The National Park Service holds the SHRUB program in high regard. At the invitation of the Superintendent of Death Valley, SHRUBS participate in a 3-day camping trip to Death Valley. This is the third year that SHRUBS will make the trek to the desert. The visit is late in February, when the weather is at its best.
On this trip, SHRUBS continue scientific inquiry in the areas of…
- Physical Science – exploring water content
- Earth Science – examining the water cycle, and heating and cooling of earth materials in a desert environment
- Life Science –experiments with and analyzing the data of multi-cellular organisms, including native plants and pup fish.
SHRUBS learn how to set up and take down camp, including tents, take short hikes, tour sights such as Furnace Creek, Bad Water, and the Borax Museum. They have the opportunity to take a night hike and enjoy a star show led by a Ranger/astronomer. Time is set aside for writing, reflection, and painting.
In this 3-day experience where students can compare and contrast their home, a Mediterranean biome to the desert environment, SHRUBS serve as representatives of EARTHS Academy. SHRUBS are welcomed at Death Valley National Park and offer the best that our school has to offer: motivated 5th graders, who demonstrate respect, responsibility, and a love for learning.