What will I learn at Outdoor Science School?

We hope you learn a LOT! Learning in the outdoors is different than learning from books. You are IN the ecosystem you are studying, observing and studying natural processes and phenomena as they happen! The best science classroom really does have no walls! You will learn about plants, animals, geology, and ecosystems, cycles, interdependence, energy flow, diversity, communities, change, and adaptation. Or you might learn how to identify a rare bird, or use a plant key to find out what kind of plants grow here, or how to test rocks to find out what minerals are in them... you will learn science skills and processes, you will be investigating and experimenting with the environment, learning big concepts and specific examples. All in one short week! Your brain will be full!

For our official curriculum and how it is in line with California State Standards please click here to visit the LACOSS page

Is it like camp?

Yes and no... We don't call ourselves "camp" - we are a school, run by the LA County Office of Education. However, there are some elements that are like camp - you will stay in cabins for the week, eat meals in the dining hall, and perform skits on the last night. But just about everything is a science learning experience - even the skits! We are a school, and we give homework, and we are all about learning - but we also want you to have fun learning, because we think you'll learn better that way!

How will it help me back at my own school?

We think it will make you excited about learning science! It will give you concrete experiences and examples to remember when learning new concepts. Students who may have trouble in the classroom sometimes really shine at Outdoor Science School, where being distracted can make you the star squirrel-spotter! Your hidden talents may come out during the week, and you'll have a chance to shine. You get to be a kid and get dirty, yet do some growing up all at the same time. You will come back full of enthusiasm for learning, with some new interests, new friends, and new-found confidence from your experience. Not to mention that studies have shown students who learn using the environment as an integrating context show increased achievement across the curriculum!

Why is it important - isn't it just for fun?

Not only is it good for you for all of the above reasons, and for learning the California State Science Standards, it is important to learn about how the earth's natural systems operate... this is our "spaceship" with all these life-support systems purifying our air and water, recycling our waste, and it didn't come with an instruction manual! To make sure these systems will continue to function and support our lives on the planet, we need to first understand how they work, and then understand how to take care of them, and be good stewards of the earth.

Are the Instructors qualified to teach science?

Absolutely! Everyone on our staff has at least a bachelor's degree, some also have master's degrees, and some have teaching credentials. We all have quite a bit of teaching and field experience. We love science, we love the outdoors, we love teaching, and we love kids! We have the perfect job.

Meet this year's staff on our Staff Page.