Find, collect, and photograph bugs. Share your observations to iNaturalist.
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: Online Learning
Requires: SAC Kit Materials, Internet / Computer
Type: Citizen Science, Science Investigation, Art / Science Activity
Design and build a model rocket to launch in an outdoor area.
Recommended for: Online Learning, Physical Distancing
Requires: SAC Kit Materials, Internet / Computer
Type: Design Challenge, Video
Become a citizen scientist for NestWatch.
Recommended for: Online Learning, Physical Distancing
Requires: Internet / Computer
Type: Video, Citizen Science
Search your neighborhood for animals that use color to hide or stand out.
Recommended for: Online Learning, Physical Distancing
Requires: Household Materials
Type: Call to Action
Brainstorm ways to make space exploration more sustainable.
Recommended for: Online Learning, Physical Distancing
Requires: Internet / Computer
Type: Video
Race to find the arthropod hidden in each image.
Recommended for: Online Learning
Requires: Printed Materials, Internet / Computer
Type: Game, Science Investigation
Color an arthropod image so that it could hide in plain sight.
Recommended for: Online Learning, Physical Distancing
Requires: Household Materials, Internet / Computer
Type: Art / Science Activity, Game
Build a device to prevent an egg from breaking when dropped from high up.
Recommended for: Online Learning, Physical Distancing
Requires: Household Materials
Type: Science Investigation, Design Challenge
Watch a chick hatch and examine different egg shapes and colors.
Recommended for: Online Learning, Physical Distancing
Requires: Internet / Computer
Type: Video
Watch a video to see how arthropods have evolved camouflage to survive.
Recommended for: Online Learning, Physical Distancing
Requires: Internet / Computer
Type: Video
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Extended Learning Backpack
Find extension activities for your club.