Field Trip Programs
Marine Science at MLSB
Location: Malibu Lagoon State Beach, 23400 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
Site Facilities: Port-a-potties, currently no running water, adequate seating, mostly wheelchair accessible. Good site for after-program picnic lunch.
Time and Season: 10 am to 12:30 pm. Year-round including summer months.
Type: Coastal Wetlands and Marine Science. Aligned with California State science standards.
Learning Levels: Appropriate for grades 1 to 12.
Fee: Please get in touch with our Education Programs Supervisor for program fee (*note this site can handle a max of roughly 80 students).
Program Rotations and Content: (1) Microscopes – students view and identify lagoon plankton through microscopes, while learning about the energy cycle, food web and the role of FBI in the ecosystem (fungus, bacteria and insects). (2) Fish Lab – students learn the basics of fish anatomy and the life cycles of local species such as steelhead, halibut and tidewater goby, while getting a close look at our collection of intriguing specimens. (3) Bird Walk – learning what makes a bird a bird, students use binoculars to identify local and migratory species and observe their feeding habits, while learning interesting facts about our feathered friends. (4) Beach Ecology – students discover fascinating marine life at the edge of the tidal pools, while considering special features of the sand and surf amid sweeping views of the mountains and bay. (5) Water Quality – students collect a sample of lagoon water and test it for temperature, pH and salinity, discovering in the process the importance of scientific measurements and methods.
Teacher Resource Page for Malibu Lagoon State Beach Education Program
Malibu Lagoon Water Quality Data from RCD Education Programs – 2019 to 2020
Example video of what students will experience at Malibu Lagoon Education Program
Freshwater Ecology at SBWR
Location: Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve, Woodley Ave Park, Van Nuys, CA 91406
Site Facilities: Full-service bathrooms, running water, ample seating, fully wheelchair accessible. Excellent site for after-program picnic lunch.
Time and Season: 10 am to 12 pm. October through March.
Type: Valley Freshwater Lake Habitat. Aligned with California State science standards.
Learning Levels: Appropriate for grades 2 to 10.
Fee: Please get in touch with our Education Programs Supervisor for program fee (*note this site can handle a max of 64 students).
Program Rotations and Content: (1) Microscopes – students view and identify freshwater plankton, learn about the energy cycle and food web, and gain appreciation for the role of fungus, bacteria and insects in the ecosystem. (2) Habitat Walk – after basic training in binocular use, students walk the perimeter of the lake habitat to identify local and migratory birds, and to observe their hunting and feeding habits. Native plants and other types of fauna are also discussed as they appear along the way. (3) Water Quality – students are introduced to the pH scale, learn the difference between acid and base, and then test the lake water to determine if it’s safe for wildlife. At the same time, they test also for temperature, odor and turbidity.
Teacher Resource Page for Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve Education Program
Oak Woodland Hike at Topanga State Park
Location: Topanga State Park, 20829 Entrada Road, Topanga, CA 90290
Site Facilities: Full-service bathrooms, running water, ample seating, mostly wheelchair accessible. Excellent site for after-program picnic lunch.
Time and Season: 10 am to 12:30 pm. September through June.
Type: Mountain Oak Woodland and Chaparral Habitat with conservation theme.
Learning Levels: Appropriate for grades K to 5.
Fee: Please get in touch with our Education Programs Supervisor for program fee (*note this site can handle a max of 72 students).
Program Rotations and Content: (1) Chaparral Habitat Hike – students hike along mountain trails, as they learn about the flora and fauna and natural cycles of this beautiful chaparral habitat. (2) Acorn Grinding – using stone mortar and pestle, students grind fresh acorns from the native Coast Live Oak into acorn flour, imitating one of the traditional steps in the practice of making acorn meal. (3) Artifacts Lab – students compare and contrast natural artifacts from the environment with store-bought objects of similar function, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of how we can use natural objects from the environment in every aspect of our lives. (4) Seed Pod Creation – students make their own seed pods using native wildflowers and learn the important role these plants play in the lives of local pollinators. (5/6) Oak Tree Restoration & Conservation – students explore the restoration site the RCD manages at Trippet Ranch and gain hands-on experience as they discover how scientists assess the health of native oaks.
Teacher Resource Page for Topanga State Park Education Program