The Ocean Starts At Your Front Door
From coastal cities to landlocked towns the ocean plays a crucial role in our environment. The biodiversity of the ocean breathes fresh air into our atmosphere and brings rainfall and food to us all around the world. Our existence and the existence of all the world’s creatures hangs in the balance of this vast life support system. Each and every creature that lives below the surface contributes to that ecosystem, playing an integral part in the balancing act that is life on Earth.
The Dana Point Harbor is rich in natural and cultural history, biological diversity and distinctive geology to enhance learning. Utilizing the beach as a living classroom, The Ocean Starts at Your Front Door will teach the kids about the different ways trash travels and ends up in the ocean, the harmful effects of marine debris and how to prevent ocean pollution. They'll learn about watersheds, tide pools and marine mammals, including the California Grey Whales.
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Setting and Day:
Participants will gather at Baby Beach (or Killer Dana) in the Dana Point Harbor.
The school day will begin with a briefing about ocean safety and straight to our lecture/ learning series.
From there, the kids will grab their buckets and begin picking up trash. At the end of the cleanup, we will dissect the trash to learn what types were found, with a highlight on single use plastics.
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All Children in Early Childhood are Natural Scientists
When young children embrace science, explore and interact with the environment, they assume the role of scientists naturally.
Outdoor Environmental Education Helps
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Build Future Leaders
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Builds critical and creative thinking skills
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Imagination and enthusiasm
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Problem-solving
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Strengthens the community
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Independence
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Confidence
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Builds personal responsibility
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Boosting concentration
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Increasing a child’s engagement at school
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Reduces stress
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Improving moods
By Heading Outside and Learning in Nature
Kids improve their emotional, intellectual and behavioral development.
They also come away from their experience with a greater appreciation of our natural environment and an understanding of the importance of practicing good land and ocean stewardship.
"In the end we will conserve only what we love
we will love only what we understand
and we will understand only what we are taught."
Baba Dioum 1968
