Fifth-grade Online School Program
A live, online experience that engages students in the wonder of observation and astronomy.
A Unique Fifth-grade Experience
The Griffith Observatory Online School Program is a series of modules (described below) each composed of live, recorded, and animated elements as well as live Q&A opportunities. We developed the modules in consultation with educators to meet fifth-grade Next Generation Science Standards and are presented live by engaging Observatory Museum Guides and Telescope Demonstrators.
Our Online School Program enables students to have a meaningful, virtual Observatory experience without transportation and geographic barriers to participation. Since debuting, the program has provided over 200,000 student interactions with the majority of participating schools being Title 1 eligible. Fifth-grade classes with limited access to science outreach initiatives are especially encouraged to participate.
The Observatory’s fifth-grade Online School Program is presented for free thanks to Griffith Observatory Foundation.
Reservations for the second semester (January 7, 2025 – June 3, 2025) of the 2024-2025 Online School Program open at Noon on Thursday, December 12, 2024. The schedule includes the new Module 5 (see below).
Online School Program Modules
Module 1: Everyone Is an Observer
Everyone Is an Observer plants the notion that we are all observers all the time and immerses students in the long tradition of observing with the help of Griffith Observatory’s instruments.
More program information, classroom materials, and other educational materials may be found in teacher and student guides below.
Module 2: Clues from Comets
Clues from Comets illustrates the importance of observing carefully and demonstrates modern methods of solving a mystery as cryptic as the nature of comets.
More program information, classroom materials, and other educational materials may be found in teacher and student guides below.
Module 3: The Search for Water
The Search for Water joins observing with exploring in a mission to determine what life needs and whether those conditions exist elsewhere in the solar system. More program information, classroom materials, and other educational materials may be found in teacher and student guides below.
Module 4: Exoplanets Are Everywhere
Exoplanets Are Everywhere reaches beyond our understanding of our solar system and into the realm of exoplanets: How we know these outer-worlds are there, why some may be habitable, and what these strange places may look like.
More program information, classroom materials, and other educational materials may be found in teacher and student guides below.
Module 5: Earth Is Our Home
Earth Is Our Home takes an astronomical look at our planet across billions of years to show the relationship between Earth and life and how people can use scientific thinking to keep this relationship healthy. This new module debuts in February 2025!
More program information, classroom materials, and other educational materials may be found in teacher and student guides below.
Online School Program Dates and Times
The Online School Program is generally offered on Tuesdays at three different times each day (all times PST or PDT): 8:05 a.m., 9:20 a.m., and 10:55 a.m. Each program is 65 minutes long, which includes the content of the program and a Q&A session.
Each Module will be offered multiple times during the 2024-2025 school year.
Online School Program Registration
Please carefully follow all the instructions on our reservation form (it has changed since school year 2023-24). Each teacher will need to individually register their own class for a module. If you would like your class to attend multiple modules, then you will need to fill out the form again for each additional module. You can now make changes to your reservation on your own once you have received the link in your confirmation email. If you need additional help you can contact us at online.sp@griffithmedia.org.
Each Module will be offered multiple times during the 2024-2025 school year as shown below.
Module 1: Oct. 8, Oct. 15, Jan. 7, Mar. 4, Apr. 22
Module 2: Oct. 29, Nov. 5, Jan. 14, Mar. 11, Apr. 29
Module 3: Nov. 12, Nov 19, Jan. 21, Mar. 18, May 6
Module 4: Dec. 3, Dec. 10, Jan. 28, Mar. 25, May 13
Module 5: Feb. 11, Feb. 18, Feb. 25, Apr. 1, Apr. 8, Apr. 15, May 20, May 27, Jun. 3
FAQS
What is a CDS code?
CDS codes only apply to California schools and it is the unique 14 digit number that is associated with your school. It can be found by searching the California Department of Education database. It is not necessary for schools registering outside of California.
Do I have to be a California school to register?
No, we are excited that our online programming makes it possible for us to extend to schools outside of southern California.
Is this available to homeschool students?
Yes, we welcome homeschool students. Please the school district that you would be in if your student was in public school. If you are homeschooling in California, then your CDS code is 00000000000000.
When will I receive my Zoom link?
You should get your Zoom link along with a calendar link and a modification link with your registration confirmation email.
My students are not in fifth grade, can we still attend?
This online school program is designed for 5th grade students and fits the 5th grade content standards.
What if I need to reschedule?
If you want to reschedule for a different time or day, there is a link provided in each of your confirmation emails to modify your reservation. This link should only be used to modify a reservation and NOT for new reservations.
What if I need to cancel our reservation?
If you need to cancel and not reschedule your date or time, then you can email us at online.sp@griffithmedia.org with the name you registered with, the date, and the time of your registration. If you just need to reschedule, then there is a link provided in your confirmation email that will help you reschedule your module.
Ex. SUBJECT: Cancellation Request
BODY: Our class is unable to attend the following session:
Terry Tardigrade
October 8, 2024
8:05 AM – 9:10 AM
For questions about the online school program, please email online.sp@griffithmedia.org.