Spring 2012 Homeschool Day, April 17th
HOMESCHOOL DAY
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Join us on this special day of presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on programs, when we invite homeschooling families to explore the Academy at reduced admission prices.
Download and print the FAQ and Registration Guide, which includes everything you need for planning your experience and reserving a spot for your family.
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ADMISSION & PROGRAM FEES |
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San Francisco Homeschool Families Two adults may attend with their children (ages 4-17) for free. Homeschool Families from outside San Francisco Free Admission for Infants and Toddlers Additional Chaperones Reserved Programs |
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REGISTRATION |
Registration is taken over the phone on a family by family basis. We set aside more than sufficient space for all interested families, yet still experience high call volume on the first day of registration. To minimize wait time for all callers, we will process orders with reserved programs two days earlier than open registration.
Pre-registration is required for all attending family members for general admission and any reserved programs. Walk-ups will not be admitted at these discounted rates, but we will continue to register interested families through April 16, 2012. Print-at-home tickets will be issued to you by email, and your confirmation will list any reserved programs. Bring these printouts with you on the day of the event to gain admittance. Fill out the attached Registration Guide with key information before placing your call to the Contact Center at 877.227.3311. Registration is not available online or via email. Contact Center Hours |
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MAIN VENUES Take your time exploring our exhibits. Note special hours for the following: |
| Rainforests of the World Level 1, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm |
 Experience what it’s like to walk in a living rainforest. Our dome contains 1,600 live animals, including 600 free-flying birds and butterflies, 100 exotic reptiles, and amphibians. You’ll descend in an elevator to the Amazonian flooded forest on the Lower Level. |
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Morrison Planetarium: Life: A Cosmic Story Level 1, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm on the half hour |
 The Academy’s new planetarium show is a high-speed ride through the history of life. Come explore the age-old mystery: How did life on Earth begin? Passes are handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit the kiosk at the Planetarium entrance to select your show time. For ages 7+. Ages 3 and under not permitted.
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Naturalist Center Level 3, 11 am – 4 pm |
 With books, specimens, and online access, this space is a great place to learn more about the natural world with one-on-one help from naturalists. Visitors with shared interests can sit and chat; browse books, and curriculum guides. Scavenger hunts available upon request. |
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Early Explorers Cove Level 1, 10 am – 5 pm |
 In this space reserved for toddlers and their caregivers, guests can learn through active participation in several themed areas. Imagine what it was like to be a scientist on the child-sized model of the research schooner Academy, shop in our mini farmers market and explore the hidden burrows in the faux California backyard. For ages 5 and under.
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DROP-IN PROGRAMS |
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Discover with Docents Level 1, Throughout the Day |
 Be on the lookout for enthusiastic, knowledgeable docents in orange lab coats. Investigate specimens up-close, watch a volcano explode, build an ice-cold comet, or meet a live animal ambassador. Docents stationed on the floor are ready for your questions. You’ll find most docents on Level 1; visit others at the hands-on Discovery Tidepool on the Lower Level.
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Penguin Feeding 10:30 am and 3:00 pm in African Hall |
 The Academy’s African Penguins are always especially animated during meal time. Watch the birds dip and dive in their tank in African Hall as a biologist dons a wet suit and hands out vitamin-stuffed herring and capelin.
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Swamp Discovery 11:00 am at the Swamp |
 Learn more about these wetland ecosystems of the Southeast United States. Listen to sounds of swamp inhabitants as we follow the life of the American alligator from hatchling chirps to the booming bellows of mature adults, all beneath the moss-draped limbs of a bald cypress. |
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Specimen Spotlight 11:30 am and 1:30pm in the Naturalist Center |
 Learn about a different Naturalist Center specimen in each of these focus talks. Note that seating is limited. Recommended for ages 6+. |
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Coral Reef Dives 11:30 am and 2:30 pm at the Philippine Coral Reef |
 Talk with a diver who descends into the exhibit to introduce you to the world’s deepest living coral reef exhibit. What question will you ask? Bring along a Coral Reef Color Wheel, or try your hand at some Fish Family Identification.
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The Sweet Side of DNA 12:00 pm at the Project Lab |
 Have you ever wondered what “the essence of life” – DNA – would look like? In the course of this 15-minute program, we will crush up fresh strawberries and extract their DNA in order to see it up close and personal. |
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Discovery Nature Walk 12:30 pm |
 Join us for a 30 minute nature walk, exploring gardens and groves that surround the Academy. Learn about the importance of native plants and trees and how they support animals in Golden Gate Park. |
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Ssssnake Encounter 1:00 pm in the Piazza |
 Meet some of the Academy’s live snakes in-person! While viewing these fascinating (and harmless!) animals in the flesh, we will learn about snakes’ unique natural history, their predatory behavior, and their special senses. |
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Shark Feeding 1:30 pm at the Coral Reef Lagoon |
 Sharks and rays are some of the most compelling and misunderstood animals on the planet. Learn more about the Mangrove Lagoon’s shallow reef residents, including sharks and rays, and watch a feeding. |
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Go on a Scavenger Hunt Naturalist Center |
| A limited amount of printed worksheets will be available here, so we recommend printing your favorite from home. Complete your quest while touring the exhibits, then pick up a prize from the Naturalist Center! |
RESERVED PROGRAMS These programs involve pre-registration due to room capacity. All of the courses taking place in the Classroom and Education Lab are hands-on activities designed for both individual and group learning. Registration is subject to availability. Any associated fees are per participant and due upon registration. Because seating is limited, parents may not audit classes — if you’d like to participate, please register for yourself as well. |
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Honey Bees Level 3, Classroom, 10:00 am – 11:00 am |
 How do bees cooperate so well, when they cannot talk to each other? In this active learning activity, students will learn about the type of communities bees live in and experience how bees use a dance to communicate where to find pollen. Parent participation is highly recommended for younger learners.For ages 5-8. $7.95/person. |
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Owl Pellets Level 3, Education Lab, 10:30 am – 11:30 am |
 Students will learn how to use the scientific method to answer questions, collecting class data from their owl pellet dissections to determine the diversity and percent composition of species preyed upon by barn owls of the Pacific Northwest. Each participant may take home their collection of discovered bones! For ages 7+. $7.95/person. |
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Moon Phases Level 1, Hohfeld Hall, 10:40 am – 11:10 am |
 The moon can be observed almost every day, yet the reason it has phases can be elusive. Is it the clouds, the Earth’s shadow, or something else? Using science visualizations in Hohfeld Hall, an interactive space connected to the planetarium, students will discover why the moon has phases.For ages 10+. $3.95/person. |
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African Biomes and Skulls Level 3, Classroom, 11:45 am – 12:45 pm |
 Take an expedition to Africa. In this program, the concept of adaptation is taught through the study of predator-prey interactions in seven African biomes. Students will draw, measure, and interpret a skull from an African animal just like a researcher would in the field. Students will identify their skull and then construct a food web of their biome. Follow up with a visit to African Hall, and you’ll notice the diverse biomes found on this continent!For ages 9+. $7.95/person. |
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Family Shark Dissection Level 3, Education Lab, 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm |
 After learning about the spiny dogfish shark, your team will explore the internal and external anatomy of this ever-popular specimen. The dissection will highlight how shark morphology showcases the unique abilities of these fish. Gain a great appreciation for shark anatomy, ecology, and conservation! Adult participation is highly encouraged and required for students ages 6-9. For ages 6+. $11.95/person. |
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The Amazing Carbon Level 3, Classroom, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm |
 Carbon is a vital element in all living things and found in many other unexpected places. In a series of activities, students will learn that carbon can be found in many forms, in both living and non-living things. Using an active role play, students will also demonstrate how carbon moves around in the environment from one form to another. For ages 8+. $7.95/person. |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What time should we arrive at the museum? Is parking available at the Academy? What if we bring more people than originally stated on our reservation? What should we do for lunch? What other services might be helpful to know about? Are there Mobile Apps to help enhance our experience? How should our family prepare for the museum? Where can we find scavenger hunts? Here is a handy list of sample activities:
» Insect Anatomy Hunt Anytime Lessons » Marine Invertebrate Anatomy How do I register with my child to attend one of the reserved programs? What are the expectations for adult participation? Where are the Classroom and Education Lab located? When do we meet? Where is Hohfeld Hall located? When do we meet for the Moon Phases program? My child is advanced for his/her age. Can I sign him/her up for a program designed for older students? Can you accommodate children with special needs? How do we get passes for the Life: A Cosmic Story Planetarium show? Is there an age limit to attend a show in the Planetarium? |
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We hope you can join us! Don’t hesitate to leave comments and questions for us below. |
The 
Ready-to-go Worksheets 
Discover a miniscule world where materials have special properties and new technologies have spectacular promise! Don’t miss NanoDays – a nationwide festival of programs about nanoscale science and engineering – March 24 – April 1.
