Participants attending the field day enjoyed the various activity stations where they learned about butterflies, soil, trees, animals, the watershed, along with food safety and nutrition which was one of the highlights making salsa and ice cream.
Additionally, the youth harvested and took home vegetables that were started from the spring field trip along with fruits grown at the South Coast REC. The youth also planted two mango trees in oak barrels that will become part of the South Coast REC extension program.
Activity Stations:
Lesson: Monarch lifecycle, role in pollination, and migration path
Activity: Monarch lifecycle bracelets
Program Tie In: Urban Ecosystems (Lesson 1 – The Role of Pollinators); background for on-site Monarch Way Station Project
For the Love of Trees
Lesson: The abundance of disposable items that are made from trees and plant material, and the effects of deforestation
Activity: Making recycled paper
Program Tie In: Environmental Sustainability (Lesson 6 – Waste Management)
The Dirt on Soil
Lesson: Soil composition and human impact
Activity: Mason jar terrariums, and “Dust Bowl” simulation
Program Tie In: Environmental Sustainability (Lesson 3 – Food)
Animal Tracks
Lesson: Identification of animals that live in our urban ecosystem; creating wildlife habitat in urban settings
Activity: Stamp worksheet, and clay models Program Tie In: Urban Ecosystems (Lesson 5 – The Role of Animals)
Lesson: Watershed, potential pollutants
Activity: Enviroscape model
Program Tie In: Environmental Sustainability (Lesson 2 – Water)
Playing it Safe
Lesson: Safe food handling and storage, and nutritional benefits of common fruits and veggies
Activity: “What Goes Where” game, and the creation of fruit and veggie super heroes
