IRIS Seismographs in Schools Program
An NSF-funded program (Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology) that places real educational seismometers in classrooms so students can access and analyze real-time seismic data from around the world. Several Northern California schools, including in the Sacramento area, participate by hosting a seismometer and using it in coursework.
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International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC)
A free citizen-science program in which student teams analyze real telescope imaging data using Astrometrica software to search for and report new asteroids. Month-long campaigns run several times a year and student discoveries can result in official credit and provisional asteroid designations.
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
An international nonprofit organization that trains and supports amateur and student astronomers in observing and reporting variable star brightness data used in real astrophysics research. AAVSO offers free beginner tutorials (including a no-equipment-needed 10-Star Tutorial), webinars, mentorship, and community forums for students starting in observational astrophysics.
Center for American Archaeology High School Field School
A hands-on residential archaeological field school in Kampsville, Illinois, where students ages 13-17 join real excavation, laboratory analysis, and artifact identification alongside professional archaeologists across one-to-four-week sessions; no prior experience is required.
Great California ShakeOut
An annual statewide earthquake preparedness drill in which students, schools, and organizations across California practice the 'Drop, Cover, and Hold On' technique at a scheduled time each October (or a self-chosen date). Participants can register individually or through their school and access drill scripts, safety videos, and educational materials.
Interlochen Arts Camp - Screenwriting Intensive
A distinct one-week track from Interlochen's Creative Writing program, the Screenwriting Intensive gives high schoolers daily one-on-one instruction from professional screenwriters and filmmakers at Interlochen's DeRoy Center for Film Studies, the only facility in the country dedicated to film and animation studies at the high school level. Students draft an original short script and may have it staged as a live reading.
Planet Hunters TESS (Zooniverse)
A free online citizen-science project where volunteers examine light-curve data from NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) to help identify signals of possible exoplanets. Participant identifications have contributed to real peer-reviewed exoplanet discoveries, and an educator guide supports classroom or independent use.