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 to California Title I schools through June 2021. Spring 2021 virtual Field Trips are available beginning February 16 unless otherwise noted. With the exception of the Black History Month Virtual Performance, virtual field trips must be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance. Live discussions are offered using OMCA’s Zoom account. A link will be provided upon registration. 

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

Black History Month Virtual Performance

Grades K–6
Experience this fun, interactive virtual performance that acknowledges a history of oppression and celebrates the dreams and contributions of African Americans. Oakland a cappella group SoVoSó will lead students on a musical journey through themes related to the experiences of the African American community. Students will discover how music is a way to communicate the challenges and hopes of Black people—past, present, and future. This virtual performance includes:

• A 30 minute performance with SoVoSó (or access to a video of the performance)
• Teacher guide

Art Speaks Loud Virtual Tour

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
• Accompanying hands-on poster-making art activity with short instructional videos
• 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
• Teacher guide

Dorothea Lange Virtual Tour

Grades 5–8
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
• Teacher guide

Gold Rush Virtual Tour

Grades 4–5
Eureka! Learn about the California Gold Rush by exploring the experiences of diverse peoples and the enduring social and environmental impacts of this fateful time. This virtual tour includes:

• A 45-minute live discussion through Zoom
• Teacher guide

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 El 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