We've compiled a selection of grade-appropriate offerings to make it easy for you to browse Academy opportunities and classroom resources.
Science Films (Originally Planetarium Shows!)
Habitat Earth in the Classroom
Inspire your students with this stunning 25-minute film focusing on the vast networks of life.
Fragile Planet
Travel to the Moon, Mars, and even beyond the Milky Way to search for habitats that might support life!
Incoming!
In this free film, you'll follow the paths of asteroids and comets that have collided with Earth.
Featured Videos
Earth's Delicate Energy Balance
The Moon's surface temperature can alternate between boiling and freezing. What makes the Earth so different?
Heating H2O: The Chemistry of Sea Level Rise
Why is global sea level rising? Discover how the molecular behavior of water can have global impacts.
How Did Plants Change Our Planet?
From vascular to non-vascular, land plants drastically transformed our planet. Go back in time—before dinosaurs—420 million years ago to learn how they performed this feat, with evidence provided along the way.
Online Interactives and Games
Human Odyssey Map
Watch humanity's 200,000-year migration using this interactive map of archeological, genetic, and climate data.
Cornucopia
In this game, students level up the farm with green technology to meet the space and water needs of their crops.
Macro Color
See color on a different scale as you zoom in on butterfly wings, iridescent beetles, bird feathers, and more.
Selected Science Lesson Plans
Modeling Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
In this active model, students will simulate sugar molecule production to store energy—using ping pong balls!
Photosynthesis Seen From Space
©NASA/GSFC/Jeff Schmaltz/MODIS Land Rapid Response Team
Observations inspire scientific questions and drive discoveries. Explore seasonal primary productivity on Earth!
Color Vision Genetics Evolution Simulation
© Robert Pernett
Model natural selection and explore the genetics behind color vision. What selective pressures affect vision?
Sustainable Water Solutions: Weighing the Pros and Cons
In this activity, students will work together to weigh potential solutions to water use and conservation issues.
Exploring the Impacts of Feeding the World
© 2015 California Academy of Sciences
In this two-day lesson, students explore several issues surrounding our current global food system.
Science Lesson Plans for High School
Look through the collection of Academy-designed science lesson plans for high school.
Online Courses for Teachers and Students
Teacher Guide: Earthquakes
See ideas for how teachers can use videos, articles, and infographics about Earthquakes in their classroom.
How Science Works
This course weaves activities, videos, and classroom-ready materials into a primer on the process of science.
Biodiversity Course
Embark on a virtual expedition around the world in this online course, featuring videos, quizzes, and more.
Teaching Toolkits
Citizen Science Toolkit
Find tools and structured opportunities to integrate citizen science into your classroom.
Infographics in the Classroom Teacher Toolkit
This toolkit provide ideas, strategies, and resources for incorporating infographics into science curricula.
Ideas for Using Video in the Classroom
© daily genius
Videos are one of the many tools in your teaching toolbox for creating engaging science experiences.
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