Tag: adventure

The Owlets’ California Adventure

The Owlets have been busy learning all about California through a joyful, hands-on mini-inquiry inspired by curiosity, creativity, and discovery. Their exploration began in early January with a classroom art project focused on California poppies. After closely studying photos of the state flower and noticing its bright orange and yellow colors, the Owlets used liquid watercolors to create their own vibrant poppies. Although poppies typically bloom in the spring, they bloomed early in the Owlet classroom!

The inquiry officially began with the book Welcome to California, which introduced students to the basics of the state and continued to serve as a reference throughout the project. The Owlets eagerly shared places they have visited across California and quickly realized just how diverse the state’s landscapes are. To bring this learning to life, they worked together to create a large map of California, discovering coastal beaches, farmland, snowy mountains, forests, and deserts along the way.

In small groups, the Owlets used a variety of materials to represent where each landscape is located on the map. They also examined real photos shared by Owlet families and practiced matching each image to the correct region.

The Owlets also learned about California’s weather patterns and the animals that live in each region. They noticed that the desert is hot and home to animals that wouldn’t survive in cooler mountain climates. While studying the California state flag, they spotted the large brown grizzly bear and learned that grizzly bears no longer live in the state. This led to an exploration of animals that currently call California home, including black bears, foxes, coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, and quails. Students were especially excited to discover a few “hidden” quails right in their classroom.

The inquiry wrapped in elements of California history as well, including a discussion of the Gold Rush and how people once traveled to the state in search of gold. Through art, literature, mapping, and imaginative play, the Owlets have built a strong foundation of knowledge about California—its landscapes, animals, symbols, and history—while nurturing curiosity and a love of learning along the way.

#SaklanHandsOn

Journey Back to the Gold Rush

The Saklan 4th graders recently embarked on an unforgettable journey to Coloma, where history came alive in the heart of Gold Rush country. Stepping into the past, they laced up their miner boots and experienced life as it was in 1849, guided by their enthusiastic program leader, Tim.

The adventure began with a visit to a bustling mining camp, where the aroma of freshly baked cornbread filled the air. The students purchased ingredients from a general store, just as miners once did, and patiently waited as the bread cooked over an open fire in a cast-iron Dutch oven. While the cornbread baked, they learned essential pioneer skills—sewing, washing clothes on a washboard, and working together to build a shelter. Living the life of a Coloma miner along the riverbanks provided a first-hand glimpse into the daily challenges and triumphs of those seeking fortune in the golden hills.

Of course, no trip to Coloma would be complete without the thrill of gold panning! Armed with pans and determination, the young prospectors eagerly sifted through pay dirt from the American River, their excitement growing with every swirl of water. Shouts of EUREKA! rang through the air as gold fever took hold, mirroring the elation of those who had once sought their fortunes in the very same spot.

The journey through time deepened when the group met with a local Miwok cultural leader, who shared stories and traditions from an indigenous perspective. Through this powerful experience, the students gained a richer understanding of the impact of the Gold Rush on the Native American communities of California.

On the second day of their adventure, the students hiked through Coloma’s rolling hills, exploring key historical sites, including Sutter’s Mill, where the first famous gold nugget was discovered. Standing on the very ground where history was made, they connected even more deeply with the past.

As they packed up their belongings and bid farewell to Coloma, the 4th graders carried with them more than just memories—they brought home a deeper understanding of the trials and triumphs of those who came before them.

#SaklanFieldExperience #SaklanHandsOn