www.insidetheoutdoors.org
Organization Type:
School/University
Mission:
Inside the Outdoors programs empower students, teachers, parents, and the community to explore natural areas and expand their knowledge.
Contact:
Pam Johnson
Inside the Outdoors
Orange County Department of Education
200 Kalmus Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92628-9050
Phone: (949) 548-1175
Fax: (949) 548-0575
insidetheoutdoors@ocde.us
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 9050
Costa Mesa, CA 92628-9050
Geographical Focus:
Regional
Counties Served:
Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside
Activities:
Education
Topic:
Wetlands, Cultural History, Beaches, Wildlife, Endangered Species, Bay & Estuary Habitats
Educational Resources:
Curriculum, Activity/Learning Kit, Outreach Program, On-Site Program, Guided Walks, Field Trips, Brochures, Guidebooks, Exhibits/Displays, Website
Education Programs:
School Programs:
A Traveling Scientist brings science activities and live animals to your school to provide students with hands-on learning experiences.
Sessions last from 45-75 minutes depending on the program:
• Creature Feature (Preschool)
• Me in My World (Kindergarten)
• Scales or Slime? (1st Grade)
• Eight Legs or Six? (2nd Grade)
• Feather Fun! (3rd Grade)
• Catch the Rays (3rd Grade)
• MAD Plants (3rd Grade)
• What’s for Lunch? (4th Grade)
• Magnets are Magnificent! (4th Grade)
• Rockin' Geology! (Grade 4)
• Drip Drop(5th Grade)
• Surviving Our Standards (5th Grade)
• What’s the Matter? (5th Grade)
• Rain Forest (6th Grade)
• Birds of Prey (6th Grade)
Assemblies also offered on the topics of Birds of Prey and Amazing
Animals. Our Amazing Animals, Birds of Prey, and Rainforest Programs
can be adapted for various grade levels.
Field Programs:
Students move out of the classroom and into the world of science and nature. They will participate in hands-on activities at different sites throughout Orange County.
-Shipley Nature Center and Mt. San Antonio College programs offer either the exploration of ecosystems or learning about Native American history:
• Ecosystem Extravaganza- K through 2nd
• Gabrieliño Walk- 3rd
• Native American Program- 4th
-Santiago Oaks is a half-day program where second and third grade students learn about local plants, animals, and geology.
-San Joaquin Marsh Wild Wetlands is a half-day program of exploring the wetland ecosystem for second and third grade students.
-Upper Newport Bay is a full day program for fourth and fifth grade students to experience the estuary ecosystem.
-Key Ranch explores life on a citrus ranch at the turn of the 20th century for third and fourth grade students.
-At Helena Modjeska House, third and fourth graders tour the historical house of the famous Shakespearean actress, Helena Modjeska, learn about honey, go on a scavenger hunt in the garden, and take a short hike to learn about the history of the canyon.
-Field Trips to the local foothills give students the opportunity for students to study the local plants, animals, and ecosystems
• Irvine Regional Park - 4th
• Modjeska Canyon - 5th and 6th
• Caspers Park - 5th and 6th
• Rancho Soñado – 5th and 6th
-Coastal Field Trips give students the opportunity to visit the tidepools and learn about the ocean and local geology.
• Crystal Cove – 5th and 6th grade
• Dana Point – 4th and 6th grade
Outdoor Science School:
The overnight program offers a weeklong experience in the local mountains of San Bernardino.
While attending Outdoor Science School, 5th and 6th grade students participate in hands-on activities and grow socially through peer interactions.
Curriculum includes: Geology, Habitats, Ecology, Astronomy, Conservation, and Nocturnal Animals, Meteorology, Plant Life.
Social growth is gained through: Group living situations, Confidence building activities, Cooperative experiences.
Community Programs:
Family friendly environmental education events include hands on programs such as Community Nature Day, workshops, Summer Day Camp, Teacher trainings, hikes and so much more!
Target Audiences:
K-12, Adult, Teacher, Non-Formal Educator, General Public
Other Languages:
Written materials in Spanish
Internship Opportunities
