2nd Grade Life Science Field Trips
Field Trips for 2nd Grade Life Science
Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics / Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity
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| Provider Name | Resource Link | Provider Location | Abstract |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcatraz Island | Field Trips to Alcatraz | San Francisco | Alcatraz Cruises is the official National Park Concessionaire for Alcatraz. School groups include grades Kindergarten through Grade 12. If you would like to bring a school group of 15 students or more to Alcatraz Island, you must request permission in advance. The link for the request form is https://www.alcatrazcruises.com/groups/grouptrip.aspx |
| Ano Nuevo State Reserve | Elephant Seal Walk - Guided | Pescadero | A naturalist leads students on hike December-March through reserve to elephant seal viewing platform. Hike is 3 miles long. Can also reserve public tour 56 days in advance for $7/ person, 20 person limit. Teachers' Guide (56 pages) with lesson plans and activities to help students (aimed at grades 3-6 but adaptable for other age groups) gain more from their visit is also available. If interested, send a check or money order for $8, payable to the San Mateo Coast Natural History Association, c/o Ano Nuevo State Reserve, Pescadero, CA 94060. Wheelchair-accessible train, available by advance reservation only by phoning (650) 879-2025. No self-guided tours are allowed during December - March. To make reservations go to http://anonuevo.reserveamerica.com/ |
| Bay Area Discovery Museum | Workshop:: Explore the Shore | Sausalito | Student biologists investigate the animals and plants in the intertidal zone of nearby Horseshoe Cove (in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, a short walk from Bay Area Discovery Museum's main campus). |
| Bay Area Discovery Museum | Workshop:: Science Theater | Sausalito | Dive ‘underwater’ to meet Lottie the Otter and her river friends! This one-of-a-kind workshop explores ecosystems and builds creative problem-solving through a playful and interactive shadow puppet performance. This program was created in collaboration with The Train Theater. |
| Bay Area Discovery Museum | Discover-It-Yourself Visits | Sausalito | Exhibitions are research-backed and provide STEM-focused, inquiry-driven experiences that help children develop creativity and creative problem solving skills. Bay Hall Mud Kitchen How Things Work Gumnut Grove Try It Studio Art Studios Lookout Cove BADM Beach and a changing exhibit hall |
| Big Basin Redwoods State Park | Redwood Hikes - Big Basin Redwoods | Boulder Creek | Big Basin is now open for limited day-use access. Reservations for parking are required. Reserve a parking space. The parking fee is $6 per vehicle plus a $2 reservation fee. No reservations are needed for visitors arriving by foot, bike, or bus. |
| Big Break Regional Shoreline | Delta Variety | Oakley | We’ll set up a variety of stations with a variety of opportunities to explore the unending variety of the Delta. Plants, animals, crafts, games, and other activities all guaranteed to make Delta experts out of your large groups. |
| Big Break Regional Shoreline | Delta Wetlands Inquiry | Oakley | Explore the science of the Delta and its powerful impact on everyday lives. Your class will create and test a hypothesis about the Delta ecosystem. Field work may include sampling water chemistry, cataloging wetland plants, investigating invertebrates, or more. |
| Big Break Regional Shoreline | Creatures of the Wetland | Oakley | Discover why many different animals live at Big Break. From mammals and birds to fish and insects, students will learn how various creatures can survive and thrive in a wetland habitat. |
| Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve | Reptile Rendezvous | Antioch | Join us for an up-close and personal visit with our resident gopher snake and learn how snakes and other reptiles are adapted to the habitats of Black Diamond. Program is one hour long. |
| Blake Garden | Tours of the Garden | Kensington | The 10.5 acre public garden, with its stunning hill views of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, is located four miles north of the Berkeley campus in the town of Kensington. Blake Garden encourages the development of the understanding and appreciation of nature in the garden environment. Our mission is to expand and sustain a well designed outdoor environment that supports teaching and research in landscape architecture and environmental planning. Tours are available for groups of 10 and more Please contact: Kendra Hauser Email: khauser@berkeley.edu Phone: 510.524.2449 |
| Butano State Park | Redwood Fieldtrip | Pescadero | Butano State Park located outside of Pescadero on the San Mateo coast offeres hiking and camping. The park itself is nestled into the redwood forests. The beach and Pescadero Slough are only a few miles away for discovery of different habitats. No ranger led programs at this site. Good for overnight or day trips. |
| California Academy of Sciences | Self Guided Field Trips | San Francisco | The majority of the Academy's exhibits and programs will be available from September-May, including the Rainforest, Aquarium, African Hall, Earthquake, and Human Odyssey. However, you may want to plan your visit around temporary exhibits or the Planetarium show schedule. |
| China Camp | Self Guided Tour | San Rafael | China Camp's Turtleback Hill offers a self-guided opportunity for teachers. The hill is oak-grass land and surrounded by a salt marsh. Placards are set up that describe the environment, tree species and creatures that live there. |
| Conservatory of Flowers | Self-Guided Tour | San Francisco | The Conservatory of flowers is a living museum of rare and beautiful tropical plants including palms, orchids, bromeliads, carnivorous plants and much more. The Conservatory offers Bay Area students free guided tours for 3rd-5th grade classes and free self-guided visits for TK-12th grade school groups, preschools, and college classes. |
| Coyote Hills Regional Park | Wetland Wonderers | Fremont | Explore the wetlands of Coyote Hills and its inhabitants to learn ways to conserve natural resources. Students will learn the types of plants and animals in wetland habitats and how they have adapted to survive. Meet animal ambassadors, explore specimens, and get time outside in this adaptable, exploration-heavy, and sensory-engaging program. |
| Crab Cove Visitor Center and Aquarium | Reptile Rendezvous | Alameda | An up-close and personal visit with our resident gopher snake. Learn how snakes and other reptiles are adapted to their habitats. |
| Crab Cove Visitor Center and Aquarium | Nature Walks in the Regional Parks | Alameda | Use the parklands as your classroom! Programs are available at the following East Bay Regional Parks: Redwood, Roberts, Lake Chabot, Anthony Chabot, Huckleberry Botanic Preserve, Sibley Volcanic Preserve, Temescal, Arrowhead Marsh at MLK Jr. Shoreline, and Oyster Bay. Lake Chabot boat tours aboard the “Chabot Queen” may be available; separate fee applies for boat rental. |
| CuriOdyssey | Self-Guided Tours | San Mateo | Self-guided Tour of the museum. |
| CuriOdyssey | Wildlife Program: Animal Super Powers | San Mateo | What if you could breathe under water, run faster, blend into your surroundings or fly? How could these skills help you? There are many animals that have their very own “super power”…..they have adaptations. Students will learn what adaptations are and how animals can use them to survive. |
| CuriOdyssey | Wildlife Program: Thrive and Survive | San Mateo | Did you know that people and animals need the same resources in order to live? What if one or more of those resources were gone? How could this affect animals? People? Students will learn how changes to the environment can affect animals. They will also discover how animals react to pesticides and what can happen if non-native animals take over resources. In this program, we will explore how people can help conserve resources such as food, water and space to help animals survive. What small changes can we make in our daily lives to help conserve and protect the natural resources we all share? |
| CuriOdyssey | Wildlife Program: What's on the Menu? | San Mateo | Did you know that animals eat different things? Animals are able to eat certain foods based on where they live and what they look like (their body). Students will learn about tooth structure, habitats and adaptations of herbivores, omnivores, carnivores, decomposers and experience a live animal feeding. |
| CuriOdyssey | Wildlife Program: Animal Connections | San Mateo | Meet animal ambassadors from CuriOdyssey and make special connections through a variety of learning methods. This program is designed to fit and support a variety of cognitive and developmental needs. Please contact the Programs Animal Keeper for more information on how we can construct this program to fit the needs of your group. |
| CuriOdyssey | Wildlife Program: Here, There, Habitats are Everywhere | San Mateo | Could you live in the desert, tundra or both? Did you know that most animals can live in one or two types of habitats? In this program, we will learn how animals are equipped for different environments such as the heat of the desert, shadows of the forest, underground and in your backyard. Students will make a connection between the type of habitat and the adaptations needed to live there. |
| CuriOdyssey | Wildlife Program: Catch Me if You Can | San Mateo | Have you ever played tag? How did you stay away from the person who was “it”? Did you hide or run very fast? In nature, animals have to be on the look out for predators – survival is the goal! Learn how animals keep themselves alive and how they defend themselves. |
| CuriOdyssey | Fur, Feathers, Scales, or Exoskeletons - Field Trip | San Mateo | Explore the basic coverings of mammals, birds, reptiles, and arthropods. Students can touch and talk about similarities, differences, and functions of each type of covering, plus see some wonderful live examples of animals that are covered in fur, feathers, scales, or exoskeletons. Animal Ambassadors vary and may include: Rabbit, rat, bird, snake, blue-tongued skink, tarantula, cockroach, and millipede. FOSS Links: Animals Two by Two, Plants and Animals, Insects and Plants. Also available as an in-class program. |
| CuriOdyssey | Animal Habitats -field trip | San Mateo | What do you see, hear, smell, and feel? In this program, students explore and learn about an animal’s niche in nature. Discover how individual organisms are connected to one another. Outdoor exploration is a must as we search for tracks, scat and other signs that animals inhabit the park and find what they need for survival: food, water and space |
| East Bay Municipal Utility District | Outdoor Education | Orinda | Hands-on learning provides children experiences that help them to better understand what it takes to protect the environment, how natural systems function and how our drinking water supply relates to those systems. EBMUD rangers work with school age children to enhance habitats, stabilize soils, and restore natural conditions for creeks and disturbed areas in the East Bay. Registration is first come first serve starting in August every year |
| EcoCenter at Heron's Head Park | Field Trips to the EcoCenter | San Francisco | The EcoCenter located in Heron’s Head Park serves as a classroom for many local schools, community-based organizations, and government agencies. The EcoCenter’s motto of "Discovering Nature Through Hands-on Learning" is exhibited in its regular programming and seasonal workshops. Beyond the classroom, the EcoCenter includes an outdoor Nature Exploration Area, winner of UNICEF’s 2021 Cities Inspires Award, for the safe, clean, sustainable, and child-friendly environments category. Youth and families can play in the Create with Nature Zones, challenge their balance on the suspended rope bridge, hide in the tree cave or simply relax, taking in the views and reflecting on the juxtaposition of the park and its industrial surroundings. Spring 2023 says online field trip registration coming soon. In the meantime, call for information. |
| Exploratorium | Outdoor Gallery: Open your senses to this place by the Bay. | San Francisco | Investigate forces shaping the City, Bay, and region. Watch shifting winds and tides, reveal hidden life, shake a bridge, observe human behavior, and find new ways to notice the places we inhabit. |
| Exploratorium | Gallery 4: Living Systems | San Francisco | Investigate the living world. Sometimes life is hard to observe, because it’s too tiny or fast or is hidden underground or in the ocean. Discover what you’ve been missing: use scientific tools to investigate living things of different sizes, the ecosystems they inhabit, and the processes they share. |
| Friends of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden | Tours by Arrangement | Berkeley | School classes and other groups may schedule free private tours of the garden by special arrangement. Tours can be tailored to suit the group's specific needs or interests. Group tours must be arranged at least three weeks in advance and are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or to schedule a tour, call (510) 544-3169. |
| Golden Gate National Recreation Area | Park as Classroom: Rings, Ripples, & Echoes | Self guided tour guides K-5 species spotters on a magical journey through Muir Woods and other natural communities along the Redwood Creek Watershed. | |
| Happy Hollow Park & Zoo | Field Trips | San Jose | From animals to conservation, Happy Hollow offers a variety of immersion experiences. For more enhanced learning programs Happy Hollow’s Education department offers many opportunities designed to meet your standards based learning requirements |
| Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center | Saltmarsh Wonders | Hayward | This program introduces students to what a saltmarsh is-- the diversity and abundance of plants and animals in saltwater wetlands. Characteristics of and interrelationships among saltmarsh inhabitants will be included. Students will: * discover plant adaptations to salt water; * observe signs of animal life in the marsh; * explore channel water to discover aquatic plants and animals; * search for invertebrate animals who live in the marsh; * observe saltmarsh wildlife School programs begin with a brief introduction on wetlands and the salt marsh habitat followed by a one, two or three hours hike. We can work with you to design a program that fits your classroom curriculum. 2 hours |
| Hidden Villa | Farm and Wilderness Exploration | Los Altos Hills | This program provides both a wilderness adventure and a chance to learn more about farming. The wilderness is a place to discover the interdependence of plants, animals, and humans. Organic practices on the farm support a healthy wilderness by avoiding dangerous pesticides and focusing on natural processes for developing and maintaining healthy soil. And, connecting with farm animals helps students appreciate how important farms are in their everyday lives. |
| Kids for the Bay | Creek, Bay and Ocean Field Trip Explorations | Berkeley | KIDS for the BAY’s Field Trip Explorations program takes students and teachers on exciting Field Trips to investigate and connect with fascinating aquatic ecosystems at creek, bay, and ocean habitats. Students will experience close-up, hands-on encounters with nature while they investigate aquatic invertebrates, study native plants, and create nature art. Creek, bay, and ocean Field Trips happen in the spring of each school year and consist of 3-3.5 hours of hands-on instruction led by an experienced environmental educator. Field Trip sites include Berkeley Marina and Strawberry Creek in Berkeley, Wildcat Creek and Richmond Marina in Richmond, Sausal Creek in Oakland, Martinez Shoreline in Martinez, and Muir Beach in Marin. |
| Life Lab Science Program | Garden Pollinators | Santa Cruz | Birds, bees and other creatures are essential visitors to the garden. Come explore the relationships between plants and pollinators and learn how plants and animals have evolved to meet each other's needs. |
| Lindsay Wildlife Experience | Habitat Diversity | Walnut Creek | Students will explore the diversity of plants and animals of three distinct California habitats. |
| Lindsay Wildlife Experience | Exploring Biological Adaptation | Walnut Creek | This program investigates ways in which animals’ inheritable physical structures or behaviors may improve their chance for survival and reproduction when environmental and habitat changes occur. Activities include testing different bird beaks for a variety of food items and “hunting” toy mice that are hiding in our outdoor habitat. |
| Marina Education Programs - City of Berkeley | Low Tide Programs | Berkeley | When the children arrive for their three hour Low Tide program, they meet in the Nature Center for a 40 minute interactive multimedia presentation, to review and learn about the marine inhabitants along the Berkeley waterfront. They observe the aquariums, the touch table and then depending on the tide, they explore the rocky shore, return for a break, and then explore the dock. Cost for three hours and packet materials is $194. 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m. programs. Each program requires a mandatory teacher's IN-SERVICE training workshop during which teachers preview the site, update staff for their current science program, and naturalists add to it with a packet of informational lesson plans for pre- and post-trip lessons geared to their class' grade level. These lessons were written by our staff, and correlate with the California State Science Framework and include 47 large animal identification cards and pictures. |
| Marina Education Programs - City of Berkeley | Animal Programs - Marine Mammals | Berkeley | Stations: sound, conservation, feeding and blubber. Includes a 40-50 minute interactive slide and video presentation and 2 hrs of hands-on stations. Each program requires a mandatory teacher's IN-SERVICE training workshop during which teachers preview the site, update staff for their current science program, and naturalists add to it with a packet of informational lesson plans for pre- and post-trip lessons geared to their class' grade level. These lessons were written by our staff, and correlate with the California State Science Framework and include 47 large animal identification cards and pictures. The fee for the packet is $25.00 with out the program. Wksp Dec 16, class dates Jan 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23. |
| Marina Education Programs - City of Berkeley | Animal Programs - Birds | Berkeley | Identification of local species, adaptations, sounds, feathers, nesting, conservation and weather permitting, walking w/ binoculars. Includes a 40-50 minute interactive slide and video presentation and 2 hrs of hands-on stations. Each program requires a mandatory teacher's IN-SERVICE training workshop during which teachers preview the site, update staff for their current science program, and naturalists add to it with a packet of informational lesson plans for pre- and post-trip lessons geared to their class' grade level. These lessons were written by our staff, and correlate with the California State Science Framework and include 47 large animal identification cards and pictures. The fee for the packet is $25.00 with out the program. Available only on specific days. |
| Marina Education Programs - City of Berkeley | Animals Programs - Fish | Berkeley | Fish anatomy, Gyotaku (Japanese fish printing), aquarium bingo, touch table, close up look at scales and gills. Includes a 40-50 minute interactive slide and video presentation and 2 hrs of hands-on stations. Each program requires a mandatory teacher's IN-SERVICE training workshop during which teachers preview the site, update staff for their current science program, and naturalists add to it with a packet of informational lesson plans for pre- and post-trip lessons geared to their class' grade level. These lessons were written by our staff, and correlate with the California State Science Framework and include 47 large animal identification cards and pictures. The fee for the packet is $25.00 with out the program. Wrkshp. Oct. 25. Class dates Nov.9,10, 16, 17, 18. |
| Math Science Nucleus | Tule Ponds - Plant and Animal Diversity | Fremont | Students look at biodiversity of organisms in a wetland ecosystem. They tour Tule Ponds looking for plant and animal species including various native trees, and other plants, birds, butterflies, and frogs. |
| Monterey Bay Aquarium | Discovery Lab Workshop | Monterey | In an interactive classroom setting, your students will get a fun, hands-on introduction to some of Monterey Bay's most precious habitats and the animals that live there. All programs include time for self-guided exploration of the Aquarium. |
| Monterey Bay Aquarium | Self-Guided Tour | Monterey | You determine the focus and set the pace. The average visit time is two to three hours, but you are welcome to stay as long as you like and investigate all the habitats found in the Aquarium. Weekend and summer reservations are available. Teacher guides provided. |
| Monterey Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center | Kelp Forest Investigators | Santa Cruz | Just off our coast, rich kelp forests span from the sea floor to the surface, creating a habitat for many animals just offshore. We can see clues that there is a kelp forest from land, by looking at kelp wrack left on the beach by waves. Students will participate in a scavenger hunt for as many different types of seaweed as possible and discuss how it serves as a habitat and helps keep our bay healthy. |
| Monterey Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center | Guided Tours | Santa Cruz | Experience the Exploration Center with your own personal tour guide. Your group will be split into smaller groups of 8-12 to explore our exhibits with a trained docent who will provide an orientation, focused discussions and observations. 75 minutes Group Size: Maximum of 35 participants *Not including Chaperones *Chaperones are free |
| Monterey Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center | Self-Guided Tours | Santa Cruz | You determine the focus and set the pace. Docents will welcome your group to the Center and be available to assist while you explore the exhibits and answer any questions you may have. |
| Mount Diablo State Park | Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center | Clayton | The Mitchell Canyon Interpretive Center is located in Mount Diablo State Park at the south end of Mitchell Canyon Road in Clayton,CA. The Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center is staffed by State Park Volunteers and is supported by the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association whose main goal is to provide visitors with information so they can better enjoy the Park and it's natural wonders. The Center is currently open on Saturdays and Sundays, and some holidays 8am to 4pm during spring and summer months and 9am to 3pm during fall and winter months. The Center has displays about various aspects of Mt. Diablo State Park, such as geology, wildlife, trails, and plant life. Interpretive materials about the Park, such as geology, wildlife, and plants, are for sale. There are also postcards, note cards, trail maps, and water for sale. A docent is on duty when the Center is open to answer questions and to handle sales of materials. In the future the Center will also serve as a focal point in Mitchell Canyon for scheduled group hikes and lectures. We welcome all visitors to this part of the State Park to stop in and see the new Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center. |
| Natural Bridges State Park | Tidepool Tours | Santa Cruz | rom approximately March 1st until July 30th each year, tidepool tours are available for 1st grade and up. This program begins with a 30 minute Visitor Center tidepool preparation talk with activities followed by a guided walk and rocky intertidal exploration. The entire program lasts approximately one and a half hours, and accommodates one class at a time. To safely view the pools, tides must be less than 2 feet, so refer to a tide chart when looking at dates. The ocean waits for no one! |
| Oakland Museum of California | Self-Guided Tours | Oakland | Create your own experience for students at OMCA. Explore California art, history, and natural sciences in the core galleries and special exhibitions with your students and chaperones. Self-guided school groups have access to all galleries and exhibitions. |
| Oakland Zoo | ZooSchool | Oakland | Bring your class to the Zoo and experience a day full of adventure! Upon arrival each class will be greeted by an Education Specialist, who will bring you to a classroom and introduce your theme. Then you will venture in to the Zoo to explore and observe the plants and animals on a guided tour. After your tour, you will return to your classroom to wrap up and review the day's activities. After your program has ended you can head back into the Zoo to eat a picnic lunch, or back to visit the animals until your departure time. FREE or DISCOUNTED for East Bay Title 1 schools, Apply to the Zoo to Community Program at http://www.oaklandzoo.org/Zoo_to_Community.php |
| Oakland Zoo | Self Guided Tours | Oakland | Are you interested in bringing your group to the Oakland Zoo? Whether it's for a school, family, church, or organization, making a reservation insures your group admittance at a discounted rate. Plan ahead by visiting our website for upcoming events, maps, animal feedings and scavenger hunts. Once inside, you can explore the Zoo at your own pace. |
| Oakland Zoo | Wildlife Assembly at the Zoo | Oakland | our 45-minute interactive program hosted by an Oakland Zoo Education Specialist in our Clorox Wildlife Theater in the Valley Children's Zoo, will provide an opportunity to explore animal adaptations through games, songs and a live animal presentation. After your program ends, your class, using their honed observational skills, can explore the Zoo at your own pace. Younger Grades (Kindergarten - 2nd) - Happy, Healthy Families; Ooh, That Smells So Good On My Tongue!; Baby Talk Older Grades (3rd - 5th) - Home is Where the Habitat Is; Chew On This, Poop - the Best Gift EverFREE or DISCOUNTED for East Bay Title 1 schools, Apply to the Zoo to Community Program at http://www.oaklandzoo.org/Zoo_to_Community.php |
| Pacific Grove Museum Monarch Sanctuary | Monarch Butterflies Field Trip | Pacific Grove | Visit the Pacific Grove Butterfly Sanctuary (south of Monterey). During the entire Monarch over wintering season (October through February), trained docents stand under the Butterfly Trees explaining the phenomenon to visitors coming to Pacific Grove's sanctuary. You may want to combine this visit with the butterfly exhibit at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, 12 blocks away, or visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, 2 miles away. Visitors may combine a tour of the habitat with a visit to the Museum of Natural History where they are welcome to view a large Monarch butterfly display on the main and second floors. A video allows a close-up view of the Monarch's magical metamorphosis from egg, to caterpillar, to chrysalis, to butterfly. Let the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History supplement and enrich your Science or History/Social Studies curriculum. We offer fieldtrip programs and outreach kits that address state and national standards. For the most engaging experience, we suggest that you have your students participate in a topic-specific, hands-on program in the Education Room. These programs last approximately half an hour and can accommodate up to 20 students at a time. Possible topics include fossils, life cycles, animal adaptations, rocks and minerals, California Indian artifacts, local animals and their habitats, or special requests. |
| Point Blue Conservation Science | Bird Science in Action | Stinson Beach | Point Blue offers educational field trips to our Palomarin Field Station to observe science-in-action and connect with our field biologists as they safely band and release songbirds. Every year, approximately 1,500 students and community members learn how decades of data on bird populations uncovers evidence of climate change in our backyard, and beyond. |
| Point Bonita YMCA | Introduction to the Marin Headlands | Sausalito | Explore the natural and cultural history of the Marin Headlands on an engaging hike along the trails and batteries near Point Bonita YMCA's campus. Learn about the plants, animals, minerals and people that have inhabited this national park. Depending on Park availability, a tour of the historic Point Bonita Lighthouse can be requested as part of this program. |
| Point Reyes National Seashore | Woodpecker Trail | Point Reyes Station | A rustic trail through fields and trees with exhibits highlighting the flora and fauna of the area. Allow 45 minutes to walk this trail. Park at the south end of the Bear Valley Visitor Center parking lot. The Woodpecker Trail starts at the Bear Valley Trailhead. 1-mile loop. Trail is steep in places. |
| Portola Redwoods State Park | Redwood Hikes - Portola Redwoods | La Honda | The road leading to the park's 2,800 acres drops from a ridgetop into a deeply shaded redwood forest, offering a hushed getaway from the suburban bustle of nearby Silicon Valley and the South Bay Area. The visitor center, with its couches and fireplace, feels like a wilderness lodge. Eighteen miles of trails follow meandering creeks, where moisture-loving coast redwoods stand tall among ferns and huckleberries. Waterfalls on Fall and Pescadero creeks tumble down mossy banks over rocks and woody debris. The park has a 55-site family campground, 4 group campsites, and a trail camp for backpackers. It also protects some of the most remote and scenic redwoods in the region, the Peter’s Creek Grove. |
| San Francisco Zoo | Close Encounters: Animal Classification | San Francisco | Best for grades 2, 3, and 5. Students will be introduced to the five classes of animals with a backbone. Similarities and differences in habitats, locomotion, and feeding strategies are discussed. |
| San Francisco Zoo | Self Guided Tours - Packets Available | San Francisco | Packets Available: Animal Adaptations (grades 1, 3, 4, 6) Animal Behavior (grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) Gorilla World (grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9-12) Animal Environments (Habitats) (grades K, 1, 3, 4, 6) And coming soon... Primates 1: Introduction Primates 2: Class Activities Primates 3: Physical Adaptations Primates 4: Behavioral Adaptations Primates 5: Old World Primates Primates 6: New World Primates Primates 7: Apes Primates 8: Species at the Zoo Primates 9:Vocabulary Rainforest Animals Self-Guided Tour Rainforest Vocabulary SF Zoo Tropical Animals Shifting the Balance (Endangered Species) Zoo Design |
| San Francisco Zoo | Close Encounters: How Animals Grow | San Francisco | This lesson will explore the unique and amazing ways that different types of animals grow from young to adult. Some hatch from eggs while others are born live. Some change form completely while others become larger versions of their baby selves. |
| Seymour Marine Discovery Center | Guided Tours of the Seymour Marine Discovery Center | Santa Cruz | Reserve your own docent to guide your students through the amazing sights and sounds of a working marine lab. Discover where, what, and how ocean scientists learn about marine mammals and their incredible abilities. Your students will peer at some special marine mammals residing at the lab to help scientists investigate how their well-adapted bodies function. Learn how ongoing science at Long Marine Lab can help conservation efforts for animals in the wild. Before or after your guided tour, students can explore how scientists work through interactive exhibits and aquaria |
| Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods | Redwood Field Trips Along Russian River | Duncans Mills | Bring your class to one of our State Parks and provide your students with an exceptional environment for learning. California's North Coast is a land rich in natural and cultural history, biological diversity and distinctive geology. Stewards has developed hands-on environmental education programs designed to enhance the environmental curriculum being taught in classrooms. Designed for school groups from pre-school through 12th grade; these programs are available for Armstrong Redwoods SNR, Austin Creek SRA, Sonoma Coast SP beaches and in the Willow Creek watershed. For each location, we have a variety of educational aids available; including unique tours, on-site activities and follow-up lessons. The programs center around field trips led by our staff and State Parks volunteer docents who provide young people with an exceptional opportunity for learning about the unique local environment from the Forest to the Sea. Students come away from their experience with a great appreciation of our natural environment and an understanding of the importance of practicing good stewardship. Scholarships available |
| Sulphur Creek Nature Center | Learning Labs: Vertebrates | Hayward | The education staff will immerse you in the study of Vertebrates |
| Sulphur Creek Nature Center | Learning Labs: Owl Pellet Lab | Hayward | The education staff will immerse you in the study of Owl Pellet Lab |
| Sulphur Creek Nature Center | Learning Labs: Skulls | Hayward | The education staff will immerse you in the study of Skulls |
| Sulphur Creek Nature Center | Learning Labs: Feathers | Hayward | The education staff will immerse you in the study of Feathers |
| Sunol-Ohlone Regional Wilderness | Amazing Adaptations of the East Bay | Sunol | Discover how adaptations allow animals to survive in ever changing East Bay habitats. Meet our animal ambassadors and learn all about surviving and thriving in the diverse East Bay habitats. |
| The Gardens at Heather Farms | Seed Secrets at the Garden | Walnut Creek | Students work together to dissect lima beans. They learn and identify each part of a seed and its function. Students will become familiar with the life cycle of a plant, and discover the importance of seeds for plant reproduction. Students will also have the opportunity to plant a seed that can be used as an in class extension. |
| The Gardens at Heather Farms | Bug Buddies Field Trip | Walnut Creek | Peek into the amazing world of insects, the most successful life form on the planet. Young entomologists will observe and handle live mini-beasts to experience a bug's life, learn about creature features, and test their bug IQ. Also available as in-class presentation. 1 hour |
| The Gardens at Heather Farms | The Power of Pollination at The Gardens | Walnut Creek | Butterflies, bees, and more! Learn about the animals that move pollen from plant to plant to generate seeds and create fruit. Students will discover how pollinators are crucial to a plants' life cycle through a hands-on pollination activity to see how important these tiny animals really are. Find out how pollinators and plants communicate with each other to help our gardens grow and give us the delicious food we enjoy. Students will end class searching for pollinators in our own garden. |
| The Lawrence | Self-Guided Visit | Berkeley | Take your students to the Lawrence Hall of Science to enjoy the exhibits. Outdoor Nature Lab Animal Explorations Well Played Young Explorers Area Planetarium Hands-on Biotech Forces that Shape the Bay |
| The Pegasus Project | Pegasus Project Sailing Voyage | Albany | Classes will experience the magic of Pegasus under sail, with students able to move around the vessel. Time allowing, students will have the opportunity to steer the vessel, along with a tour below decks upon conclusion of the sail. The purpose of these voyages is to provide a marine educational experience that kids will remember for a lifetime! |
| The Tech Interactive | IMAX Film: Educational Film Libary | San Jose | If you are the first school to request the 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. time slot for that day, you can reserve a film of your choosing from our library (see below). Showtimes and IMAX films are based upon availability. |
| Tilden Nature Area-Tilden Regional Park | Nature Ramble (Year round): | Berkeley | An exploration of the Nature Area’s flora and fauna —anything can happen! This walk easily accommodates a topic of your choice. 60-90 minutes |
| Tilden Nature Area-Tilden Regional Park | Wildlife (Year round): | Berkeley | Focus on various animal classes during an interactive hike. 60-90 minutes. Choose from one or more of the following topics: -Reptiles (year round) -Amphibians (Nov.-May) -Birds (year round) -Mammals (year round) -Insects (March-Oct.) -Spiders (Sept.-Oct. and March) |
| Tilden Nature Area-Tilden Regional Park | Sensory Hike (Year round) | Berkeley | Awaken your five senses and your imagination, while you explore and experiment outdoors. |
| Tilden Nature Area-Tilden Regional Park | Tailored Naturalist Program: Habitats | Berkeley | the Tilden Naturalists can adapt their programs to meet the specific needs of your science unit. Sign up for a fieldtrip via the lottery system and give them a call once you are selected. |
| UC Botanical Garden | Patterns in Nature - Math in the Garden | Berkeley | Develop your mathematical skills and powers of observation as you apply them to the beauty and diversity of plants surrounding you in the Garden. Look for geometric shapes, angles, symmetry, and patterns, even fractals and Fibonacci numbers! Discover how nature’s designs are adaptations helping plants to survive. Activities will be selected to be grade-level appropriate. |
| UC Botanical Garden | Water Ecology: Ponds and Creeks | Berkeley | (Grades 2 and up. Offered in Spring, Summer and Fall) Visit the Garden’s creeks and dip nets into the Garden’s ponds. Be amazed by the plants, insects, and microorganisms you’ll discover in these watery environments. Investigate the crucial role of photosynthesis and decomposers as you compare and contrast the Garden’s pond and creek ecosystems. |
| UC Botanical Garden | Plant Travelers | Berkeley | Can plants really travel? Marvel at the slingshots, parachutes, hitchhikers, helicopters and other mechanisms that propel plant seeds around the Garden. |
| Wildcare | WildCare Center Tours | San Rafael | Spring 2023 temporarily closed due to Avian Flu. Discover a world of wings and paws. Get a nose-to-nose view of native birds and mammals with engaging programs tailored to meet the learning needs of each class. Learn about the place of wildlife in modern society, wildlife ecology and the work of WildCare at our site by Albert Park. Taught by a professional teacher/naturalist. Grades Pre-school - 2nd: Discover our animal neighbors in an active, fun-filled program taught by an experienced naturalist. Grades 3 - 8: Learn about the place of wildlife in modern society, wildlife ecology and the work of WildCare’s animal rehabilitation hospital. 75 minute presentation. |