Concept Prototyping – CCC participants work with Exploratorium scientists, exhibit developers, and science communication experts to translate their research into exhibit and program prototypes. Through ideation workshops, they develop initial ideas inspired by the tools, organisms, and biological phenomena from their research. With further prototypes and testing, these concepts are fleshed out into guided programs or standalone exhibit prototypes that resonate with the public. These prototypes have been featured at After Dark programs targeted to a young adult audience and weekend festivals targeted to families. 

Magnified Microscopy Festival – This annual event at the Exploratorium celebrates the world of small and the scientists and tools that enable that exploration. This festival was years in the making; ideas generated in a rapid ideation workshop with CCC participants (2023) were developed into experiences for an After Dark program (2024), an evening event targeted to a young adult audience, and finally manifested at the first Magnified Festival (2025). The festival features CCC participation in many forms: panel discussions, make & take activities, facilitated explorations, demonstrations, and whimsical depictions of scientific work for children and adults alike. The first edition of the festival is captured in this short video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuAEdPJERhM).

Educator Training – In collaboration with the Exploratorium’s Teacher Institute (https://www.exploratorium.edu/education/teacher-institute), CCC researchers worked with California middle and high school teachers to re-imagine how cell biology can be taught in the classroom. This workshop, along with others inspired by the work of CCC scientists, helps make the science classroom more effective for students across California.