Embedded Files
Kindergarten: Outdoor Education
NGSS connections
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
Overview
Overview
What is a scientific collection and how are the items within it selected? How do scientific collections help people? 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
Logistics
Days: Mondays - Thursdays, September 9, 2024 - May 22, 2025
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?
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 multilingual chaperone guide with a map. 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.
Accessibility: No steps, slightly uneven terrain in some areas of outdoor classroom. Sensory support kit available with Guest Experience at the front entrance of the museum.
A Social Story to help students know what to expect on a field trip
A Social Story to help students know what to expect on a field trip
Social stories help young people know what to expect and how to act in a new environment or social situation.
The social story below helps students learn about their upcoming field trip. Some students and their families may have never taken a trip to a museum like the Academy. To help them know what to expect, to aid your class in transisitions, or to alleviate anxiety of a new place, you may use the social story below.
You can also download the presentation to adjust it to fit your specific trip plans.
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.
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