Research and Monitoring Field Study Program for High School Students

The RCDSMM Research and Monitoring Field Study Program will give students an introduction to ecological sampling methods.  It will provide them with hands-on experience in conducting field studies, some of which are critical monitoring tools used by state and local agencies to manage environmental and ecological resources.  These field studies will cover several topics from AP science courses and will give students a chance to experience first hand what it means to be a field biologist, and will provide them with the opportunity to participate in several steps of the scientific research process. 

There are two main program options: 1) Malibu Lagoon and 2) Topanga Creek and Lagoon.  Within each program, there are several research elements.  Each class will select one or two research elements (depending on number of students) within one program that interests them most.  A more detailed description of each program and the elements within follows.

When in the field, the students will collect and record their own data, and depending on the element, will also collect samples to analyze back at their school.  Once the field study is complete, an EXCEL sheet will be available on the RCD website for the students to download and use to enter their data into.  The students will then email the data to an RCD biologist who will complete a Quality Control/Quality Assurance examination of the data and will compile all relevant data.  The checked and compiled data will then be posted on the RCD website for the students to download and complete any additional analyses desired for their class.  The data collected by students will be incorporated into the overall monitoring datasets, which will be used to assist local resource managers.

Handouts detailing the field study element of your choice and accompanying data sheets will be provided to teachers and students beforehand so that they can be prepared for the field study.  Programs can be individually developed and include up to 3 elements. The amount of time needed to complete an element ranges from approximately 1-2 hours depending on the element and the number of students.  Each program will include an overall introduction to field/conservation biology, completion of one to three research elements, and a brief review/discussion of the field program.  The introduction and review/discussion will be about 30 minutes each.  If there is a specific area of study that interests you and is not listed below, please let us know and we can be flexible in order to accommodate your specific interests.

Transportation: Schools are responsible for transporting students and chaperones to and from the study sites.  There is parking available at Malibu Lagoon (near 23200 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265) and at Topanga Creek (Topanga Ranch Motel parking lot, 18711 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265) and at Lower Topanga (entrance on Topanga Canyon Blvd., approximately 200 meters north of Pacific Coast Highway).

Program times:  We can be flexible to work with the needs of the school but most programs last 3 hours.  Longer field days can be arranged upon request.

Site Conditions: Students will be working in the field. There are no restrooms immediately available.  Students will be most comfortable wearing long pants and sneakers that can get wet.  They will need to have hands free to carry field equipment and data sheets, so water, sunscreen, snacks, lunch, etc. should be in backpacks.  They will get dirty, so a change of clothes is recommended.

Program Fees:  The per-student cost generally ranges from $12 to $30. Program fees vary depending on group size and individualized program design. 

Please contact Jenna Krug at jkrug@rcdsmm.org or Rosi Dagit at oaksrus@verizon.net for more information or to set up a program.

Download the Program Brochure by clicking here: RCDSMM_HS_Science_Field_Study_Programs_Brochure.pdf

Ecosystem Study of Malibu Lagoon

 

This program will focus on the ecosystem within and around Malibu Lagoon.  Malibu Creek Watershed is the second largest in the Santa Monica Bay (109 square miles) and is known for historically having a healthy abundance of native fishes, however, the current conditions (e.g. poor water quality, presence of non-native species, compromised habitat) of the creek and lagoon do not support the abundance of native species historically observed.  The next phase of restoration of the lagoon should begin in 2012, so the data that is collected by the students will be used as an important tool for examining pre and post-restoration conditions of the creek and lagoon.

Program Options at Malibu Lagoon:

Download the Malibu Lagoon Program Guide by clicking here: HS_Science_Field_Program_Malibu_Lagoon_Guide.pdf

Ecosystem Study of Topanga Creek and Lagoon

This program will focus on the ecosystem within and around Topanga Creek and Lagoon.  Topanga Creek watershed is unique as it has the greatest diversity of native plants and animals found in any watershed in the Santa Monica Mountains.  Restoration at a site within the creek (Lower Topanga Berm) occurred in 2008.  There are continuous efforts to eradicate non-native plants at and around the restoration site.  Native species have been planted and the progress of the vegetation is being visually monitored.  The data that is collected at Lower Topanga and the Lagoon will be important monitoring tools for post-restoration effects on the plants and wildlife found within and around Topanga Creek and Lagoon.

Program Options at Topanga: