Students will experience local ecology in a pristine environment. They will identify significant features and patterns in this diverse ecosystem and find out how they fit into it as well.
NGSS Standards Supported:
5-LS2-1., 5-ESS2-1., 5-ESS2-2., 5-ESS3-1.
Other Standards Supported:
Physical Education Standards Fitness Concepts, Body Composition, Aerobic Capacity, Social Interaction
3.7, 4.11, 4.12
Water Station
Students participate in hands-on activities in which they learn about the hydrosphere, the amount of fresh water available on Earth, and water reuse. Students also learn about the source of their local water.
Wetland Assessment
Your students use the scientific method to determine if the nonliving factors present in a pond are suitable for sustaining organisms. Working in teams, they measure the temperature, pH, clarity and salinity of the water. They will also survey plant and animal variety. The students compile their data and develop conclusions.
Plant Labs
Students work in cooperative groups at various lab stations to learn how plants adapt to dry conditions in the chaparral ecosystem.
Energy Trail
Students will learn about different native animals and be able to identify where they get their energy.
Pedometers
Students will wear pedometers throughout the day to track their steps and then estimate how far they hiked. Students will also take and check their heart rate before and after hiking.
Site Details
Location: Rancho Soñado in Silverado, CA - Click
here for a map to the site. The address is on the map.
Time: Full Day 9:00 am - 2:30 pm
Parking: Vehicle parking is limited
Accessibility: Very limited wheelchair accessibility
