5th Grade Environmental Project

Watersheds and Ocean Ecosystems: Science Center Visit Enhances Learning

Recently, Mount Madonna School (MMS) fourth and fifth grade students visited the Seymour Marine Science Center at the University of California, Santa Cruz; this off-campus learning adventure was included to support students’ studies of local watersheds, food webs and the ocean ecosystems….

Family Redwood Hike and Eco-Carnival at 17th Annual Summit for the Planet Festival

From barn owls and bearded dragons to California kingsnakes and turkey vultures, the opportunity to get up close and hands-on with wildlife at the annual Summit for the Planet Earth Day festival is always a huge draw. Children and adults alike enjoy…

Seeking Volunteers: Fifth Graders to Lead March 25 Beach Cleanup

On Saturday, March 25 from 2:00 to 4:00pm, the Mount Madonna School (MMS) fifth grade class is organizing a community beach cleanup of Platforms Beach in Aptos. Volunteers of all ages are invited to join in the effort; the students will supply…

Protecting Pelicans: Fifth Grade’s Environmental Project

Each year, the Mount Madonna School (MMS) fifth grade class engages in a year-long, cross-curricular study focused on an environmental topic selected by the students. For 2022-23, students voted to focus on pelicans to raise public awareness and reduce the existential threats…

Invasive Species, Saving Redwoods and Forestry Management: Students Visit County Park

While Mount Madonna School (MMS) school buses pass through Mount Madonna County Park each weekday morning and afternoon, on a recent day, MMS third through fifth grade students rode the school bus to – not through – the park, for an opportunity…

Understanding Ecosystems: Students Engage in Research at Elkhorn Slough Reserve

On a clear, sunny morning last week, curious students explored the flora and fauna of the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, investigating invertebrate specimens, water, air and soils tests, and recording observations in nature journals. Mount Madonna School (MMS) fifth and…