April 13 | Grades 4-8

Programming Highlights

NOVA | Inside Animal Minds – Bird Genius
We’ve always admired birds for their grace and beauty, but we don’t usually think of them as incredibly bright. After all, isn’t “birdbrained” doesn’t sound very bright, right? But now, scientists are discovering bird brains that put most other animals to shame. See the genius behind these feathered folks.

History Detectives | Jackie Robinson’s Scorecard
In a 1940s Pittsburgh Pirates program, a scorecard for a game between two unusual teams: the Majors’ All-Stars and Jackie Robinson’s All-Stars could potentially reveal a test game to see how America would react to integrated baseball?

Native America | From Caves to Cosmos
See the deep roots of America’s First Peoples and how did they create their unique world? Answers emerge from Hopi Elders on pilgrimage at sacred Chaco Canyon in the New Mexico desert, scientists examining ancient cave painting in the Amazon jungle, Chumash boat builders exploring their tribe’s ancient migration legacy off California’s coast, and an archaeologist digging deep below a towering pyramid near Mexico City.

At-Home Learning Tips

Make Creativity a Fun Family Affair
While many of us are spending much more time with our families during the times of social distancing, don’t let that squeeze the fun out of family time. Dedicate a night to embrace your inner creativity as a team. Throw a themed dinner party inspired by your child’s favorite book, make collages and use them as postcards for friends, or complete the “Recreate a Work of Art” challenge by impersonating your favorite work of art and snapping photos. Check out more ideas on finding new ways to be creative together as a family here.

Daily Programming

Additional Resources

Understand How and Why Birds Have Colorful Feathers
Natural History Museum, Los Angeles’ Assistant Ornithology Curator Dr. Allison Shultz has been investigating two questions throughout her research career: how are birds colorful, and why are birds colorful. Hear her take on why these avian friends are so beautiful.

The Inclusive African American Roots of L.A.’s Venice
Abbot Kinney envisioned a Venice that was inclusive and collaborative with the African American community. Learn how the African American community thrived in early Venice.

Paiute People Adapt Traditions to Modern-Day Gardens
The Big Pine Paiute Tribe revisit the irrigation traditions of their ancestors and connect them to modern gardening solutions.