Science Archives - PORTS Program

Once Upon a Redwood

3-5, Animals, History, K-2, Plants, PORTS Programs, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Science

Once Upon a Redwood Step into the story of the tallest trees with Once Upon a Redwood! In this interactive virtual program, student will uncover the missing chapters of the redwood forest's story in Redwood National and State Park and explore how these ancient trees... Read MoreRead more about Once Upon a Redwood

Hi Up House: Resilience in the Canyon

3-5, History, People, PORTS Programs, Science, STEAM, Wildwood Canyon State Park

Hi Up House: Resilience in the Canyon This program uses the story of the McCollough family and the Hi-Up House, built in Wildwood Canyon during the Great Depression, to explore universal themes. Through a historical lens, students investigate resilience,... Read MoreRead more about Hi Up House: Resilience in the Canyon

An interpretive ranger stands on the bluffs overlooking the ocean in front of a video conferencing device on a tripod. On the ground in front of the tripod is a whale spine bone. In the interpretive rangers hand is a large gray whale puppet.

Gray Whale’s Great Migration

6-8, Animals, Mendocino Headlands State Park, Oceans and Watersheds, PORTS Programs, Science, STEAM

Gray Whale’s Great Migration Dive into the gray whale’s great migration at Mendocino Headlands State Park! In this program we will learn how gray whales migrate thousands of miles from Alaska to Mexico every year, as well as how they eat, grow, and care for their... Read MoreRead more about Gray Whale’s Great Migration

Image is a collage of birds and fossilized birds and a park ranger looking like they are thinking

Raptors to Raptors: the Evolution of Birds

6-8, 9-12, Animals, PORTS Programs, Science, Silver Strand State Beach, STEAM

Raptors to Raptors: the Evolution of Birds Meet the missing link between reptilian dinosaurs and modern-day birds! Join us at Silver Strand State Beach as we walk through time and evolution to reach the birds we know and love today. From Charles Darwin and his... Read MoreRead more about Raptors to Raptors: the Evolution of Birds

Trees of the Tahoe Basin

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Climate, Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park, People, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science

Trees of the Tahoe Basin Come learn about the amazing trees of Sugar Pine Point State Park and their adaptations to the harsh mountain climates of the Tahoe Basin. We will build a tree identification guide and investigate distinct features of tree species in the area.... Read MoreRead more about Trees of the Tahoe Basin

California Redwoods vs. Climate Change

Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Climate, Hendy Woods State Park, History, Plants, Previous Broadcasts, Science

Small Actions, BIG TREES: The Story of the Coast Redwood and Giant Sequoia Forests

Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Climate, History, People, Plants, Previous Broadcasts, Science

Tough Trees: Fire Adaptations of Giant Sequoias and Coast Redwoods

Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Climate, Plants, Previous Broadcasts, Science

Battle of the Extremes: Giant Sequoia vs. Coast Redwood

Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Climate, Plants, Previous Broadcasts, Science

Fire! A California Story

Animals, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Climate, Columbia State Historic Park, History, Plants, Previous Broadcasts, Science

The Cost of Gold: Environmental Impacts of the Gold Rush

Animals, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Climate, Columbia State Historic Park, History, Plants, Previous Broadcasts, Science

Image is a screenshot of the Mysterious World of Bull Kelp homepage. An illustration of an otter floating on the surface with kelp and under a wave the kelp forest underwater.

The Mysterious World of Kelp

https://bullkelp.info/

The Mysterious World of Kelp

Instructional Resources, Mendocino Headlands State Park, Oceans and Watersheds, Science

https://bullkelp.info/ Read MoreRead more about The Mysterious World of Kelp

In-Person Field Trip at Pismo State Beach

3-5, Animals, Arts and Culture, Blended-Access Field Trips, Pismo State Beach, Plants, Science

In-Person Field Trip at Pismo State Beach Explore Pismo State Beach! There are two types of field trips offered at Pismo State Beach: Northern Chumash Education Field Trip: Join California State Parks Interpreters for our Northern Chumash program. This 2 hour field... Read MoreRead more about In-Person Field Trip at Pismo State Beach

Monarch Butterfly on tree at Pismo State Beach

Amazing Monarchs: Milkweed, Migration and Conservation!

3-5, K-2, Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science

Amazing Monarchs: Milkweed, Migration and Conservation! California State Park Interpreters will take students on a virtual journey to discover the Western monarch overwintering habitat at Pismo State Beach. The Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove is a special... Read MoreRead more about Amazing Monarchs: Milkweed, Migration and Conservation!

Discovering The Dunes

3-5, Animals, K-2, Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science

Discovering The Dunes Join us at Oceano Dunes SVRA for a 45-minute virtual field trip to learn all about how sand dunes are formed! This program is designed for students 2nd-5th. We will learn how sand is formed, how our big sand dunes were made, and the plant and... Read MoreRead more about Discovering The Dunes

Bridge over Lake Oroville with trees in background

The Smallest Superheroes

3-5, 6-8, Animals, Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park, Oceans and Watersheds, PORTS Programs, Science, STEAM

The Smallest Superheroes Decomposers benefit the web of life. Step into the world of decomposers and decomposition; The world’s tiniest superheroes live in and on the dirt and are known as decomposers. These tiny but mighty creatures benefit our environment thanks to... Read MoreRead more about The Smallest Superheroes

Travelers of the Sierra Nevada Mountains

3-5, 6-8, Animals, Donner Memorial State Park, History, People, Places, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science

Travelers of the Sierra Nevada Mountains Join a Donner Memorial State Park Interpreter sharing stories of the diversity of people who came through the Donner Lake area in the Sierra Nevada Mountains (near Lake Tahoe, California). Listen to accounts of the first people... Read MoreRead more about Travelers of the Sierra Nevada Mountains

Collections Show and Tell with Chino Hills State Park

3-5, 6-8, Animals, Chino Hills State Park, History, K-2, Places, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science, STEAM

Collections Show and Tell with Chino Hills State Park Take a casual virtual visit into Chino Hills State Park history and nature with interpreter Shelly In this 30 minute program. We will look at bones, plant and bug specimens, art exhibits, and the park itself. We... Read MoreRead more about Collections Show and Tell with Chino Hills State Park

Cardboard box filled with assorted bird elements including nests and bird feathers. labeled "bird migration" on the front.

Bird Migration with Chino Hills State Park

6-8, 9-12, Animals, Chino Hills State Park, Climate, Places, PORTS Programs, Science, STEAM

Bird Migration with Chino Hills State Park Migratory Birds have been a main visitor to Chino Hills State Park since before its inception. Come visit the park in this virtual program to learn about which seasonal birds come to breed here and which come to winter here.... Read MoreRead more about Bird Migration with Chino Hills State Park

Aerial view of two gray whales swimming together and exhaling from blowholes.

The Gray Whale Road Trip at Point Dume State Beach!

3-5, Animals, Climate, History, K-2, Oceans and Watersheds, People, Places, Point Dume State Beach, PORTS Programs, Science

The Gray Whale Road Trip at Point Dume State Beach! Gray whales migrate along the shores of Malibu every year in an ever-changing environment. This program gives an in depth look at what this migration is like for California's largest state animal, the Pacific Gray... Read MoreRead more about The Gray Whale Road Trip at Point Dume State Beach!

In Person Field Trip to Hendy Woods State Park

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Blended-Access Field Trips, Climate, Hendy Woods State Park, K-2, Places, Plants, Science

In Person Field Trip to Hendy Woods State Park In Person Field Trip to Hendy Woods State Park Located in Anderson Valley, along Highway 128, Hendy Woods acts as a great stop for those traveling any distance from inland locations to reach the coast. Our educational... Read MoreRead more about In Person Field Trip to Hendy Woods State Park

In-Person Field Trips at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Blended-Access Field Trips, Climate, History, Places, Plants, Science, Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

In-Person Field Trips at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area Explore the Water Cycle at Silverwood Lake SRA! During this two hour fieldtrip, students will learn where all of California's water comes from, through the establishment of The California Water Project.... Read MoreRead more about In-Person Field Trips at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

In-Person Field Trip at Chino Hills State Park

3-5, Animals, Arts and Culture, Blended-Access Field Trips, Chino Hills State Park, Plants, Science

In-Person Field Trip at Chino Hills State Park There are two types of field trips offered at Chino Hills State Park: The Biodiversity Connections Field Trip: Embark on an exciting 3-hour field trip to explore the rich diversity of Chino Hills State Park, where nature... Read MoreRead more about In-Person Field Trip at Chino Hills State Park

Wild Adaptations with Chino Hills State Park

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Chino Hills State Park, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science, STEAM

Wild Adaptations with Chino Hills State Park Explore plant and animal adaptations within different five habitats. In this 45-minute virtual visit, students will learn about habitats found throughout the Southern California region and which animal and plant adaptations... Read MoreRead more about Wild Adaptations with Chino Hills State Park

Wetlands with reeds growing amongst the lagoon, driftwood scatted in the horizon.

Self Guided In-Person Field Trip at Humboldt Lagoons

Blended-Access Field Trips, Climate, Humboldt Lagoons State Park, Oceans and Watersheds, People, Places, Science

Self Guided In-Person Field Trip at Humboldt Lagoons Self Guided Field Trip at Humboldt Lagoons State Park! Self-Guided Field Trips at Humboldt Lagoons State Park are facilitated independently by K-12 grade teachers, college educators, chaperones, and/or youth... Read MoreRead more about Self Guided In-Person Field Trip at Humboldt Lagoons

An ocean cove at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve with a rocky shoreline covered in brush.

Kayak Quest: Explore Above and Below the Ocean’s Surface

3-5, 6-8, Animals, Climate, K-2, Oceans and Watersheds, Plants, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, PORTS Programs, Science

Kayak Quest: Explore Above and Below the Ocean’s Surface Join us for an unforgettable kayaking adventure at the “crown jewel of the California State Park System”, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. We will paddle above the enchanting underwater kelp forest in... Read MoreRead more about Kayak Quest: Explore Above and Below the Ocean’s Surface

Desert Adaptations: The Game Show!

3-5, Animals, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, PORTS Programs, Science, STEAM

Desert Adaptations: The Game Show! Classmates compete to create an imaginary animal that can survive in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Solve riddles, guess words, and spin your way to survival! Recommended for grades 3-5 with a focus on... Read MoreRead more about Desert Adaptations: The Game Show!

Cardboard box filled with animal artifacts labeled "wild journals" with trees in the background.

Wild Journals with Chino Hills State Park

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Arts and Culture, Chino Hills State Park, K-2, People, Places, PORTS Programs, Science, STEAM

Wild Journals with Chino Hills State Park Learn different journaling techniques while watching wildlife and exploring habitats. In this 45-minute virtual STEAM visit, students will learn about nature, literary, and science journals. Each journal concept builds... Read MoreRead more about Wild Journals with Chino Hills State Park

Animal Detectives at Anza Borrego Desert State Park

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, K-2, Places, PORTS Programs, Science, STEAM

Animal Detectives at Anza Borrego Desert State Park Can you find evidence of hidden desert wildlife? Learn how prints, scat, and other signs can reveal animal activity to scientists. Practice the secrets of tracking to become an Animal... Read MoreRead more about Animal Detectives at Anza Borrego Desert State Park

Up close image of a poppy field in Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve

Mojave Desert Grassland Adaptations

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve, Climate, Places, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science

Mojave Desert Grassland Adaptations The Mojave Desert can be a harsh place to live. The Antelope Valley CA Poppy Reserve sits on the western border of the Mojave desert. Here native grasses and annual flowers flourish. Walk with a State Park Interpreter through the... Read MoreRead more about Mojave Desert Grassland Adaptations

Geology of the South Yuba River

3-5, 6-8, Climate, History, Oceans and Watersheds, People, Places, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science, South Yuba River State Park, STEAM

Geology of the South Yuba River South Yuba River State Park is situated along its namesake South Yuba River, one of the numerous rivers that carve their way through the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Each of these rivers has unique geology that influences all aspects of... Read MoreRead more about Geology of the South Yuba River

In-Person Field Trip: Half Moon Bay State Park

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Blended-Access Field Trips, Climate, Half Moon Bay State Beach, K-2, Oceans and Watersheds, Places, Plants, Science

In-Person Field Trip: Half Moon Bay State Park Welcome teachers! There are 4 different field trip offerings available at Half Moon Bay. Please read the descriptions below for details about subjects, grade levels, and locations! Want to find more PassPORTS Programs?... Read MoreRead more about In-Person Field Trip: Half Moon Bay State Park

Anza Borrego Desert State Park In-Person Field Trips

Animals, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Blended-Access Field Trips, Climate, Plants, Science, STEAM

Anza Borrego Desert State Park In-Person Field Trips Explore Anza Borrego Desert State Park! Please visit the Field Trip Guide landing page to learn all about bringing students on a self-guided field trip to Anza Borrego. When you are ready to schedule, please use the... Read MoreRead more about Anza Borrego Desert State Park In-Person Field Trips

In-Person Field Trip: The Language of the Forest

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Blended-Access Field Trips, Climate, Mount San Jacinto State Park, Places, Science

In-Person Field Trip: The Language of the Forest Transport your students to the high-altitudes of Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world's longest and steepest rotating car! Through sensory exploration, this program... Read MoreRead more about In-Person Field Trip: The Language of the Forest

a white lighthouse with small white house with red roof and two chimneys on the edge of a cliff with the ocean on the left.

Lighthouse Engineer Challenge

6-8, Animals, Climate, Oceans and Watersheds, Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park, Places, PORTS Programs, Science, STEAM

Lighthouse Engineer Challenge Lighthouses do all kinds of jobs all over the world! This 45 minute program challenges students to become lighthouse engineers. Students will learn about the technology and engineering that goes into building and operating a lighthouse.... Read MoreRead more about Lighthouse Engineer Challenge

Calaveras State Park In-Person Field Trip

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Blended-Access Field Trips, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, K-2, Places, Plants, Science

Calaveras State Park In-Person Field Trip Explore Calaveras Big Trees State Park! School fieldtrips to Calaveras Big Trees are offered through the California Big Trees Association. Both guided and self-guided options are available for booking. Reservations can be made... Read MoreRead more about Calaveras State Park In-Person Field Trip

Mysteries of the Octopus: Adaptations and the Life Cycle of a Curious Marine Invertebrate at Crystal Cove State Park

3-5, Animals, Climate, Crystal Cove State Park, Oceans and Watersheds, Places, PORTS Programs, Science

Mysteries of the Octopus: Adaptations and the Life Cycle of a Curious Marine Invertebrate at Crystal Cove State Park Unlock the mysteries of one of the world’s most fascinating organisms, the octopus! Join Park Interpreter Alex on the California coast for an engaging... Read MoreRead more about Mysteries of the Octopus: Adaptations and the Life Cycle of a Curious Marine Invertebrate at Crystal Cove State Park

“The Snail and the Whale” Story Time!

3-5, Animals, K-2, MacKerricher State Park, Oceans and Watersheds, Places, PORTS Programs, Science

“The Snail and the Whale” Story Time! Join California State Parks Interpreter Kat at MacKerricher State Park in reading the story book “The Snail and the Whale” by Julia Donaldson! Students will meet a snail riding on the tail of a whale through the ocean!... Read MoreRead more about “The Snail and the Whale” Story Time!

Ancient Tools and Technology

3-5, 6-8, Arts and Culture, History, Lake Perris State Recreation Area, PORTS Programs, Science, STEAM

Ancient Tools and Technology Learn about the concept of technology and its historical applications in this STEAM focused program at Lake Perris State Recreation Area. You will learn about technological tools used in ancient times through the lens of hunting.... Read MoreRead more about Ancient Tools and Technology

Jaw-some Great Whites

3-5, Animals, Climate, K-2, Oceans and Watersheds, PORTS Programs, Science, Torrey Pines State Beach

Jaw-some Great Whites Join us at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for an unforgettable underwater adventure exploring the fascinating world of great white sharks! In this interactive, educational program, students will discover the amazing adaptations that make... Read MoreRead more about Jaw-some Great Whites

Eel River Escapade

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, K-2, Oceans and Watersheds, Places, PORTS Programs, Richardson Grove State Park, Science

Eel River Escapade Join us in learning about the Eel River watershed from Richardson Grove State Park! Watersheds are all around us and are made up of so many biotic and abiotic factors that work together to create a healthy watershed ecosystem. In this program we... Read MoreRead more about Eel River Escapade

The american river pictured from above with beautiful yellow, orange and green trees lining the river, at dawn with purple pink clouds in the sky.

The History of Coloma Told Through Trees

3-5, History, Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, People, Places, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science

The History of Coloma Told Through Trees Join us at Marshall Gold Discovery SHP as we explore the history of the Coloma Valley before, during and after the Discovery of Gold. During our program, the trees of the Coloma Valley help us tell the story of the gold rush... Read MoreRead more about The History of Coloma Told Through Trees

Anza-Borrego Geology Quiz

https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/5e55a23e646d92001ca891e8/desert-landforms-and-geology#new_tab

Anza-Borrego Geology Quiz

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Instructional Resources, Science

https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/5e55a23e646d92001ca891e8/desert-landforms-and-geology Read MoreRead more about Anza-Borrego Geology Quiz

monarch butterflies hanging onto tree leaves, barely leaving enough space to see the leaves.

Virtual Monarch Butterflies Grove Tour

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, K-2, Natural Bridges State Beach, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science

Virtual Monarch Butterflies Grove Tour Come visit Natural Bridges virtually! During this program, your students will have the chance to discover the life cycle, migration, adaptations, and conservation of monarch butterflies here at Natural Bridges and all across... Read MoreRead more about Virtual Monarch Butterflies Grove Tour

a giant green anemone in a tidepool surrounded by mussels

Tidepool Exploration at Natural Bridges State Beach

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, K-2, Natural Bridges State Beach, PORTS Programs, Science

Tidepool Exploration at Natural Bridges State Beach During this program, you and your students will discover tidepool adaptations and zonation at Natural Bridges State Beach. This hour-long program will guide you and your students through the intertidal zone and the... Read MoreRead more about Tidepool Exploration at Natural Bridges State Beach

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration

3-5, 6-8, PORTS Programs, Science, Seacliff State Beach, STEAM

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Seacliff State Beach is located in the heart of the Monterey Bay. This bay is a very special place as it is part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. During this one-hour program, K-1 students will design a... Read MoreRead more about Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration

a shark tooth fossil peeks out from the sand

Seafloor to Seashore – Finding Fossils at Seacliff

3-5, Animals, History, K-2, PORTS Programs, Science, Seacliff State Beach

Seafloor to Seashore – Finding Fossils at Seacliff How did fossils from the seafloor end up in the cliffs at Seacliff State Beach? During this 45-minute virtual program, students (grades 2-4) will become paleontologists and investigate how fossils are made and... Read MoreRead more about Seafloor to Seashore – Finding Fossils at Seacliff

rocky terrain in the foreground with the ocean waves curving around the coast in the background

Shaping the Coast

3-5, Half Moon Bay State Beach, K-2, PORTS Programs, Science

Shaping the Coast Schedule your class for a virtual field trip to the San Mateo coast and visit beautiful Half Moon Bay State Beach. In this program, we'll learn about the awesome forces that shape our iconic coastline. From tectonic plates to the awesome power of... Read MoreRead more about Shaping the Coast

a small round tan and white bird in the sand

Animal Habitats and Adaptations

3-5, Animals, Half Moon Bay State Beach, K-2, PORTS Programs, Science

Animal Habitats and Adaptations Schedule your class for a virtual field trip to Half Moon Bay State Beach. In this program, we'll get to know some of the many animals that inhabit our beaches and ocean, how they are adapted to their environment, and what we can all do... Read MoreRead more about Animal Habitats and Adaptations

a close up of a beetle with black and white stripes on a light yellow leave

Explore the Coastal Sandhill Habitat

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, K-2, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science

Explore the Coastal Sandhill Habitat Explore one of the most sensitive and endangered ecosystems in the greater Santa Cruz area, the Santa Cruz Sandhills. This habitat does not support Coast Redwood trees, but instead, a community of unique plants and animals, many of... Read MoreRead more about Explore the Coastal Sandhill Habitat

Why Do Redwoods Live Here?

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, K-2, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science

Why Do Redwoods Live Here? Henry Cowell RSP is home to an abundance of biodiversity and during your virtual field trip you'll have a chance to explore a glimpse of some of Henry Cowell's most precious natural, cultural, and historic resources. This program is... Read MoreRead more about Why Do Redwoods Live Here?

Geology at Castle Rock

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Castle Rock State Park, People, Places, PORTS Programs, Science

Geology at Castle Rock Students can explore the natural wonders of Castle Rock State Park from the comfort of their own classroom and can even take a virtual hike guided by our staff interpreter to Castle Rock, the park’s namesake rock formation. Our virtual field... Read MoreRead more about Geology at Castle Rock

Harbor Seal Adaptations!

3-5, 6-8, Animals, Climate, K-2, MacKerricher State Park, Oceans and Watersheds, Places, PORTS Programs, Science, STEAM

Harbor Seal Adaptations! Students will virtually visit MacKerricher State Park to explore the similarities and differences between humans and marine mammals, specifically the Harbor Seal! Students will observe and identify what crucial adaptations ensure seal survival... Read MoreRead more about Harbor Seal Adaptations!

Rooted in Survival: Unveiling the Resilient World of Coast Redwoods

3-5, 6-8, Animals, Climate, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, K-2, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science

Rooted in Survival: Unveiling the Resilient World of Coast Redwoods Rooted in Survival is an exciting virtual field trip that brings the wonders of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park straight to your classroom or learning space! Designed for students in grades K–8,... Read MoreRead more about Rooted in Survival: Unveiling the Resilient World of Coast Redwoods

Leo Carrillo State Park In-Person Field Trip!

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Blended-Access Field Trips, Leo Carrillo State Park, Places, Plants, Science

Leo Carrillo State Park In-Person Field Trip! Explore Leo Carrillo State Park! The tidepools of Leo Carrillo are an incredibly unique place where many plants and animals live together under extreme conditions. Meeting on the edge of the Santa Monica Mountains in... Read MoreRead more about Leo Carrillo State Park In-Person Field Trip!

Tule Elk: One of California’s Largest Land Mammals

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, History, K-2, People, Places, PORTS Programs, Science, Tule Elk State Natural Reserve

Tule Elk: One of California’s Largest Land Mammals The Tule Elk State Natural Reserve protects a small herd of tule elk, an endemic California subspecies of elk once hunted nearly to extinction. Tule elk once dominated the deer and pronghorn population that... Read MoreRead more about Tule Elk: One of California’s Largest Land Mammals

Image shows the ocean on the left with a wet sand covering the beach, reflecting the sky and clouds in the distance. Some clumps of kelp sit on the wet sand. Mountains are nestled under the clouds in the distance.

Explore Our Shore

3-5, Animals, Carpinteria State Beach, K-2, Oceans and Watersheds, Places, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science

Explore Our Shore Join us as we learn about the diverse organisms that inhabit our shore and coastal environments at Carpinteria State Beach. Habitats may include tidepools, estuaries, dunes, tar seeps, the Santa Barbara Channel, and more! We will use our observation... Read MoreRead more about Explore Our Shore

Elephant Seals of Hearst San Simeon State Park

3-5, Animals, Hearst San Simeon State Park, Oceans and Watersheds, PORTS Programs, Science, STEAM

Elephant Seals of Hearst San Simeon State Park Join us for a deep dive into the fascinating lives of Northern Elephants Seals from Hearst San Simeon State Park. Together, we will observe elephant seals live from the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery – the largest... Read MoreRead more about Elephant Seals of Hearst San Simeon State Park

Humboldt Redwoods State Park In-Person Field Trips

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Blended-Access Field Trips, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, K-2, People, Places, Science

Humboldt Redwoods State Park In-Person Field Trips Explore Humboldt Redwoods State Park! Join us for a 2-3 hour guided field trip at Humboldt Redwoods State Park! Before your field trip, you will get to choose activities that will fit the unit standards and... Read MoreRead more about Humboldt Redwoods State Park In-Person Field Trips

Eelgrass Habitat in the San Diego Bay: An Underwater Wonder

3-5, Animals, Oceans and Watersheds, Places, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science, Silver Strand State Beach

Eelgrass Habitat in the San Diego Bay: An Underwater Wonder Explore the unique eelgrass habitat at Silver Strand State Beach! In this program, students will learn about how eelgrass in the San Diego Bay provides numerous benefits to the bay ecosystem and is a... Read MoreRead more about Eelgrass Habitat in the San Diego Bay: An Underwater Wonder

Sea Otters of Morro Bay

3-5, Animals, Morro Bay State Park, Oceans and Watersheds, PORTS Programs, Science

Sea Otters of Morro Bay Morro Bay State Park is located on California's beautiful central coast and features wetlands, mudflats, coastal scrub and more! Many different animals and plants call Morro Bay home, including a very special marine mammal, the Southern Sea... Read MoreRead more about Sea Otters of Morro Bay

A great white shark smiles for the camera.

Sharks: Fact or Fiction?

3-5, 6-8, Animals, Carpinteria State Beach, Climate, K-2, Oceans and Watersheds, People, Places, PORTS Programs, Science

Sharks: Fact or Fiction? Through a fun and interactive program, students will identify facts from misconceptions about one of the ocean’s most interesting predators, sharks! During the program, we will discuss shark physiology, adaptations, sharks on the Pacific... Read MoreRead more about Sharks: Fact or Fiction?

a large elephant seal snoozing on its side on the sand. Other elephant seals lay in the background at the beach

Birth, Blubber, and Battle: How Elephant Seals Survive as Mammals with Año Nuevo State Park

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Año Nuevo State Park, K-2, Places, PORTS Programs, Science

Birth, Blubber, and Battle: How Elephant Seals Survive as Mammals with Año Nuevo State Park This virtual field trip takes place in the Año Nuevo State Park preserve where we'll have the chance to discuss the behavior, lifecycle and adaptations of the Northern elephant... Read MoreRead more about Birth, Blubber, and Battle: How Elephant Seals Survive as Mammals with Año Nuevo State Park

State Park Interpreter standing in front of tablet on tripod with salt marsh behind her.

Salt Marsh Secrets (3-5th) at Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve

3-5, Animals, Oceans and Watersheds, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science, Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve

Salt Marsh Secrets (3-5th) at Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve In this program, students will discover salt marsh plant and animal species using observational skills, movement, and nature journaling techniques. We’ll focus on the plants’ adaptations... Read MoreRead more about Salt Marsh Secrets (3-5th) at Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve

Black and white photo of a gentleman using a long stick to pull tar from a barrel.

Tar, Not Just a Nuisance!

3-5, 6-8, Animals, Carpinteria State Beach, Climate, History, Oceans and Watersheds, People, Places, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science

Tar, Not Just a Nuisance! Let’s discover the active tar seeps at Carpinteria State Beach! Students will learn about why and how tar continues to seep on our coast. We will then observe a series of historical or modern scenes of tar and discuss and decide whether this... Read MoreRead more about Tar, Not Just a Nuisance!

Coyote: Song Dog of the West

3-5, Animals, K-2, Mount Tamalpais State Park, PORTS Programs, Science

Coyote: Song Dog of the West Coyotes might not be the most common animal on Mount Tamalpais, but they can be an exciting animal to encounter here! Throughout their history with humanity, these canids have been seen a variety of ways. They are culturally important to... Read MoreRead more about Coyote: Song Dog of the West

Stop! Hammer Time!: Blacksmithing in 19th Century San Diego

3-5, 6-8, Arts and Culture, History, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, People, Places, PORTS Programs, Science, STEAM

Stop! Hammer Time!: Blacksmithing in 19th Century San Diego Step into the past as you follow us on an awesome adventure through an 1800 blacksmith shop at Old Town Old town San Diego State Historic Park. In this program students can discover the history, origins, and... Read MoreRead more about Stop! Hammer Time!: Blacksmithing in 19th Century San Diego

Birds of Prey at Millerton Lake

3-5, Animals, K-2, Millerton Lake State Recreation Area, PORTS Programs, Science

Birds of Prey at Millerton Lake Birds of prey have adapted over generations to become the premier hunters at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area. For thousands of years, predator birds have developed physical adaptations that allow them to survive in this environment... Read MoreRead more about Birds of Prey at Millerton Lake

State Park Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) interpreter stands in front of a side-by-side vehicle wearing a black helmet, red mirrored googles, and holding an incident report on a clipboard.

Prairie City Physics Detectives

6-8, PORTS Programs, Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area, Science, STEAM

Prairie City Physics Detectives Join us as we explore off-highway vehicles and apply physics concepts at Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area! In this program we will learn about off-highway vehicle safety and even calculate speed and acceleration of a moving... Read MoreRead more about Prairie City Physics Detectives

Tidepool Animal Incredible Adaptations in Crystal Cove State Park’s Marine Protected Area

3-5, Animals, Crystal Cove State Park, K-2, Oceans and Watersheds, Places, PORTS Programs, Science

Tidepool Animal Incredible Adaptations in Crystal Cove State Park’s Marine Protected Area Join us on a 45-minute virtual field trip to Crystal Cove State Park’s Marine Protected Area (MPA) to learn about tidepool habitats and the incredible adaptations that... Read MoreRead more about Tidepool Animal Incredible Adaptations in Crystal Cove State Park’s Marine Protected Area

Underwater Creatures of the Marine Protected Areas

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Gaviota State Beach, K-2, Oceans and Watersheds, Places, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science

Underwater Creatures of the Marine Protected Areas Join us along the Gaviota Coast to discover the importance of marine protected areas (MPA’s)! Throughout our program, we will examine a number of species likely to benefit from the MPAs, and explore the diverse... Read MoreRead more about Underwater Creatures of the Marine Protected Areas

An interpretive ranger stands on the beach with the water on the left and the bluffs on the right. He is smiling and motioning his hand toward the beach while holding a whiteboard with a drawing of a watershed and a smiling sun. Next to him is his video conferencing device on a tripod.

Watersheds Connect Me to the Sea

3-5, 6-8, K-2, Oceans and Watersheds, People, Places, Plants, PORTS Programs, San Elijo State Beach, Science

Watersheds Connect Me to the Sea We are all connected to our one global ocean through our local watersheds. Join us at San Elijo State Beach as we dive into how watersheds work, how they connect us to the ocean, and actions we can take to keep our local watersheds... Read MoreRead more about Watersheds Connect Me to the Sea

Interpreter stands in front of large redwood tree trunk. She's looking at a device on a tripod, interpreting to kids about the redwoods.

Redwood Resilience: Forged by Fire and Fog

3-5, 6-8, K-2, People, Places, Plants, PORTS Programs, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Science

Redwood Resilience: Forged by Fire and Fog Join a state parks interpreter from Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park for a virtual field trip to the redwoods! Nestled on California’s north coast, Prairie Creek protects 14,000 acres of old growth redwood forest and... Read MoreRead more about Redwood Resilience: Forged by Fire and Fog

Redwoods, Earth Cycles and Climate Change

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Climate, Hendy Woods State Park, Places, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science, STEAM

Redwoods, Earth Cycles and Climate Change Redwoods, Earth Cycles and Climate Change: (Recommended for grades 5th-12th) As the keepers of a complex ecosystem, the coast redwoods interact with our Earth cycles in many ways. Even as resilient as the redwoods are, they... Read MoreRead more about Redwoods, Earth Cycles and Climate Change

Redwood Anatomy and Adaptations

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Climate, Hendy Woods State Park, Oceans and Watersheds, Plants, PORTS Programs, Science, STEAM

Redwood Anatomy and Adaptations Towering above all else that grows in nature, the coast redwood is a marvel among trees. Able to survive for over 2,000 years, these gentle giants display a wealth of adaptations that allow them to thrive in the Pacific Northwest.... Read MoreRead more about Redwood Anatomy and Adaptations

An interpretive ranger stands on the beach smiling at the camera, holding a model of a blue sea jellie, with a videoconferencing device on a tripod to her left. The waves in the background are crashing on the shore.

Jellies: Sensational Stinging Survivalists

3-5, 6-8, Animals, K-2, Oceans and Watersheds, People, Places, PORTS Programs, San Elijo State Beach, Science

Jellies: Sensational Stinging Survivalists Jellies (aka jellyfish) have amazing adaptations that allow them to thrive throughout our world's ocean. From surface waters to the deepest depths, from the warm tropics to the chilly poles, join us at San Elijo State Beach... Read MoreRead more about Jellies: Sensational Stinging Survivalists

Richardson Grove In-Person Field Trips

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Blended-Access Field Trips, Places, Plants, Richardson Grove State Park, Science

Richardson Grove In-Person Field Trips Explore Richardson Grove State Park! It began with 120 acres, but with the help of Save the Redwoods League and other generous donors, the park has grown to 1,800 acres. A four-hour drive from San Francisco, the park... Read MoreRead more about Richardson Grove In-Person Field Trips

In-Person Field trip to MacKerricher State Park!

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Blended-Access Field Trips, K-2, MacKerricher State Park, Places, Plants, Science

In-Person Field trip to MacKerricher State Park! Explore MacKerricher State Park! Bring your learning to life with an in-person field trip to MacKerricher State Park. On your field trip, you and your students will join Interpreter Kat Gabrielson for a guided hike... Read MoreRead more about In-Person Field trip to MacKerricher State Park!

Refugio State Beach In-Person Field Trip!

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Arts and Culture, Blended-Access Field Trips, K-2, Places, Plants, Refugio State Beach, Science

Refugio State Beach In-Person Field Trip! Explore Refugio State Beach! Gaviota and Refugio State Beaches are ideal places to explore marine protected areas, sandy beaches, coastal erosion, and so much more! Programs are designed to enrich learning and inspire... Read MoreRead more about Refugio State Beach In-Person Field Trip!

Carpinteria State Beach In-Person Fieldtrip

3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Animals, Blended-Access Field Trips, Carpinteria State Beach, K-2, People, Plants, Science

Carpinteria State Beach In-Person Fieldtrip Explore Carpinteria State Beach! Bring your lessons to life at California’s natural, cultural, and historic resources! Carpinteria State Beach is an ideal place to explore tidepools, sandy beaches, tar pits, and so much... Read MoreRead more about Carpinteria State Beach In-Person Fieldtrip