Educational Services - Service Learning
Success Story: Ballona Wetlands Clean-Up
BHUSD Service-Learning: Learn and Serve.The Ballona Wetlands, located in Playa del Rey, are one of the last undeveloped coastal wetlands in California. For this Service-Learning project, both the high school students and fourth graders of El Rodeo learn about the structure, benefits, and destruction of wetland areas. For the past several years, the high school's Environmental Science students at Beverly Hills High School have been visiting, helping preserve, and aiding the Ballona Wetlands. After studying about wetlands, high school students watch The Last Stand, a documentary made about the Ballona Wetlands. 
High school students then take a trip to the area. While visiting, these students have written letters to local council members, participated in a wetland clean-up, and have also helped remove invasive species. 4th grade El Rodeo students also take a field trip to the Ballona Wetlands and learn about the ecosystem, the bird migration, the variety of native plants and animals, and the invasion of nonnative species. They particularly enjoyed having the opportunity to express their gratitude to Abby, their guide, in a friendly letter format, per the English/Language Arts Standards they are covering in class. 
4th Grade Student Reflections (El Rodeo) "Thank you for teaching me all about the Ballona Wetlands. I learned lots of things." Jonathan Y. "Wetlands are very important." Shaina H. "Thank you so much for showing us the Wetlands. I appreciate it so much." Bobo A. "I learned what animals live there, how their food webs keep everything in balance, and how some plants or animals get there by accident. The Ballona Wetlands are full of life." Zach H. Official Ballona Wetlands Land Trust site BHUSD 4th Grade Curriculum: Ballona Wetlands  Beverly Buzz - Ballona Wetlands picture (See page 6.)
|
|
