Placerita (Kodel)
Reviewed by: Include your name and qualifications. Alan Kodel, Life and Physical science teacher at Vaughn Next Century Learning Center
Location: 19152 Placerita Canyon Rd, Newhall, CA 91321,34.3780° N, 118.4675° Google Map
Description: Placerita Canyon is a California State Park Located in the Santa Clarita Valley. It is a large protected area with a nature center and several hiking trails. Mission Statement: To inspire a passion, awareness and respect for the environment, and to preserve and protect for future generations the history and ecosystem of Placerita Canyon. The history of Placerita includes the Tataviam people who used the acorns gathered from the oak trees as a staple in their diet. The Portola Expedition entered the Santa Clarita Valley in 1769 and ushered in the mission era.
Audience:
A Life Science teacher would benefit by a visit to Placerita because it allows students to see the diversity of life found close to their very own homes. It is a perfect place to visit when students are learning about Evolution, Genetics.
An Environmental Science teacher would benefit from a trip to Placerita because students can learn about the chaparral environment, the role forest fires play in an ecosystem and the role that human interference takes on the local community.
Science Concepts Addressed:
Adaptations: There are many plant and animal observable traits that can show how animals have adapted to conditions such as droughts and fires.
Ecosystems: Students can see how the biotic and abiotic factors in a chaparral environment interact with each other.
Water cycle: Students can indirectly learn about the water cycle.
Study Guide: Develop a study guide that can be used by students visiting this site. The study guide should be very clear and address specific science concepts. The study guide can be in the form of an attached pdf file that students can print-out and respond to with paper and pencil, or an online form that can be completed using a mobile phone.
Informational map: A map of the field trip site with key features labeled.
Tasks: Students will
Visit the Nature Center
Walk through the Walker cabin
Take a short hike on one of the trail routes
Photographs: Include a minimum of five good, unique photographs that highlight science concepts listed above. Make certain to explain each photograph and the science concepts illustrated.
For additional information: http://www.placerita.org/