Nature Collections
Kindergarten: Outdoor Education
Overview
What is a scientific collection and how are the items within it selected? Students begin in the outdoor classroom with a visit from an animal character that likes to collect things. Then, students take on the roles of explorers and curators that find and arrange their own nature collection. Finally, students closely examine a collection made by a scientist.
Logistics
Days: Mondays - Thursdays, September 5, 2023 - May 25, 2024
Program Times: 10:15am or 11:30am, some flexibility in start or end time can be requested, but is not guaranteed. Classes may enter the museum as early as 9:30am.
Duration: outdoor programs are 50-minutes long, including getting to and from the outdoor teaching space
Location: Our educators will meet your class at the Alligator Swamp and guide them to an outdoor location in Golden Gate Park. You are welcome to explore the exhibits before and/or after the program.
Additional Supports: This program can be taught in Spanish or Cantonese. Additionally we use inclusive instructional design. Please reach out to us if there are specific accommodations that would help your group engage with the activities. therockprogram@calacademy.org
Transportation: A Guide to Securing a Paid Sponsored Bus for San Francisco Unified School District
How can I help my students and adults prepare for the trip?
In the days before your field trip, help your class prepare:
Each person should at a minimum bring: a mask, jacket, hat, and water bottle.
Arrange your class into groups of 4-5 students each.
Consider printing this chaperone guide with a map: English/Spanish and English/Chinese. Here is an interactive map with a sensory guide.
On the day of your field trip:
Our educators will meet your class inside the museum at the Alligator Swamp.
Have students use the restroom prior to the program start time.
Consider allowing your students a snack or lunch before the start of the program.
Check out these extension activities, which connect to the outdoor program.
NGSS connections
This field trip and accompanying activities support aspects of the Next Generation Science Standards.
2nd Grade
Crosscutting Concepts: Patterns in the natural world can be observed.
Nature of Science: Scientists look for patterns and order when making observations about the world.
The Rock Fund Program is open to all K - 5 classes from San Francisco schools, whether public, private or parochial. Interested in a different option for your class this year, instead? Visit the Rock Fund Program website.
