Do a scavenger hunt to explore nature in your local environment.
Science Action Club recognizes the unique challenges facing out-of-school time programs. Shifts to online learning and physical distancing require new ways of thinking. But you don't need to reinvent the wheel. Use this searchable index to find recommended SAC activities for different learning environments and feel free to modify activities to meet your program's needs. If you’d like help brainstorming ideas, contact SAC at scienceactionclub@calacademy.org.
Tips to Support Your Planning:
- Consider each activity’s mission and keep sight of the main learning goals as you make changes.
- Citizen science can be done anywhere—indoors, outdoors, even through your window.
- Some group activities can be done individually.
- Links to the digital guidebooks and printed materials are located inside each online training under Activity Leader Resources. You can screen-share images of SAC printed materials or videos if you’re teaching online. A list of video links is located near the back of each guidebook.
Looking for coronavirus (COVID-19) info? Click here for resources, FAQs, and interviews with Shannon Bennett, PhD, the Academy's Chief of Science.
Recommended for: Physical Distancing
Requires: Internet / Computer, Printed Materials
Type: Art / Science Activity
Build a bird using different body, beak, feet, and wing shapes.
Recommended for: Online Learning, Physical Distancing
Requires: Household Materials
Type: Art / Science Activity, Design Challenge
Design a build a model cloud.
Recommended for: Online Learning, Physical Distancing
Requires: Household Materials, Internet / Computer
Type: Science Investigation, Video
Observe bird interactions and contribute to citizen science using eBird.
Recommended for: Online Learning, Physical Distancing
Requires: Internet / Computer
Type: Citizen Science, Science Investigation
Find, collect, and photograph bugs. Share your observations to iNaturalist.
Recommended for: Online Learning
Requires: SAC Kit Materials, Internet / Computer
Type: Citizen Science, Science Investigation, Art / Science Activity
Test your neighborhood's environmental factors.
Recommended for: Online Learning, Physical Distancing
Requires: Household Materials
Type: Call to Action, Science Investigation
Brainstorm ways to use kites for citizen science.
Recommended for: Online Learning, Physical Distancing
Requires: Internet / Computer
Type: Video, Call to Action, Citizen Science
Watch a video to learn how insects keep from freezing in cold climates.
Recommended for: Online Learning, Physical Distancing
Requires: Internet / Computer
Type: Video
Watch a video to see how NASA uses high-flying devices to study Earth.
Recommended for: Online Learning, Physical Distancing
Requires: Internet / Computer
Type: Video
Watch a video about the dangerous challenges of bird migration.
Recommended for: Online Learning, Physical Distancing
Requires: Internet / Computer
Type: Video
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Extended Learning Backpack
Find extension activities for your club.