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Acterra's mission is to bring people together to create local solutions for a healthy planet. We promote and support beneficial electrification; transportation innovation; food sustainability; sustainable business practices; and empowering our local communities. The You(th) Be the Change Program for middle school students consists of six, two-hour interactive sessions where students learn about climate science, climate effects, and climate action from a global and local perspective. Please contact Lily de la Espriella (lily.espriella@acterra.org) for more information.
- Grade: 6-8
- Experience: Classroom
- Program Length: 1 Hour 90 Min 2 Hours Half Day
- Cost: Free
- EP&C:
The mission of the California Academy of Sciences (CAS) is to explore, explain, and sustain life. The Academy has numerous opportunities and resources for K-12 educators, including field trips, Distance Learning programs, professional development, free science films, lesson plans, science notebooking resources, etc. Contact groupsales@calacademy.org for more information.
- Grade: 6-8 9-12 Adults
- Experience: Classroom
- Program Length: 30-50 Min 1 Hour 2 Hours
- Cost: Fee Financial Assistance Available
- EP&C: I.a I.b II.a II.c III.a III.b IV.b
Canopy is an environmental nonprofit that plants and cares for trees where people need them the most. Our mission is to grow urban tree canopy in the Midpeninsula communities for the benefit of all. We offer standards aligned K-12 education programs, that provide hands-on, outdoor activities that spark kids’ curiosity about trees and nature. Please contact Paul LaVallee (paul@canopy.org) or Vanessa Wyns (vanessa@canopy.org) for more information.
- Grade: ECE/K-2 3-5 6-8 9-12 Adults
- Experience: Classroom Assembly Program
- Program Length: 30-50 Min 1 Hour 2 Hours Full Day
- Cost: Free
- EP&C: I.a I.b I.d II.a II.c II.d III.a III.b V.a
CRC’s Resilient Education program aims to increase awareness and understanding of climate change and its impacts in frontline communities, particularly among youth. The EarthWise Kids program is an interactive, hands-on curriculum that illustrates East Palo Alto’s climate change vulnerabilities through class and field work while also emphasizing student organizational and leadership skills. CRC has adapted this week-long curriculum to daylong and half day field trip formats and we work with K-12 teachers to adapt the program to the age and educational needs of the group. If you’re interested in developing an EarthWise Kids field trip for your group, please reach out! Contact Najiha Al Asmar (najiha.alasmar@crcommunities.org) for more information.
- Grade: ECE/K-2 3-5 6-8 9-12 Adults
- Experience: Classroom Camps
- Program Length: Half Day Full Day
- Cost:
- EP&C:
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 help children acquire the tools to deeply understand the changing 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. Contact Jessa Barzelay (jbarzelay@curiodyssey.org) for more information.
- Grade: ECE/K-2 3-5 6-8
- Experience: Classroom Indoor Field Trip Assembly Program Camps
- Program Length: 1 Hour 2 Hours Full Day
- Cost: Fee Financial Assistance Available
- EP&C: I.a II.a III.a III.b IV.a IV.b
Elkus Ranch (UC Cooperative Extension)
https://elkusranch.ucanr.edu/Visit/Environmental_Education_Programs/ - Shelene Peterson.jpg)
The mission of University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) San Mateo/San Francisco and Elkus Ranch is to serve the diverse needs of residents through the creation, development, and extension of knowledge in agriculture, natural resources, and human resources. Located on the California coast near Half Moon Bay, Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center provides unique hands-on learning experiences for Bay Area children. Contact Leslie Jensen (lkjensen@ucanr.edu) for more information.
- Grade: ECE/K-2 3-5 6-8 9-12
- Experience: Camps
- Program Length: Half Day Full Day
- Cost: Fee Financial Assistance Available
- EP&C: I.a I.b I.d III.a III.b IV.a IV.b V.a
At Environmental Volunteers, we inspire people of all ages to learn about the wonders of the natural world. Our volunteers bring hands-on learning programs into the classroom, and on follow-up field trips, students discover natural science concepts through guided hikes to local nature preserves. Contact schoolprograms@environmentalvolunteers.org for more information.
- Grade: ECE/K-2 3-5 6-8
- Experience: Classroom Camps
- Program Length: 30-50 Min 90 Min 2 Hours After School
- Cost: Fee Financial Assistance Available
- EP&C: I.a I.b I.d II.a II.b II.c III.a III.b III.c IV.a IV.b V.a
Filoli is dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and stewardship of the cultural traditions and natural history of this country estate for public education and enjoyment. Our Teen Programs consist of three field trips throughout the year that include guided hikes, wellness activities, forest therapy sessions, vegetable garden/food experience, or orchard fruit tasting. We also offer service learning as a component of our teen programs, where students are able to volunteer in the gardens with our horticulture team. Paid 10-week internships in Horticulture and Visitor Services provide students with an introduction to a career in horticulture and public gardens. Contact Danae Bravo (dbravo@filoli.org) for more information.
- Grade: ECE/K-2 3-5 6-8 9-12 Adults
- Experience: Classroom Camps
- Program Length: 2 Hours Half Day
- Cost: Fee Financial Assistance Available
- EP&C: I.a I.b I.d II.a II.b
The Forestry Challenge is an academic competition for high school students in technical forestry and current forestry topics. Participants spend four days in the forest learning about the ecology and management of forested landscapes that provide communities with water, recreational opportunities, and wood products. Youth benefit by better understanding the relationship of forested environments to their community, by exposure to natural resource management as a potential career, and by undertaking a rigorous critical thinking exercise.
- Grade: 9-12
- Experience:
- Program Length: Overnight
- Cost: Fee Financial Assistance Available
- EP&C: I.a I.b I.d II.a II.b II.c II.d III.a III.b III.c IV.c V.a V.b
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Friends of Edgewood's Junior Explorers program offers free, docent-led, experiential nature hikes. On the trail, docents invite student observations, inquiry and discussion about grade-appropriate concepts of structure and function, growth and development of organisms, adaptations, and interdependence in ecosystems. A field trip to Edgewood is an outstanding way to engage your students, explore nature, explain or elaborate on science topics, and reinforce a personal relationship to the local environment. Contact JuniorExplorers-Manager@FriendsofEdgewood.org for more information.
- Grade: ECE/K-2 3-5 6-8 9-12 Adults
- Experience:
- Program Length: 2 Hours Half Day
- Cost: Free
- EP&C: I.a II.b III.a III.c IV.b
The mission of the Friends of Fitzgerald Marine Reserve (FFMR) is to inspire the preservation of our unique intertidal environment through education and the support of research. Volunteer naturalists from FFMR provide organized tours for approximately 3000 students annually as well as supporting the exploration of the Reserve by the general public.
- Grade: 3-5 6-8 9-12 Adults
- Experience: Classroom Indoor Field Trip Camps
- Program Length: 2 Hours
- Cost: Free
- EP&C: I.a I.d II.a II.b II.c II.d III.a III.c IV.a IV.b IV.c
Interactive history-social science third and fourth grade field trips are led by San Mateo County Historical Association site managers, with assistance from Friends of Huddart and Wunderlich Parks docents, during the school year at the Folger Estate Stable Historic District. Students experience an outdoor history lesson, walking back in time as they visit historic buildings, explore the Carriage Room Museum, and participate in hands-on activities reflecting events that took place on the property over the last 150 years. Students have fun meeting a live horse, building stone wall replicas, pressing apples, stamping leather, and learning how to “tack up” a horse. Details and signups through the San Mateo County Historical Association. Contact info@huddartwunderlichfriends.org for more information.
- Grade: 3-5
- Experience:
- Program Length: 2 Hours Half Day
- Cost: Fee Financial Assistance Available
- EP&C: I.a I.b I.d II.a II.c III.a III.b
Grassroots Ecology leverages the power of volunteers to create healthy lands across Silicon Valley. We restore native plants to open spaces and neighborhoods, steward creeks and watersheds, and provide hands-on nature education. Contact volunteer@grassrootsecology.org for more information.
- Grade: ECE/K-2 3-5 6-8 9-12
- Experience: Classroom Indoor Field Trip Outdoor Field Trip Camps
- Program Length: 1 Hour 2 Hours Half Day After School
- Cost: Free Fee
- EP&C: I.a I.d II.a II.c IV.b
The HEAL Project's hands-on outdoor learning programs inspire kids' natural curiosity and cultivate environmental awareness in the next generation. The HEAL Project offers lessons on health, environment, and agriculture at school sites, and at the San Mateo County School Farm. We provide field trips at our farm site that include activities involving planting, pollinators, composting, and cooking. For more information about our programming, please visit our website!
- Grade: ECE/K-2 3-5 6-8 9-12
- Experience: Classroom Indoor Field Trip Outdoor Field Trip Camps
- Program Length: 2 Hours Half Day
- Cost: Fee Financial Assistance Available
- EP&C: I.a I.b I.d II.b II.c III.a III.b IV.a IV.c V.a
Hidden Villa's mission is to foster educational experiences that build connections and inspire a deeper appreciation and respect for nature, food, and one another. Contact registrations@hiddenvilla.org for more information.
- Grade: ECE/K-2 3-5 6-8 9-12
- Experience: Classroom Camps
- Program Length: 1 Hour 90 Min Half Day Full Day After School
- Cost: Fee Financial Assistance Available
- EP&C: I.a I.d II.b II.c III.a III.b III.c IV.a IV.b IV.c V.a V.b
Our mission is to inspire and foster science learning for all—especially for those with limited access to science. Contact lhsweb@berkeley.edu for more information.
- Grade: ECE/K-2 3-5 6-8 9-12
- Experience: Indoor Field Trip Out of School Enrichment
- Program Length: 1 Hour Half Day Full Day
- Cost: Fee Financial Assistance Available
- EP&C: I.a II.b II.c III.c IV.b
The Marine Science Institute’s (MSI) mission is to cultivate a responsibility for the natural environment and our human communities through interdisciplinary science education. Led by a team of expert marine science educators, MSI provides engaging and interactive hands-on adventures with San Francisco Bay Area marine life. Contact Ashley Salazar (Ashley@sfbaymsi.org) or Jodi Stewart (jodi@sfbaymsi.org) for more information.
- Grade: ECE/K-2 3-5 6-8 9-12 Adults
- Experience: Classroom Indoor Field Trip Outdoor Field Trip Assembly Program Out of School Enrichment Camps
- Program Length: 30-50 Min 1 Hour 2 Hours Half Day Full Day After School
- Cost: Fee Financial Assistance Available
- EP&C:
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
https://www.openspace.org/where-to-go/what-to-do/school-field-trips
The mission of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is to acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land in perpetuity, protect and restore the natural environment, and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. Contact Renee Fitzsimmons (rfitzsimmons@openspace.org) for more information.
- Grade: ECE/K-2 3-5 6-8 9-12 Adults
- Experience: Indoor Field Trip Camps
- Program Length: 2 Hours Half Day
- Cost: Free Fee Financial Assistance Available
- EP&C: I.a I.d II.a II.b II.c II.d III.a III.b III.c IV.b IV.c V.a
NatureBridge connects young people to the wonder and science of the natural world, igniting self-discovery and inspiring stewardship of our planet. Through overnight and hands-on environmental science programs, children and teens go to national parks to explore the outdoors, connect with their peers, discover themselves and develop a lasting relationship with the environment.
- Grade: 3-5 6-8 9-12 Adults
- Experience:
- Program Length: Full Day Overnight
- Cost: Fee Financial Assistance Available
- EP&C: I.a I.b I.d II.a II.b II.c II.d III.a III.b III.c IV.a IV.b IV.c V.a V.b
Pie Ranch believes in experiential learning, connecting people of all ages to new foods, soil, and open spaces. Our field trips provide a wide range of opportunities for your class, adult/youth group and/or team to engage with all that Pie Ranch has to offer from field to kitchen. Explore the program offerings to find an option that meets your objectives and wishes. All our youth programs take place in our main farm location, at 2080 Cabrillo Hwy, Pescadero, CA. We will be happy to help arrange a unique program that will work for you!in-depth programs at partner school sites and Pie Ranch. Contact nina@pieranch.org for more information.
- Grade: ECE/K-2 3-5 6-8 9-12 Adults
- Experience: Classroom Outdoor Field Trip Assembly Program
- Program Length: 30-50 Min 1 Hour 2 Hours Half Day Full Day After School
- Cost: Fee Financial Assistance Available
- EP&C:
RethinkWaste is a joint powers authority of eleven public agencies in San Mateo County, California and is a leader in the delivery of innovative waste reduction and recycling programs. In-person and virtual tours of the Shoreway Environmental Center in San Carlos offer students and the community an opportunity to see firsthand what happens to their recyclables, yard trimmings, food scraps and garbage at a working Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and Transfer Station. Tours also include a discussion about what items belong in each bin! Contact Reyna Oceguera (roceguera@rethinkwaste.org) for more information.
- Grade: 3-5 6-8 9-12 Adults
- Experience: Classroom Indoor Field Trip
- Program Length: 1 Hour 2 Hours Half Day
- Cost: Free
- EP&C:
San Bruno Mountain Watch leads educational experiences that connect people to the cultural and natural history of San Bruno Mountain and provides service-learning opportunities through community-based habitat restoration projects. Contact Ariel Cherbowski (ariel@mountainwatch.org) for more information.
- Grade: ECE/K-2 3-5 6-8 9-12 Adults
- Experience: Classroom Camps
- Program Length: 1 Hour 2 Hours Half Day
- Cost: Fee Financial Assistance Available
- EP&C: I.a I.b I.d II.a II.c II.d III.a III.b III.c IV.b IV.c V.a V.b
The San Mateo County Office of Education, in cooperation with local schools and the San Francisco YMCA Camp at Jones Gulch, conducts our award-winning immersive environmental education program. During a week at Outdoor Education, students learn about the natural world, explore the forest and beach ecosystems, and work together as a community.
- Grade: 3-5 6-8
- Experience:
- Program Length: Overnight
- Cost: Fee Financial Assistance Available
- EP&C: I.a I.b I.d II.a II.b II.c III.a III.b III.c IV.a IV.b IV.c
The mission of the San Mateo County Mosquito & Vector Control District is to safeguard the health and comfort of the citizens of San Mateo County through a science-based program of integrated vector management. Age-appropriate curricula for students of all ages are presented by District staff. Staff are currently available for in-person or remote presentations (including remote field trips to visit our laboratory!). Curricula themes for older students can include: life cycles, ecology/environmental biology, chemistry, and informed consumerism. Contact Rachel Curtis-Robles (rcurtis@smcmvcd.org) for more information.
- Grade: ECE/K-2 3-5 6-8 9-12
- Experience: Indoor Field Trip
- Program Length: 30-50 Min 1 Hour
- Cost:
- EP&C:
SMCOE Safe Routes to School
https://www.smcoe.org/for-schools/safe-and-supportive-schools/safe-routes-to-school/
San Mateo County Safe Routes to School encourages and enables school children to walk and bicycle to school by implementing projects and activities that improve the health, well-being, and safety of children, which result in less traffic congestion and emissions caused by school-related travel.
- Grade: ECE/K-2 3-5 6-8 9-12
- Experience:
- Program Length: 30-50 Min 1 Hour 90 Min 2 Hours
- Cost: Free Fee Financial Assistance Available
- EP&C: I.a I.b I.d II.c III.a III.c IV.a IV.b IV.c
San Mateo County Office of Sustainability - Schools Program
https://www.smcsustainability.org/waste-reduction/education-schools/
The Office of Sustainability Schools Program (SMCOOS) has a mission to take action to conserve resources and help protect our environment. Programs include: school-wide and grade level assemblies, classroom presentations, field trips, technical assistance, and youth mentorship. Contact Gerald Schwartz (gschwartz@smcgov.org) for more information.
- Grade: ECE/K-2 3-5 6-8 9-12
- Experience: Classroom Outdoor Field Trip Assembly Program Out of School Enrichment Camps
- Program Length: 30-50 Min 1 Hour 90 Min 2 Hours Half Day Full Day After School
- Cost: Free
- EP&C:
The Youth Exploring Climate Science (YECS) Program is an innovative program empowering youth to actively participate in local climate change solutions. High school students explore why sea level rise is happening and how their lives will be impacted through innovative classroom curricula with hands-on science. Contact Kamille Lang (klang1@smcgov.org) for more information.
- Grade: 9-12
- Experience: Classroom Indoor Field Trip Outdoor Field Trip Camps
- Program Length: 1 Hour Half Day
- Cost: Free
- EP&C: I.a II.c II.d III.b III.c V.b
The San Mateo County Parks operates 22 separate parks in a wide variety of natural settings including a coastside marine reserve, a bayside recreational area, coastal mountain woodland areas, and urban sites. The school programs introduce students to the parks and foster a love and passion for the outdoors. Contact Lauren Ford-Peterson (lford-peterson@smcgov.org) for more information.
- Grade: ECE/K-2 3-5
- Experience: Outdoor Field Trip Out of School Enrichment
- Program Length: 1 Hour
- Cost: Free
- EP&C: I.a I.b II.a II.c III.a III.b III.c
We protect and restore San Francisco Bay for people and wildlife, uniting the Bay Area to create a clean and healthy Bay. As climate change and pollution threaten the Bay, we lead initiatives to make our region sustainable for future generations. Our student programs, aligned with California’s Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards, help students gain an understanding of Bay ecology and local wetlands, drawing on the connections between human actions and the impact on the environment. Contact Jesse McKeen-Scott (jmckeen-scott@savesfbay.org) for more information.
- Grade: ECE/K-2 3-5 6-8 9-12 Adults
- Experience: Camps
- Program Length: Half Day
- Cost: Free Financial Assistance Available
- EP&C: I.a I.b I.d II.a II.b II.c III.a III.b III.c IV.b IV.c V.a V.b
 - Shelene Peterson.jpeg)
SVCW's mission is to protect public health and the environment by providing wastewater conveyance and treatment for reuse or disposal in a responsible, safe, efficient, and reliable manner. SVCW offers tours and in-classroom programming. Contact info@svcw.org for more information.
- Grade: ECE/K-2 3-5
- Experience: Classroom Outdoor Field Trip Assembly Program Out of School Enrichment
- Program Length: 1 Hour
- Cost: Free
- EP&C:
Vida Verde provides students from low-income, under-served schools with the powerful opportunity to spend immersive time in nature and to improve their academic performance and classroom behavior, to develop the social and emotional skills that will help them be successful, and to establish meaningful connections with nature.
- Grade: 3-5 9-12
- Experience: Classroom Camps
- Program Length: Overnight
- Cost: Free
- EP&C: I.a I.b I.d II.a II.b II.c III.a III.b III.c IV.a IV.b IV.c
Wildmind educational programs brings science and environmental literacy alive in your classroom. Students learn to think like scientists, and appreciate connectivity with animals, the environment and each other. Contact info@wildmindscience.org for more information.
- Grade: ECE/K-2 3-5 6-8
- Experience: Assembly Program Out of School Enrichment
- Program Length: 30-50 Min 1 Hour Half Day
- Cost: Fee Financial Assistance Available
- EP&C:
One Planet Living Principles
One Planet Living provides a vision of a world we can live in happily within the Earth’s resources, and a straightforward framework of principles to achieve this. Learn more about the One Planet Principles.
Environmental Principles and Concepts (EP&Cs)
California's Environmental Principles and Concepts (EP&Cs) highlight the deep relationship between humans and the natural world. Each Principle and Concept provides an important understanding about how natural and human systems function and their interdependence and impact on each other. Learn more about the EP&Cs.
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
California’s Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) utilizes three dimensions of teaching science: Science and Engineering Practices (SEP), Cross Cutting Concepts (CCC), and Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI). The Community Partners who serve San Mateo County are well versed in the SEPs and CCCs, and specialize in specific DCIs; therefore, this page is filtered by the DCIs. Learn more about CA NGSS.