Integrate common core standards in language arts, science, math, and even social studies around RVOEP field trip and classroom programs. The following curriculum resources will help you out:
California Education and the Environment Curriculum (K – 12)
The Education and the Environment (EEI) Curriculum teaches to mastery select K-12 California academic content standards in Science and History-Social Science, using the environment as a context for learning. These curriculum units are aligned with Common Core Standards. View and download grade level curriculum units at click here.
Earth Walk – Curriculum Connections (Grade 1)
Before your visit to the RVOEP, share this wonderful book by Jennifer Ward with your students: Forest Bright, Forest Night. Order the book at: click here. Related lesson suggestions can be downloaded free at: click here.
Another great book that introduces forest animals and has free downloadable lessons is Over In the Forest by Marianna Berkes. Order at click here.
Make sure to download one or more of the excellent EEI first grade curriculum units: click here
Our Living Earth/Soil – Curriculum Connections (Grade 2)
Connect RVOEP to your school garden! The University of Santa Cruz Life Lab Program has developed a comprehensive science curriculum that is aligned with Common Core Standards and based around the school garden: click here.
The Nature Detective Training Program – Curriculum Connections (Grade 3)
Nature Journals – Ideas and Tips: click here
3.3.a. Structures for Survival in a Healthy Ecosystem
Description: A healthy natural system is essential to help plants and animals survive the process of growth and reproduction. This is an excellent unit available for download. It pairs nicely with your RVOEP field trip experiences.
click here View all Unit Components/Guides
Flight School – Curriculum Connections (Grades 4 – 5)
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology provides valuable resources that will extend and enrich your Flight School experiences. Visit their website at click here
- Cornell’s online BIRD GUIDE is great for research projects, making your own class field guide of local birds, and reports: click here
- Cornell Feeder Bird Coloring Book: click here
- Get the excellent Cornell Lab Bird Sleuth Curriculum at click here. It is well worth the price!
- SKETCHING BIRDS. Check out this wonderful YOU-TUBE LESSON by John Muir Laws, a noted naturalist and illustrator of field guides: click here..
- Connect to local birding events and birders at the Peregrine Audubon site: click here.
Forest Community Investigation – Curriculum Connections (Grades 4 – 5)
Download a comprehensive hands-on curriculum called “Investigating the Oak Community.” It is packed with excellent lessons that can extend your classroom connection to the out of doors while integrating science, social studies, and language arts: click here.
Russian River Salmon and Steelhead Habitat Survey (Grades 4 – 5)
Trout Unlimited provides teacher training at Lake Sonoma and curriculum that centers on raising steelhead in the classroom. Give your students firsthand experience with the lifecycle of salmon and steelhead. This excellent curriculum integrates standards in math, science, social studies and language arts.
Check the Trout Unlimited website for information: https://www.redwoodempire-tu.org/#
Opening the World Through Nature Journaling – A Junior Naturalist Training Program (Grade 6)- Curriculum Connections
Nature Journaling offers an interdisciplinary combination of art, science, writing and observation.
Download a free copy of the Opening the World Through Nature Journaling Curriculum here: click here.
Visit the website of John Muir Laws, noted illustrator and co-author of the nature journaling curriculum, to access many wonderful sketching lessons: click here.
BEFORE your trip to the RVOEP, please read the chapters related to ecosystems in your science text.