Curiosity-based Learning Beyond the Classroom
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... By Nicole Peddy
A three-day experiential, nature-based trip to the Central Coast gave St. Margaret’s Advanced Placement environmental science students a chance to apply their classroom learning. They focused on the devastation of the California drought through reforestation and preservation efforts needed in the area. The native Monterey pine ecosystem is one of the rarest forest ecosystems in the world. Only a few thousand acres of the trees exist in four locations along the Central Coast, with the Monterey Peninsula having the largest number. These trees are being threatened by development, drought, non-native invasive species, pests and disease. Led by The Reverend Andrew Barnett, the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles’ chair of environmental studies and food justice, the students, along with Upper School Director of Community Life Lora Allison, Upper School Principal Tony Jordan and Upper School Science Department Chair and teacher Dr. Jennifer Ross-Viola, checked in to Camp Ocean Pines in Cambria, Calif. to start their scientific adventure.
8
S T. M A R G A R E T ’ S E P I S C O P A L S C H O O L
The group planted Monterey pine seedlings and helped to build a unique native plant garden situated below a structure with an outdoor sink. The sink’s pipes were retrofitted to drain into the planter bed, thus repurposing the water. The plant garden will be used to teach future camp residents about water recycling and the native plants in this ecosystem. “This trip was a life-learning opportunity for students to see the application of their science knowledge in a real-world context. It becomes much more tangible to understand the complex dynamics of an ecosystem when you stand in the midst of it,” said Dr. RossViola. “It was also a chance for us to act as good stewards for the earth by affecting the environment in a positive way.” Prior to arriving at the camp, students explored the surrounding region to better understand the implications of the drought on native plants, and view various sources of water. Tide-pool exploration, squid dissection, and an up-close look at predatory raptors were also highlights of this service-learning experience.
“This trip was a life-learning opportunity for students to see the application of their science knowledge in a realworld context.”
HIGHLANDER
9
“During my trip, I was able to apply all of my knowledge that I learned from my environmental science class. Being able to observe a phenomenon or organism in the wild and understand what is happening and why, is one of the best feelings in the world,” said Hydi Ybarra, grade 12. “By the end of the three days, I am pretty sure we covered every topic we learned in Advanced Placement environmental science.” A few months later, students, along with Mrs. Allison and Upper School science teacher Edmund Herlihy, took a follow-up three-day, service-learning trip to Lopez Lake, a county park in San Luis Obispo.
10
S T. M A R G A R E T ’ S E P I S C O P A L S C H O O L
The state’s drought has had a drastic effect on the park. In an effort to revitalize certain areas of the site, students planted drought-tolerant bushes, trees and shrubs native to the locale and climate. The native plant garden will help the park’s water conservation efforts. “Students exceeded our expectations on both projects. They were fully invested in the effort and had a deep understanding of “why” they were doing both projects, which makes for much deeper connections with their learning and commitment to lifelong service,” said Mrs. Allison.