Schools

Inspiring the Next Generation of Critical Thinkers

We believe children learn best through experiences that inspire them to ask questions, engage all of their senses, and discover what makes their world work. We offer a variety of high-quality, immersive, engaging science programs for elementary students. Our programs spark passion for science and allow children the opportunity to get up close with their natural world.

CuriOdyssey is an ideal field trip destination. Interactive exhibits, amazing live animals, and high-quality educational programs – all on a personal scale – provide your students with an unforgettable up close science experience.

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What We Offer

Self-Guided Field Trips

Explore the museum at your own pace! Groups of 10 or more may be eligible for a group discount. For more information about self-guided field trips, click here.

School Programs

CuriOdyssey offers a variety of interactive, inquiry-based science lessons that support the California Science Content Standards and your local science curriculum. All programs provide up close and personal interactions with science and nature. Our low student-to-museum educator ratio offers students more time to explore and discover, greater engagement with museum educators, and a learning experience that continues outside the classroom.

School Days

Schools bringing multiple classes of the same grade and wanting to add educational programs to their visit can set up a special day for the school group. Museum educators can work with school or group leaders to create an educational experience tailored to your group. We will also schedule opportunities to visit the wildlife habitats, exhibits, and gardens. Plan on at least a 4-hour visit to the museum. School Days must be scheduled at least two months in advance to ensure availability.

We Can Come to You!

Many of our lessons are able to travel to your school site. Look for the label, “ This program can travel to your site!”

Program Name
Adapted for Survival Adapted for Survival Animals devour, defend, and disguise to survive. In this program, students learn about different adaptations that aid an animal’s survival. Observe adaptive disguises, such as camouflage and mimicry; learn about defense mechanisms such as spikes, teeth, and claws; investigate live animal ambassadors that exemplify different adaptive strategies.Animal Ambassadors vary and may include: Birds, reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and/or invertebrates. Program Length: 50 minutes Fee: $7/student California Science Standards: 1.2a-d, 2.2c, 3.3a, 4.2b, 4.3b	L		I		1	2	3	4
Animal Eggsploration Animal Eggsploration Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Which animals, other than birds, use egg laying as a reproductive strategy? This interactive class introduces students to egg-laying animals like insects, amphibians, birds, and reptiles. Students will observe and compare live animals and different types of eggs, along with an egg dissection. Animal Ambassadors vary and may include: Cockroach, millipede, snake, toad, and/or newt. Program Length: 50 minutes Fee: $7/student (plus travel fee, if applicable) California Science Standards: K.2a	L		I	K
Animal Habitats - New! Animal Habitats What do you see, hear, smell, and feel? Students will learn about an animal’s niche in nature. Discover how individual organisms are connected to one another. Outdoor exploration is a must as we search for tracks, scat, and other signs that animals inhabit the park and find what they need for survival: food, water, and space. Program Length: 50 minutes Fee: $7/student California Science Standards: K.2a, 1.2a-c, 3.3b,c, 4.2 b,c, 4.3b	L		I		1	2	3	4
Audible Adventure Audible Adventure What is sound? How does sound travel? Does the shape of our ears help or hinder hearing? These questions form the foundation of our inquiry into the world of sound. Students make “laughing cups,” experiment with sound and explore how we can enhance our sense of hearing. Let’s hear it for this audible adventure! Program Length: 50 minutes Fee: $7/student (plus travel fee if applicable) California Science Standards: 2.1g		P	I			2	3
Birds of Prey Birds of Prey Explore the captivating world of eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls. Students will investigate the adaptations of these magnificent birds, discover what they eat by dissecting an owl pellet, and test their senses to see how they would handle being a bird of prey. Animal Ambassadors vary and may include: American Kestrel, Great Horned Owl, Red-Shouldered Hawk, Swainson’s Hawk, Screech Owl, and/or Turkey Vulture. Program Length: 50 minutes Fee: $7/student California Science Standards: 3.3a, 4.2b, 4.3b, 5.2c, 6.5c-e	L		I				3	4	5	6
Build It and Break It! Build It and Break It! Build a wooden bridge, then test its strength until it collapses. Students will explore gravity, stress, and other forces that engineers have to overcome (or utilize) every time they construct a bridge or building. Let’s learn together as we build and break our very own structures. Program Length: 50 minutes Fee: $7/student (plus travel fee if applicable) California Science Standards: 2.1c,e		P	I		1	2	3
Dynamic Decomposers Dynamic Decomposers Millipedes, worms, and snails - are they pests or pals? Roll up your sleeves and get ready to dig in as we look at the beneficial roles these critters play in our daily lives. Students learn about how detritivores aid in decomposition and create soil by observing earthworms, using magnifiers to get a closer look at small animals, and meeting animal guests. Animal Ambassadors vary and may include: Earthworms, cockroaches, millipedes, and/or snails. Program Length: 50 minutes Fee: $7/student (plus travel fee if applicable) California Science Standards: K.2a,c, 1.2a	L		I	K	1
Forces of Flight - New! Forces of Flight How can an airplane fly? This workshop takes students through the exploration of lift, drag, thrust, and gravity - all forces that impact flight. By designing and making their own airplane/glider and testing items that flutter and float, we will learn and observe directly the forces of flight. Program Length: 50 minutes Fee: $7/student California Science Standards: 2.1b-e		P				2	3	4
Fur, Feathers, Scales, or Exoskeletons Fur, Feathers, Scales, or Exoskeletons Explore the basic coverings of mammals, birds, reptiles, and arthropods. Students can touch and talk about similarities, differences, and functions of each type of covering, plus see some wonderful live examples of animals that are covered in fur, feathers, scales, or exoskeletons. Animal Ambassadors vary and may include: Mammal, bird, reptile, and/or arthropods. Program Length: 50 minutes Fee: $7/student (plus travel fee if applicable) California Science Standards: K.2a,c, 1.2a	L		I	K	1	2
Green Energy Green Energy How do wind generators work? How to biologists and engineers work together to create a sustainable future? In this workshop we investigate how electricity is generated and the pros and cons of these methods. We will explore the nuts and bolts of wind power and the environmental concerns posed to bird populations, all while building and testing wind turbine propellers. Program Length: 90 minutes Fee: $8/student California Science Standards: 3.1a-d, 4.1a,g		P	I				3	4	5	6
Ice Investigators Ice Investigators Learn about solids, liquids, and the properties of water in this “cool” program. Students will investigate frozen water balloons, make salt craters, examine bubbles and tunnels in ice, trace water flow, and view light through ice. Join us for an illuminating transformation of ice into water. Program Length: 50 minutes Fee: $7/student California Science Standards: K.1a,b, 1,1a,b, 3.1e,f		P	I	K	1	2	3
Interesting Invertebrates Interesting Invertebrates What’s the difference between an insect, “bug,” and spider? Study their unique characteristics and get a magnified look at living invertebrates and their biofacts. Join us to get a closer look at some crawling critters - they may be spineless, but they have character! Animal Ambassadors vary and may include: Cockroach, millipede, and/or tarantula. Program Length: 50 minutes Fee: $7/student California Science Standards: K.2a,c, 1.2a	L		I	K	1	2
Marsh Muck Marsh Muck Learn about the importance of protecting our marshes while mucking about in the mud flats of the Coyote Point Marsh. Student scientists will observe shorebirds, explore bird adaptations, and seek out invertebrates in the marsh mud. Note: This is a field-based program located at Coyote Point Park Marina and is scheduled based on low tides. Program Length: 90 minutes Fee: $8/student California Science Standards: 3.3a,b, 4.2a-c, 4,3b, 6.4a-c	L		I				3	4	5	6
Plant Power Plant Power Plants gather food, battle predators, and find a mate – all while rooted in place. Study different adaptations seeds have for dispersal, make a compostable pot, and plant a seed to take with you. Explore the fascinating world of plants, soil, sunlight, and seeds in the museum’s beautiful gardens. Program Length: 50 minutes Fee: $7/student California Science Standards: K.2a,c, 1.2a-c,e, 2.2a,e,f, 3.3a, 4.3c	L		I		1	2	3	4
Predator & Prey - New! Predator & Prey Food is the fuel that drives life on earth. Students explore the adaptations of animals that aid in finding their food or prevent them from becoming food. Study animal skulls to determine who are herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores. Meet a live animal and assess the special adaptations that help animals compete for food resources in an ecosystem. Animal Ambassadors vary and may include: Reptile, raptor, and/or mammal. Program Length: 50 minutes Fee: $7/student (plus travel fee, if applicable) California Science Standards: 3.3a, 4.2b, 4.3b			I		1	2	3	4
Ramblin’ Reptiles Ramblin’ Reptiles Reptiles have inhabited this planet for 340 million years! This program takes a focused look at some of the Museum’s amazing ectotherms. Observe the locomotion of a tortoise, patterns of a snake, or the blue tongue of a skink as we study the ancestors of dinosaurs.Animal Ambassadors vary and may include: Desert tortoise, Blue-tongued skink, and/or snake Program Length: 50 minutes Fee: $7/student (plus travel fee, if applicable) California Science Standards: 3.3a,e	L		I	K	1	2	3
Wildlife on Wheels: Animals in Jeopardy Wildlife on Wheels: Animals in Jeopardy Find out what it means to be an extinct, endangered, or threatened species. Meet some threatened species and learn what you can do to help these amazing animals. Animal Ambassadors vary and may include: Swainson’s hawk, Desert tortoise, and/or Red-legged frog. Wildlife staff and animal ambassadors can visit your school site. Wildlife on Wheels shows students some of the animals that live at CuriOdyssey, their special characteristics, and adaptations. Wildlife staff will bring 4 live animals for a 30-minute presentation, followed by a 15-minute question and answer session. Due to animal well-being, Wildlife on Wheels only travels to limited peninsula locations. Please note that, for the health of our animals, classroom pets cannot be present during the program. Program Length: 45 minutes Minimum Students: 20 Maximum Students: 30 Fee: $9/student (plus travel fee, if applicable) California Science Standards: 3.3c-e, 4.2b	L		I				3	4	5	6
Wildlife on Wheels: Catch Me if You Can Wildlife on Wheels: Catch Me if You Can Get a closer look at some of the fascinating adaptations that animals can develop to defend themselves against predators. Animal Ambassadors vary and may include:Desert tortoise, Turkey vulture, and Gopher snake. Wildlife staff and animal ambassadors can visit your school site. Wildlife on Wheels shows students some of the animals that live at CuriOdyssey, their special characteristics, and adaptations. Wildlife staff will bring 4 live animals for a 30-minute presentation, followed by a 15-minute question and answer session. Due to animal well-being, Wildlife on Wheels only travels to limited peninsula locations. Please note that, for the health of our animals, classroom pets cannot be present during the program. Program Length: 45 minutes Minimum Students: 20 Maximum Students: 30 Fee: $9/student (plus travel fee, if applicable) California Science Standards: K.2a, 1.2a-d, 2.2c, 3.3a	L		I	K	1	2	3	4	5	6
Wildlife on Wheels: High to Low Habitats Wildlife on Wheels: High to Low Habitats Animals are everywhere, but did you know that most animals are only adapted to live in one or two different types of habitats? Learn about high and low habitats and get up close with some animals who are specially equipped to live there. Animal Ambassadors vary and may include: Western screech owl, European ferret, California Mountain kingsnake, Swainson’s hawk, Desert tortoise, and/or Red-legged frog. Wildlife staff and animal ambassadors can visit your school site. Wildlife on Wheels shows students some of the animals that live at CuriOdyssey, their special characteristics, and adaptations. Wildlife staff will bring 4 live animals for a 30-minute presentation, followed by a 15-minute question and answer session. Due to animal well-being, Wildlife on Wheels only travels to limited peninsula locations. Please note that, for the health of our animals, classroom pets cannot be present during the program. Program Length: 45 minutes Minimum Students: 20 Maximum Students: 30 Fee: $9/student (plus travel fee, if applicable) California Science Standards: K.2a, 1.2a-d, 2.2c, 3.3a,b, 4.2b	L		I	K	1	2	3	4
Wildlife on Wheels: What's on the Menu? Wildlife on Wheels: What's on the Menu? Animals eat a multitude of different things and don’t always fit into a single category such as a “predator” or “consumer.” Find out more about how animals interrelate in the food web. Animal Ambassadors vary and may include: Great horned owl, Madagascar hissing cockroach. Wildlife staff and animal ambassadors can visit your school site. Wildlife on Wheels shows students some of the animals that live at CuriOdyssey, their special characteristics, and adaptations. Wildlife staff will bring 4 live animals for a 30-minute presentation, followed by a 15-minute question and answer session. Due to animal well-being, Wildlife on Wheels only travels to limited peninsula locations. Please note that, for the health of our animals, classroom pets cannot be present during the program. Program Length: 45 minutes Minimum Students: 20 Maximum Students: 30 Fee: $9/student (plus travel fee, if applicable) California Science Standards: 1.2a-d, 3.3a, 4.2a-c, 6.5c	L		I		1	2	3	4
Wildlife Presentation: Animals in Jeopardy Wildlife Presentation: Animals in Jeopardy Find out what it means to be an extinct, endangered, or threatened species. Meet some threatened species and learn what you can do to help these amazing animals. Animal Ambassadors vary and may include: Swainson’s hawk, Desert tortoise, and/or Red-legged frog. Bring your group to CuriOdyssey and experience a private live animal presentation. Learn about the animals that live at CuriOdyssey, their special characteristics, adaptations, and native habitats. Wildlife staff will bring 4-6 live animals for a 30-minute presentation followed by a 15-minute question and answer session. Our theater can hold a maximum of 50 people, including students, teachers, chaperones, and any siblings. Available: Thursdays. This program is only available at CuriOdyssey. Program Length: 45 minutes Minimum Students: 20 Maximum Students: 30 Fee: $9/student California Science Standards: 3.3c-e, 4.2b	L		I				3	4	5	6
Wildlife Presentation: Catch Me if You Can Wildlife Presentation: Catch Me if You Can Get a closer look at some of the fascinating adaptations that animals can develop to defend themselves against predators. Animal Ambassadors vary and may include:Desert tortoise, Turkey vulture, and/or Gopher snake. Bring your group to CuriOdyssey and experience a private live animal presentation. Learn about the animals that live at CuriOdyssey, their special characteristics, adaptations, and native habitats. Wildlife staff will bring 4-6 live animals for a 30-minute presentation followed by a 15-minute question and answer session. Our theater can hold a maximum of 50 people, including students, teachers, chaperones, and any siblings. Available: Thursdays. This program is only available at CuriOdyssey. Program Length: 45 minutes Minimum Students: 20 Maximum Students: 30 Fee: $9/student California Science Standards: K.2a, 1.2a-d, 2.2c, 3.3a	L		I	K	1	2	3	4	5	6
Wildlife Presentation: High to Low Habitats Wildlife Presentation: High to Low Habitats Animals are everywhere, but did you know that most animals are only adapted to live in one or two different types of habitats? Learn about high and low habitats and get up close with some animals who are specially equipped to live there. Animal Ambassadors vary and may include: Western screech owl, European ferret, and/or California Mountain kingsnake. Bring your group to CuriOdyssey and experience a private live animal presentation. Learn about the animals that live at CuriOdyssey, their special characteristics, adaptations, and native habitats. Wildlife staff will bring 4-6 live animals for a 30-minute presentation followed by a 15-minute question and answer session. Our theater can hold a maximum of 50 people, including students, teachers, chaperones, and any siblings. Available: Thursdays. This program is only available at CuriOdyssey. Program Length: 45 minutes Minimum Students: 20 Maximum Students: 30 Fee: $9/student California Science Standards: K.2a, 1.2a-d, 2.2c, 3.3a,b, 4.2b	L		I	K	1	2	3	4
Wildlife Presentation: What’s on the Menu? Wildlife Presentation: What’s on the Menu? Animals eat a multitude of different things and don’t always fit into a single category such as a “predator” or “consumer.” Find out more about how animals interrelate in the food web. Animal Ambassadors vary and may include: Great horned owl, Madagascar hissing cockroach. Bring your group to CuriOdyssey and experience a private live animal presentation. Learn about the animals that live at CuriOdyssey, their special characteristics, adaptations, and native habitats. Wildlife staff will bring 4-6 live animals for a 30-minute presentation followed by a 15-minute question and answer session. Our theater can hold a maximum of 50 people, including students, teachers, chaperones, and any siblings. Available: Thursdays. This program is only available at CuriOdyssey. Program Length: 45 minutes Minimum Students: 20 Maximum Students: 30 Fee: $9/student California Science Standards: 1.2a-d, 3.3a, 4.2a-c, 6.5c	L		I		1	2	3	4

Still have questions? Please contact our Program Scheduler at scheduler(at)curiodyssey.org or (650) 340-7598.

Schools & Groups

Schools

Inspiring the Next Generation of Critical Thinkers

What We Offer

Self-Guided Field Trips

School Programs

School Days

We Can Come to You!

Adapted for Survival

Animal Eggsploration

Animal Habitats

Audible Adventure

Birds of Prey

Build It and Break It!

Dynamic Decomposers

Forces of Flight

Fur, Feathers, Scales, or Exoskeletons

Green Energy

Ice Investigators

Interesting Invertebrates

Marsh Muck

Plant Power

Predator & Prey

Ramblin’ Reptiles

Wildlife on Wheels: Animals in Jeopardy

Wildlife on Wheels: Catch Me if You Can

Wildlife on Wheels: High to Low Habitats

Wildlife on Wheels: What's on the Menu?

Wildlife Presentation: Animals in Jeopardy

Wildlife Presentation: Catch Me if You Can

Wildlife Presentation: High to Low Habitats

Wildlife Presentation: What’s on the Menu?