Seven Arrows Second Graders Take Journey to Santa Monica Mountains

National Park Week brought science to life for Seven Arrows second grade students on April 24 when the school partnered with NatureBridge, an organization that provides hands-on environmental science education for children in national parks.
During their field trip to the Santa Monica Mountains, students explored Solstice Canyon and dug their hands into the creeks and earth looking for animals that live in this riparian ecosystem. Armed with fishing nets and water containers, the children inspected their treasures and found connections between the animals and their habitats.
“My students had countless ‘wow’ moments as they uncovered insects, spotted snakes, and caught a glimpse of a coyote,” said Kathy Serota, lead teacher at Seven Arrows Elementary on La Cruz. “Learning outside of the classroom is essential for today’s youth and gives them a better understanding of the world around them.”
The school’s overarching second grade theme is being a “Keeper of the Earth,” which helps with the integration of social studies, ethical leadership/service learning, art, language arts and science. This fourth annual NatureBridge outing helps them understand how they fit into a functioning ecosystem.
The NatureBridge motto—Leave No Trace—teaches students about how their actions have an impact on the planet. Students learned to stay on designated pathways, not to disturb animals’ homes, and that removing objects from these beautiful outdoor spaces has a negative impact.
“Students leave with a deeper understanding of how humans affect the world around them,” Serota said. “It’s important for children who live in urban and suburban areas to experience nature. Some of our students have never been to the mountains. When they hear the wind rustling through the trees or see wildlife up close, it’s transformational, it’s true discovery.”
Surrounded by the beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains, students hike, learn about the history, and study the surrounding flora and fauna.
Administrators at Seven Arrows feel that experiential learning needs to be part of every child’s life and every teacher’s curriculum because the world is one big classroom. When a child discovers the wonder and science of nature, the possibilities for learning are endless.