School Field Trips

Students begin their exploration by constructing the Earth’s geologic history that begins at Earth’s formation, 4.6 Billion years ago. The class also uses the museum’s rock and mineral collection to identify distinguishing properties of different rocks. Topping off this field trip is an instructor-led hike through stunning geologic features that are unique to Corona Heights, home to the Randall Museum.

Before the California gold rush, the area that we now know as San Francisco looked very different! In this class, students will view historical images that depict San Francisco’s evolution and will be able to try out some activities from this time period like grinding corn, roping cattle, working leather and playing games!

Insects have developed amazing and unique adaptations to thrive in their own ecosystems. While they may seem “creepy” and foreign to us they actually have a great impact on our world. Through physical contact and observation of some the Randall’s live insect collections, students will develop a heightened understanding and deeper respect for insects.

Many earthquakes have rocked the San Francisco Bay Area. Through the museum’s collection of historical photographs and artifacts, students learn details why the 1906 earthquake was so damaging. Viewing seismographs of recent “Big Ones” and simulating their own earthquakes at our shake tables, students will develop a deeper understanding of the implications of earthquakes and how they can prepare for them.

Electricity and magnetism are two different, but closely related, natural forces in our world. Through hands-on exploration, students learn the basic properties of electricity and magnetism by pulling electrons off each other, creating circuits that control the flow of electricity, magnetically testing familiar objects and more.

Students learn that every object they use in daily life is either a plant or is produced from plants. Green and Growing encourages students to understand their own roles in ecological systems including being consumers, producers and good stewards of our environment.

How is sound created and how do we hear sounds? Students will explore through a variety of hands-on activities, about wave styles, vibrations that cause sounds, resonance, how the human ear works and how sound becomes music. Students will be able to play a variety of musical instruments!

Water is the basis of life on Earth. In this class students will experiment with the unique qualities of water. Flow, surface tension, capillary action, buoyancy are some of the topics that are covered. Students also gain an appreciation of the limited amount of water on Earth and how water cycles through the earth and atmosphere.