Incorporating CALM into your Science Curriculum

The CALIFORNIA LIVING MUSEUM is California’s premier native zoo and garden. Designed to display and interpret native animals, plants, fossils and artifacts for education, recreation, conservation, and research, CALM provides either an on-site or off-site extension of the state mandated science curriculum.

The cost of an on-site visit is $1.25 per student and $2.25 per adult. A minimum of one adult is required for every 10 students. A minimum of 2 hours should be allowed for your visit. An additional 30 minutes should be allowed to view the displays in the DiGiorgio Education Center. Geology and paleontology are the two constants; other exhibits are on display on a rotating basis. Programs with ambassador animals are presented each morning; you and your students are invited to attend. Some snakes are fed Tuesday - Friday mornings; you should schedule your visit “to see” or “to avoid” this process. Patio areas may be reserved if you would like to bring your lunch. Reservations are a must as seating is limited. The gift shop is stocked with many inexpensive items for school age buyers. Students must be supervised while shopping.

Prices for off-site presentations vary according to distance from CALM and the number of students attending. Presentations may be done for a classroom (minimum fee $35.00) or as an assembly (starting at $150.00). Topics include animal classification, habitat, and adaptations. Please contact the education office for reservations or more information.

Discovery boxes may be rented (per a weekly rate) for use in your classroom. Each box explores a different topic (i.e.: squirrels and other rodents, snakes and reptiles; eagles and birds of prey, mountain lions and predators, deer and mammals). They are appropriate for students in grades K-4. Discovery boxes make a good small group or individual study station activity. Contact the education office for information on the current topics and rates. CALM offers educator-friendly curriculum for grades K-6 which includes instruction information and reproducable student activity pages. Using this curriculum prior to a visit to CALM will enhance the education experience for your students. You may also visit CALM on the internet at

Thank you for your interest in CALM. We look forward to complimenting your classroom science curriculum.


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