Bring your students to learn about the delicate balance and amazing diversity of life in their own “backyard.” The Nature Conservancy at the Irvine Ranch Land Reserve is offering FREE outdoor, environmental education field trips to Orange County students on the Reserve. The programs are based on the curriculum standards developed by the California Department of Education. Field trips are limited to one class at a time (up to thirty students) to reduce the impact on the environment. One adult guardian is required for each group of 15 children. Parking space is available for one bus or several cars if carpooling is desired. Transportation to the site is not provided. Field trips center on a nature hike led by experienced field naturalists. At the close of the program, children can eat lunch in the shade of centuries old majestic oak trees. If you know of a class that would benefit from attending TNC’s free outdoor environmental education program, please contact us at (714) 832-7478 or [email protected] for details and additional information.
Exploring Nature Through our Senses
Recommended for grades K-3. Bring your class to the Reserve to explore nature through their senses. Naturalists will lead students on a hike, encouraging them to use their senses of sight, smell, touch and hearing. Students will be exposed to the appropriate Life and Physical Science Standards through direct experience. They will learn animal adaptations on an animal evidence scavenger hunt, become “scientists” to discover how energy is transfered in nature, and discuss the impacts humans have on the environment.
Native American Time Travel Adventure
Recommended for grades 3-4. Students learn the customs of pre-Columbian societies in Orange County. We’ll “go back in time” hundreds and thousands of years to experience the daily lives of the native people who lived in the villages of early California. Students will learn how the Gabrielino (Tongva) and Juaneno (Acagchemen) people depended on native plants and animals every day for food, clothing, medicine, shelter, tools and even games! Students will get the chance to experience living, growing species of the plants that indigenous people depended on. Students will be exposed to appropriate 3rd and 4th grade California State Science and Social Studies Standards through direct experience.
Ecosystem Exploration
Recommended for grades 4-6. Orange County’s plants and animals are involved in complex ecological relationships. Students will investigate three different ecosystems on the Reserve, and learn about the adaptations of the plants and animals that live there. Students will be exposed to appropriate Earth and Life Science Standards through direct experience.