Middle School Life Science Field Trips

Field Trips for Middle School Life Science

These websites support the NGSS standards at this grade level and are labeled by the type of website that it is (Student or Teacher Background, Student Online Activities, Teacher Activities, Student or Teacher Videos).

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Provider Name	Resource Link	Provider Location	Abstract
Alameda County Resource Conservation District	Sunol AgPark Field Trips	Livermore	These field trips offer the opportunity to experience a working organic farm, engage with farmers and explore the interaction of the farms and the surrounding riparian area. Field trips begin with an introductory farm tour followed by a lesson connecting students to the land and to people involved in agriculture and natural resource preservation. Students also participate in farm chores geared to the season and farm needs. Field trips generally run from 10 am to 1 pm (not including transportation time) though other times are available to meet teachers’ scheduling needs.
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
Angel Island State Park	Nature Tours	San Francisco Bay	Nature Tours Wonderful in wild flower season, March to May, available year round. Group maximum 30.
Angel Island State Park	Cove Tours	San Francisco Bay	Students lean about the early explorer who came to the island, how to make a map, explore what it is like to live on an island and why the animals that live here are unique.
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 Model Visitor Center	Guided Ranger Tour	Sausalito	The 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.
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	Discover the Delta Watershed	Oakley	Learn about water in one of California’s most significant watersheds – the Delta. Our 1,200 square-foot Delta map and targeted field/learning activities clarify watershed concepts, processes, and applications to students’ lives.
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	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.
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	Kayaking Big Break	Oakley	There is no better way to explore and understand the wonders of the Delta than by kayak. Kayak seats are limited. FEE PROGRAM. Please call 510-544-3050 for program details and pricing
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve	Martinez Marsh Exploration	Antioch	A hike along the shoreline in Martinez to learn about one of the few remaining salt marsh habitats in the SF Bay Area. We'll explore the plants, animals, and history of this diverse community.
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve	Chaparral Nature Trek	Antioch	A nature walk with emphasis on the area's plants and animals and how they are adapted to this unique environment. This program is 2 hours long.
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
Bodega Marine Lab	Lab Tour	Bodega Bay	Group tours are scheduled on other weekdays up to four times a week. Group tours must be reserved and scheduled in advance. Tour size is limited to 45 adults or 30 children. A minimal fee is charged for group tours. For more information about arranging group tours please contact (707) 875-2211. One class/tour, other classes drive to nearby beach for lunch. If you want to prepare students prior to field trip the following topics are discussed: History of Bodega Marine Laboratory, local geology, definitions of a research laboratory, biological reserve, and marine refuge; whales, salmon migration from freshwater to seawater, intertidal animals (e.g. sea stars, crabs), sea urchin fisheries, and aquaculture.
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	Planetarium: Expedition Reef	San Francisco	Embark on a journey into the hidden world of coral reefs in this all-digital planetarium show exploring some of our planet’s most biodiverse—and critically threatened—ecosystems. Dive into the heart of the Academy’s iconic Philippine coral reef tank as thousands of tropical fish flutter by. Travel the globe to explore coral reefs teeming with life and learn how scientists are racing to develop sustainable solutions to protect these vitally important ecosystems for the future. Along the way, discover how corals live, breathe, and reproduce, supporting a quarter of all marine life on Earth and providing critical benefits to human communities in our ever-changing world.
California Academy of Sciences	Planetarium: Habitat Earth	San Francisco	Living networks connect and support life forms large and small—from colonies of tiny microbes and populations of massive whales to ever-expanding human societies. Discover what it means to live in today’s connected world, where biological networks intersect with those we have built. Through stunning visualizations of the natural world, dive below the ocean’s surface to explore the dynamic relationships found in kelp forest ecosystems, dig beneath the forest floor to see how Earth’s tallest trees rely on tiny fungi to survive, and journey to new heights to witness the intricate intersection between human and ecological networks.
Call of the Sea	Bay Explorations	Sausalito	From three hour day sails to multi-day overnight adventures, Call of the Sea's programs provide hands-on, impactful learning experiences for youth from grades 4-12. Students gain a connection with the outdoors in a completely unique way aboard the classic schooner SEAWARD or the Matthew Turner. Content focuses on ecology, maritime history, navigation and seamanship, teamwork, and much more, with all lessons taught by our crew of professional educators and mariners.
Chabot Space and Science Center	Astronaut Training	Oakland	How do astronauts prepare for a mission to outer space? What are they doing on the missions they undertake off-planet? In this workshop, students will explore the different areas that astronauts focus on in their two-year training process, including the effects of microgravity, learning to navigate, and working as a team to complete scientific missions. Through their training at Chabot, students will experience an array of challenges and collaborate in teams to solve them while making connections to the work that astronauts do and how their work impacts humankind. Students will come away from this experience with greater teamwork and communication skills, along with a better understanding of space exploration and its importance to all fields of STEAM.
Chabot Space and Science Center	Energy Engineering	Oakland	Things are heating up, so come on down and shoot the breeze! Where does all of our energy come from? What are some sustainable energy options that we use? How do different types of energy influence life on our planet? In this workshop students will learn about different sources of energy, including wind and solar energy. They will also design wind turbine models and test their ability to produce energy. They will leave this workshop with engineering/experimentation skills and an understanding of renewable and non renewable energy sources and their impact on our environment.
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	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	Self-Guided Tours	San Mateo	Self-guided Tour of the museum.
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: 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: 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: 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	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.
Dolphin Charters	3-Hour Petaluma Cruise	El Cerrito	View this river from a different perspective. Come enjoy an entertaining and informative tour of the Petaluma River. Sail this historic waterway from the turning basin in downtown Petaluma to the mouth of the river in San Pablo Bay and return. See how Petaluma is preserving its past while stepping into the 21st century.
Dolphin Charters	Custom Boat Tour	El Cerrito	Tours led by a professional biologist, and can be tailored to emphasize environmental studies, earth science, marine biology, geography, natural history or cultural history.
Dolphin Charters	Petaluma River Cruise - full day	El Cerrito	Rediscover this once active river artery while treating yourself to an insider’s view of seldom visited parts of Marin and Sonoma County. Today all along the River lies marshland, a de facto wilderness area, rich with wildlife. Don't leave home without your binoculars. Arriving at Petaluma, enjoy a stroll in Victorian Old Town. Tour can include historic commercial and or homes plus historic museum located in a Carnegie Library Building. Tour may also include shore side lunch along side the river or onboard Delphinus. Lunch is extra. After exploring Petaluma, you relax while “rollin down the river“. Enjoy the flowing, tranquil experience of the river and its inhabitants.
Dolphin Charters	Lighthouses of the San Francisco Bay	El Cerrito	Not only does the Bay have some of the most interesting lighthouses in the country, it also has the greatest density of them on the West Coast. The development of the West Coast began here, depending on water traffic with the East Coast; hence, several of the first lighthouses on the West Coast were built here. On this cruise, you will see nearly all the historic lighthouses of central San Francisco Bay and learn their individual histories.
Dolphin Charters	Napa River Cruise	El Cerrito	A cruise along the Napa River is like a voyage into the past. Beginning at historic Vallejo, the cruise continues along the waterfront of Vallejo and Mare Island. Vallejo once rivaled or surpassed San Francisco in importance. Mare Island is a monument to the industry of the US Navy and began building ships during the civil war. Historic ships from the Mothball Fleet are often found here. Once beyond Vallejo, you enter a different world, one of vineyards, agriculture, backwater homes and marinas. Some of the largest contiguous marshes are located along the Napa River, with much bird life. The old Leslie salt ponds as well as former agricultural lands are being returned as well to marsh land as part of the S.F. Bay National Wildlife refuge. The collection of historic buildings in Napa contains much of the charm of Old California and was the site of the last California Mission.
Dolphin Charters	Heart of the Delta	El Cerrito	Discover the Delta, the hidden heart of California, its watering hole and the source of over 50% of the water used in the state. It's fascinating. In the midst of the arid Central Valley, there are hundreds of miles of rivers, sloughs, and canals forming a maze of waterways connecting the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers. This is also the richest and rarest terrestrial habitat in the state. Streamside forests mingle with freshwater marshes creating a wildlife paradise. River otters, beavers, and muskrats are commonly seen as well as numerous birds.
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
Environmental Discovery Center of Sonoma County	Healthy Earth, Healthy Bodies	Santa Rosa	Take a field trip to a farm! This program combines the best in science education while making the connection between protecting natural resources and growing healthy bodies. Students will learn the benefits of eating healthy foods, take a rigorous hike, tour the farm, and work in the garden. Reinforces grade-level state science standards in life science and health. Held at Tolay Lake Regional Park in Petaluma.
Environmental Discovery Center of Sonoma County	Acorn to Oaks	Santa Rosa	Looking for a different field trip experience focused on California history? Acorns to Oaks engages students with the rich heritage and culture of native communities in Sonoma County. Early California Indians had an incredibly detailed knowledge of natural resources and passed this knowledge down through generations. Students will take an extended hike, explore kotchas, the traditional housing structures, and will participate in storytelling and crafts specific to the living local tribal people.
Environmental Discovery Center of Sonoma County	Climate Change Agents	Santa Rosa	Through experiments, games, and plays, students will learn the science behind Earth’s changing climate. Students will understand that human activities are impacting the climate system and that we can take actions to reduce climate change. Students will explore how they can be change agents to have a positive effect on our climate future.
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.
Exploratorium	Gallery 1: Human Phenomena	San Francisco	Experiment with thoughts, feelings, and social behavior Humans think, feel, and interact, and these phenomena are all open to scientific investigation and creative exploration. Here, you and others are the exhibits—so play with social interactions, observe others, and contribute your reflections.
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	Bechtel Gallery 3: Seeing and Reflections	San Francisco	Experiment with light and vision, sound and hearing, and motion and spatial perception. Our eyes and ears respond to light and sound waves, but these are just the first steps in perceiving the world. Playing with light and sound is the best way to learn how they work. Investigating real phenomena can also give you a deeper understanding of the scientific process.
Felidae Conservation Fund	CAT Aware	Sausalito	The core of BAPP's efforts to inform our communities about pumas and local ecosystems is a set of environmental education programs for middle schools and high schools throughout the Bay Area. Called 'CAT Aware', these innovative programs teach students about: · the balance and healthy functioning of natural habitats · the central role of pumas in the local ecology · the effects of human expansion on these ecosystems · the larger environmental issues that these trends raise The program focuses on the charismatic puma as keystone species, in order to convey both the richness of the natural world and the growing damage being done to it by human activities, and to make a powerful impression about the need to preserve habitats and foster healthy co-existence between humans and wildlife.
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.
Gardens of Golden Gate Park	Self Guided Field Trips - Free	San Francisco	You must register in advance for the free self-guided field trips. They have lots of resources on their web site to help focus your trip.
Greater Farallones Association	Student Monitoring Programs (LiMPETS)	San Francisco	Through research-based monitoring, students develop their problem solving skills, gain experience using tools and methods employed by field scientists, and learn to analyze data. Teachers are provided with a Monitoring Handbook, equipment, an in-class introduction to the project, and a training session at the monitoring site to ensure that teachers and students are familiar with the protocols. Pick from the Sandy Beach Monitoring Project or the Rocky Intertidal Monitoring Project. Sandy Beach and Rocky Intertidal Monitoring Program options available
Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center	Shoreline Discovery	Hayward	This program introduces students to the natural history of a saltmarsh and the characterisistics which make plants, animals, and invertebrates of the shoreline unique. We develop the idea of how a salt marsh works, including adaptations, habitats, and plant/animal interrelationships. Students will: * classify marsh birds by feeding strategy; * identify marsh fish and invertebrates; * collect mud samples to observe and identify shoreline invertebrates; identify two important salt marsh plants; * discuss some of the salt marsh / estuarine plant / animal interactions; record evidence of animal life along the trail. 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. 3 hours
Hidden Villa	Youth Development Programs	Los Altos Hills	Enjoy the outdoors while building connections, challenging themselves, and learning about our natural and cultivated world. In the Youth Development program, students rotate through three stations: High Ropes Course: Reach new heights by using our ropes course to challenge your group and take safe risks. We practice goal setting, group encouragement, and debriefing. All safety gear (helmet, harness, ropes) is provided. Team Building Initiatives: Be faced with a series of challenges designed to provoke critical thinking and problem-solving. Our team-building facilitators will take you onto some of our low-elements and lead fun activities designed to teach valuable communication and leadership skills. ** Farm Tour: Meet our super-friendly sheep, chickens, goats, pigs, and cows! Participants have the opportunity to join their guide inside the animal pens to touch the animals and sometimes even give them a treat! Guides also provide age-appropriate information about our sustainable farming practices (a group favorite!).
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.
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	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 - Bay Scientist	Berkeley	Use lab sheets and microscopes to explore water chemistry, living rocks, dock life, and plankton. Includes a 40-50 minute interactive slide and video presentation and 2 hours 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 date Jan 20, class dates Feb 10, 11, 12, 13, 24, 25, 26.
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.
Marina Education Programs - City of Berkeley	Sailboat Trip	Berkeley	Experience sailing on the Bay in the 51 ft. ketch "Pegasus." 15 kids sail on the Pegasus while the other half of the class learns the mechanics and vocabulary of sailing by handling the sails and lines on a small Lido sailboat on land. Class then rotates.There is a two step application process to sign up. Return initial lottery form to receive second application form. 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. 4.5 hours
Marine Science Institute	Ocean Lab	Redwood City	Students discover the amazing ecosystem of the Pacific Coast rocky intertidal zone in this program. Students use microscopes, identification keys and the scientific method to learn about five different groups of live tidepool invertebrates and fish, their interrelationships, ecology, habitat, and human impact issues. An Educator's Guide is provided.
Marine Science Institute	Wonders of Watersheds	Redwood City	Explore local watersheds and discover how humans depend on and influence them with the Wonders of Watersheds program. This inquiry-driven multiple-exposure program combines an in-class visit (“Inland Voyage”) with two field trips, which build upon each other to deepen students’ understanding and create opportunities for cross-cutting between concepts. Through this series students gain an in-depth appreciation for what a watershed is and for their connection to the environment.
Marine Science Institute	Canoes in the Sloughs	Redwood City	Join the MSI crew for a 5 hour program exploring Redwood Creek and the salt marshes that surround it by canoe. Your group will spend a day as scientists, discovering the wetland ecosystem and discussing their own roles within it. No prior experience with canoeing is necessary, since students will learn proper paddling techniques and safety rules before heading out on the water. Once launched, students will paddle while making observations about the local wildlife they see and discuss human’s impact on this important habitat. Other activities while out on the water may include: mud/invertebrate exploration, plant identification, trash pickup analysis, and water quality testing. Lunch is enjoyed while out on the water.
Marine Science Institute	Tidepool Expedition	Redwood City	Meet at Pillar Point in Princeton, North of Half Moon Bay, for a guided tidepool exploration to find and identify an amazing array of tidepool creatures. An Educator's Guide is provided.
Marine Science Institute	Marsh & Beach Exploration	Redwood City	Pescadero Marsh & Beach Exploration is a wonderful opportunity to get students to experience nature through hands-on learning. Our instructors will guide your students through activities based on sandy beach and marsh & mudflat ecology. Students will compare sand found locally with sand from beaches around the world, explore the beach wrack-line, bird watch with the aid of binoculars while traversing the marsh and mudflat, and learn about the indigenous & invasive flora of California's coastline. Students will gain an understanding of how beaches, marshes, and mudflats are formed and how humans impact these delicate ecosystems.
Marine Science Institute	Shoreside Stations Program	Redwood City	Students love this 2-3 hour, hands-on program that takes place on our oyster shell beach, pier, and in the fully equipped Discovery Lab. The Shoreside Program offers a variety of "disocovery-based" activities that are guaranteed to excite young students and challenge older ones. A basic program includes two stations from a choice of six: fish, benthic invertebrates, plankton, hydrology, sharks, and marine mammals. Students will use real oceanographic equipment during their stations to take a "mud grab" and find the invertebrates that live at the bottom of the bay, use a large beach net or "seine" to collect fish for examination or use a Van Dorn Bottle to collect samples of water to test. All programs close with an activity that examines our human connection with this important estuary. * Available for 2, 3, or 4 stations, with increasing prices.
Marine Science Institute	Discovery Voyage	Redwood City	Spend a half-day as scientists aboard the 90 foot research vessel, the Robert G. Brownlee, discovering the SF Estuary's ecosystem. Students collect and examine plankton, run hydrology tests and observe wetland ecology. They will delve through mud samples to discover fascinating invertebrates that thrive at the Bay's bottom. Use a trawl net to catch, identify. and measure fish, sharks, and rays. Program can be tailored to include specific themes and topics. An Educator's Guide is provided.
Math Science Nucleus	Fossils	Fremont	Students learn the different animals that lived in the Fremont area during the Pleistocene including mammoths and sabertooth cats. They will go on a scavenger hunt in the Museum. They will compare the present with the past. Learn about fossil excavations by sorting through fossils and receive a fossil shark tooth.
Math Science Nucleus	Volcanoes	Fremont	Look at rocks produced by volcanoes from around the world? Students will be able to distinguish volcanic and plutonic rocks by learning different characteristics. They will determine the clues and act as a geologist to determine how the rocks were formed. Sixth Grade: Earth Sciences (1 a-g)
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	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.
Monterey Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center	Marine Debris	Santa Cruz	Become a citizen scientist while helping to protect our ocean. Using scientific protocols, your group will collect debris, record detailed records and make observations. Sanctuary naturalists will lead your group in a discussion on the causes and effects of marine debris and compare your cleanup results with data previously collected.
Monterey Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center	Plankton Discovery	Santa Cruz	Explore the tiny drifters of the ocean: Plankton! Students will learn that plankton are the basis of the marine food web, are critical for producing oxygen on earth, and can be important indicators of ocean health. Monitoring these “tiny drifters” can give scientists important clues as to the condition of the ocean. Using scientific tools, students will take a plankton “tow” off the Santa Cruz wharf. Back in the Exploration Center classroom, we will investigate the sample under microscopes to see what species of plankton is currently in Monterey Bay.
Monterey Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center	Wharf Oceanography	Santa Cruz	Students will use real oceanographic tools to take an “assessment” of the current conditions of Monterey Bay on the Santa Cruz Wharf. Through investigation in the field, and in the Exploration Center classroom, students will understand what physical, biological and chemical parameters affect marine life and how scientists monitor them. By monitoring these conditions over time, scientists can determine the health of the bay and how changes over time could influence the animals we see.
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
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.
Mount Diablo State Park	Summit Museum Self-Guided Visit	Clayton	Exhibits chronicle the history of the mountain and capture its majesty. A rock wall with instructional video examines the geological forces which created the mountain. Panels describe the native American history of the region. A diorama, complete with native sounds, offers an overview of the park's ecosystems. A model of the mountain acquaints visitors with important park locations. Photographs enhance the visitor's experience. In addition to the exhibits, the summit museum features a gift shop and audio-visual room. Link to survey points- Mt. Diablo's importance as the highest peak in the Bay Area to cartography.
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!
O'Neill Sea Odyssey	Sea Odyssey - Free boat program	Santa Cruz	The Sea Odyssey program is a 3-hour learning experience that takes place aboard the 65-foot Team O’Neill catamaran with follow-up lessons at the shore-side Education Center. Prior to the trip the instructors give a brief introduction to the program and outfit each child with a life jacket. Upon boarding the Team O’Neill Catamaran the students are given a safety speech and assist the crew in hoisting the main sail. Each group is split into 3 sub-groups, which rotate through three stations: Marine Biology, Ecology and Navigation. They begin accepting applications every May 1. Free, but students required to design and perform a community service project.
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	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.
Oceanic Society	Santa Cruz Whale Watching Tours	San Francisco	April - November - 7 hour whale watching cruises from Santa Cruz take you to the submarine canyons of northern Monterey Bay, a productive feeding hotspots for whales and other wildlife.
Oceanic Society	Farallon Islands Whale Watching from San Francisco	San Francisco	April - November - 7.5 hour naturalist-led whale watching expedition under the Golden Gate Bridge all the way out to the wonderful & wild Farallon Islands.
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.
Palo Alto Baylands	Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center	Palo Alto	Capture bird life on the move in the salt marsh with binoculars, get up close and intimate with tactile activities, and pull it all together with a power point presentation.
Pegasus Voyages	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!
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	Geology Rocks!	Sausalito	Explore the Headlands and learn about California rocks and other geological features while viewing them in their natural habitat!
Point Bonita YMCA	The Wonders of Wetlands & Watersheds	Sausalito	Allow 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 YMCA	Sand Crab Monitoring	Sausalito	Engage in an active citizen science program in partnership with California's National Marine Sanctuaries! Students get their feet wet (literally) in scientific research by monitoring and measuring the sand crab population at South Rodeo Beach. In addition, Point Bonita staff will enter your student's results into a database accessible to scientists and teachers alike, so you can continue to engage in the project long after you have returned to the classroom! *To maximize program time, teachers may choose to show the LiMPETS 45 minute sand crab presentation to students in class prior to arrival at Point Bonita YMCA (slides & script provided).
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 Bonita YMCA	Habitats and Ecosystems	Sausalito	Students 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 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.
Point Reyes National Seashore	Point Reyes Lighthouse Visitor Center and Historic Lighthouse	Point Reyes Station	The Lighthouse Visitor Center is located 45 minutes west of Bear Valley on the Point Reyes Headlands, at the end of Sir Francis Drake Blvd. There is a 650 meter (0.4 mile) walk (mostly uphill) from the parking lot to the Lighthouse Visitor Center. Allow at least 2 hours round trip for travel to and from the Lighthouse from the Bear Valley area and another hour to tour the Visitor Center and Lighthouse. The Point Reyes Lighthouse itself is another 150 meters (0.1 miles) beyond the Visior Center at the base of some 300 steps—the equivalent of 30 stories. The lens room, which houses the original clockworks and first-order Fresnel lens that were manufactured in 1867 and installed in 1870, is open from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays as staffing and weather conditions permit. The lower chamber of the historic lighthouse has exhibit panels on the history of the light and the keepers. The equipment building next to the lighthouse exhibits the two 1947 super typhon foghorns, the air compressors, and a backup power generator that were used at Point Reyes
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.
Randall Museum	Animal Presentations: Oceans: Intertidal Ecosystem	San Francisco	In the ocean exhibit, students will see some of native intertidal species. Learn about the bizarre sea urchin, see the tube feet of the sea star, and maybe even see the pipefish eat!
Randall Museum	Animal Presentations: The Food Web - Predator and Prey	San Francisco	Learn about this connection through our different animal ambassadors and their place in the food chain.
Randall Museum	Exhibit Explorations - California's Habitats and Ecosystems	San Francisco	From the redwoods to the desert, with stops in the chaparral in between, students will learn about some of the most interesting habitats that occur in California and the wildlife that reside there.
Randall Museum	Animal Presentations: Reptiles and Amphibians	San Francisco	Through interactions with our Animal Ambassadors, students will learn about what makes reptiles different from amphibians.
Randall Museum	Animal Presentations: Super Senses	San Francisco	Learn about the special ways animals sense with different body parts and how these are different from how we do it!
Randall Museum	Animal Presentations: Amazing Invertebrates	San Francisco	Learn about the differences between insects and arachnids and why they are so important for the ecosystem.
Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary	Bay Shore Studies	Tiburon	During a visit, in small groups, we will explore the inter-tidal zone, using our fingers and our minds, while we turn over rocks to study crabs, Acorn barnacles, California Mussels, and more. We will ponder the ecology around us, while focusing on food webs, energy cycles, tidal zonation, and adaptation. Program availability is based on low tides, and slots fill quickly. 2 hours
San Francisco Zoo	Animal Adaptations - Docent guided tour	San Francisco	Concentrates on visible external adaptations that animals have to allow them to survive. Teacher Guides available online.
San Francisco Zoo	Close Encounters: The Food Web	San Francisco	This lesson explores food chains, the interdependence of plants and animals, predator/prey relationships and the difference between living and non-living things.
San Francisco Zoo	Close Encounters: The Evolving Reptiles	San Francisco	Reptiles have been on the earth for hundreds of millions of years. Two hundred and thirty million years ago, there were 20 distinct orders of these scaly creatures. Now, there are only four. Learn how these survivors make their way in the modern world.
San Francisco Zoo	Close Encounters - Habitats	San Francisco	Children will be able to compare life in the desert, the rain forest, and the Bay Area. They will get a first-hand look at some of the animals of these regions and their adaptations for survival.
San Francisco Zoo	Shifting the Balance - Docent guided tour	San Francisco	Introduces and explores the causes of wildlife endangerment. The terms “rare,” “threatened” and “endangered” are discussed. Designed to increase public awareness of the plight of endangered wildlife (an especially important concept for older children). Teacher Guides available online.
San Francisco Zoo	Close Encounters: Birds Form and Function	San Francisco	Students will be able to see five different birds that have very different lifestyles. The children will learn about feeding strategies, anatomy, and specific adaptations for survival of this diverse group of animals. No hands-on component.
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: Shifting the Balance	San Francisco	This lesson explores the effect that altering nature’s delicate balance has on wildlife populations. Issues addressed include the pet trade, misunderstood animals, introduced species, and habitat destruction. Students will learn how they can help save habitats every day.
San Francisco Zoo	Environments & Habitats - Docent guided tour	San Francisco	Students will learn about different types of habitats and how animals are specially adapted to survive in them.
Save The Bay	Bay Discovery	Oakland	This in-person program brings students to the shoreline to gain a deeper understanding of San Francisco Bay and our rich relationship to it. Students also have an opportunity to complete a service learning project exhibiting the positive impact we can have on our environment. Save The Bay’s field staff lead students in grade specific educational activities that explore a range of themes. After learning about threats such as flooding, pollution, and invasive species, participants engage in seasonally dependent activities to restore the shoreline and improve habitat for a healthier, more sustainable San Francisco Bay now and for generations to come. A typical program includes one hour for educational activities and games, and one to two of restoration project time. All of our restoration activities are accompanied by educational and informative games or activities to teach about the importance of wetland habitats to San Francisco Bay. All equipment and instruction is provided; your students should simply be prepared to be outdoors for the day.
Semifreddi's Bakery	Bakery Tour	Alameda	Contact them directly to make arrangements for a tour of the bakery
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
Suisun Marsh Natural History Association	Native American Trip	Suisun	A walk through the Rockville Hills Park highlighting the life ways of the Native Americans living here before and during the Spanish conquests and American arrival. Native plants and animals will also be examined.
Suisun Marsh Natural History Association	Suisun Marsh Trip	Suisun	An interpretive walk through the Peytonia Ecological Reserve examining native plants and animals, and investigating their ecological relationships.
The Gardens at Heather Farms	The Power of Plants At The Gardens	Walnut Creek	Students learn about the parts of a plant and their functions. We will discuss what plants need to survive and why pollinators and wind are so important to plant reproduction. Students work together to dissect a plant and see the parts up close. They learn and identify each part of a seed and its function.
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 Marine Mammal Center	Marine Science Careers	Sausalito	Do you have what it takes to work at the world’s largest marine mammal hospital? Come see our patients and explore the different jobs required to help care for them. Through our people and patient stories and guided inquiry, students will engage with the collaborative nature of science highlighted by our work in rehabilitation, research and education. Students will discover real-world connections and applications with their science education, exciting opportunities for teens at The Marine Mammal Center and maybe even a future career!
The Marine Mammal Center	Ocean Ambassadors	Sausalito	Ocean Ambassadors is an award-winning marine science program that provides middle school teachers access to Next Generation Science Standard-connected curriculum, resources and professional development throughout the academic year. Teachers gain access through an online portal to lesson plans, teaching tools and videos to help them provide their students with an interactive learning experience. Currently serving communities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Ocean Ambassadors also includes funded field trips to The Marine Mammal Center’s hospital in Sausalito and to various field sites to see marine mammals in the wild.
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.
The Tech Interactive	DNA and Genetic - Lab	San Jose	Students will investigate the wonders of DNA and genetics by examining their own cheek cells, spooling DNA from animal cells, and discovering some of their hidden genetic traits. This lab was created in partnership with the Stanford Genetics Department.
Tilden Nature Area-Tilden Regional Park	Wet ‘n Wild Watersheds (Year round)	Berkeley	If you live on land, you live in a watershed! Investigate the fascinating tale of how water connects all living things. 1 - 1.5 hours
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	Pond Study (March-Oct.)	Berkeley	Explore the wet and wonderful world of the Nature Area’s ponds: insects, amphibians and more (perhaps even a garter snake!).
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	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	California Natives: Plants and People	Berkeley	How could people get everything they need from the natural environment without stores? Learn about the plants used by California Indians for food, shelter, clothing, tools, medicine, games, and music. Become familiar with the varied customs and skills of California’s earliest inhabitants.
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.
UC Botanical Garden	California Ecosystems and Habitats	Berkeley	Explore the Garden’s outstanding collection of California native plants to learn how they adapted to specific areas within the Golden State. Visit different ecosystems and plant communities including alpine slope, chaparral, coastal dune, desert, pine-oak woodland, pygmy forest, redwood forest, serpentine, and a vernal pool. Compare and contrast the characteristics that allow plants to exist in diverse habitats.
UC Botanical Garden	Docent Led Tours	Berkeley	Free docent led tours are available to the public on a variety of topics surrounding horticulture and gardening.
UC Botanical Garden	Pollinators in the Garden	Berkeley	The bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds you can observe in the Garden are just some of the world’s 200,000 species of pollinators. Discover how insects, birds, bats, and wind are essential in the life cycles of our crops and other plants. Learn how flower forms and colors relate to their pollinators.
UC Botanical Garden	Extreme Environments: Glass House Collections	Berkeley	How do plants survive in diverse ecosystems? Visit three unique glass houses: the Arid House, with one of the largest collections of cacti and succulents in the country; the Orchid, Fern and Carnivorous Plant House; and the Tropical House, where you feel as though you’re in a rainforest. Discover remarkable relationships between plants and animals. Learn about environments and plant adaptations found in widely different places around the globe. This is a mostly indoor tour great for rainy winter months.
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	Trees in the Garden	Berkeley	What is a tree? How do they get so tall? Why are they important to our planet? Discover how a tree is different from other plants, how they adapt to their environments, how they make food from sunlight, and how they grow and reproduce. Learn about their life cycles, and the ecosystems they inhabit. Visit trees from around the world; see examples of the planet’s tallest and most massive organisms as well as those that lived when the dinosaurs roamed the earth.
UC Botanical Garden	Evolution: Plants Through Time	Berkeley	How have plants adapted to the changing conditions on earth? Which plants living today are connected to ancient times? Trace the story of plant evolution from a hostile, barren earth 4.5 billion years ago to the astounding diversity of plants today. We’ll use our knowledge of plate tectonics, climate change, and the fossil record to try to understand the key changes that have allowed these organisms to emerge and survive. We’ll investigate examples of the first land plants, early vascular plants, ancient seed plants, conifers, flowering plants, and grasses.
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.
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.