with nature that foster personal health and earth stewardship. YSI delivers school and community progr

ams, summer science camps, after-school programs, and family events at its Science and Nature Centers at Alum Rock, Sanborn, and Vasona Parks, and in schools throughout the Silicon Valley and the Peninsula. YSI’s vision is ambitious: to reach every child in Santa Clara County and Silicon Valley with hands-on science education, and to reach them multiple times each year. One key strategy of our vision is to continue to increase the number of Title One schools and financially and academically at-risk students we serve.

YSI is home to all kinds of fascinating neighbors — including black widows 🕷️While cleaning behind a desk, we safely dis...
06/02/2026

YSI is home to all kinds of fascinating neighbors — including black widows 🕷️

While cleaning behind a desk, we safely discovered a black widow and even found her egg casing tucked away nearby. Moments like these are a great reminder to always clean carefully around dark, hidden spaces and to respect the wildlife that may share our environment.

🪰Black widows play an important role in ecosystems by helping control insect populations, including flies and other small pests. Though they may look intimidating, they are typically shy animals that prefer to avoid people.

🧹When safely rehousing spiders, it’s important to move slowly, avoid direct contact, and use containers or tools to gently relocate them to a safer outdoor space away from human activity. Respecting all life also means practicing safety and compassion for both people and wildlife.

Meet Sunny D ☀️ and Topaz 💎 — our crayfish who were born back in September!These two get their stunning blue and red col...
06/01/2026

Meet Sunny D ☀️ and Topaz 💎 — our crayfish who were born back in September!

These two get their stunning blue and red colors from genetics passed down by their parents. Crayfish coloration can vary based on inherited pigments and proteins in their shells, creating beautiful shades ranging from deep reds to vibrant blues.

Even siblings can grow into completely different colors, which makes each crayfish unique!

🌱♻️May 29th is World Composting Day ♻️🌱Composting is one of the simplest and most meaningful ways to give back to the pl...
05/29/2026

🌱♻️May 29th is World Composting Day ♻️🌱

Composting is one of the simplest and most meaningful ways to give back to the planet. Instead of tossing food scraps into the trash, they can be transformed into nutrient-rich soil that helps plants thrive, improves soil health, and reduces landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

You can start composting at home with something as simple as a small bin or container.
🍎🍋🌽🧅🥚Collect fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and yard trimmings.
❌🙅🏼‍♀️🙅‍♂️🥩🧀🍟Avoid meat, dairy, and oily foods. Mix “greens” (food scraps) with “browns” (like dry leaves, paper, or cardboard), and let nature do the rest with time, air, and a little moisture.

It’s a gentle, everyday practice that turns waste into life — a reminder that caring for the earth often starts right in our own kitchens 🌍

Stay tuned and keep your eyes out… something new is beginning to grow at YSI 👀🌿

05/28/2026

Our Southern Painted Turtle’s feeding time 🐢💦

Oh no — his food isn’t too big! These pellets are made to float and soak up water first so they become soft, chewy, and malleable enough for him to break apart easily. That’s why you’ll see them bobbing around at the surface before snack time begins! 🐢💚

May 23rd was World Turtle Day 🐢
World Turtle Day is also a reminder to help protect wild turtles by keeping waterways clean, respecting their habitats, and never releasing pet turtles into the wild.

There’s nothing quite like bringing the magic of YSI out into the community! ✨ We had the incredible opportunity to atte...
05/27/2026

There’s nothing quite like bringing the magic of YSI out into the community! ✨
We had the incredible opportunity to attend the Education Day, where we got to showcase our animals and connect with hundreds of enthusiastic kids.

Thank you so much to the San Jose Giants for having us and for hosting such an amazing event that celebrates learning. We’re still smiling from all the excitement! 🏟️❤️

What a beautiful morning spent filming with ☀️🎥We’re so grateful for this wonderful opportunity to share YSI and the ma...
05/22/2026

What a beautiful morning spent filming with ☀️🎥

We’re so grateful for this wonderful opportunity to share YSI and the magic of connecting people with nature.

Our animal ambassadors Polly🐸 and Cheddar🐍 joined us to help represent YSI and absolutely stole the show.

A special shoutout to Olivia and Emma for helping bring our animals on set and sharing the heart of YSI! ✨

Stay tuned… we can’t wait to share what’s to come! 💚

💜Better Together💜 was more than an event, It was a reminder of what we can do when we show up for each other The afterno...
05/18/2026

💜Better Together💜 was more than an event, It was a reminder of what we can do when we show up for each other
The afternoon was spent crafting seed bombs with native California seeds to bring pollinators to our community, painted rocks, made custom buttons and spent time with some pretty amazing animals, but the real magic was all of you.
Events like this matter because community matters and you showed up beautifully. Thank you for being part of this stay tuned for what’s to come next 💜🐝

animals

Your guide to today’s fun! Here’s how to find us inside Alum Rock County Park for our Better Together event. Save this, ...
05/16/2026

Your guide to today’s fun! Here’s how to find us inside Alum Rock County Park for our Better Together event. Save this, screenshot it, and share it!
We’ll see you soon!
📆 May 16th | 11 AM-3PM
📍 YSI Alum Rock

nceinstitute

🌿 Tomorrow is the day! 🎉Better Together Community Day is TOMORROW and we cannot wait to see you there! Meet our amazing ...
05/15/2026

🌿 Tomorrow is the day! 🎉

Better Together Community Day is TOMORROW and we cannot wait to see you there! Meet our amazing animal ambassadors, get crafty with nature inspired activities, and spend a beautiful afternoon outside with your community. 🦉🐍🎨

It’s free. It’s for everyone. And it’s going to be a really good time.

📅 Tomorrow, May 16th | 11 AM – 3 PM
📍 YSI Alum Rock County Park
See you there! 💚🌱

Address

333 Blossom Hill Rd
Los Gatos, CA
95032

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 3:15pm
Tuesday 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 10am - 3pm
Thursday 10am - 3pm
Friday 10am - 3pm
Saturday 11am - 3pm

Telephone

+14083564945

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Youth Science Institute - YSI posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Youth Science Institute - YSI:

Shortcuts

Share

Category