Teachers’ Lounge

Do you know a science geek, filmmaker, artist, or maker in the 9th-12th grades?

The Academy is currently recruiting for our upcoming youth program, “Virtual Expeditions”. We are looking for youth who are excited about creating a science pop-up experience for Academy visitors. Please forward to youth who you think may be interested!

Virtual Expeditions: Making Science Come Alive for the Academy’s Visitors

Digital Learning is looking for a team of teens to work together over this school year to create a “virtual science expedition” for visitors to the Academy. Youth in the program will get to learn about our recent field expeditions around the world, and then will be challenged to translate what our scientists do in the field into an interactive, fun, and educational experience for our visitors. Interacting closely with our researchers, teens will use technologies like video, sensors, and mobile devices to make science come alive on the public floor.

Applications are due September 26 at 5pm.

For questions about the Virtual Expeditions program, email Rik Panganiban

Click here to learn more about our other youth opportunities.

Program Requirements
Virtual Expeditions participants should:

• currently be in high school
• have a strong interest in science and the California Academy of Sciences
• enjoy working with digital media and technology (prior tech skills desired, but not required)
• want to create fun, educational experiences for the public
• commit to seeing through a project that will take many months to complete

Interested youth can apply here: http://tinyurl.com/VirtualExpeditions

Informal Science Education
Professional Learning Programs

Introduction
The California Academy of Sciences is pleased to introduce professional learning programs for informal educators interested in exploring the theory and practice of education within free-choice settings. Our programs immerse educators in best practices for engaging the public with science and sustainability. Sessions take place at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. Snacks are provided.

~ Flyer ~ . ~ Application ~

Goals of the Programs

• Develop a common understanding: review current research in science and sustainability education
• Reflect: observe and evaluate your own teaching; and observe ways other educators teach
• Nurture a learning community: build a network of educators through shared experiences and collect resources for designing educational activities in informal environments
• Implement changes to practice: educators develop a new activity on a topic of your choosing- or tweak an existing one- which reflects what you’ve learned

Program 1: Learning, Reflections & Science
October 2 – November 20, 2013
Wednesdays from 4:30 – 7:30pm

This program is based on the Reflecting on Practice program developed by the Lawrence Hall of Science. Participants will explore research on learning and methods for engaging learners in scientific practices. Educators must be available for all of the Wednesday night sessions.

• How Learning Happens (Oct. 2)
• Accessing Prior Knowledge (Oct. 9)
• Learning Conversations (Oct. 16)
• Observing and Discussing Practice (Oct. 23)
• Nature and Practices of Science (Oct. 30)
• Scientific Practices & the NGSS (Nov. 6)
• Observing and Discussing Practice (Nov. 13)
• Poster Session & Happy Hour (Nov. 20)

Program 2: Conservation & Sustainability Education
January 22 – March 26, 2014

This program focuses on the process for creating programs and activities that support learners in engaging with environmentally friendly actions. Participants will engage in a rapid prototyping and iterative design process. Educators must be available for all of the Wednesday night sessions from 4:30-7:30pm, and at least two Friday night sessions from 5:00-9:00pm.

• Pedagogical Strategies (Weds, Jan 22)
• Using Audience Surveys (Weds, Jan 29)
• Using Findings to Inform Design (Weds, Feb 5)
• Creating Evaluation Instruments (Weds, Feb 12)
• Prototyping with SFUSD- Richmond (Fri, Feb 21)
• Reflect and Analyze Data (Weds, February 26)
• Prototyping with SFUSD Bayview (Fri, March 7)
• Reflect and Compare Data (Weds, March 12)
• Prototyping with SFUSD Mission (Fri, March 21)
• Presentations & Happy Hour! (Weds, March 26)

Fees & Application Process
To apply for a spot in the program, please fill out the application here www.surveymonkey.com/s/ISEapp.

Applicants may select a single program, or choose to attend both. If you have questions, or want to know more, please contact Lindzy Bivings at lbivings@calacademy.org

• Individual Rate: $175 / program
• Team Rate (2 or more people from the same organization): $125 / program per person
• If these rates are outside of your ability to pay, please contact us for scholarship information

Want to spread the word? Download this flyer and distribute to your colleagues to encourage them to join your team!

Registration is now open for summer 2013 field trips to the Academy!

If a trip to a science museum fits within your summer plans, submit the online application so we can process you on your preferred visit date.

You can bring a group of kids on either weekdays or weekends, except on or around holidays.

And remember, admission rates for both preK-12 school groups and those for youth-serving organizations such as summer camps, church groups, youth development programs, and sports clubs, are a healthy discount off general admission.

Note that to attend a show in the Planetarium, you need to reserve seats in advance, and children must be at least 7 years old. When you apply, you have the option to request seats in either the 10:30am or 3:30pm showing of the Planetarium show played to the general public. Show content is subject to change, so check the Master Events Calendar to confirm the shows expected to play on your visit date.

You’ll notice dates are still available through May 2013, if the school year works better for your group. Our newest additions include Earthquake and Human Odyssey, but we also have a new exhibit and a new 3D movie in the works. Rest assured there will be plenty to do on a field trip!

Do you have a student who is interested in using technology to deepen their understanding and involvement in science?

The California Academy of Sciences is now accepting applications for our newest youth program!

The Digital Learning “3D Modeling” spring break program is looking for middle school youth, grades 6-8, who are excited to learn about marine science and animal adaptations, and are looking for an opportunity to use digital media to communicate their passion for science in compelling ways.

In this week-long program running from March 25 through March 30, 2013, youth will work with the Digital Learning team and Academy experts to explore marine biology and evolution, learn how to use 3D scanning and sculpting software, and craft their own marine animal creations using both physical modeling materials and digital 3D creation tools.

Apply here!

All applications for the “Fastest Fish” program are due March 8, 2013. Youth will be accepted on a rolling basis.

For more information, download the flyer or email Christine Wilkinson.

Do you have a student interested in delivering public programs at the California Academy of Sciences?

The Academy is now accepting applications for the Teen Advocate for Science Communication Volunteer Youth Program!

 
Youth in the Teen Advocates for Science Communication program (also known as the TASC Force) engage with the Academy’s mission of exploring, explaining and protecting the natural world through the creation and delivery of innovative public programs. Youth work with Academy professionals to create experiences for museum visitors that communicate science in fun and engaging ways such as flash mobs, collections based fashion shows, and pop-up experiences. Watch the flash mob!

 
Spring programming will run on Saturdays at 10:00 AM–1:00 PM or 2:00 PM–5:00 PM from February 9 through May 4, 2013. TASC volunteers commit to either a morning or afternoon session.

We are currently accepting youth in grades 8th–12th, applications are due January 17. Interviews will take place January 26 and selection will be announced February 1.

Apply Now!

For more information please contact Luke Martin