Dec
10
9:30 AM09:30
Jan
6
5:00 PM17:00
Jan
14
7:00 PM19:00
STEM Café: Forensic Science
Donnie Finley: Deputy Sheriff-Forensic Supervisor
Donnie Finley is a Deputy Sheriff-Forensic Supervisor with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Crime Lab. Donnie received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Pacific Union College and his master’s in forensic science From UC Davis. Donnie works in the firearms unit within the Sheriffs forensic laboratory. How does your favorite crime show compare to how forensics are really done?
STEM Level 1 Certified
Brought to you by: Ms. Jewell
Jan
28
7:00 PM19:00
SPARQ Digital Theater - Expedition Reef (Full Dome Film)
The SPARQ Planetarium News and Views (30 min)
Expedition Reef (30 min)
Expedition Reef: Narrated by Tony Award® winner Lea Salonga, Expedition Reef immerses you in a spectacular undersea adventure. Discover how corals grow, feed, reproduce, and support over 25% of all marine life on Earth—while facing unprecedented threats from climate change, habitat destruction, and overfishing. Produced by California Academy of Sciences.
STEM Certificate Level 1 Approved
Feb
3
5:00 PM17:00
Feb
11
7:00 PM19:00
STEM Café: Material Science: Coherent Labs
Scott Kirkpatrick: Principal Engineer: Coherent
Scott Kirkpatrick is a coating design and process engineer for Coherent Advanced Coating center in Santa Rosa. Scott spent 14 years at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology as an Assistant and Associate professor of Physics and Optical Engineering before landing at Coherent as their Principal Engineer. Come learn about Scott’s STEM Journey in Engineering and see the cool things happening at Coherent labs local facility.
STEM Level 1 Certified
Brought to you by: Ms. Case
Feb
25
7:00 PM19:00
SPARQ Digital Theater - Black Hole: First Picture (Full Dome Film) *NEW!*
The SPARQ Planetarium News and Views (30 min)
Black Hole: First Picture (30 min)
Black Hole: First Picture: Following a journey of human perseverance, ingenuity, and imagination, full dome film Black Hole First Picture encapsulates a historic milestone in science visualization and discovery – witnessing a phenomenon widely believed to be invisible: a black hole. The Event Horizon Telescope peers into the core of the Messier 87 galaxy, and travels to the heart of the Milky Way to produce the first-ever picture of a black hole.
STEM Certificate Level 1 Approved
Feb
27
8:00 AM08:00
Mar
3
5:00 PM17:00
Mar
11
7:00 PM19:00
STEM Café: Mycology: Fungi and Mushrooms
Dr. Gordon Walker: SOMA: Sonoma Mycology Association
Gordon Walker has a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UC Davis. He is currently a board member for the Sonoma Mycology Association (SOMA). Gordon will teach us everything Fungi including mushrooms, yeasts, molds, and more! Come learn about some of Fungi’s diverse forms and roles in ecosystems!
STEM Level 1 Certified
Brought to you by: Mr. Cecil
Mar
13
8:00 AM08:00
Mar
25
7:00 PM19:00
SPARQ Digital Theater - Atlas of a Changing Earth (Full Dome Film)
The SPARQ Planetarium News and Views (30 min)
Atlas of a Changing Earth (30 min)
Atlas of a Changing Earth: Using stunning, latest-generation imagery from space, “Atlas of a Changing Earth” takes viewers into the dynamic processes causing coastal glaciers in Greenland and Antarctica to melt, and explores how rising seas could threaten coastlines the world over. These striking new images are produced by the confluence of satellites and supercomputers, revealing Earth in a degree of precise detail scarcely imagined a generation ago
STEM Certificate Level 1 Approved
Apr
3
8:00 AM08:00
Apr
7
5:00 PM17:00
Apr
8
7:00 PM19:00
STEM Café: Midterm Elections
David McCuan: Sonoma State University Political Scientist
He’s back! Our favorite resident Political Scientist David McCuan will talk about the upcoming and all-important Midterm Elections. It’s always a good time with David as he breaks down what is, what isn’t, and what might be in the word of Politics!
STEM Level 1 Certified
Brought to you by: Mr. Kruger
Apr
22
7:00 PM19:00
SPARQ Digital Theater - From Earth to the Universe (Full Dome Film)
The SPARQ Planetarium News and Views (30 min)
From Earth to the Universe (30 min)
From Earth to the Universe: This stunning, 30-minute voyage through space and time conveys, through sparkling sights and sounds, the Universe revealed to us by science. Viewers can revel in the splendor of the worlds in the Solar System and our scorching Sun. From Earth to the Universe takes the audience out to the colorful birthplaces and burial grounds of stars, and still further out beyond the Milky Way to the unimaginable immensity of myriad galaxies.
STEM Certificate Level 1 Approved
May
5
5:00 PM17:00
Dec
3
9:30 AM09:30
Dec
2
5:00 PM17:00
Nov
19
7:00 PM19:00
SPARQ Digital Theater - Explore (Full Dome Film)
The SPARQ Planetarium News and Views (30 min)
Explore (30 min)
Explore: Presenting a broad selection of science in a modern and accessible way, Explore spotlights the work of Johannes Kepler and his three laws of planetary motion, showing how individuals can change the world, and how much we all benefit from their achievements.
STEM Certificate Level 1 Approved
Nov
19
9:30 AM09:30
Nov
12
9:30 AM09:30
Nov
7
9:00 AM09:00
Nov
5
7:00 PM19:00
STEM Café: Plant Biology and Native Species
Caprice Disbrow: SRJC Biology and Botany
Caprice Disbrow is an instructor at the SRJC. She earned her BS in Plant Biology from U.C. Davis and her Masters in Ecology at SSU. She will be sharing her Biological Science STEM journey. Caprice studies and advocates for ecological conservation and research. Especially native plants and increasing public and student awareness.
STEM Level 1 Certified
Brought to you by: Mr. Carpenter
Nov
5
9:30 AM09:30
Oct
22
7:00 PM19:00
SPARQ Digital Theater - Habitat Earth (Full Dome Film)
The SPARQ Planetarium News and Views (30 min)
Habitat Earth (30 min)
Habitat Earth : Narrated by Frances McDormand. Dive beneath the ocean's surface to witness the dynamic ecological relationships within kelp forests, burrow beneath the forest floor to see how some of Earth's tallest trees depend on tiny fungi to survive, and journey to new heights to witness the intricate intersection between human and ecological networks. Learn how life changes our planet and discover what it means to live in todays connected world.
STEM Certificate Level 1 Approved
Oct
22
9:30 AM09:30
Oct
17
8:00 AM08:00
Oct
15
9:30 AM09:30
Oct
8
7:00 PM19:00
STEM Café: PG&E: Natural Disaster Preparedness
Francis Ku: Principal Mechanical Engineer @ PG&E
Francis Ku will be sharing his journey as a mechanical engineer both in private industry and as Principal Mechanical Engineer at PG&E. Francis will bring some “tools of the trade” to share and will discuss what PG&E is doing and has learned regarding wildfire & natural disaster mitigation. Our Piner shared STEM theme for the year is Natural Disasters. Are we prepared?
STEM Level I Certified
Brought to you by: Ms. Walls
Oct
8
9:30 AM09:30
Oct
1
9:30 AM09:30
Sep
24
7:00 PM19:00
SPARQ Digital Theater - Dynamic Earth (Full Dome Film)
The SPARQ Planetarium News and Views (30 min)
Dynamic Earth (30 min)
Dynamic Earth: Narrated by Academy Award-winner Liam Neeson. With visualizations based on satellite monitoring data and advanced supercomputer simulations, this cutting-edge production follows a trail of energy that flows from the Sun into the interlocking systems that shape our climate: the atmosphere, oceans, and the biosphere. Audiences will ride along on swirling ocean and wind currents, dive into the heart of a monster hurricane, come face-to-face with sharks and gigantic whales, and fly into roiling volcanoes.
STEM Certificate Level 1 Approved
Sep
24
9:30 AM09:30
Sep
17
7:00 PM19:00
STEM Café: Photojournalism
** Schedule Update **
Kent Porter: Photojournalist with the Press Democrat
Pulitzer Prize winning and 38-year veteran and senior staff photographer with the Santa Rosa Press Democrat will share his many experiences as a photojournalist. Kent Porter was named Photographer of the Year by the National Press Photographers Association, Western Region. Come listen to Kents many adventures and experiences!
STEM Level 1 Certified!
Brought to you by: Ms. Breslin
Sep
17
9:30 AM09:30
Aug
13
8:00 AM08:00
Jun
6
5:00 PM17:00
May
29
7:00 PM19:00
2025 STEM Symposium
Save the date for the 2025 STEM Symposium! The event is a showcase of STEM Level 2 & 3 student projects. It is also a night to recognize the hard work of the students. We also announce the winner of the Judy Barcelon Excellence in STEAM Award winner(s).
Poster session 7-7:55pm, Recognition 8-9pm.
2024 Student Displays
May
7
9:30 AM09:30
Apr
30
9:30 AM09:30
Apr
23
7:00 PM19:00
SPARQ Digital Theater - Oasis in Space (Full Dome Film)
The SPARQ Planetarium News and Views (30 min)
Oasis in Space (30 min)
Oasis in Space: Oasis in Space transports the audience on a startling and beautiful voyage through our universe, galaxy and solar system in search of liquid water, a key ingredient for life on Earth
STEM Certificate Level 1 Approved
Apr
16
9:30 AM09:30
Apr
9
7:00 PM19:00
STEM Café: We are Guardians
Special Showing at Piner!
As the indigenous forest Guardians fend off the incessant encroachment and illegal loggers and invaders, a global story erupts entwining science, politics, and ultimately the fate of the Amazon Rain Forest. You can make a difference.
Runtime: 1 hour 25 minutes
Apr
9
9:30 AM09:30
Apr
4
9:30 AM09:30
Apr
2
9:30 AM09:30