Homeschool Day: February 2, 2011!
HOMESCHOOL DAY
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
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 |
| Individual families may register beginning Wednesday, January 12, 2011.
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 February 1, 2011. 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 Registration Guide with key information before placing your call to the Contact Center at 800.794.7576. Registration is not available online or via email. |
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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, 10 am – 5 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 Academy naturalists. Visitors with shared interests can sit and chat; Academy Members have the privilege of checking out books, DVDs, 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 parents, kids experiment and interact with displays, including a California backyard garden and an Academy schooner. For focused learning with your child, check out a Nature in your Noodle Box. For ages 5 and under.
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Sanctuary in the Sea: A Gulf of the Farallones Experience Level 2, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm |
 Discover the beauty, diversity and history of the gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, a haven for sea birds, seals, and white sharks. Witness this fragile ecosystem’s transformation from exploited hunting ground to protected sanctuary in this short film. Check in at the exhibit on Level 2 for access. Appropriate for all ages.
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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, and some are set to host impromptu tours. 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 3:30 pm in African Hall |
 Did you know that 17 species of penguins exist on the globe, and most do not inhabit Antarctica? Where are our penguins from? Meet Pierre, Ocio, and the rest of the African penguin colony. Aquarium biologists field visitor questions as they feed and care for the birds.
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Specimen Spotlight 11:30 am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm 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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California Spotlight 12:00 pm in Climate Change |
 Throughout history, California has been home to some of the most unique landscapes and amazing wildlife found in North America. Join us for a special look at some of the animals that are from this land, including the grizzly, the mountain lion, and the condor. |
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Swamp Talk 1:00 pm at the Swamp |
 Learn about some of the Academy’s most popular animals. You’ll find out what it takes to care for the albino alligator and the alligator snapping turtles, which are native to swamps in the southeastern United States. By the way, how did we get the turtles into the exhibit? |
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Coral Reef Discovery 1:30 pm at the Philippine Coral Reef |
 Learn about the Academy’s Philippine Coral Reef tank, the world’s deepest exhibit of living coral. An exhibit expert will introduce you to the unique fish and corals and answer all of your reef-related questions. |
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Live Birds of Prey 2:00 pm, conditions permitting |
 Residents of this outside enclosure include a Barn Owl, a Swainson’s Hawk, and a Turkey Vulture. Get a peek at these magnificent raptors, and watch a biologist providing care. Check kiosk for presentation location. |
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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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Build a Coral Polyp, for the little ones Level 3, Classroom, 10:30 am – 11:30 am |
 Is coral a plant or an animal? Come to this workshop to find out. By building a coral polyp out of edible materials straight from the kitchen cupboard, students will learn the basic body parts of this marine organism, as well as better remember how it survives in the ocean. Everyone will have the opportunity to investigate real coral skeletons from diverse species before trying to spot the living ones in our Coral Reef Exhibit. For ages 5-7. $7.95/person. |
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Sustainable Fishing Level 3, Classroom, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm |
 Play the role of a captain of a fishing fleet in this engaging exercise modeling seasonal fishing cycles. Participants will learn that unsustainable fishing practices risk the depletion and extinction of fish populations. The class will brainstorm ways to protect coral reefs and fish for future generations, becoming part of the solution. For ages 7+. $7.95/person. |
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Build a Coral Polyp, for the bigger kids Level 3, Classroom, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm |
| Is coral a plant or an animal? Come to this workshop to find out. By building a coral polyp out of edible materials straight from the kitchen cupboard, students will learn the basic body parts of this marine organism, as well as better remember how it survives in the ocean. Everyone will have the opportunity to investigate real coral skeletons from diverse species before trying to spot the living ones in our Coral Reef Exhibit. For ages 10+. $7.95/person. |
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Family Shark Dissection Level 3, Education Lab, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm or 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm |
 After learning about the natural history of the spiny dogfish shark, your team will explore the internal and external anatomy of this ever-popular specimen. Academy educators will guide you through the dissection, highlighting how shark morphology showcases the unique abilities of these fish. Leave this class with a great appreciation for shark anatomy, ecology, and conservation! Adult participation is highly encouraged.For ages 7+. $11.95/person. |
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Family Squid Dissection Level 3, Education Lab, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm |
 If you’ve never cut up a squid before, you’ll be glad to take the plunge. Come see why this charming cephalopod has become a model organism for introducing students to dissection. We’ll study the inside and outside of these marine creatures, linking the physical body parts to their function. Your kids will love to get slimy and inky! Adult participation is highly encouraged. For ages 5+. $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? How should our family prepare for the museum? Where can we find scavenger hunts? Ready-to-go Worksheets » Insect Anatomy Hunt
» 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? 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. |
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Here is a handy list of sample activities:
