Educational Programs for Groups

Embark on a nature walk in Golden Gate Park to examine the different species of native plants, trees, animals, and insects that form the foundation of a healthy ecosystem. Use tools like binoculars, aspirators, nets, and field guides to help identify and contextualize your discoveries. Share your observations using the Academy’s iNaturalist app, which makes it easy (and fun!) to document biodiversity from anywhere on Earth.

• $45 per guest, plus Daytime Admission

• Minimum group size: 20 guests

• Maximum group size: 50 guests

• Duration: 1 hour

Enjoy a presentation on one of the topics below from an Academy expert, followed by questions and discussion facilitated by the speaker.

• $350 per presentation, plus Daytime Admission
• Minimum group size: 20 guests
• Maximum group size: 50 guests
• Duration: 30 minutes

Choose from one of the following topics:

1. Swamp Talk: At the Swamp, home of the Academy’s beloved alligator with albinism, Claude, guests will explore the wetland ecosystems of the Southeast United States and their often-overlooked value. Listen to sounds of swamp inhabitants and follow the life of the American alligator from hatchling chirps to the booming bellows of mature adults.
2. Wild California: California’s biodiversity has been impacted by humans over time, but we can work together to protect our wildlife and wild places for the future. Learn about the grizzly bear, mountain lion, and condor, and how Californians can better manage our food, water, and land resources for generations to come.

Captivate the mind with hands-on fun!

Your customized demonstration will let your guests approach, watch, and interact with a live experiment and learn how these small-scale examples illuminate myriad scientific phenomena all around us.

• $450 per demonstration, plus Daytime Admission
• Minimum group size: 20 guests
• Maximum group size: 50 guests
• Duration: 30 minutes

Choose from one of the following topics:

1. Ocean Acidification: Our marine ecosystems are being impacted by ocean acidification, but we have the power to create positive change to protect the ocean for future generations. In this demonstration, watch the acidity level of water increase from excess carbon dioxide generated by human activity, and learn how this simple model represents ocean acidification around the world.
2. Extracting DNA: Have you ever actually seen real DNA before? In this demonstration, guests will learn about “the most extraordinary molecule on earth,” hear about DNA’s role in scientific research, and see real DNA strands extracted from a strawberry.
3. Ice Investigation: Will an ice cube melt faster in fresh or saltwater? In this demonstration, guests will explore the concept of density and how it manifests in Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and even tectonic plates.
4. Specimen Investigation: Get an up-close look (and touch!) at some fascinating specimens rarely seen by the public, and have your questions answered by a knowledgeable staff member. Choose from animal and plant adaptations or intricacies of gems and minerals.

Please note:

• Daytime Admission tickets are required for each guest and are sold separately.
• Blackout dates apply and are subject to change.
• Educational Programs must be reserved in advance.
• Content of the program may not be substituted, although questions during the program are encouraged.
• All reserved programs will begin on-time and we strongly encourage groups to gather at the meeting point 10 minutes before the program starts.
• No refunds or credit will be given to groups who cancel their program or arrive late to the meeting point.