Using California State Parks as a service-learning resource
Abstract
California State Parks offers educators a unique opportunity to establish service-learning projects. For example, the Dunes Restoration Project, a partnership between the California State Park Service and all sixth grade students at Carpenteria Middle School, helps the State Park Service restore the local dunes at Carpinteria Beach. Educational consultant Michael Stark submitted this effective practice in August, 2003, as part of a project for CalServe.Issue
Service-learning projects must fulfill the requirements of answering a community need, as well as providing educational enrichment. As there are 278 classified and unclassified units in the California State Park system, organized into 23 districts, the opportunities for student learning and community advancement are plentiful. California State Parks contain a wide variety of natural and cultural resources, historical and ethnographic collections, as well as artifacts from all time periods.Action
The Dunes Restoration Project is a partnership between the California State Park Service and all sixth grade students at Carpenteria Middle School. This service-learning project helps the California State Parks Service restore the local dunes at Carpinteria Beach. It also complements the California State Science Framework. During this yearly project, all sixth graders:- Erect fencing to protect growth of native plants.
- Create informational posters that are displayed in the parks display cases, using poster material that has been partially funded through the Cesar Chavez Day of Service Grant.
- Learn about the indigenous people — the Chumash — and their history.
- Follow a science curriculum that includes a discussion of rocks and minerals found in the Carpinteria area.
- Understand how local geology has affected the history of Carpinteria by taking a geology walk.
- Study the birds that inhabit the area both seasonally and year round.
Context
California State Parks offers educators a unique opportunity to establish service-learning projects. Many of the parks have Teacher's Guides available for educators interested in helping their students get more out of their park experience. Inquire with park staff to see if guides are available. Materials and other helpful ideas may be downloaded from the California State Park's website.
This is an exemplary model of a service-learning project in that it contains all five elements of service-learning goals including:
- Linking to core curriculum
- Providing service to the community
- Giving students a voice
- Fostering civic responsibility
- Incorporating student reflection
Outcome
Park Ranger Linda Tornello states that by having the students participate in the restoration of the dunes, they have a personal investment in the park. They have found that vandalism in the area has decreased since the project began a few years ago.
California State Parks offer opportunities for students to learn about our natural and cultural history through hands-on experiences and interaction with trained staff and volunteers. By serving in the parks, students gain an appreciation of the natural resources there.
Posted On
January 17, 2006For More Information
Resources
Through the CalServe Initiative, the California Department of Education has been supporting a Statewide Regional Service-Learning Network and district wide school-community partnerships that annually involve over 120,000 students and approximately 15,000 community volunteers in urban, rural and suburban communities throughout the state. It is the California Department of Education's vision that by the year 2004, 50 percent of all districts will include service-learning as part of their regular instructional practice, engaging students in at least one service-learning experience at each grade span (K-5, 6-8, and 9-12).Related Practices
Related sites
California State Parks: For Schools
California State Parks: Links for Schools