Tickets are now available for our annual Discovery Forum luncheon on February 11 - our chance to have a discussion with you about the issues that affect our children today - and in the future.

We are all concerned with the state of our education system - attend the luncheon to hear a truly inspiring proposal by Sir Ken Robinson for how we should promote creativity over rote learning - that to succeed in the 21st century will require skills that go beyond the 3 R's.

Every day at the Museum, we see children interacting with the exhibits in ways we didn't anticipate - their instincts to go beyond the traditional definition of creativity, such as success in arts and music. We consider great scientists and entrepreneurs creative - how do we make sure that all children develop these skills to succeed in our rapidly changing world? Are some people just born with it or can we foster it in all children? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Find out more about the luncheon and register online today.

Get an inside look on Hui Tama Nui! This Polynesian dance group dons beautiful costumes, plays exciting island music and performs traditional dances. Read what they have to say about themselves and the message they want to send in this interview.

What do children learn from your dancing?
Having an outlet to express emotion through dance, and having another family. The children learn a lot about the different Polynesian cultures such as the music, language and costuming, where they came from and how they are similar but are also very different. They also learn discipline, and how to follow directions in another language.  They also learn how to perform on stage and backstage.

Read more of the interview here...

The Bay Area Discovery Museum has teamed up with World Arts West to present World On Stage. We bring an ethnic performance series that will take you around the world through dance, music and folklore, featuring some of the Bay Area’s most talented youth and adult artists. To see dates and times for upcoming performances click here.

We're on 'cute overload' here at the Museum with the adorable pictures you've been sending in of your children with their favorite toys! Email up to three pictures of your kids and their favorite toys to jcaleshu(at)badm.org by January 25 to win a Museum Passport Membership and other great prizes!  Read the complete rules before submitting your photos.

We're looking forward to sharing a personal, insider's take on the programs, exhibitions, festivals and more that make the Museum the best place in the Bay Area for kids.

Please let us know what you think - leave your comments, post your pictures to Flickr and your videos to YouTube, and let us know if you have a personal blog you want listed in our blog roll!