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What are the different layers in a rainforest? Learn about them with a fun Jungle Layers song!

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In this craft activity, students will recognize, name, and compare the fractions 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 by constructing a penguin out of portions of paper circles.

recipe for a Fraction Penguin

white construction paper

black construction paper

spare compact discs

pencils

scissors

glue

black markers

Learn how the unique adaptations of African Penguins help them to survive in their ocean habitat.

Appropriate for: Kindergarten - 3rd Grade

Standards for: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade

Activity Time: 30 minutes

Subjects: Computational Thinking, Visual & Performing Arts

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How can you make learning fractions fun? By building a colony of adorable penguins!

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What is the difference between weather and climate? In this 45 minute recording, students will become meteorologists by exploring the weather they observe in their own backyards. As meteorologists, they will build on their prior knowledge of weather patterns to make forecasts.

Is this weather, is this climate? Together students took a dive deep into the relationship between weather and climate. Students became meteorologists and climatologists by practicing making observations and identifying patterns to make predictions. Building on past experiences, students can make connections between their observations of weather and the climate around them.

Prepare the following for each student so that they can practice scientific sketching during program:

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Classes can connect with Academy educators to explore if weather and climate are the same.

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Pneumonia, Part 1. Pneumonia is an infection in one or both of the lungs. Certain types of bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites can cause pneumonia. Pneumonia is of a particular concern at the age of 65 or older, and if a patient has a chronic illness or impaired immune system. This module provides an overview of pneumonia and the outlook for those with pneumonia.

Pneumonia, Part 2. This module provides the signs, symptoms and complications of pneumonia.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections, Part 1. The upper respiratory tract consists of the nose, nasal cavity, larynx, trachea, and some of the sinuses and air cells. Upper respiratory tract infections include the common cold, influenza, laryngitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, and croup (in children). This module is specifically targeted to general audiences and contains information about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections, Part 2. This module describes the common cold versus allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, laryngitis and pharyngitis.

Influenza (Flu). Influenza, or "flu," is a contagious respiratory infection caused by several flu viruses. It may look like the common cold because it infects the same organs (nose, throat, lungs) and has similar symptoms. Influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times it can lead to death. This module describes influenza (the flu), discusses who is at highest risk, how to prevent it and how to treat it.

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Pneumonia, Part 1. Pneumonia is an infection in one or both of the lungs. Certain types of bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites can cause pneumonia. Pneumonia is of a particular concern at the age of 65 or older, and if a patient has a chronic illness or impaired immune system.

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KQED is offering an at-home learning response to school closures for all children and youth in California. This response includes a new educational schedule for broadcast on KQED Plus in the Bay Area as well as free corresponding digital learning media and activities for at-home learning. KQED is also providing support for teachers and parents in navigating this new learning landscape throughout the state. The Learn At Home educational resources are made possible through an unprecedented collaboration between KQED and PBS SoCal/KCET in Southern California.

KQED will begin broadcasting a California state standards-aligned educational television schedule, created by PBS SoCal/KCET and the Los Angeles Unified School District. This TV schedule was developed to help schools and districts bridge the digital divide and provide equitable access to learning for all students at home, regardless of access to internet or computers. Educational programming aligned with state standards runs each weekday starting Monday, March 16, on KQED Plus. The programming is time blocked for different ages and grade levels: TK-3rd grade from 6:00 - 8:00 am, 4th-8th grades from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm, and 9th-12grades from 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

To help teachers rapidly adapt, KQED has developed collections of free digital learning resources that can be used with these TV broadcasts or on their own. These resources are hosted on PBS LearningMedia and include videos and lesson plans. All of our resources for teachers are collected in this post:
How Teachers Can Navigate School Closures Due to the Coronavirus, which includes links to

PBS LearningMedia collections

TV programming and digital resource alignment by grade and subject

Teacher training webinars

Tips for getting started with remote learning tools

Here are some ways to keep students engaged at home.

Stay up to date with KQED News coverage of the novel coronavirus.

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Learn at Home Resources During the COVID-19 Pandemic | KQED Education

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KQED is offering an at-home learning response to school closures for all children and youth in California. This response includes a new educational schedule for broadcast on KQED Plus in the Bay Area as well as free corresponding digital learning media and activities for at-home learning.

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Ever wonder what 38,000 animals are up to after dark?

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An adventure in your inbox. (And a discount, too.)

Sign up for the Academy's monthly newsletter and get a promo code for 10% off at our online retail store.

Now's a great time to start window-shopping at the Academy Store.

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Students joined us in a FREE online program as we built skills for spotting birds!

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Instantly access over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids on Epic

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The K-3 math movies teach educational topics like time, money, number sense, geometry, measurement, addition, subtraction, and fractions.

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Ever wonder what nearly 40,000 animals are up to at night?

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Learn science delightfully with our suite of smartphone apps, immersive interactives, and engaging videos.

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It's time to improve literacy skills during social studies instruction and ensure that readers of all abilities have what they need to access grade-level social studies concepts.

Join us on Thursday, December 7 for a look at scaffolded materials that provide extra literacy support while building key social studies concepts and skills.

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Newsela | Content and assessment platform

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Content Aligned To National & State Standard, Flexible To Support Relevant Curriculum. Find the Perfect Piece Of Content For Lessons. Go beyond the book.

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Projects to Adapt for Remote Learning (Project Based Learning)

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Projects to Adapt for Remote Learning (Project Based Learning)

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Many ideas from the PBLWorks project library can be adapted for individual or remote learning.

Here are some that especially lend themselves to learning at home:

Literary Playlist (grades 6-12): Students read literary texts independently, then create and share music playlists that communicate about characters and themes in their texts and create written "liner notes" explaining their interpretations and reasoning.

Quadrats to Biodiversity (grade 6): Students mark off a small natural area near their homes, make observations, collect and share data to make calculations about the density and frequency of different species, and write news articles about their quadrat survey results.

Planning to Thrive (grade 7): Students develop personal health/wellness goals and create and implement plans to achieve those goals. They create action plans for real or fictional "clients" (these could be family members, if students are learning at home) and publish guides with best practices for setting and achieving health goals.

Shrinking Our Footprints (grade 5): Students collect and graph data about their families' impact on the environment (in terms of water usage, food waste, etc.), develop plans to reduce this impact, and communicate these plans to their families by writing informative letters.
Here are some remote learning project ideas for younger children (ages 3 to 7).
Our National Faculty member and kindergarten teacher Sara Lev suggests the following projects from our library, which she notes will "give young children agency and ownership" while still needing support from parents or caregivers.

Shapes Museum: Children learn about the different geometric shapes in their immediate environment (homes, yard, or street). They conduct observations (drawing pictures or taking photographs) of everyday items and structures to identify shapes in the world. Children then create pieces for a "museum" (hanging art around the house, or sharing the work digitally with friends in an online "museum") as they teach others about the shapes around them. Children might also develop games or activities to play at home or share with others (e.g., a concentration/memory game, or original dot-to-dot pages).

The StoryTime Channel: Children learn about story elements such as character, setting, and plot by reading picture books at home with a caregiver or independently, and then dictating or writing their own versions of stories (either adaptations or original pieces). Children then can create illustrations to match their story, use their toys to create live action animation, create a video of them reading the story, or any combination of these. Ideally, the students publish their story by sharing it on their own "StoryTime Channel" with friends from school.

Other projects that can be easily adapted for young children are Rain or Shine (observing the weather at home) and Taking Care of Our Environment (helping to create jobs and responsibilities to take care of children's homes and outdoor spaces).

For all of these projects, consider what resources you may need to provide.

If you can make printouts in advance of school closure or send them in a digital form, scaffold student learning of content and support their process. If technology permits, consider how you will check in with students about their process and, if possible, support student-to-student collaboration. This could include using technology to share drafts of work, engage in critique protocols, and make student work public.

Something else to think about: these projects might serve as an opportunity for students to connect with their families and deepen family involvement in student learning.

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Beyond the Worksheet Packet: PBL Projects to Adapt for Remote Learning

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Here are some that especially lend themselves to learning at home: Literary Playlist (grades 6-12) : Students read literary texts independently, then create and share music playlists that communicate about characters and themes in their texts and create written "liner notes" explaining their interpretations and reasoning.

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Learning Games

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Kahoot! | Learning games | Make learning awesome!

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Kahoot! is a game-based learning platform that brings engagement and fun to 1+ billion players every year at school, at work, and at home.

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Videos/materials in English and Spanish

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The British Museum's remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history and culture. Over 6 million visitors every year experience the collection, including world-famous objects such as the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, and Egyptian mummies.
Discover our interactive experience The Museum of the World

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British Museum, London, United Kingdom - Google Arts & Culture

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The British Museum's remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history and culture. Over 6 million visitors every year experience the col...

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Possible Daily Routine for School-Age Students

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How can you turn a snail, worm, or roly-poly into an object of inquiry for a young learner? Simply ask a few questions! With this activity, you can help guide students in making observations of a living thing and asking relevant questions about its characteristics or behavior.

Featuring over 40 activities, this guide will get your students outside throughout the year!

Learn about what macroinvertebrates live in your school yard!

Students head outside to look closely for patterns of leaves in a shady environment vs. a sunny environment.

Ever wonder what 38,000 animals are up to after dark?

Stay curious-every Thursday at NightLife. Sign up for event updates and exciting announcements.

An adventure in your inbox. (And a discount, too.)

Sign up for the Academy's monthly newsletter and get a promo code for 10% off at our online retail store.

Now's a great time to start window-shopping at the Academy Store.

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The Academy is temporarily closed.

As a leading scientific institution and trusted community space, we remain committed to following the recommendations of public health authorities. At this time, the museum remains closed in order to ensure the health and safety of all guests, volunteers, and staff.

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How can you turn a snail, worm, or roly-poly into an object of inquiry for a young learner? Simply ask a few questions! With this activity, you can help guide students in making observations of a living thing and asking relevant questions about its characteristics or behavior.

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Get ready for the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade as Rocco reads Melissa Sweet's book, Balloons Over Broadway, in this episode of Read Out Loud! Read more "

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Ever wonder what 38,000 animals are up to after dark?

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Sign up for the Academy's monthly newsletter and get a promo code for 10% off at our online retail store.

Now's a great time to start window-shopping at the Academy Store.

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As a leading scientific institution and trusted community space, we remain committed to following the recommendations of public health authorities. At this time, the museum remains closed in order to ensure the health and safety of all guests, volunteers, and staff.

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What makes a good scientific sketch? You can teach this lesson even if you think you can't draw!

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Scientific sketching isn't about making a pretty picture! It's about looking at something so closely you notice something new.

About This Guide

Below, you'll find guidance related to using scientific sketching for observation, including:

Using sketching to capture changes over time, details, and for meaning making

Tips on how to get students sketching in the classroom

An example story from a real classroom

Because we know teachers appreciate seeing the results of using these strategies, we've also created an example gallery containing student work.

Opportunities for Sketching for Observation

After you've done an Introduction to Sketching activity, and maybe a few Sketching Exercises, your students are ready to put their skills to work. There are many ways for sketching to help students figure something out during an investigation. Sketching is data collection, just in picture form.

Sketching over time
Sketching the same thing over the course of several days or weeks will create a useful record for analysis. A few examples:

Seeds germinating and growing into a plant

Decomposition in action (e.g. an apple core)

Animals that metamorphose or go through discrete life stages (e.g. mealworms into beetles)

Shadows changing over the course of a day

Terrariums growing and changing over time

An experimental design that changes over time so that students have a record of specific changes, e.g. water level in differently-sized containers after 1, 2, and 3 days of evaporation.

Sketching for detail
Sketching requires close attention and helps students see things they might otherwise miss. Use detail sketching when the details are actually helpful for understanding a science concept. A few examples:

Sketch an animal (e.g. crayfish) to pay attention to all of its different and specialized body parts, as part of a lesson on adaptations.

Sketch a rock to pay attention to its colors and texture in order to identify its component minerals.

Place two objects side by side to notice specific differences, like leaves from different trees or two lemons, in order to study genetic variation.

Sketch specific tools you will use over and over in a series of investigations to pay attention to all of its specific parts and how they work, (plunger, battery holder, alligator clips, scales, etc).

Sketching and meaning making
Create space for students to describe their observations, questions and explanations, alongside their sketch.

Use a scaffold with space for explicit sketching and short answer thinking.

The sketching space helps guide students to targeted observations of the materials.

The open-ended nature of the questions can make more of your students' thinking visible on paper.

How to Make it Happen

Make sure to give students a foundation in scientific sketching before you expect them to sketch during a science investigation.

Remind students that scientific sketching is not about making a pretty picture. It's about recording accurate information.

Depending on what you are asking them to sketch, offer students a starting point or technique that will help them approach the particular item. Find some suggestions on our sketching exercises page.

When appropriate, give them graphic organizers like this one.

Notes from the Classroom

Anoushka led her third graders through a decomposition investigation. They observed pieces of pumpkin, apple, bread, tin foil, burrito, and paper plate over the course of eight weeks. She gave her students graphic organizers to record their observations. They used a separate page for each item. The page included eight squares for sketching the item each week. It also included a space for them to record their initial observations and predictions.

When it came time to write final observations and conclusions, students could compare one item across eight weeks, or one moment in time across all the items. They wrote comments like, "I wonder if the holes in the foil were caused by microorganisms," or: "I noticed that the pumpkin's sprout is growing."

Tips for integrating academic conversations into science time.

Use science notebooks to make your classroom experiments both hands-on and minds-on.

The science notebook is a useful tool for both data stages: collection and analysis.

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Scientific sketching is about looking at something so closely you notice something new.

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In this two-part inquiry-based activity, students will practice using the scientific method while learning about decomposition, exploring how some types of garbage will decompose while others will not. Students can then go on to design their own experiment to test different variables affecting the rate of decomposition.

Anoushka Takla's fourth graders seek to answer the question: "What happens to our trash over time?"

Learn about what macroinvertebrates live in your school yard!

Travel underground for an up-close look at the ants, amoebas, and bacteria that maintain healthy soil.

Appropriate for: 3rd Grade - 7th Grade

Standards for: 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade

Activity Time: 200 minutes

Subjects: Life Science, Planning Investigations

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Why does some trash change, while other garbage stays the same?

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Some organisms, like whales and redwood trees, are so large that it's hard for us to picture just how big they are! In this lesson, students practice mathematics and computational thinking to create scale models of themselves, and then apply these skills to create models of other large organisms. This activity works best when stretched out over three (or more) class periods.

Observations inspire scientific questions and drive discoveries. Explore seasonal primary productivity on Earth!

In this role-playing skit your students will describe the various processes of the water cycle in the Amazon.

How much of outer space is just space?

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Sign up for the Academy's monthly newsletter and get a promo code for 10% off at our online retail store.

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Practice ratios and create scale models to compare sizes between the largest animals.

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Ever wonder what 38,000 animals are up to after dark?

Stay curious-every Thursday at NightLife. Sign up for event updates and exciting announcements.

An adventure in your inbox. (And a discount, too.)

Sign up for the Academy's monthly newsletter and get a promo code for 10% off at our online retail store.

Now's a great time to start window-shopping at the Academy Store.

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As a leading scientific institution and trusted community space, we remain committed to following the recommendations of public health authorities. At this time, the museum remains closed in order to ensure the health and safety of all guests, volunteers, and staff.

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Academy Science | California Academy of Sciences

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Academy Science videos provide an in-depth look at the latest discoveries, research findings, and aha! moments emerging from Academy scientists and curators around the world. Subscribe to this playlist on YouTube!

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Visit an underwater forest near Point Lobos, California, to learn what a kelp forest food web looks like.

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Starfall Education: Kids Games, Movies, Books & Music for K-5 and above

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At Starfall, children have fun while they learn - specializing in reading, phonics & math - educational games, movies, books, songs, and more for children K-5 and above.

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The K-3 math movies teach educational topics like time, money, number sense, geometry, measurement, addition, subtraction, and fractions.

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Scratch is a free programming language and online community where you can create your own interactive stories, games, and animations.

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Smithsonian

Learning Lab

Discover the digital education platform that connects people to Smithsonian objects, resources, and stories.

Collections by Grade

Explore some of our most popular Learning Lab Collections. Use them as a springboard to continue your exploration of the many collections available on the site.

Talk with Me!
Learn about your community and neighborhood. In this Toolkit, leaners explore different homes, shops, and people in your neighborhood and have fun with related activities.

Talk with Me Toolkits provide you with chances to talk with your children to improve thinking, vocabulary, and language development. Talking with your child is great-and research shows that the quality of words children hear matters more than how much you talk.

Talk with Me Toolkits give you ideas to begin conversations that are organized around a theme. The Toolkits feature videos, photographs, paintings, and artworks along with questions to talk about with your child. At the end of each toolkit there are more activities to do and books to read together. Go through this toolkit with your child and see how many topics there are to talk about!
This toolkit was adapted with a grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services.

Links to third-party websites and videos are included in this Toolkit for informational purposes only. They do not indicate the Smithsonian's endorsement, sponsorship of, or affiliation with the third party or content of the linked site, including any advertisements that might be posted.

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Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

What inspires you? Get to know Alma Thomas, (b. Columbus, Georgia; lived and worked in Washington, DC, 1891-1978), an American artist and educator known for her signature painting style using bright colors and patterns inspired by nature. She became a full-time artist late in her life. Born in a time of horses and buggies, she lived through big advancements in technology, such as the space race and moon landing. Her art was inspired by the nature she saw outside her home studio, and awe for the exploration of our vast universe.
Get To Know Alma Thomas Use it in the classroom to teach:
is part of the Hirshhorn KIDS About the Artist series. About the Artist biographies are designed for kids under age 12. Modern and contemporary artists' lives reflect recent human history and events. Sharing these life stories and artworks can help kids see their own potential and better understand the world and their place in it. It is our goal to inspire future generations of artists, makers, and creative problem solvers-sharing artists stories is one way Hirshhorn KIDS realize this goal.
Art classroom: Color Theory, Pattern

Language Arts classroom: Biography

Social Studies classroom: 20th century

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National Museum of American History

In this playlist you will learn about how three of the first presidents shaped the executive branch of the United States government.

Start by clicking on the first tile in the upper left hand corner. Then move through the playlist by clicking on the ">" symbol at the bottom of the page. Look for the information and paperclip icons to provide more information about selected resources. There are 34 tiles in this collection.

Learn More

Educator Programs

Cultivating Learning is a professional development series where Smithsonian educators model teaching techniques for using digital museum resources to support student learning. This year's series celebrates America at 250. Programs are free and accessible to anyone.

Wednesday, April 15, 4:00 PM EST

Join Phoebe Sherman of the National Postal Museum to explore how postage stamps can be used in the classroom to encourage civic awareness and engagement. We'll examine how stamps can spark curiosity and deepen understanding of civics, American history, national identity, and commemoration by using thinking routines that focus on both subject matter and artistic design. You'll see how these approaches come to life with students and leave with classroom-ready resources and fresh ideas for incorporating postage stamps into your teaching practice.

Watch

Wednesday, May 20, 4:00 PM EST

Join Nyssa Buning of the National Museum of American History's Spark!Lab and Carol O'Donnell of the Smithsonian Science Education Center to explore strategies for cultivating an inventive mindset in your students. We'll discuss the history of STEAM innovation in America and try an open-ended invention challenge that uses object-based learning techniques to encourage creative problem solving and support curiosity and perseverance, skills essential to inventors throughout history. You'll leave with a set of facilitation tools to support students as they develop their own inventive identity and become future problem-solvers. You'll also receive access to a newly released e-book from the Smithsonian Science Education Center, STEAM Innovation: Celebrating Our Nation's 250 Years.

Register

Wednesday, June 17, 4:00 PM EST

As America turns 250 in 2026, young people are writing its next chapter. Join a group of educators who apply interdisciplinary approaches to learning to engage young people in civic dialogue tied to their communities.

Register

What will you find in the Smithsonian Learning Lab?

Resources

Millions of Smithsonian digital images, recordings, texts, and videos in history, art and culture, and the sciences

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Thousands of examples of resources organized and structured for teaching and learning by educators and subject experts

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Millions of Smithsonian digital images, recordings, texts, and videos in history, art and culture, and the sciences

Collections

Thousands of examples of resources organized and structured for teaching and learning by educators and subject experts

Browse individual resources by type

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To learn more about the Smithsonian Learning Lab and to read about strategies, approaches, new features, and more, subscribe to the Bright Ideas newsletter. We'll be sending out a new issue every few weeks.

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Smithsonian Learning Lab: Discover, Create, Share

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Smithsonian Learning Lab Discover the digital education platform that connects people to Smithsonian objects, resources, and stories. Explore some of our most popular Learning Lab Collections. Use them as a springboard to continue your exploration of the many collections available on the site. Talk with Me! Learn about your community and neighborhood.

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Many schools in countries around the world have had to close temporarily due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Recognizing the enormous impact this situation has on a school community, we are offering free, unlimited use of BrainPOP to any school, anywhere, that is closed due to the coronavirus during the period of their closure.

Consider using BrainPOP's animated movies, assessment resources, and creative tools for:

Distance learning

Support for projects and homework

Keeping students on track with their studies

Click the button below and complete the form. Then, then keep an eye out for an email from BrainPOP with information on how to set up your account.

NOTE: This offer is for schools only and terms and conditions apply. Please contact us if you have any questions.

PS: We are currently offering free access to our new Coronavirus Topic and accompanying lesson plan.

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Free BrainPOP Access for Schools Closed Due to the Coronavirus

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Do you know a school that's been closed due to the Coronavirus? Apply now for free access to BrainPOP to help with distance learning.

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The National Gallery of Art serves the nation by welcoming all people to explore and experience art, creativity, and our shared humanity.

Visit us on the National Mall between Third and Seventh Streets at Constitution Avenue, NW, we are open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and closed on December 25 and January 1. Admission is always free.

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National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, Washington, DC, United States - Google Arts & Culture

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The National Gallery of Art serves the nation by welcoming all people to explore and experience art, creativity, and our shared humanity. Visit us on the N...

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Cal Academy

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When you flush the toilet, what happens to the pee, poo, and paper? Follow the path that poo takes through the sewer system under the streets of San Francisco to find out!

About this Video

Grade level: K-5
Length: 5 minutes
Video Discussion Questions

1. In what ways did the people in the video use water? What are some other ways you and your family use water in your daily lives?

2. How does water end up in the sewer system? Hint: the video showed a few different ways this happens. Try to think of two of them!

3. Turn to a partner and discuss: What types of things should we put in the toilet? What types of things should we make sure to keep out of the toilet? Why?

4. Turn to a partner and discuss: What role(s) did bacteria play at the Treatment Plant? What did you see or hear from the video that makes you think this?

5. What is one action you can take to...
a) help the Treatment Plant do its job well?
b) help keep the plants and animals that live in San Francisco Bay healthy?

6. The poo in the video was transformed into a clean, nutritious material called biosolids. How do biosolids help improve the environment?

7. Explain how a bathroom in San Francisco is connected to...
a) the plants and animals that live in the waters of the bay, or
b) the fruits and vegetables your parents purchase at the store.

Vocabulary List

Key Concepts

The water we use, as well as the water than runs off of streets, becomes wastewater. Most wastewater must be cleaned before it is safe to release into the environment.

San Francisco has a unique combined sewer system because it collects and treats both rainwater and the wastewater that comes from homes and businesses.

Sewer systems have to clean dirty water from building as well as streets, so it is important to be careful about what we put down toilets and drains, and keep trash off our streets. Only 3 P's belong in the toilet: pee, poop, and paper!

Keeping the water we use as clean as possible helps people and other living beings to be safe and healthy. By being careful about what we put into our wastewater system, we can help to protect the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, as well as the organisms living in them.

Background for Educators

San Francisco is the only coastal city in California with a combined sewer system that collects and treats both wastewater and stormwater in the same network of pipes. Water flows through most of the sewers using gravity. The city's hilly geography comes in handy reducing the energy and maintenance costs associated with mechanical pumping.

Stormwater enters the combined sewer system through building roof drains or the catch basins along the street and gets treated at wastewater treatment plants just like the wastewater that goes down your drain.

Some storm drains in San Francisco go straight to the Bay, without heading to the Treatment Plant first. So, we need to be extra careful to keep trash from falling on our streets!

One of the City's challenges is that the watershed area is mostly paved or has hard surfaces, so rain has no place to go other than the City's combined sewer system before being discharged to the Bay or Ocean. One solution to this challenge is to expand the installation of green infrastructure, which takes advantage of the natural processes of soils and plants in order to slow down and clean stormwater.

The buildings are based on actual structures in San Francisco. The narrator's home was modeled after a Victorian apartment building.

The underground maze is based on an accurate map of San Francisco's sewer system. Most of the city's wastewater flows to the Southeast Treatment Plant in Bayview-Hunters Point.

As bacteria decompose the poop, they release methane gas (the "burps"). The treatment plantrecycles this gas as a source of electricity!

​Did you know you can recycle waste water?

By sorting our waste into different bins, we can make a huge impact.

Find out how a dairy farm is using a methane digester to turn cow poop into electricity.

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When you flush the toilet, what happens to the pee, poo, and paper? Dive into the SF sewer system to find out!

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Cal Academy

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Ever wonder what 38,000 animals are up to after dark?

Stay curious-every Thursday at NightLife. Sign up for event updates and exciting announcements.

An adventure in your inbox. (And a discount, too.)

Sign up for the Academy's monthly newsletter and get a promo code for 10% off at our online retail store.

Now's a great time to start window-shopping at the Academy Store.

Please try submitting your email again.

The Academy is temporarily closed.

As a leading scientific institution and trusted community space, we remain committed to following the recommendations of public health authorities. At this time, the museum remains closed in order to ensure the health and safety of all guests, volunteers, and staff.

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We use our teeth in many different ways. In this yummy activity, students will discover which teeth they use to eat different types of food.

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Read Alouds in Spanish

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Parent Services Project engages and strengthens families to take leadership for the well-being of their children, families, and communities. Families are lea...

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Recursos Importantes para Nuestras Familias

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Amigas y Amigos, Hoy les escribimos para contarles como estamos adaptando nuestra campaña para apoyarles en este tiempo del virus corona. Hasta ahora nuestro enfoque ha sido el apoyar a los padres para que puedan lograr que sus hijos logren ser bilingües y biletrados, al elegir o exigir programas bilingües en las escuelas.

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Penguins: Wings, Beaks, and Feathers, Oh My!

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Penguins: Wings, Beaks, and Feathers, Oh My!

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Cal Academy

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Join us as we waddle like penguins! Watch an Academy biologists feed our colony in our African Penguin exhibit and get your questions answered by a museum educator.

In this 30 minute program, Academy museum educators brought K-2 students into our African Penguin exhibit!

Students met and learned about the South African Penguin. By observing the penguins in our colony, students learned how penguins are similar to other birds and how their differences help them survive in their environment. Students explored what it is like to be a penguin by waddling and swimming like one, while investigating the habitat in which they live. Finally, students had the chance to ask their questions about penguins to Academy staff while watching the live colony.

This program was designed to be interactive in nature!
Students had the opportunity to ask Academy museum educators, via a chat box about their curiosities regarding penguins, the Academy's colony, and much more.

"During the presentation many students sketched and jotted notes into their science notebooks. After the program the students were oozing with excitement . They were anxious to have conversations with their peers about new found knowledge on African penguins. I noticed many students added more details to their notes. They then begged for more time to write about African penguins. They were still talking about African penguins the next day and several visited the principal to share what they learned.""My students enjoyed being able to see their questions in the chat box and having them answered. They also enjoyed seeing the questions other classes had."
-2nd Graders at Lincoln Community School, Bayonne NJ
-3rd Graders at Lincrest Elementary, Yuba City CA
"I love being able to use the technology in the classroom. We loved being there but still in our classroom!"
1st Grade teacher at St Joseph Elementary School, Alameda CA

Though the Academy's penguin colony is healthy and growing, their wild relatives aren't faring as well. Based on major population declines (at least 90 percent over the 20th century), African penguins were designated as an endangered species in September 2010 by the IUCN and the USFWS. In 1930, there were roughly a million of these charmers in their native West African habitat, but penguin biologists now estimate that there are only about 25,000 African penguin pairs remaining in the wild.

The good news is that African penguins are finding a strong ally in the Species Survival Plan (SSP), a program sponsored by the California Academy of Sciences and 53 other zoos and scientific institutions in the U.S. and Canada. The SSP's goal is to ensure the long-term survival of a viable population of African penguins. Since 1983, numerous chicks hatched at the Academy have moved to other zoos and aquariums around the country in order to maximize long-term genetic diversity in the captive-bred population. That population acts as a reservoir for genetic diversity, and could eventually be used to bolster wild penguin populations.

Ever wonder what 38,000 animals are up to after dark?

Stay curious-every Thursday at NightLife. Sign up for event updates and exciting announcements.

An adventure in your inbox. (And a discount, too.)

Sign up for the Academy's monthly newsletter and get a promo code for 10% off at our online retail store.

Now's a great time to start window-shopping at the Academy Store.

Please try submitting your email again.

The Academy is temporarily closed.

As a leading scientific institution and trusted community space, we remain committed to following the recommendations of public health authorities. At this time, the museum remains closed in order to ensure the health and safety of all guests, volunteers, and staff.

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Penguins: Wings, Beaks, and Feathers, Oh My!

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Join us on April 25th for a live broadcast to celebrate World Penguin Day with our South African Penguin Colony.

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Cal Academy

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What types of natural resources are used to make the objects we use in everyday life? After playing this bingo game, your students will be ready to categorize common things we throw in the trash according to the resource from which they are made.

Plastic debris is abundant in the ocean, and it isn't good for marine life. Let's keep our oceans plastic-free.

Most energy in the U.S. is produced by fossil fuels...so what's the deal with them?

Did you know that the choices we make when ordering seafood can impact the health of the ocean?

Ever wonder what 38,000 animals are up to after dark?

Stay curious-every Thursday at NightLife. Sign up for event updates and exciting announcements.

An adventure in your inbox. (And a discount, too.)

Sign up for the Academy's monthly newsletter and get a promo code for 10% off at our online retail store.

Now's a great time to start window-shopping at the Academy Store.

Please try submitting your email again.

The Academy is temporarily closed.

As a leading scientific institution and trusted community space, we remain committed to following the recommendations of public health authorities. At this time, the museum remains closed in order to ensure the health and safety of all guests, volunteers, and staff.

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What types of natural resources are used to make the objects we use in everyday life? Play bingo to find out!

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Cal Academy

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It seems JavaScript is either disabled or not supported by your browser. To view this site, enable JavaScript by changing your browser options and try again.

Jump to main content

Ever wonder what 38,000 animals are up to after dark?

Stay curious-every Thursday at NightLife. Sign up for event updates and exciting announcements.

An adventure in your inbox. (And a discount, too.)

Sign up for the Academy's monthly newsletter and get a promo code for 10% off at our online retail store.

Now's a great time to start window-shopping at the Academy Store.

Please try submitting your email again.

The Academy is temporarily closed.

As a leading scientific institution and trusted community space, we remain committed to following the recommendations of public health authorities. At this time, the museum remains closed in order to ensure the health and safety of all guests, volunteers, and staff.

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Ca Academy

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"My teaching colleague and I have been discussing possibilities for activities on getting our students involved in problem-solving and critical thinking about the environment. This sounds like such a perfect fit! We wanted real-world situations that they could use, and create possible applications in their home environment." -Middle School Teacher, Incline City, Nevada

"These resources would be a great addition to the ecology lessons we teach. I know this would be current and my co-teacher and I would be able to hook our students!" -9th Grade Teacher, Lockport, Illionois

​"I love that the images in the video reflect the diversity of students and teachers I work with. I think this will help urban students see they are part of the equation of learning about and caring for our world." -High School Informer Educator, Missouri Department of Conservation

"I want to help my students critically think and problem solve about the problems they may encounter in their lifetime. This gives them some practice to collaborate with their peers and look for solutions." -7th Grade Teacher, Lincoln Nebraska

"As a science teacher with a diverse group of learners, I am always on the lookout for new ways to present learning interactions, to maximize concept understanding. I think that this is a form of education that will be beneficial to my student's needs and interests. My school consists of students with learning disabilities, some with mental health issues... Thank you for adding another tool to our toolbox." -7th-12th Grade Teacher, Califon, New Jersey

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"My teaching colleague and I have been discussing possibilities for activities on getting our students involved in problem-solving and critical thinking about the environment. This sounds like such a perfect fit! We wanted real-world situations that they could use, and create possible applications in their home environment."

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Cal Academy & Khan Academy

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California Academy of Sciences | Partner content | Khan Academy

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The California Academy of Sciences is a renowned scientific and educational institution with a mission to explore, explain, and sustain life. Based in San Francisco, it is home to an aquarium, planetarium and natural history museum as well as innovative scientific research and education programs all under one living roof.

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News of the coronavirus COVID-19 is everywhere, from the front page of all the papers to the playground at school. Many parents are wondering how to bring up the epidemic in a way that will be reassuring and not make kids more worried than they already may be. Here is some advice from the experts at the Child Mind Institute.

Don't be afraid to discuss the coronavirus. Most children will have already heard about the virus or seen people wearing face masks, so parents shouldn't avoid talking about it. Not talking about something can actually make kids worry . Look at the conversation as an opportunity to convey the facts and set the emotional tone. "You take on the news and you're the person who filters the news to your kid," explains Janine Domingues, PhD, a child psychologist at the Child Mind Institute. Your goal is to help your children feel informed and get fact-based information that is likely more reassuring than whatever they're hearing from their friends or on the news.

Be developmentally appropriate. Don't volunteer too much information, as this may be overwhelming. Instead, try to answer your child's questions. Do your best to answer honestly and clearly. It's okay if you can't answer everything; being available to your child is what matters.

Take your cues from your child. Invite your child to tell you anything they may have heard about the coronavirus, and how they feel. Give them ample opportunity to ask questions. You want to be prepared to answer (but not prompt) questions. Your goal is to avoid encouraging frightening fantasies.

Deal with your own anxiety. "When you're feeling most anxious or panicked, that isn't the time to talk to your kids about what's happening with the coronavirus," warns Dr. Domingues. If you notice that you are feeling anxious, take some time to calm down before trying to have a conversation or answer your child's questions.

Be reassuring. Children are very egocentric, so hearing about the coronavirus on the news may be enough to make them seriously worry that they'll catch it. It's helpful to reassure your child about how rare the coronavirus actually is (the flu is much more common) and that kids actually seem to have milder symptoms.

Focus on what you're doing to stay safe. An important way to reassure kids is to emphasize the safety precautions that you are taking. Jamie Howard, PhD, a child psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, notes, "Kids feel empowered when they know what to do to keep themselves safe." We know that the coronavirus is transmitted mostly by coughing and touching surfaces. The CDC recommends thoroughly washing your hands as the primary means of staying healthy. So remind kids that they are taking care of themselves by washing their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds (or the length of two "Happy Birthday" songs) when they come in from outside, before they eat, and after blowing their nose, coughing, sneezing or using the bathroom. If kids ask about face masks, explain that the experts at the CDC say they aren't necessary for most people. If kids see people wearing face masks, explain that those people are being extra cautious.

Stick to routine. "We don't like uncertainty, so staying rooted in routines and predictability is going to be helpful right now," advises Dr. Domingues. This is particularly important if your child's school or daycare shuts down. Make sure you are taking care of the basics just like you would during a spring break or summer vacation. Structured days with regular mealtimes and bedtimes are an essential part of keeping kids happy and healthy.

Keep talking. Tell kids that you will continue to keep them updated as you learn more. "Let them know that the lines of communication are going to be open," says Dr. Domingues. "You can say, 'Even though we don't have the answers to everything right now, know that once we know more, mom or dad will let you know, too.'"

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News of the coronavirus COVID-19 is everywhere, from the front page of all the papers to the playground at school. Many parents are wondering how to bring up the epidemic in a way that will be reassuring and not make kids more worried than they already may be.

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Cal Academy

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Teach Your Monster: Free Phonics, Reading and Mathematics Games

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Help children learn with our free, award-winning reading, mathematics and phonics games.

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The Ministry is migrating nzmaths content to Tāhurangi. Relevant and up-to-date teaching resources are being moved to Tāhūrangi (tahurangi.education.govt.nz). When all identified resources have been successfully moved, this website will close. We expect this to be in June 2024. e-ako maths, e-ako Pāngarau, and e-ako PLD 360 will continue to be available.

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At the Exploratorium, designing tools for teaching and learning is something we do every day-almost all of our exhibits are created and tested here at the museum. The digital tools we create for teaching and learning allow us to push beyond our museum walls and connect with learners and educators everywhere.

From educational media to classroom activities, from a behind-the-scenes look at ideas we're tinkering with to the vast riches of our Explore section, our teaching tools support educators and provide hundreds of ways to play and learn. For all ages, in both formal and informal learning settings, these essential tools spark curiosity, exploration, and understanding.

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Tools for Teaching and Learning | Exploratorium

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At the Exploratorium, designing tools for teaching and learning is something we do every day-almost all of our exhibits are created and tested here at the museum. The digital tools we create for teaching and learning allow us to push beyond our museum walls and connect with learners and educators everywhere.

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Exploring Nature in Your Neighborhood - NEW!
Get outside and have fun exploring nature, whether it's in a state park, your community park, or even your own backyard or neighborhood. There's lots to see and do out there, so check out these fun ideas. Bet you'll be surprised by what you find!
more...

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California State Parks, State of California

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Exploring Nature in Your Neighborhood - NEW! Get outside and have fun exploring nature, whether it's in a state park, your community park, or even your own backyard or neighborhood. There's lots to see and do out there, so check out these fun ideas. Bet you'll be surprised by what you find!

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Learn for free about math, art, computer programming, economics, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, finance, history, and more. Khan Academy is a nonprofit with the mission of providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.

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Common Sense Media: Age-Based Media Reviews for Families

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Common Sense Media is the leading source of entertainment and technology recommendations for families. Parents trust our expert reviews and objective advice.

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Inspired by the magical realism of Gabriel García Márquez, Daniel Catán's Florencia en el Amazonas tells the enthralling story of an opera diva who returns to her native South America to search for her lost lover, who has vanished into the jungle.

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Cal Academy

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Let's construct a home for macroinvertebrates! Third graders observe the manor discovering which organisms can survive well and how they change when their environment changes. Fifth graders develop a model to describe the manor and the movement of matter among the plants, animals, decomposers and the environment. This project is designed to span a month or longer.

Learn about adaptation by creating an insect that can survive in a specific habitat!

Show off your Manor, and make it more appealing to a diversity of macroinvertebrates!

Anoushka Takla's fourth graders seek to answer the question: "What happens to our trash over time?"

Appropriate for: 3rd Grade - 5th Grade

Standards for: 3rd Grade, 5th Grade

Activity Time: 260 minutes

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Ever wonder what 38,000 animals are up to after dark?

Stay curious-every Thursday at NightLife. Sign up for event updates and exciting announcements.

(Because night owls know best.)

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Close

An adventure in your inbox. (And a discount, too.)

Sign up for the Academy's monthly newsletter and get a promo code for 10% off at our online retail store.

Now's a great time to start window-shopping at the Academy Store.

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The Academy is temporarily closed.

As a leading scientific institution and trusted community space, we remain committed to following the recommendations of public health authorities. At this time, the museum remains closed in order to ensure the health and safety of all guests, volunteers, and staff.

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Learn about what macroinvertebrates live in your school yard!

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Cal Academy

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Our penguins hold a very special place in the hearts of our staff and visitors! It takes a group of dedicated biologists to provide the love and happiness on which our penguins depend!

Students got into the Valentine's Day spirit, and met one of our penguin biologists! Our penguin biologists flutter with love for penguins here and beyond.

Kindergarten - 2nd graders got to know what goes in a day of making sure our penguin colony has all they need to live a happy life at the Academy. Also, we got an insiders look and hear from our Academy expert about the support and efforts that help contribute to African penguins in the wild.

Post-program activity: Students can color in their penguin heart handout. On the back of the sheet, students can write things they loved learning about African Penguins.

Ever wonder what 38,000 animals are up to after dark?

Stay curious-every Thursday at NightLife. Sign up for event updates and exciting announcements.

An adventure in your inbox. (And a discount, too.)

Sign up for the Academy's monthly newsletter and get a promo code for 10% off at our online retail store.

Now's a great time to start window-shopping at the Academy Store.

Please try submitting your email again.

The Academy is temporarily closed to the public.

As a leading scientific institution and trusted community space, we remain committed to following the recommendations of public health authorities. At this time, the museum remains closed in order to ensure the health and safety of all guests, volunteers, and staff.

Learn more Academy @ Home

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K-2 students joined us to get into the Valentine's Day spirit, and meet one of our penguin biologists!

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The SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Daytime Emmy-nominated, Storyline Online, features celebrated actors reading children's books to inspire a love of reading in millions of children worldwide.

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Cal Academy

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Have you ever wondered if that shiny star in the sky is actually a planet? On Dec. 19th & 20th students around the world had a lively conversation with an astronomy educator from the Morrison Planetarium. We discovered what's special about the planets we observe in the winter night sky.

This 45-minute program, 3 rd- 6 th graders glimpsed at what can be observed in the night sky. While navigating the night sky for December 19th and 20th, 2019, an Academy astronomy educator pointed out constellations, asterisms, and even planets visible that night. Additionally, students briefly explored a dwarf planet and Uranus via a vote to visit a planet or dwarf planet in our Solar System.

Pre-program activity: While strongly recommended is not required to participate!

Use the Sorting the Solar System lesson to have students become more familiar with some of the types of objects found in our Solar System.
Post-program activity:

To explore your own night sky, you and your class can use the following FREE planetarium software:

"Learning about the solar system is part of the science standards for 5th grade. This program helped me to address 5th grade content in an interesting and engaging way. The scientist-presenter had demeanor that was great for talking to this particular grade level. We have never participated in a Distance Learning program before, so we were not sure what to expect. We would definitely try it again!" -5th Grade, Robert Louis Stevenson Elementary, San Francisco CA "After the program, my students shared how much they enjoyed the presentation. Many of them mentioned they would have liked more Q&A time with Bing. Some students mentioned that some of the information and explanations could have been put into more "kid" or "student language." They also really liked that they could see other students participating at the same time." -5th Grade, Larchmont Charter School, Los Angeles CA

Ever wonder what 38,000 animals are up to after dark?

Stay curious-every Thursday at NightLife. Sign up for event updates and exciting announcements.

An adventure in your inbox. (And a discount, too.)

Sign up for the Academy's monthly newsletter and get a promo code for 10% off at our online retail store.

Now's a great time to start window-shopping at the Academy Store.

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The Academy is temporarily closed.

As a leading scientific institution and trusted community space, we remain committed to following the recommendations of public health authorities. At this time, the museum remains closed in order to ensure the health and safety of all guests, volunteers, and staff.

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Have you ever wondered if that shiny star in the sky is actually a planet? On Dec. 19th & 20th students did

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Nudibranchs, Colorful Creatures of the Sea

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Nudibranchs, Colorful Creatures of the Sea

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Cal Academy - Marine Biologist Interview with Students

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Ever wonder what 38,000 animals are up to after dark?

Stay curious-every Thursday at NightLife. Sign up for event updates and exciting announcements.

An adventure in your inbox. (And a discount, too.)

Sign up for the Academy's monthly newsletter and get a promo code for 10% off at our online retail store.

Now's a great time to start window-shopping at the Academy Store.

Please try submitting your email again.

The Academy is temporarily closed.

As a leading scientific institution and trusted community space, we remain committed to following the recommendations of public health authorities. At this time, the museum remains closed in order to ensure the health and safety of all guests, volunteers, and staff.

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Scientist's Scoop: Nudibranchs - Colorful Creatures of the Sea

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Students chatted with Academy scientist Allison about colorful creatures of the sea, nudibranchs.

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Cal Academy

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Students came face-to-face with a diversity of spooktacular skulls! Watched a live colony of flesh-eating beetles in action as they devour and clean flesh from bones. Examined eye sockets, teeth, and other features to find out if mystery skulls were predator or prey.

This program supported the Next Generation Science Standards by focusing on the Crosscutting Concept: Structure and function.

Although skulls can't talk, they communicate a lot with their teeth and eye sockets!
In this 45 minute program, 3rd - 5th graders were invited to become Science Detectives to solve the mysteries that skulls communicate.

As Science Detectives, students bite into their first mystery: What would this animal have eaten? Together they solved a mystery that was looking at us straight in the face: Is this animal a predator or prey? Then, they practiced their detective skills to determine the identity of two mystery animal skulls. Students applied their new understandings immediately! Finally, we all watched a live colony of flesh-eating beetles in action as they devour and clean flesh from bones. Eeeeww!

Ever wonder what 38,000 animals are up to after dark?

Stay curious-every Thursday at NightLife. Sign up for event updates and exciting announcements.

An adventure in your inbox. (And a discount, too.)

Sign up for the Academy's monthly newsletter and get a promo code for 10% off at our online retail store.

Now's a great time to start window-shopping at the Academy Store.

Please try submitting your email again.

The Academy is temporarily closed.

As a leading scientific institution and trusted community space, we remain committed to following the recommendations of public health authorities. At this time, the museum remains closed in order to ensure the health and safety of all guests, volunteers, and staff.

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Students came face to face with spooktacular skulls ranging in size from a bat to a bear!

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Plunge into the Kelp Forest

Discover the kelp forest ecosystem and the animals who call it home with two free apps designed for students and teachers. Create your own digital kelp forest in the game, and learn all about the Aquarium's Kelp Forest exhibit and the people who help it thrive in our interactive ebook.

Learn more about the apps

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Discover the kelp forest ecosystem and the animals who call it home with two free apps designed for students and teachers. Create your own digital kelp forest in the game, and learn all about the Aquarium's Kelp Forest exhibit and the people who help it thrive in our interactive ebook.

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Studies Weekly is a leading provider of standards-based K-8 core curriculum in social studies, science and wellness.

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Educators around the world are entering digital lesson design with varying experiences and expertise. Our HyperDocs Online Academy is your source for learning about designing and delivering the engagement-driving digital lessons we call HyperDocs. Our course instruction method is what we call 'just in time teaching' so that you can take on new learning when you are ready, and explore the Academy at your own pace.

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Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Storylines: Contemporary Art at the Guggenheim, New York, United States - Google Arts & Culture

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Google Arts & Culture features content from over 2000 leading museums and archives who have partnered with the Google Cultural Institute to bring the world's treasures online.

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Cal Academy

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Nature is a muse that inspires artists and scientists to imagine, design and create their work. This live, educator-led broadcast helped students find their own inspiration from nature. Classes from around the country to observed art and sketch natural objects during this Special Live Event.

Shorelines are rich environments that are home to millions of people, plants, and animals. Throughout history, coastal and shoreline environments have inspired many artists and scientists.

This broadcast explored the questions:

What about nature inspires people to create magnificent works of art?

How do scientists create and use art to help them observe details and patterns in nature?

During this broadcast students from across the country examined works of art, and practice scientific sketching methods.

This program is chat box interactive! Students get to see and hear the Academy expert, and teachers will enter comments and questions into a text-based chat window.

Prepare the following for each student so that they can practice scientific sketching during program:

pencil

plain paper or notebook (for sketching)

leaf or other natural object

Pre-program activity: While strongly recommended is not required to participate!

The following activity is to help students practice describing the details of an image, and imagining what a place feels like. (~20 mins)

1. Gather pictures and/or maps of nearby shorelines (a river, lake, or ocean).

2. Share with your students that during the upcoming program they will be exploring how scientists make art related to nature. Specifically, they will be exploring art about shorelines. A shoreline is where water meets land. For example, land near a river, lake or ocean.

3. Ask your students to close their eyes and think about a nearby shoreline. For the purpose of this activity, it is not necessary for each student to think of the same shoreline.

4. Then, have students turn-and-talk with a neighbor about a memory, thought or feeling they have about that place.

5. Show them pictures, and/or maps of a shoreline. Ask students to describe the things that they see, and how they imagine it might feel to be in that place.

Post Program activities:

Ever wonder what 38,000 animals are up to after dark?

Stay curious-every Thursday at NightLife. Sign up for event updates and exciting announcements.

An adventure in your inbox. (And a discount, too.)

Sign up for the Academy's monthly newsletter and get a promo code for 10% off at our online retail store.

Now's a great time to start window-shopping at the Academy Store.

Please try submitting your email again.

The Academy is temporarily closed to the public.

As a leading scientific institution and trusted community space, we remain committed to following the recommendations of public health authorities. At this time, the museum remains closed in order to ensure the health and safety of all guests, volunteers, and staff.

Learn more Academy @ Home

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Students explored how nature inspires art and practice scientific sketching.

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kids stories reading parents "read aloud" "read along" "read aloud books animated" "bedtime stories" storytime "picture books" "books for elementary school" ...

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Brightly Storyime brings you full-length picturebooks read out loud by our storyteller, Ms. Linda. Drop by for a new video every week! Brightly is a resource...

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Student Participation in Meaningful Engagement through Virtual Means

Have you ever...

Been online using a phone, tablet, or computer?

Read or sent an email or text?

Typed a document, developed a slide deck, or created some other thing using an electronic application?

Had a conversation with someone via Face Time, Google Hangout, SeeSaw, Skype or some other app?

Recorded a video or taken a picture of something using a device of some sort?

Shared a picture, document, video, website link, or anything else with someone using a technology tool?

Watched a video or movie using a device?

Learned anything or shared what you learned about something when doing any of the above activities?

Used a technology device in any way and learned something from it?

If you can answer "Yes" to any one of the above questions, then chances are you have engaged in online learning -- especially if you created something that you shared with another person. The learning you did just wasn't designed and implemented by one of your current teachers or another educator.

Now, there are plenty of reasons blended or virtual learning might happen in Northshore. Here are examples of just a few reasons:

Suppose a school building has to close for a while because of snow or some kind of problem that makes the school building uninhabitable (think: loss of electricity, no water, and so on), and there's no interest in extending the school year for the students in that school.

Suppose a student has a medical condition that makes it hard for them to be in school , and they're really interested in and capable of keeping up with classwork.

Suppose a student is interested in pursuing post-secondary education (and we certainly hope most students are!). Most colleges and career preparation programs include online learning components. Therefore, developing student expertise in online learning now prepares everyone for their future success in career, college, and life!

Educators in Northshore are starting to think about ways to help kids participate in learning beyond the classroom, in the cloud. Students in Northshore will have the chance to show what they know virtually. Imagine the possibilities!

Tips & Tools for Students

First off, let's just be clear: when anyone engages online, it's essential that everyone behaves appropriately. Northshore students must follow the Responsible Use Procedures that are included in the Student Rights and Responsibilities documents that everyone gets at the beginning of the year. And it's not just students who have to follow those procedures, the adults do as well. As a quick reminder, when you're online, be sure to:

Use respectful behavior and language.

Stick to appropriate topic discussions.

Send only appropriate video transmissions.

Use only appropriate icon, emoji, and avatar submissions.

Wear school appropriate clothing if you are attending meetings via video.

Be honest and do not plagiarizing or copying others' work -- in other words, use academic integrity.

Not falsify information about yourself or impersonate others online.

When everyone remembers to act kindly, show consideration for others, and treat one another online as you wish to be treated in person, we'll all be able to focus on learning.

If you want to read through the actual policies and expectations information regarding "digital citizenship" and "responsible use" can be found our website.

Northshore students all have Gmail accounts. Really. You've got one. These accounts are managed and monitored by school district employees who work in the Technology Department.

When you learn in the cloud, you will need to check your District Gmail account every day for information from your teachers and other adults about coursework, lessons, and/or content. All elementary-aged students, with support from a parent or guardian, should check their District Gmail account every day. All middle school and high school students should check their District Gmail account every day, too. Gmail is going to be an important tool for getting the information you need to successfully learn in the cloud. And if you need help using Gmail, Northshore School District educators can support you.

As a reminder, here's how you can access your District Gmail account:

Use any browser to access Gmail. You can go to Chrome and type in Gmail.

Click on Gmail and log in using the following information:

Your student id number@apps.nsd.org (example: 1234567@apps.nsd.org)

Your password should be your district login password or your default password which is your birthday (example: 07262008)

Checking your District Gmail account every day is one thing. Following through on all that you'll need to do at home when you're engaging in virtual learning is another. If you've already set yourself up with good study habits, those habits will support learning in the cloud. Here are some things to think about when you engage in online learning:

Have a daily routine. Stick to it. Ask your parent or another important adult to help you develop your schedule if you need assistance. Be sure your routine includes breaks, time to be active, and time to eat lunch.

Have a learning space. Use this space when it's time to learn.

Be sure your learning space includes what you need to learn. You'll need a computer, iPad, Chromebook, or other device. You'll need paper, pencils and/or pens. You'll need tools to help you with math like a calculator, ruler, compass, and possibly manipulatives like counters. You'll need your textbooks, trade books, composition notebooks, or any other curriculum materials that your teacher provides.

Don't be surprised when your parent or guardian asks you to make your learning space in a shared area of your home like at the kitchen table, a large kitchen counter, or a desk in a living room or family room. The reality is that when your learning space is separate from your bedroom and distanced from the television, it triggers your brain that the space is for work and not play. You really will be more productive. And, like it or not, an online learning space in a shared area allows the adult(s) in your home to readily support your learning while also monitoring your online activity. (Yes, they get to see what you do.)

If you're wondering about the idea of a daily routine, keep reading...

More and more adults are able to work remotely. In fact, some adults have jobs that are done entirely through virtual means. These adults all have daily schedules or routines they use to help them stay focused and on task. When you learn in the cloud, you're going to need to think about this too. To develop your daily schedule, think about what it's like during a typical school day. Think about how teachers post schedules in the classroom or how bells remind students and staff when class is over. Think about your ability to stay focused and how long you know you can reasonably devote your full attention to a task. Below is a sample daily schedule. Your schedule will look different depending upon your family dynamics and your personal learning needs.

07:30 AM - Get up, get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth, etc.

08:15 AM - Organize learning space, turn on computer/device, log into Gmail

08:30 AM - Review daily Gmail announcement from teacher(s) and get necessary learning materials (books, workbooks, etc.)

08:45 AM - Engage in first virtual session or chat session or video tutorial or whatever the topic is for the day

09:30 AM - Begin assignments

10:00 AM - Take quick stretch and nutrition break

10:15 AM - Return to assignments, keep working, document learning in whatever way is required

11:00 AM - Check Gmail for any additional announcements

11:15 AM - Lunch and movement (Take a walk. Dance. Do jumping jacks. Run. Follow an online workout routine. Just move!)

12:00 PM - Return to assignments, keep working, document learning in whatever way is required

01:00 PM - Engage in second virtual session or chat session or video tutorial or whatever you know you've been asked to do

01:45 PM - Take a quick stretch and nutrition break

02:00 PM - Return to assignments, keep working, document learning in whatever way is required

03:00 PM - Summarize your learning in whatever way your teacher(s) have requested, and submit your evidence online

03:45 PM - Pat yourself on the back for a full day of virtual learning

Learning in the cloud is just as challenging and rigorous as a day of learning in the classroom. Learning just happens in a different place. Like in school, your daily schedule might be a bit different on each day of the week. There will be certain things such as your stretch and nutrition breaks as well as your lunchtime that you'll probably want to keep consistent. What might change are the times you hop online for video sessions or online chats. The more time you spend learning virtually, the more you'll know about what works best for you in terms of keeping focused and on task.

Getting used to an online learning environment and participating in virtual learning might take a little while. Some people will love it right away. Others might need some time to get used to how to participate in live video sessions or use a chat room. If you're an "early adopter," be patient and remain kind to those who will take longer to adjust to a virtual learning environment. If you're one of the people who isn't as comfortable with technology or online learning as your peers, it's okay. Stay positive. Be persistent.

Your teacher(s) are going to want to know whether you are learning what they intend for you to learn. So you're going to need to figure out how to share your learning with them. When you check your Gmail messages every day, you will probably find out how your teacher will want you to demonstrate your learning. Be prepared to be asked to:

Complete a Google Quiz;

Submit a document into your personal Google folder;

Take a picture of your work and upload it into a Google folder or email it to your teacher;

Record a video that shows how you are able to do something;

Email a message summarizing your learning;

Engage in a Chat session; or

Engage in an online video "Office Hour".

There might be other ways your teacher(s) will want to check on your progress. If you have an idea, let them know!

Technology Resources

This link includes a utility that checks your device and network to make sure i-Ready will run smoothly: http://cdn.i-ready.com/systemcheck For additional support... Email: i-ReadySupport@cainc.com Phone: (800) 225-0248 Mon-Fri 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. ET The Google Chrome browser v74+ is recommended on all platforms. Hardware Requirements Operating System Hardware and Software Requirements

iPad Pro (2017) and newer running iOS 12.1+
Includes iPad Pro 10.5" (2017), iPad Pro 9.7" (2018), iPad Pro 11" (2018).
The iPad Pro 12.9" version is not supported.

iPad Air (1st gen, 2013) and newer running iOS 11.3+
Includes iPad Air (2013), iPad Air 2 (2014), iPad Pro 9.7" (2016), iPad 5 (2017), iPad 6 (2018)]

i-Pad App Hardware Requirements Software Requirements

MacOS X 10.11 and MacOS 10.12-10.14 are all supported

Chrome (74+), Safari (12.1+), and/or Firefox (66+) are all supported

JavaScript must be enabled.

Cookies must be enabled.

Hardware Requirements Software Requirements NOTE: Internet Explorer is not supported.
District computing devices are configured to allow connections to home and public WiFi networks. The NSD Technology Department is unable to provide support for home networks. However, here are a few basic troubleshooting steps you can try before checking with your ISP or network hardware manufacturer's website for support links.

1. Restart your computer or mobile device.

2. Try connecting to your home Wi-Fi network again.

3. Ensure that you are entering the correct Wi-Fi password.

4. Try connecting to another wireless network such as a coffee shop Wi-Fi network or public library Wi-Fi network and see if you can connect successfully.

If you are still unable to connect to your home Wi-Fi, please check with your ISP or network hardware manufacturer's website for support links.
Support Links to Local Internet Service Providers (ISP)

Support Links to Network Hardware Manufacturers

To support off-campus learning, the Northshore School District is loaning Mobile Hot Spots to district families without internet access at home. The Hot Spot provides internet access using cell phone towers, just like a cell phone does. Hot spots do not supplement or strengthen existing home network performance. An insert in the Hot Spot box includes a quickstart guide.
Turning a Hot Spot On or Off
When you first plug in the Hot Spot it is in battery charging mode. To turn the Hot Spot on, press and hold the small power button on the front until you see the word "Welcome" appear on the screen on top. To turn it off, press and hold the power button until you see "Goodbye" on the screen.
Connecting to the Network
The Hot Spot box will have a sticker with it's network name (SSID) and password.

1. On a Chromebook click the pie wedge shaped WiFi icon in the lower right corner of the screen.

2. Click the little arrow next to the current network, or on the wifi icon (depending on the model) to open the network connections menu.

3. Select the hot spot's SSID from the listed available networks.

4. Enter the password if prompted.

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Student Support - Northshore School District

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Student Participation in Meaningful Engagement through Virtual Means Have you ever... Been online using a phone, tablet, or computer? Read or sent an email or text? Typed a document, developed a slide deck, or created some other thing using an electronic application? Had a conversation with someone via Face Time, Google Hangout, SeeSaw, Skype or some other app?

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The IM K-5 curriculum provides teachers with coherently sequenced materials based on the standards and research-based learning trajectories to support students' learning in these early years. IM K-5 Math is rigorous, problem-based, and fully aligned to the standards, with coherence across grade bands.

Launch Curriculum

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The IM K-5 curriculum provides teachers with coherently sequenced materials based on the standards and research-based learning trajectories to support students' learning in these early years. IM K-5 Math is rigorous, problem-based, and fully aligned to the standards, with coherence across grade bands. Launch Curriculum

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Send Your Name to Jupiter's Moon Europa

Go farther with NASA - all the way to Jupiter's icy moon Europa. Sign up to send your name on NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft by Sunday, Dec. 31.

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The Space Station Turns 25

The International Space Station advances scientific knowledge in Earth, space, physical, and biological sciences, for the benefit of all.

Watch

Technology Drives Exploration

NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate aims to transform future missions while ensuring American leadership in aerospace.

Latest Space Technologies

Today

Image Of The Day

Globular Cluster Omega Centauri Looks Radiant in Infrared

A cluster brimming with millions of stars glistens like an iridescent opal in this image from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope. Called Omega Centauri, the sparkling orb of stars is like a miniature galaxy. It is the biggest and brightest of the 150 or so similar objects, called globular clusters, that orbit around the outside of our Milky Way galaxy. Stargazers at southern latitudes can spot the stellar gem with the naked eye in the constellation Centaurus. Globular clusters are some of the oldest objects in our universe. Their stars are over 12 billion years old, and, in most cases, formed all at once when the universe was just a toddler. Omega Centauri is unusual in that its stars are of different ages and possess varying levels of metals, or elements heavier than boron. Astronomers say this points to a different origin for Omega Centauri than other globular clusters: they think it might be the core of a dwarf galaxy that was ripped apart and absorbed by our Milky Way long ago. In this new view of Omega Centauri, Spitzer's infrared observations have been combined with visible-light data from the National Science Foundation's Blanco 4-meter telescope at Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile. Visible-light data with a wavelength of .55 microns is colored blue, 3.6-micron infrared light captured by Spitzer's infrared array camera is colored green and 24-micron infrared light taken by Spitzer's multiband imaging photometer is colored red. Where green and red overlap, the color yellow appears. Thus, the yellow and red dots are stars revealed by Spitzer. These stars, called red giants, are more evolved, larger and dustier. The stars that appear blue were spotted in both visible and 3.6-micron-, or near-, infrared light. They are less evolved, like our own sun. Some of the red spots in the picture are distant galaxies beyond our own.

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Discover More Topics From NASA

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NASA.gov brings you the latest news, images and videos from America's space agency, pioneering the future in space exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics research.

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Our collection of educator resources includes a wide range of flexible materials. You will find resources that support teaching a complex moment in history or addressing today's breaking news.

Facing History students are 94% more likely than other students to report that their class motivated them to learn.

93% of Facing History students agreed that it is important to work for positive social change.

Current Events in the Classroom

Our current events resources help teachers lead effective and engaging discussions on today's news.
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"I can trust the materials to be easy to access, implement, and provide a way to engage students on sensitive topics."

Teaching Strategies

Our student-centered teaching strategies improve literacy skills, nurture critical thinking, and create a respectful classroom climate. You can implement these strategies with any academic content.
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Collections, Units, & Toolkits

Our collections, units, and toolkits provide you with a range of options to introduce students to themes that are relevant to their lives.
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Lessons & Mini-Lessons

Our lessons and mini-lessons include primary sources and news sources to support their head, heart, and conscience.
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- Facing History Educator Reflecting on Our Reconstruction Unit

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Find compelling classroom resources, learn new teaching methods, meet standards, and make a difference in the lives of your students.

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IXL | Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Spanish

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IXL is the world's most popular subscription-based learning site for K-12. Used by over 8,000,000 students, IXL provides personalized learning in more than 8,000 topics, covering math, language arts, science, social studies, and Spanish. Interactive questions, awards, and certificates keep kids motivated as they master skills.

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The history of the museum, of its building is quite unusual. In the centre of Paris on the banks of the Seine, opposite the Tuileries Gardens, the museum was installed in the former Orsay railway station, built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900. So the building itself could be seen as the first "work of art" in the Musee d'Orsay, which displays collections of art from the period 1848 to 1914.

Open from 9.30am to 6pm daily, except Mondays
Late night on Thursdays until 9.45pm
Last tickets sold at 5pm (9pm Thursdays), museum cleared at 5.30pm (9.15pm Thursdays)
Closed on Mondays, on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December

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Musée d'Orsay, Paris, Paris, France - Google Arts & Culture

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The history of the museum, of its building is quite unusual. In the centre of Paris on the banks of the Seine, opposite the Tuileries Gardens, the museum w...

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World Book Day is the biggest celebration of its kind, anywhere. Millions and millions of book vouchers given out, great free books for kids, excitement everywhere...

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search

Enriching mathematics for all learners

A free-to-use collection of mathematics activities, lessons and problems designed to nurture curious, resourceful and confident learners of mathematics. Produced by The University of Cambridge.

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The Nrich Maths Project Cambridge,England. Mathematics resources for children,parents and teachers to enrich learning. Problems,children's solutions,interactivities,games,articles.

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national oceanic and atmospheric administration

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Videos, group activities, origami, outdoor and tabletop challenges, and a bunch of other projects that are fun, entertaining, and educational.

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This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the various roles of professionals who work in the community. While the focus of this inquiry is limited primarily to first responders, teachers could expand the discussion to include other community helpers or "school helpers" such as the custodial staff, cafeteria staff, librarians, etc.

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Educational games and videos from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Wild Kratts and other PBS KIDS shows!

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Since opening its door in 1969, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA), Korea has lived through the history of Korean art. In the process, MMCA established itself as a representative institution of Korean modern art. The museum's four branches, including Gwacheon (opened in 1986), Deoksugung (opened in 1998), Seoul (opened in 2013), and Cheongju (expected to open in 2017), each in its own way, will continue to carry out MMCA's commitment to the art and culture of Korea by enriching the first-hand cultural experience of the viewing public. Boasting a superb natural landscape surrounding the site, MMCA Gwacheon will be devoted to various genres of visual arts such as architecture, design, and crafts. Located within a historical site, MMCA Deoksugung will showcase modern art from Korea and overseas. In the heart of the city, MMCA Seoul will focus on introducing global contemporary art. With its up-to-date art storage facility, MMCA Cheongju will fulfill the museum's primary duty to collect, preserve, study, exhibit, and educate. Through its various locations, MMCA intends to function as a cultural platform that encourages communication and cross-pollination of contemporary art with other various disciplines of art, science, and humanities. MMCA's foremost mission is to offer a culturally rewarding experience to its visitors. We will remain committed to this mission for many generations to come.

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National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea, Seoul, South Korea - Google Arts & Culture

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Since opening its door in 1969, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA), Korea has lived through the history of Korean art. In the proces...