4th Grade Earth Science Field Trips

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4th Grade Earth Science Field Trips

Field Trips for 4th Grade Earth Science
Earth's Systems: Processes that Shape the Earth

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Provider Name Resource Link Provider Location Abstract
Bay Model Visitor CenterGuided Ranger TourSausalitoThe Bay Model Visitor Center provides public information and educational programs focusing on the environmental, historical and cultural elements of the San Francisco Bay region. These educational programs focus on concepts such as geography, geology, tide cycle, water cycle, the food chain and map scale. Pre-scheduled programs can be arranged for groups of 10 or more, and are approximately 1-½ hours in length. This tour will provide valuable knowledge about the history of the hydraulic model of our estuary in San Francisco Bay and Delta and can be tailored to specific interests of your group.
Black Diamond Mines Regional PreserveBlack Diamond GeologyAntiochA hike along the trails at Black Diamond to learn how millions of years of geologic activity have influenced the cultural and natural history of this Preserve. This program no longer includes an underground visit to the Greathouse Visitor Center. The program is 2 hours long.
Black Diamond Mines Regional PreserveCoal Mining History TourAntioch1.5 hours Hike through the townsite of Somersville to learn of the immigrants who carved a life from these hills. Then continue underground into the Coal Mine Experience, a replica 19th century coal mine, to discover how and why coal was critical to the young state of California.
Black Diamond Mines Regional PreserveBlack Diamond Mining History TourAntiochExperience a day in the life of a coal miner and a sand miner. Discover how mining changed from the 1850 to 1945 on this tour through the Hazel-Atlas Mine and the Coal Mine Experience.
Chabot Space and Science CenterSun, Earth, and Moon K-5OaklandWhat are the sun, moon and Earth? How were they formed? How do they interact, and impact our lives? Through this workshop, students will be introduced to the two astronomical objects that are most significant in our lives, the sun and the moon. They will also gain a deeper understanding of our own planet and how all three act together. By the end of this workshop, students will have a greater understanding of the astronomical forces impacting the Earth, as well as how these objects were formed and their importance in the solar system.
Crab Cove Visitor Center and AquariumNature Walks in the Regional ParksAlamedaUse 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.
Environmental Discovery Center of Sonoma CountyDiscovering Earth Science in the ParksSanta RosaA place-based field trip program, for 4th, 5th, and 6th grades focusing on Earth Science and conservation. Choose from six locations! • Helen Putnam Regional Park in Petaluma • Foothill Regional Park in Windsor • Riverfront Regional Park in Windsor • Crane Creek Regional Park in Rohnert Park • Ragle Ranch Regional Park in Sebastopol • Stillwater Cove Regional Park in Jenner Program Choices: * Rockin' and Recycling - This fieldtrip will focus on the properties of the common rocks and minerals in the park and the processes that formed them. Students will also learn the importance of recycling products manufactured from minerals and rocks. * Weather or Not - Students will learn the science behind weather and weather patterns. They will learn about some of Sonoma County's many microclimates within the parks, and forecast local weather based on observation and data collection.
ExploratoriumOutdoor Gallery: Open your senses to this place by the Bay.San FranciscoInvestigate 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.
Golden Gate National Recreation AreaParks as Classroom: Rock! Pattern! Systems!Rock! Pattern! Systems! takes young geologists on a dramatic trek to the Point Bonita Lighthouse, the first place in California where scientists produced a detailed geologic map. Through both individual and small group work, students use copies of the first complete world map of the ocean floor to hone their powers of observation and find patterns in seafloor mountain ranges. A close read of a short biography of the mapmakers offers context for the 3 decade struggle to produce and publish a map that changed how we think about land and sea. At Point Bonita, students investigate seafloor rocks along the trail and pose information questions and questions for deeper meaning as they construct their own understanding of the importance of accurate data in creating new scientific knowledge. Rock! Pattern! Systems! uses the Understanding by Design framework, and aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core Standards.
Point Bonita YMCAIntroduction to the Marin HeadlandsSausalitoExplore 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 Bonita YMCAThe Wonders of Wetlands & WatershedsSausalitoAllow your students to truly understand what a watershed is by seeing it firsthand as they hike from the top to the bottom of Point Bonita's very own watershed! At the bottom, students will have the chance to investigate the aquatic macroinvertebrate population of Rodeo Lagoon and continue the trail from the lagoon out to the beach and ocean and seeing the culmination of their watershed adventure.
Point Bonita YMCAHabitats and EcosystemsSausalitoStudents will explore the Coastal Scrub ecosystem of the Marin Headlands through interactive games and investigations of the local plants and animals. They will explore different habitats and learn about the interdependent relationships and interactions between the living and non-living elements in the ecosystem.
Point Bonita YMCAGeology Rocks!SausalitoExplore the Headlands and learn about California rocks and other geological features while viewing them in their natural habitat!
Point Reyes National SeashoreWoodpecker TrailPoint Reyes StationA 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.
Point Reyes National SeashoreEarthquake TrailPoint Reyes StationA short, informative trail with exhibits about the 1906 earthquake and the San Andreas Fault zone. Allow 35 minutes to walk this trail. Park in the gravel parking lot east of the Bear Valley Visitor Center. The trailhead is next to the picnic area restrooms. 0.6-mile loop wheelchair accessible.
Randall MuseumBay Area Geology - Grades 3 - 8San FranciscoStudents begin their exploration by constructing the Earth’s geologic history that begins at Earth’s formation, 4.6 Billion years ago. The class also uses the museum’s rock and mineral collection to identify distinguishing properties of different rocks. Topping off this field trip is an instructor-led hike through stunning geologic features that are unique to Corona Heights, home to the Randall Museum.
San Francisco Maritime National ParkLife on the Barbary CoastSan FranciscoStudents become sailors for an afternoon aboard an historic vessel when they are picked up as green hand sailors in 1906. As San Francisco is scrambling to rebuild itself following a devastating earthquake, the lads must scramble themselves in order to learn basic nautical skills under the scrutiny of the officers. This program emphasizes team work and group problem solving skills.
San Francisco Maritime National ParkThe Gold RushSan FranciscoA ship's captain, a merchant, and a miner from California's gold rush days will invite the students to work as crew men, cargo handlers, and miners and to learn about the tools of the trade.
Sibley Volcanic Regional PreserveVolcanic TourOaklandFolding and erosion have exposed a cross section of a great volcano, right down to its roots, providing an unsurpassed outdoor laboratory for the study of volcanism in the Central Coast Ranges. An unstaffed visitor center next to the staging area at the park entrance has displays illustrating the park's geology, and a supply of park brochures containing a map with a self-guided volcanic tour. Sibley Volcanic Preserve's main entrance is on Skyline Boulevard just east of the intersection with Grizzly Peak Boulevard in the Oakland hills. You can make a reservation wtih the naturalists at Crab Cove to have a guided hike/program.
The LawrenceSelf-Guided VisitBerkeleyTake 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 Tech InteractiveIMAX Film: Educational Film LibarySan JoseIf 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.

Community Resources for Science
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