Welcome to Inside the Outdoors at Santiago Oaks!
Third Grade
NGSS Standards Supported: 3-LS4-3
Why are some plants and animals thriving at Santiago Oaks Regional Park, while others are not? Led by an Inside the Outdoors Field or Program Naturalist, students will investigate three organisms and their ability to survive well, somewhat well, or not at all here at the park. Students will collect qualitative and quantitative data to support their claims as they explore different habitats within the park. Students will have an opportunity to roleplay as an oak tree and meet and touch two live animals to increase their understanding of the needs of the three organisms they are investigating. During the field trip, students will rotate through the following station activities:
Darkling Beetle Investigation
To launch this investigation, students meet a live darkling beetle and consider what it might need to survive. They then take part in a short hike to make observations about how well the beetle would be able to survive at Santiago Oaks Regional Park based on the available food, water, and shelter, as well as its ability to camouflage from predators.
Human Impact Game
During this investigation, students play a game to simulate the effects of fire and development on wildlife at Santiago Oaks Regional Park.
California Kingsnake Investigation
To launch this investigation, students meet a live California kingsnake and consider what it might need to survive. They then take part in a short hike to make observations about how well the kingsnake would be able to survive at Santiago Oaks Regional Park based on the available food, water, and shelter, as well as its ability to camouflage from predators.
Coast Live Oak Trees & Wildfire Investigation
Students discuss what a coast live oak tree needs to survive at Santiago Oaks Regional Park and reflect on the threat that wildfire poses to trees. They then explore five stations to investigate how well oak trees are adapted to deal with fire.
View the Resources pages for pre/post information. 
Site Details
Location: Santiago Oaks Regional Park - Click
here for a map to the site. The address is on the map.
Time: 9:00 - 11:00 am or 11:30 am - 1:30 pm - Lunch area is available on site.
Parking: $3.00 per personal vehicle, this fee is waived for bus
Accessibility: Limited wheelchair accessibility
Visit OC Parks
website for Santiago Oaks.
