September — If you’re looking for a definition of experiential education, look no further than the sixth grade science classroom at Ojai Valley School. We take integrated hands-on learning to a higher level by leading students on an exploration of the local watershed, which began this week as the sixth-graders ventured to Reyes Peak on a rainy morning to see first-hand how water enters our local environment.
“The whole valley is our classroom — and our playground,” sixth-grade science teacher Dustin Vail told parents at Back to School night. Indeed, the watershed project supplements the earth science curriculum as students participate in numerous field trips to the Los Padres National Forest, Matilija Dam, Ventura River, Friends Ranch citrus packinghouse, local wastewater treatment plant, and more.
The watershed study is complimented by the language arts reading list, which includes the Newbury Award-winning young adult novel “Hatchet” by Gary Paulsen. Under the guidance of Vail and teachers Ryan Lang and Vanessa Herrera, the students practiced survival techniques they learned while reading the story of thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson who faces life or death in the Northern Wilderness.
This blend of earth science, literature, history, and outdoor education all combine into an integrated exploration of the environment as part of the sixth-grade curriculum.
OVS students across the grade levels will venture to the beaches, islands, and mountains of California in September and October for their fall camping trips. The high school students will be the first group to depart. All 112 students in grades 9-12 will divide into four groups and spend a week, starting September 14, camping in Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and the Channel Islands national parks. Students are expected to come to school with their outdoor gear, or be prepared to make final purchases of equipment during the first weekend at school.
October 10 — Our Upper Campus students returned to campus following a fabulous week at Rock Creek in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains, just northwest of Bishop. Their first two days were filled with hiking excursions to Rainbow Falls, Mono Lake, and lakes in the stunning John Muir Wilderness. They’ve also enjoyed some relaxation time in camp and at the hot springs near Mammoth Lakes.
October 3 – Middle School students ventured to the beaches, islands, and mountains of California last week for their fall camping trips. The 8th graders enjoyed a full week at Hume Lake in the western Sierras, while the 7th graders (pictured above) spent a week camping, snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking at Santa Cruz Island off the coast of Ventura. The 6th graders spent four days at Montana de Oro State Park on the central coast.
