California Skulls

Grades 5

Program Overview

One of California’ great strengths and beauty lies in its diversity. 

In this program, we will take students on an exciting adventure to explore the Golden State’s different regions,  their diverse climate, and the animals that live in these regions.

Students will take on a challenge to become an ecologist for their specific California region, learning how to examine skull specimens to find clues about what animals they were and how they lived in their region.  

At the end of the program, students will learn how these animals interconnect with each other and their environments, as well as the importance of a healthy ecosystem that is vital to every life in our beautiful state. 

Logistics

Days: Wednesdays and Thursdays, November-February

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: 60 minute hands-on experience

Location: Our educators will meet your class past the Naturalist Center on Level 3 .

Additional Supports: This program can be taught in Spanish and 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 

Explore California 

Understand its unique climate regions and biodiversity

The Skull Story 

What do skulls tell us about how the animals live in their region?

Ecologist of the Day

 Find out how animals interconnect with each other and what it means to have a healthy ecosystem 

Your Impact

Want to know more about our wildlife neighbors who share this beautiful state with us?   Check out the Extension Activities Page

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.   

Social Story: California Academy of Sciences Field Trip

You can also download the presentation to adjust it to fit your specific trip plans. 


Pre-activity

We use our teeth in many different ways. In this activity, students will discover which teeth they use to eat different types of food

Group Assignment

 Fun time!  Students will work in table groups (6 tables maximum).  Please have students pre-assigned in 6 groups

Extension activities

 Activities to encourage students to continue the conversation about biodiversity and their roles in our ecosystem

NGSS CONNECTIONS

This field trip and accompanying activities support aspects of the 

NGSS 

CROSSCUTTING CONCEPTS

SCIENCE PRACTICES