We are excited to offer live, topical presentations for students, teachers, and out-of-school-time organizations. Each month we will offer a new natural history topic that features engaging information and aligning activities.
We’re exploring other opportunities and topics for live programming. Please complete the form below to tell us what interests you.
Live Program Interest Form
Live Youth Program: Camera Traps with San Diego River Park Foundation
Jump into the world of wildlife research with our friends at the San Diego River Park Foundation (SDRPF). They use camera traps to document local wildlife, including gray foxes, mule deer, coyotes, and cougars. SDRPF shares what camera traps are and how scientists use them to understand animal behavior and address conservation efforts in our region.
To learn more about camera traps, visit our newest exhibit, "Caught on Camera: Wildlife When No One's Watching." https://bit.ly/3NGGJSa
Check out the San Diego River Park Foundation's Facebook page to watch their Critter Cam: https://bit.ly/3O4rvHY
Baja Stories: Building Expedition Baja
How do we create and decide what stories to tell about the Baja California Peninsula? From creation to installation, see how our exhibits team works to bring you the amazing stories that represent this special place and the research and study of scientists on both sides of the border.
Baja Stories: Bringing Back the Red Legged Frog
California Red-legged frogs once occurred along the coast of California from Point Reyes, inland to Redding, and south to northwestern Baja California, Mexico. Nat scientists and scientists from Mexico are working together and taking action to restore California Red-legged Frog habitat in Baja California in response to massive declines in their population. Why is conservation of animal species so important? How can you help? Jump in and find out!
Baja Stories: Seeing Baja
From our exhibit, Expedition Baja to the best exhibit of all, the Baja California Peninsula itself, we end this series by asking the questions: what do we really know about this special place and what do we need to know? The varied landscape of this region supports an incredible diversity of plant and animal life not seen anywhere else. We’ll get to know our neighbors to the South by sharing photos and stories and not only see Baja but learn how do we can protect its beautiful resources.
Baja Stories: Rats! A Rediscovery Tail (Pun Intended)
There is nothing to match the excitement of rediscovering a lost species. Over the past couple of years, our researchers succeeded beyond anyone’s expectations at rediscovering the San Quintin Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys gravipes), a species described as “critically endangered and possibly extinct” on Mexican federal lists. Learn about this exciting discovery and how our researchers are working hand in hand with local organizations in Mexico on a conservation plan for the animal.
Live Youth Program: Earth Wants You
April is Community Science month and we want you to get outside and get involved in science. What is Community Science and how can you get involved? Find out as we share what it means to become a community scientist and ways you can participate in projects not only this month but all year long. Join in the science and join in the fun!
Live Youth Program - Animal Architects
Nature is a never-ending construction zone! Join Nat Educators Haylie Priest and Lauren Marino Perez in this exploration of how animals in the San Diego region build their homes and the amazing structures they create.
Which fossils are found in San Diego? What is it like to be a paleontologist in San Diego County? We uncover (see what we did there?) the answers to these questions and more as we travel through time with our very own Paleontologist Christopher Plouffe.
Youth Climate Stories: Surf's Up!
Let's explore how climate change affects life in our oceans through simple experiments. Once we understand what's happening, we can understand how to help. Join us for this youth program as The Nat's Lauren Marino-Perez and Climate Science Alliance's Ana Lutz-Johnson explore what you can do to help our ocean life.
Recommended for grades 2 and up, but all are welcome to watch. This program is part of our Climate Series and presented with our partners Climate Science Alliance.
What makes moths and butterflies so popular? Join The Nat's Entomology experts, Pam Horsley and Christiana Mojica, as they ponder this and answer many of your questions, discuss the difference between moths and butterflies, and share about their exciting LepNet project (sdnat.org/lepnet-project). Find out how you can help these amazing insects survive and thrive.
Virtual Live Program: Insects Up Close
Insects and their relatives keep our world healthy—so why do they get such a bad rap? We love them! Dive deeper with the Museum’s Animal Care and Engagement Associate Stacey Vielma and Educator Nick Duffield.
Climate Stories: Up in Smoke
Nature recovers from normal wildfires, but the increasing frequency and intensity of fires is a problem for our plants and animals--and that becomes a problem for us, too. Join us virtually as we look at what this means for local wildlife, and learn more about what we can do to help. Recommended for grade 2 and up, but all are welcome. This program is part of our Climate Series and presented with our partners Climate Science Alliance.
Plants are pretty amazing. Learn about the special adaptations of plants around San Diego and Southern California with Community Engagement Manager Lauren Marino Perez and Botany Collections Manager Layla Aerne Hains. Find out what it’s like behind the scenes of an herbarium, too. Recommended for grades 2 and up, but any plant lover can enjoy.
Spotting Nature with iNaturalist
Have you ever wanted help identifying a wild plant or animal? Want to explore wildlife near you? Interested in honing your plant and animal identification skills? Are you the kind of person who asks: what's this bug? Here, The Nat and our community partner San Diego Canyonlands show you to do all of the above using the iNaturalist app. iNaturalist.org is a free app and website that helps connect people with each other and the natural world.
Climate Stories: Meat-Eaters
Meat-eating animals, known as carnivores, play an important role in keeping our environment healthy. Join our investigation into how a changing climate and increased human activity will affect local carnivores and their connections to the circle of life. Together, we’ll uncover what we can do to help. Recommended for grade 2 and up, but all are welcome to enjoy. This program is part of our Climate Series and presented with our partners Climate Science Alliance.
Paleontology, Fossils, and T. rex
T. rex news! Have questions for a paleontologist? The Nat’s Paleontology Postdoctoral Researcher Dr. Ashley Poust answers student questions about paleontology and shares some new discoveries about one of the best-known dinosaurs: Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Climate Stories: Pollinators
Pollinators are some of the most important animals on the planet. What impact are we having on them? How can we help pollinators? Join Curator of Entomology Dr. Michael Wall and also learn how climate change may impact these important animals during this Live Lesson. This program is part of our Climate Series and presented with our partners Climate Science Alliance.
Ever wanted to meet a raptor? Now's your chance. The Nat’s Lead Educator Ashton Huge hosts a special conversation with Falconer Bob Gordon. Meet Bob’s companion, a Harris’ hawk named Huxley, and learn about regional birds of prey as well as the art of falconry.
Behind the Scenes: Nature to You Loan Library
The Nat has an uncommon library of specimens that includes a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, birds, and more. Join Education Specialist Rosie Bell and Community Engagement Manager Lauren Marino Perez as they share some special characteristics and adaptations of the specimens in this unique program.
Draw an owl along with award-winning illustrator Susie Ghahremani. This virtual program begins with a reading of What Will Grow written by Jennifer Ward and illustrated by Susie. Then grab a pencil and paper so you can draw along, too.
Take a trip to the tidepools from the comfort of your computer. Join Community Engagement Manager Lauren Marino Perez and Cabrillo National Monument Biologist and Science Educator Sam Wynns in this recording of a past live program.
Birding by Ear with Justin Canty was recorded from a live lesson on October 23, 2020.
