Sea & Sage Audubon Society

1. Outdoor Adventures Science Discovery Program for Elementary School Children

Outdoor Adventures for 4-5th grade students (mostly from the Santa Ana school district) combines classroom science activities taught by elementary school teachers with outdoor exploration guided by trained volunteer naturalists at a local freshwater wetland.  Outdoor Adventures begins in the classroom with a curriculum kit borrowed from Sea and Sage that includes a wetland bird research project, real taxidermy bird specimen, and water runoff awareness presentation.  During their 2.5 hour visit to the wetland, students perform simple water quality tests, use microscopes to examine common invertebrates,  use binoculars to identify birds and their behaviors during a walk around the ponds, examine bird adaptations on specimens, and investigate the San Diego Creek to learn how their actions affect wildlife.  Through direct observation, students understand a wetland habitat is an important source of healthy water, food and shelter for a wide range of wildlife including birds that travel long distances during migrations. They also learn personal ways that they can help birds and the environment which empowers them at a young age to be environmental stewards.