Santa Monica Mountains- Malibu Creek (Casey Hayes)

Reviewed by: Include your name and qualifications. For example, Isaac Newton, physics and astronomy teacher at Planetary High School.

Location: 1925 Las Virgenes Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302. The park extends back several miles. 8,215 acre park.

Description: Malibu Creek state park is home to diverse ecosystem of native plants and animals. There are several locations you can visit, ranging from water holes, rock faces, and grassland. This location is an ideal place for students to get aquatinted with nature. Students can visit historical landmarks and check their importance.

Audience:

  • A science teacher would benefit from this class because they would be able to see the spectacular environmental ecology in southern California. Science teachers could make water tests and take pictures of the wildlife to put into a lesson. There are endless animals to observe. Biology teachers and environmental teachers are able to see drought in the area.

  • Students would benefit from this this area to explore the free outdoor experience and get a chance to look at native plants in animals. Most students do not get the chance to see such a fantastic wildlife preserve unless you drive and hour at the least. students can discover several types of rock formations and swimming holes.

Science Concepts Addressed:

    • Historical relevance: TV shows MASH

  • Students will have to identify animals found in this ecosystem and how they are specialized to to work in this environment based on rainfall.

  • Each animal will need a background research: Where they are found, Primary source of food, what type of consumer they are.

  • Make a food web based on findings

LINK TO MALIBU CREEK ALBUM

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:

  1. Find organism (Plants or animals)

  2. Take picture and research the animal that you observed

  3. Make a food web with at least 8 organisms (3 observed)

  4. Make future predictions of animal

RAINFALL

  • Observations: A minimum of 10 observational questions that can only be answered if students have visited the site.

  • Higher Order Questions / Activities: A minimum of 3 higher order questions or activities that can only be answered if students have visited the site.