5th Grade Outdoor Science School

The Outdoor Science School is an opportunity for our 5th grade children to explore and study nature in a camp like setting.  It is staffed by professional counselors and trained naturalists and meets CA State Board of Education guidelines for teaching science.  Students attend the school with their Jefferson teachers for 5 days and 4 nights, during which time they learn about plants, animals, ecology, geology, weather and astronomy.  The school provides all meals and the students are housed in cabins with adult supervision during their stay. 

During their week at Outdoor Science School students and teachers will participate in hikes led by trained naturalists and assisted by cabin leaders.  Lessons taught during the hikes are reinforced with outdoor games and activities.  Students will have planned "cabin time" each day, when they can write letters home, write in their journals, play or relax.  Evening activities include a night hike, astronomy, folk dances and on the last night a traditional campfire.

There are many benefits for students to attend Outdoor Science School.  For many children, this may be their first time sleeping away from home.  The first night can be challenging, but the great majority of kids are fine by the second day.  Outdoor science school is an excellent first away from home experience for several reasons.  Your child will be surrounded by classroom friends and teachers, people whom he/she is comfortable with and know well.  Your child will be busy exploring new ideas and places, while learning to live and work together with our students.  The experience builds self esteem and confidence, and strengthens relationships between teachers and students.