The Santa Cruz Outdoor Science School promotes care for self, others and the natural world. We are committed to a safe and stimulating educational environment that nurtures an inquisitive mind.  The science school will seek learning opportunities that include, but are not limited to, stewardship of one’s surroundings, critical thinking skills, interpersonal communication and team building, as well as multidisciplinary and multi-modal approaches to environmental literacy. We are located in the southern end of the Santa Cruz Mountains in California. The Outdoor Science School experience is available to fifth and/or sixth grade students accompanied by their classroom teacher who spend four or five days living on site. Naturalists conduct field study classes in the redwood forest, at the edge of the creek, in the chaparral, and in the meadow. Students are encouraged to ask questions, make observations, explore and make sense of the world around them through authentic scientific practices, all the while, building connections with the natural world.