Irvine Regional Park
- Grade Level: 4th Grade
- Location: Irvine Regional Park
- Program Length: 5 Hours
- Standards Supported: NGSS 4-LS1-1 • NGSS 4-ESS2-1
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Cost: Visit our Program Fees page for more information!
Become a scientist for the day at Irvine Regional Park! During this immersive field trip, students investigate how natural systems work by stepping into the roles of ecologists, biologists, geologists, and fire ecologists. Through hands-on investigations, hiking, and outdoor exploration, students discover how plants and animals are adapted to survive, investigate erosion and landforms, and explore how wildfire shapes Southern California ecosystems. Along the way, they examine how people influence natural systems and consider solutions that help protect these important places.
Field Investigations
- Plant Ecology: Investigate how coastal sage scrub plants are adapted to survive hot, dry conditions by observing leaf structures and water-conserving adaptations.
- Wildlife Biology: Explore the Orange County Zoo and discover how native animals' physical structures and adaptations help them survive in the coastal sage scrub ecosystem.
- Geology Investigation: Survey two potential building sites, collect evidence about soil, slope, and erosion, and determine the best location for a new nature center.
- Fire Ecology: Hike through a real burn scar to investigate how wildfire affects ecosystems, how habitats recover, and how communities can reduce future wildfire impacts.
Ready to Join Us?
Ready to discover the science behind Irvine Regional Park with your students?