UMNH Junior Science Academy

Core-based Science Education at the Museum

UMNH is proud to offer Junior Science Academy, a renown program that enables fourth- and fifth-grade classes to explore science from new perspectives. 

For teachers, JSA is a turn-key learning experience designed to meet Utah Core Curriculum Standards and Objectives while providing hands-on instruction and activities.

Junior Science Academy is offered for free through funding from the Utah State Legislature and the Utah State Office of Education.

Fourth Grade JSA Classes

Fifth Grade JSA Classes

Request a Reservation for Junior Science Academy

Junior Science Academy for 2009 - 2010 School Year

Basic Junior Science Academy Information:

• JSA Classes will be offered from September 14, 2009 -  May 14, 2010

• Online requests for reservations are now being accepted

• Classes are held at the Museum and led by museum educators

• Fourth Grade programs include three subjects that are each two-hours long

• The Fifth Grade program is on Traits and is 1 1/2 hours long

• Each class must be registered separately for JSA

Request a Reservation for Junior Science Academy

Online Request for Reservation Instructions

JSA Fourth Grade Classes

Session Times: 9:30 am –11:30 am or 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Geology

• Sort Utah rocks according to their characteristics

• Compare fossils with living organisms 

• Test minerals to determine their properties

• Determine what fossils are and how they are formed

• Discover what we can learn from fossils about Utah's past

• Meets Science Standard III, Objective 1 and Standard IV, Objectives 1 and 2

Biology

• Explore adaptations of Utah's animals and plants using real specimens

• Use microscopes and other resources for student centered investigations

• Meets Science Standard V, Objectives 1, 2, and 3

Anthropology

• Compare and contrast the Anasazi and Fremont cultures

• Examine ancient tools

• Use a mano and matate to grind corn into flour

• Construct a clay coil pot to take home

• Meets Social Studies Standard I, Objectives 1 and 2, and Standard II, Objective 1

Fourth Grade Registration Process for 2009 - 2010 School Year

Tuesday, June 2, through Saturday, August 22, 2009, fourth-grade teachers may request a reservation for one JSA Class.  Teachers are limited to one registration to ensure that the greatest number of students can be served. Requests for reservations will not be accepted before 6/2/09.

Starting Monday, August 23, 2009, teachers may request a reservation for up to two additional subjects, based upon availability.  If the desired subjects are not available at that time, you will have the option to be put on a waiting list.  If additional sessions come available during the year, teachers on the waiting list will be given priority.

Online Request for Reservation Instructions

Fifth Grade JSA Classes

Session Times: 9:30 am – 11:00 am or 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Request a Reservation

Traits

• Make observations of visible traits in different animal and plant species

• Learn how specific traits may help species survive in specific environments

• Understand that traits are passed from generation to generation and are located in DNA

• Extract DNA to take home

• Meets Science Standard 5, Objectives 1 and 2

Fifth Grade Registration Process for 2009 - 2010 School Year

Requests for reservations for the fifth-grade classes are now being accepted.  You will receive an email acknowledging your request within 24 hours.  All requests for reservation will be processd by August 17, 2009.  If your request can be accommodated, we will email you a confirmation letter on August 17, 2009.  If your request cannot be accommodated, we will contact you prior to August 17 to determine an alternate date or time for your class.

JSA Online Registration Instructions

In order to better serve teachers, we have launched an Online Reservation Request system.  Please follow these simple instructions:

• Click on Request a Reservation anywhere on this page.

• Complete the form with your preferred class, the desired date and time, and your contact information.

• Submit the form.

• You will receive acknowledgement of your request via email within 24 hours.

• All requests will be processed by Monday, August 17, 2009.

• If your desired course and date can be accommodated, we will email you a confirmation on Monday, August 17, 2009.

• If your request cannot be accommodated, we will contact you prior to August 17 to determine an alternate date or time.

For further information or assitance, email jsa@umnh.utah.edu or call 801.581.6286