Community Scientists! Outdoor Exploration
Grade 5, Field Trip
This outdoor program will take place in an area we call, Quail Hollow in Golden Gate Park. School buses aren't being offered at this moment, so this program is best suited for classes who can get to the Academy on their own. Thank you for understanding.
Overview
Natural areas with a diversity of wildlife benefit the health of people and animals within our communities. As San Francisco communities look to create more wild spaces, how do scientists gather data and use it to inform when animals, such as quail, can be reintroduced to an area? Join us outside, as we explore a secret trail near the Academy through the lens of a community scientist. We will make observations, document what we see, identify plants and animals, and contribute to real science data. We will help a very special bird we hope you’ll love just as much as we do, by sharing our findings with a community of fellow community scientists (and professional scientists, too!).
A bit of background...
The outdoor exploration is inspired by a project currently underway to examine the feasibility of reintroducing quail to the Presidio, and other greenways, such as Golden Gate Park. You can read more here:
Logistics
Days: Wednesdays and Thursdays *September-October* and March-May*
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: this outdoor program is 60-minutes long
Location: Our educators will meet your class near 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 optional pre/post activities, which connect to the outdoor program.
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.
