TEACHER PACKETS
760.832.0105 • calisolearning@earthlink.net
We are proud to offer the following natural and cultural science-based, free education packets with lessons and activities that are meant to enhance California Department of Education state curriculum standards, which Coachella Valley school districts are based. The activities and lessons presented in these packets were created and/or compiled to encourage subject integration in that they blend a variety of studies (ELA, history/social science, life science, math, arts) through one main topic. Click on the packet title you wish to access.
ANIMALS in NATIVE AMERICAN LIFE WAYS (grades 3rd--5th)
Information
presented here concentrates on ancient Cahuilla representations of animal inspiration that appeared in their cosmology and moral
teachings as well as practical faunal uses for daily living and medicine. Other
Native American tribes are also represented, as indicated, when discussing
certain animal resources. This packet aims to integrate curriculum standards
with aspects of Native American culture and the animal world through activities
focused in language arts, math, and life science. It is hoped that the
activities in this packet help to promote individual responsibility, respect
for, and a sense of connection to the natural world and those it affects.
The Desert Tortoise* (grades K--7th)
This packet focuses on the natural history of California's state reptile, the desert tortoise, primarily through a variety of math, life science, and language arts activity lessons. Other curriculum components can be enhanced through creative integration. Lessons in this packet aim to help students understand and apply concepts of species ecology, environment, conservation, and biology of the desert tortoise. *The following two activities must be printed or viewed separately: Searching for the Desert Tortoise: Word Search, Tortoise Acrostic and Anagram.
Desert Tortoise STANDARDS MET outline.
Please check back as additional packets will be added, including:
On The Trail of the The Sticky-Fuzzies (desert plant adaptations and conservation)
BOTANIMALS (combining plant and animals to teach species adaptation, environmental similarities and plant--animal relationships)
Take your classroom lessons outdoors! Our guided hikes provide a perfect extension for students, scouts and other young naturalists to apply science concepts learned in the classroom to the outdoors. The following hikes are our most popular and are easily adapted to accommodate curriculum specifics for all ages, elementary to adult.
Awesome
Blossoms
(seasonal wild
flower ID and structure)
On
The Trail of the Sticky-Fuzzies
(desert
plant adaptations and structure)
Palm
Oasis and Dune Ecology
Critter
Clues ("nature
hunt" on the trail for animal clues: adaptations, tracks, scat,
burrows, food webs, etc.)
Trail
Mix
(interpretive hike that combines plant and animal ecology)
Scorpion
Night
(scorpion natural history, then searching for scorpions using special lights
(provided); earliest start time
We also customize hikes to fit the interest of your students!
For all hikes above, a flat fee of $150 / up to 40 students (chaperones no charge):
Hikes are interpretive, non-strenuous, about a mile and a half round trip
Hike rating is easy; hike length is 2 1/2 hours
One (1) class per guide total limit on all groups for safety, logistics, and environmental impact reasons.
We request one (1) chaperone per five (5) students in attendance. For grades K - 2, one (1) chaperone per five (5) students required.
Caliso Learning instructor guide will meet your group at the hike site; you are responsible for transportation arrangements for students and chaperones.
To
schedule a class hike (minimum 10 people), or arrange a customized hike please
contact Michelle at (760) 832-0105 or calisolearning@earthlink.net