On December 2, the second grade class visited two local state park ‘treasures,’ Wilder Ranch and Natural Bridges. Students were able to see the monarch butterflies clustered in Eucalyptus branches; and explored the grounds of a 19th century dairy ranch. Second grade teacher Jenni Leach shares some highlights of this day of learning:
‘At Wilder Ranch students learned about the history of California and the immigration of Spanish and Mexican people to this area before the Mexican American War. This study relates to our own family immigration stories and family tree project. For this in-depth project, which students will work on over the next couple months, second graders will research and write about their families’ history and immigration to America. Each student will design a family tree, and together we will map all of the students’ families’ countries of origin.
‘After spending the morning learning about early migration to America, early farming practices and the preservation of historic sites at Wilder, students went to Natural Bridges State Park to enjoy a picnic in the eucalyptus grove. They were met by a ranger and given a one-hour Monarch Butterfly tour. The tour began with a beautiful video demonstrating the butterflies’ life cycle. Our volunteer parents then dressed up in costumes to portray three of these ‘stages of life,’ and the ranger taught students specific facts about each stage. The kids love to see the adults in costume!
‘We also learned about the Monarch migration from Canada to Santa Cruz. We were led out to the viewing decks to observe the Monarchs in flight. We were fortunate the weather was warm. Students looked on in wonder as the butterflies flew around them. The ranger also set up a powerful telescope and students were able to view the butterfly clusters up close. This portion of our trip aligned with our science unit on life cycles and animal migration patterns. It also accompanied the social studies unit on the importance of preservation of lands and the conservation of natural resources to protect wildlife. Finally, the whole trip fit in with our Farm to Table curriculum in health as we discussed the foods still being grown at Wilder Ranch and the impact of pesticides and herbicides as they affect the Monarchs’ migration and the numbers who will survive.’
As a follow up to this experiential learning trip, on December 6, Santa Clara County Parks Interpreter (and MMS parent) Lynda Will visited the second grade classroom to teach students about “Magical Metamorphosis.’ Students learned about the life cycles of butterflies, lady bugs, ants, praying mantises and frogs. Students got to dress up to demonstrate the stages of life and were given the opportunity to observe preserved insects and frogs. Students then demonstrated their learning by doing puzzle boxes that quizzed the sequences of the stages of life.
‘Lynda was an amazing presenter, she really engaged the kids’ commented Leach. ‘Her program was excellent!’
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Contact: Leigh Ann Clifton, Marketing & Communications,
Nestled among the redwoods on 355 mountaintop acres, Mount Madonna is a safe and nurturing college-preparatory school that supports students in becoming caring, self-aware and articulate critical thinkers, who are prepared to meet challenges with perseverance, creativity and integrity. The CAIS and WASC accredited program emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville.