Chat with a Scientist!

Grades 5-8: Livestream

Overview

🌊 Dive into the Depths with our "Chat with a Scientist" Series! 🐠

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a scientist? Are you fascinated by the mysteries of the ocean and the vibrant ecosystems that thrive beneath the waves? Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to connect with Dr. Pim Bongaerts, an expert in coral biology at the California Academy of Sciences, as he shares his passion for marine life and the importance of coral reefs in our global ecosystem.

During this program, you'll get to explore the fascinating journey of a scientist's life – from childhood curiosity to groundbreaking research. Stick ‘til the end for a Q&A segment where Pim will answer your burning questions. Mark your calendars, submit your questions, and join us for an unforgettable journey beneath the waves!

Schedule: Thursday, May 16, 2024

This program is designed for grades 5-8, but all are welcome.

9:45 am PT for English-only presentation

Registration is now closed, but don't fret! You can watch the recording once the livestream has ended.

How does it work?

This program lasts approximately 35-minutes, is taught by a team of professional educators, and is broadcast to multiple classes at the same time via YouTube Live.

This program also works well for classes who meet asynchronously because the recording will be shared.

Materials Needed

Students will need a pencil and a piece of paper to take notes or sketch.

Extension Activities

Submit your students' questions and use these specially designed activities to help your class prepare for the program.

Go to Extension Activities

This program supports the Next Generation Science Standards

Science and Engineering Practices:

Ask Questions
Construct Explanations

Disciplinary Core Ideas

ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems

Human activities in agriculture, industry, and everyday life have had major effects on the land, vegetation, streams, ocean, air, and even outer space. But individuals and communities are doing things to help protect Earth’s resources and environments.

LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
- Ecosystems are dynamic in nature; their characteristics can vary over time. Disruptions to any physical or biological component of an ecosystem can lead to shifts in all its populations. (MS-LS2-4)
- Biodiversity describes the variety of species found in Earth’s terrestrial and oceanic ecosystems. The completeness or integrity of an ecosystem’s biodiversity is often used as a measure of its health. (MS-LS2-5)

Connection & technology information

A week before the session, registered parties will receive an email containing the unique YouTube Live destination for the broadcast. If you registered on behalf of multiple classes, forward this along to your buddy teachers.

We highly recommend testing—in advance of the program date—whether the device you plan to use can access YouTube Live. If you can see our Live Penguin Cam, you should also be able to watch other Academy livestreams.

Sorry! The Academy cannot control your district’s security settings.

If you or your students cannot access the Extension Activities tab above, you must contact your IT department to whitelist this website.
If you or your students’ district devices cannot access YouTube Live or YouTube videos, you can instead play the embedded Recording, which we will post within 48 hours of the broadcast.

If you have questions or need us to resend the email (check your junk folder first!), please contact us at distancelearning@calacademy.org. We recommend adding that email address to your contacts to help ensure our messages are accepted by your district's email domain.