Learning Labs
To add a lab to your field trip program, call us at 916 674-5000 ext. 104 or email us at education@visitmosac.org.
Life Science
Life Science
Incredible Insects (K-1st)
Put on your entomologist cap and learn how scientists observe and study the diverse world of insects. Students will hone their observational skills and explore MOSAC’s extensive collection of insect specimens, aiming to determine if all bugs are insects.
Available Monday – Friday during the 2023-2024 school year.
NGSS Alignment:
- Disciplinary Core Ideas:
- LS1.A
- LS1.D
- Crosscutting Concepts:
- Patterns
- Structure and Function
- Science and Engineering Practices:
- Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Fossil Discovery (2nd-3rd)
How old is our planet? Has it always been like it is now? Fossils are evidence used to understand the types of plants and animals that lived long ago. In this program we will investigate real fossils and replicas to learn more about how the Earth has changed over time, and the inhabitants who were there along the way.
Available Monday – Friday during the 2023-2024 school year.
NGSS Alignment:
- Disciplinary Core Ideas:
- ESS1.C
- LS4.A
- Crosscutting Concepts:
- Stability and Change
- Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
- Science and Engineering Practices:
- Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
- Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Earth and Space Sciences
Engineering Design
Rocks Rock! (2nd-4th)
Bring on your budding geologists! During this lab, students will experience an exciting introduction to the three rock types that make up our entire planet. With hands-on exploration and samples from MOSAC’s extensive collection of rocks and crystals, they’ll explore rock formations and properties using the same tools geologists do.
Available Monday – Friday during the 2023-2024 school year.
NGSS Alignment:
- Disciplinary Core Ideas:
- ESS2.A
- Crosscutting Concepts:
- Stability and Change
- Science and Engineering Practices
- Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Engineering Green Energy (3rd-5th)
Calling all young engineers! Students in this lab will be introduced to the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy sources, and then embark on solving a real-world challenge! Your student engineers will work in groups to design an offshore energy farm, overcoming various obstacles to gain a better understanding of the job engineers do each day. Students will think creatively and build confidence through experimentation and testing in this memorable program.
Available Monday – Friday during the 2023-2024 school year.
NGSS Alignment:
- Disciplinary Core Ideas:
- ESS3.A
- ETS1.A
- ETS1.C
- ESS3.C
- Crosscutting Concepts:
- Cause and Effect
- Influence of Science, Engineering, and Technology on Society and the Natural World
- Science and Engineering Practices:
- Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
- Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Physical Science
Life Science
Electricity-Electrons in Motion (4th-5th)
Electricity, we use it every day – but how does it work? In this lab students will simulate electrons and understand how they flow through a wire generating an electrical current, in addition to hands-on circuit activities in which they will study electricity in action. They will create their own series and parallel circuits and use diagrams to record their data and findings in lab journals.
Available Monday – Friday during the 2023-2024 school year.
NGSS Alignment:
- Disciplinary Core Ideas
- PS3.A
- PS3.B
- ETS1-3
- Crosscutting Concepts
- Energy and Matter
- Science and Engineering Practices
- Asking Questions and Defining Problems
- Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Cellular Adventures (6th-8th)
The building blocks of life become visible during our Cellular Adventures lab! Students in this lab will learn to use microscopes while investigating cells, practicing scientific observation, and discussing their findings to gain a deeper appreciation for the cells that built the world.
Available Tuesday – Thursday during the 2023-2024 school year.
NGSS Alignment:
- Disciplinary Core Ideas
- MS LS1
- LS1.A
- Crosscutting Concepts
- Structure and Function
- Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
- Science and Engineering Practices
- Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
- Developing and Using Models
