Special Benefits

The Discovery Science Center has structured fieldtrip programs scheduled by month. They offer extra activities and educational challenges designed by grade as follows:

October: 3rd Grade
November: 2nd Grade
December: 2st Grade
January: 4th Grade
February: 5th Grade

The California Science Content Standards that are covered during these months are as follows:

Oct./3rd Grade: Animal design - Students use DQ transmitters - Life Science 3a,e

Nov./2nd Grade: Footprint Investigation - Dinosaur Puzzle - Life Science 2a,c
Earth Science 3d

Dec./1st Grade: Animal Design - Tooth Comparison - Life Science - 2a,b,c,d

Jan./4th Grade: Watershed Photo Detective (Project Pollution Prevention) - Life
Science 3b, Earth Science 5a,c

Feb./5th Grade: Body Systems - Students use DQ transmitters - Life Science 2a,b,c,d

Preparing Students

Prior to attending the Discovery Science Center, it is important to teach your students proper fieldtrip etiquette. They must be reminded of bus safety rules and be paired with a fieldtrip partner. Since the Discovery Science Center has many hands-on activities, they should be reminded of the importance of waiting their turn and being courteous to others. They should also be advised to wear comfortable shoes for walking.

With respect to English Learners, pre-teaching the science concepts and vocabulary prior to the visit will be extremely helpful. This will make the visit to the center a much more valuable experience for them. Many of the signs at the center are posted in multiple languages.

Arrangements for special needs students can be made pror to the visit with the Discovery Science Center. The facility is completely handicapped accessible with an elevator to the second level.

Resource Materials

Before attending the Discovery Science Center, you are advised to download the pre-visit packet of educational materials provided on-line at www.discoverycube.org. This will help you to prepare your students for what they will experience at the center and to know what they will be looking for during their tour. In addition, you will be able to pre-teach them the required vocabulary and science concepts.

www.discoverycube.org

Photos from the Discovery Science Center

Here are some of the photos taken while visiting the Discovery Science Center. They have many wonderful, educational, and engaging hands-on stations.

What Would I Have My Students Do After They Visited the Discovery Science Center

After visiting the Discovery Science Center, I am sure that every student would have had their own unique experience there. For this reason, I would want to hear all about it. I would ask them to:

(1) Draw a picture of their favorite activity station and tell me why they liked it and if they learned anything there, and

(2) Write about the most interesting thing that they learned.

I would have them share this assignment with the class so that everyone could benefit from their unique experience.