Archive for the ‘Camps’ Category

Marine Science 1a

Posted on: May 14th, 2013 by admin No Comments

In Morro Bay National Estuary, students will observe marine and mammals terrestrial birds, examine marine invertebrates, and observe marine, while exploring the salt marsh, mudflats, and rocky shores of the harbor mouth. 

We will focus on interconnections between coastal watersheds and the estuary, and how coastal topography and the estuary are affected by the processes of erosion, transportation, and deposition.  Using tide charts, students will learn how the sun and phases of the moon influence tide cycles that support estuary life.  We will discuss the importance of estuaries in sustaining life in the open oceans, and how human behavior impacts the health of estuaries.  These topics will be reinforced by visits to the Natural History Museum and the National Estuary Program exhibit.

We will  collect plankton samples so students can learn to distinguish between plant and animal species. We will examine salt tolerant plants (halophytes) of the salt marsh.  We will kayak to an oyster farm, and explore the sand spit  dunes and beaches to locate plants unique to dune ecosystems.  Emphasis will be placed on developing wildlife observation skills, and interpreting animal behavior.  Sit spot times will allow for sketching wildlife and journaling

 Students will learn various techniques used to assess the health of Morro Bay, by collecting data on  7 key water quality indicators, including pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, nitrogen-nitrate, turbidity, and density.  The week will end with our traditional lunch at Giovanni’s, and a trip to the saltwater taffy store.

July 17-21, 2013

Registration Fee: $300.00

Marine Science 1b

Posted on: May 14th, 2013 by admin

In Morro Bay National Estuary, students will observe marine and mammals terrestrial birds, examine marine invertebrates, and observe marine, while exploring the salt marsh, mudflats, and rocky shores of the harbor mouth. 

We will focus on interconnections between coastal watersheds and the estuary, and how coastal topography and the estuary are affected by the processes of erosion, transportation, and deposition.  Using tide charts, students will learn how the sun and phases of the moon influence tide cycles that support estuary life. 

We will discuss the importance of estuaries in sustaining life in the open oceans, and how human behavior impacts the health of estuaries.  These topics will be reinforced by visits to the Natural History Museum and the National Estuary Program exhibit.

We will  collect plankton samples so students can learn to distinguish between plant and animal species. We will examine salt tolerant plants (halophytes) of the salt marsh.  We will kayak to an oyster farm, and explore the sand spit  dunes and beaches to locate plants unique to dune ecosystems.  Emphasis will be placed on developing wildlife observation skills, and interpreting animal behavior.  Sit spot times will allow for sketching wildlife and journaling

Students will learn various techniques used to assess the health of Morro Bay, by collecting data on  7 key water quality indicators, including pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, nitrogen-nitrate, turbidity, and density.  The week will end with our traditional lunch at Giovanni’s, and a trip to the saltwater taffy store.

July 15-19 2013

Registration Fee: $300.00

Marine Science 2a

Posted on: May 14th, 2013 by admin No Comments

Marine Science 2a

Intertidal Exploration and Ecology

We will explore the Central coast seeking those organisms that live in the intertidal areas.  Students will examine the various adaptations that allow invertebrates to live in these turbulent and constantly changing habitats. 

Students will conduct field research project using scientific data collection methods and  guidelines developed for the LimPETs (Long Term Monitoring and Experiential Training for Students) program.  This type of monitoring program is currently being used by scientists and volunteers within the Monterey Bay Sanctuary to assess the health of coastal intertidal zones.  Students will collect data on species diversity, population density, and species distribution.  

We will also look at how factors such as coastal topography, tide cycles, and human impacts might affect the distribution of keystone marine species.  Games and marine related activities will help to reinforce their learning experience.  Students will also learn scientific sketching and journaling techniques, and hone their scientific observation skills. 

June 24-28, 2013

Registration Fee: $300.00

Marine Science 2b

Posted on: May 14th, 2013 by admin No Comments

Marine Science 2b

There are over 1000 different species of plants and animals that call the intertidal home.  Each of these organisms is equipped with specific adaptations that help them survive in a constantly changing environment.  We will explore the extensive intertidal zones of Estero Bay, and Montana de Oro searching for anemones, urchins, sea stars, shore crabs and a host of other organisms.  Students will observe the various adaptations that allow intertidal organisms to live in this turbulent habitat, where land, sea, and air come together. 

Students learn to use field guides to identify and classify intertidal organisms.  Students will also learn why marine plant and animal populations are dispersed across the intertidal, and why specific structural, physical, and behavioral adaptations have evolved to insure their survival.  Games and marine related activities will help to reinforce their learning experience. 

July 22-26, 2013

Registration Fee $300.00

Freshwater Science 1a

Posted on: May 14th, 2013 by admin No Comments

We will explore local creeks and freshwater habitats and around San Luis Obispo to get a sense for how water actually flows in and out of the city, and what natural corridors exist for riparian plants and animals.  As part of our exploration, we will do and in-depth examination  of creek flora and fauna,  using standardized research methods developed by The Stroud Water Research Center and LaMotte. Students will collect and study freshwater macro-invertebrates from local creeks, and learn to identify keystone species and riparian plants.  We will explore the complex relationship between the health of stream-side forests and stream life, and discuss the processes that help maintain natural balances in streams.  Students will develop models of riparian food webs, and investigate the impact of human behavior on these habitats.  Students will learn to design site-maps of the various ecosystems they visit, for future reference and exploration. Students will collect and test water samples, using water quality monitoring kits that incorporate seven key water quality tests, including pH, nitrate-nitrogen, dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity, turbidity, and temperature.  Students  will then have an opportunity to analyze their data and discuss the implications of their results.

July 1-3 and 5, 2013

Registration Fee: $280.00

Freshwater Science 1b:

Posted on: May 14th, 2013 by admin

Freshwater Science 1b: Freshwater Exploration and Ecology

We will explore local creeks and freshwater habitats and around San Luis Obispo to get a sense for how water actually flows in and out of the city, and what natural corridors exist for riparian plants and animals.  As part of our exploration, we will do and in-depth examination  of creek flora and fauna,  using standardized research methods developed by The Stroud Water Research Center and LaMotte.

Students will collect and study freshwater macro-invertebrates from local creeks, and learn to identify keystone species and riparian plants.  We will explore the complex relationship between the health of stream-side forests and stream life, and discuss the processes that help maintain natural balances in streams. 

Students will develop models of riparian food webs, and investigate the impact of human behavior on these habitats.  Students will learn to design site-maps of the various ecosystems they visit, for future reference and exploration.

Students will collect and test water samples, using water quality monitoring kits that incorporate seven key water quality tests, including pH, nitrate-nitrogen, dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity, turbidity, and temperature.  Students  will then have an opportunity to analyze their data and discuss the implications of their results.

July 29-Aug 2, 2013

Registration Fee: $280.00

 

Marine Science 3: Coastal Geology

Posted on: May 14th, 2013 by admin No Comments

The Central Coast has a fascinating tectonic history.  Each geological era brought significant changes in coastal topography.

Students in this field class will get an up close look at geological formations around the county, including dunes, pillow lava, volcanic plugs, and coastal marine terraces.

Students will search for marine artifacts on Valencia Peak, and explore the shale formations of Hazard’s Point.

Students will learn to distinguish between sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks and learn the geological processes that formed them. They can also start their own rock collections.

July 8-12, 2013

Registration Fee: 280.00