Probably the closest place you might visit is the El Dorado Nature Center, 7550 E. Spring Street. 562-570-1745. They are closed Mondays. Admission is free, although parking is not. 

Cabrillo Aquarium is a fun place to go. They specialize in organisms found in the southern California region. They are at 3720 Stephen White Drive, in San Pedro. 310-548-7563. They are closed Mondays. Admission is free, although parking is not. 

Downtown Long Beach now has its own aquarium, The Aquarium of the Pacific. This is a brand new facility and it's been very popular. Be prepared for big crowds and great fish. 

The California Science Center, in Los Angeles is a new addition to the museums clustered in Exhibition Park. Free admission (pay for parking) for this hands-on museum. While you are there you might want to visit the Natural History Museum or the Museum of Science and Industry. 

The Discovery Science Center in Orange County has all sorts of great exhibits, workshops for teachers, and outreach. The first Monday of each month is an educator's open house.

The La Brea Tar Pits are at 5801 Wilshire, in L. A. 213-936-2230. They are closed Mondays. Admission is $3.50 for students. 

The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is on PCH south of Warner Ave. in Huntington Beach. 711-897-7003. Admission is free. Call for information, esp. about guided tours. 

The L.A. Zoo is in Griffith Park. 213-664-1100. They are open every day. I do not know whether students receive a discount, but would guess they do. 

The Santa Anna Zoo is at 1801 E. Chestnut Ave. 714-953-8555. Open daily. I do not know whether students receive a discount, but would guess they do. 

The South Coast Botanic Garden is at 26300 Crenshaw Blvd in Palos Verdes Peninsula. 310-544-1948. Open daily. Admission is $1 for students. 

San Diego visitors have enjoyed Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, and the Fleet Planetarium; San Francisco visitors have had a great time at the Exploratorium.