The Lighthouse School Field Trip to the Channel Islands Visitor Center!

The students of the Lighthouse School of Ojai enjoyed the last week of their hiking unit. We spent this week learning about the geology of the California coastline and the Channel Islands. Today, the students took a field trip to the Channel Islands Visitor Center in Ventura to get an in-depth look at the history of the islands and wildlife found on and around the islands. Through displays and tide pool tanks at the center, students were able to explore the history of the Pygmy Mammoth on the Channel Islands and the vast world of wildlife found in the oceans surrounding the islands. Following our trip to the Visitor Center, the students took their final hike along the beach in Summerland and admired the beauty of the ocean and the Channel Islands in the distance. They also got a chance to spend some time exploring and playing at the beach. We had a great day wrapping up our hiking unit!

Throughout our hiking unit, the students have been learning about the basics of hiking and the natural world around us. They have learned how to pick appropriate hikes for their skill levels, how to choose proper attire, gear, food and drinks for the length and level of each hike, pack a simple first aid kit, handle emergency situations while on hikes, and identify local plants and wildlife. Most importantly, they worked to increase and demonstrate their awareness of themselves as part of a group by following the group plan, checking in with each other, and adjusting their behavior according to the needs of the group.