Virtual Field Trips 2020–2021

Explore art, history, and natural science online with the Oakland Museum of California through virtual field trips that tell the many stories of California and its people. Learn about the natural, artistic, and social forces that affect the state and investigate your own role in both its history and its future through discussion, storytelling, and inquiry.

To support the education community during a challenging school year, OMCA is offering virtual field trips free of cost in November and December 2020. Virtual field trips will be available beginning November 10 for the 2020–2021 school year unless otherwise noted. Virtual field trips must be scheduled at least 3 weeks out. Live discussions are offered using Zoom or another online meeting platform of your school’s choice.

New topics will be posted for the spring—stay up to date through our teacher mailing list.

Día de los Muertos Virtual Performance

Grades K–6
Celebrate California’s cultural roots as you explore the diverse traditions, stories, and indigenous heritage of Día de los Muertos. Discover how this holiday is a source for cultural strength, healing, and social change. This virtual performance includes:

• A 30-minute live performance with Cascada de Flores (or access to a video of the performance)
• Videos of interviews with Latinx community members and OMCA curators
• Accompanying hands-on papel picado art activity
• Teacher guide 

Sincere thanks to all those who supported this year’s Virtual Día de los Muertos Celebration!

Art Speaks Loud Virtual Program

Grades 3–7
Investigate how artists use art as a powerful tool to talk about the issues that matter most to students in California, including identity, community health, the environment, and social and racial justice. This virtual tour includes:

• A 45-minute live discussion through Zoom (or teacher’s platform of choice)
• Accompanying hands-on poster-making art activity
• Teacher guide

You Are Here Virtual Tour

Grades 4–5
Learn how maps can share information and tell stories about what’s important. We use them to navigate public transportation, highlight neighborhood art and businesses, track the health of our community, and even imagine a better future. This virtual tour is inspired by the exhibition You Are Here: California Stories on the Map and includes:

• A 45-minute live discussion through Zoom (or teacher’s platform of choice)
• Teacher guide

Dorothea Lange Virtual Tour

Grades 4–6
Examine the photography of Dorothea Lange, and how artists use photography to document community stories, spread awareness about important issues, deepen understanding of historical events, and inspire social change. This virtual tour includes:

• A 45-minute live discussion through Zoom (or teacher’s platform of choice)
• Teacher guide