At the Museum

The Museum offers instructor-led and education docent-led science workshops on a variety of topics, gallery investigations led by museum docents, behind-the-scenes tours and self-guided visits.

Science Workshops

Days: Weekdays
Fee: $155 (includes General Admission to the Museum) for up to 25 students and four chaperones—additional students are $6 each and chaperones are $8 each
Times: 10 AM–11:30 AM and noon–1:30 PM. Some flexible scheduling available.
Group size: 25 students maximum per session

Autumn Harvest  (Grades K—3)
Cetacean Sensation  (Grades K—3)
Amazing Arthropods  (Grades K—3)

Gallery Investigations

Days: Weekdays
Fee: $8 per students; $10 per chaperone
Times: 10 AM and 11 AM
Group size: 32 students maximum per session

Habitats of San Diego  (Grades 2—6)
Explore Fossil Mysteries  (Grades 3—12)
Water   (Grades 2—6)

Behind-the-Scenes for high school

Days: by request
Fee: $9 per students
Group size: 45 student maximum per two-hour program
Duration of class: two hours

The Science of Collections-based Research NEW!

Why do natural history museums collect so much stuff? Learn how we organize, preserve, and use collections to further our knowledge about the ecology and evolution of life on this planet. Students will receive a brief introduction to collections-based research from a Museum curator before dividing into groups for a behind-the-scenes guided tour of different research collections. The experience concludes with students regrouping for a facilitated discussion on the different collections visited.

Self-guided Visits

Available all year Conduct your own self-guided visit and enjoy the Museum's exhibitions and films in the giant-screen theater . Curriculum materials are available for most exhibitions. Teachers may arrange to preview exhibitions by calling 619.255.0210.

Days: Daily from 9:30 AM–4:30 PM Fee: $6 per student 
Group size: 10 students minimum; one adult per eight students is required and admitted at no charge. Additional adults $8 each. 
(Note: 3D films are additional.)