Embedded Files
Grades 5
Program Overview
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
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 near the Nature Lab (formerly known as Naturalist Center) on Level 3 .
Additional Supports: This program can be taught in Spanish and Chinese. 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
Explore California
Understand its unique climate regions and biodiversity
The Skull Story
The Skull Story
What do skulls tell us about how the animals live in their region?
Ecologist of the Day
Ecologist of the Day
Find out how animals interconnect with each other and what it means to have a healthy ecosystem
Your Impact
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
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.
Pre-activity
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
Group Assignment
Fun time! Students will work in table groups (6 tables maximum). Please have students pre-assigned in 6 groups
Extension activities
Extension activities
Activities to encourage students to continue the conversation about biodiversity and their roles in our ecosystem
NGSS CONNECTIONS
NGSS CONNECTIONS
This field trip and accompanying activities support aspects of the
This field trip and accompanying activities support aspects of the
NGSS
LS-2A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
CROSSCUTTING CONCEPTS
Systems and System Models - A system can be described in terms of its components and their interactions
SCIENCE PRACTICES
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
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