A brief introduction to Big Basin State park, video REDWOODS

What is amazing about a trip to the redwoods with a group of 4th graders and their parents is the lasting impact. Our students made their trek to the trees in October and they where still talking about it in April and May. When our students were asked to write about a memorable event that had happened to them quite a few chose their trip to Big Basin.

During the afternoons of state testing my class and I reflected on our experience in the trees through art and poetry. This year through the magic of netbooks students were able to access pictures of trees and other flora and fauna on the internet to enhance their artwork. Imagine my surprise when the students suggested, "Let's use the netbooks so we can look up our own pictures to use to paint." It was an ah hah moment for me! They showed me how much they remembered and where able to locate information quickly and easily.

Lessons from a tree

At the Redwoods we learned that if you touch a banana slug it dies.We learned that if you rub your hand on a burnt tree it's called "Evidence of Fire".One thing that we learned that the Mother of the forest is "329"feet tall.A tree fell down a long time ago.At the end we all got to climb on a tree that fell down in 1980's.There is a tree with a crack as big as me.
By:Madison Keno

October Update

The fourth graders at Empire Elementary are planning a fall trip to Big Basin State Park to see some of the oldest living things on our planet. Our trip is sponsored by the Save the Redwoods League, who know how important it is to truly experience these giants of California.

To prepare for our trip we are learning about Redwood Ecology through the California State Parks program PORTS. We are taking a virtual field trip next Tuesday to Humboldt State Park to learn about the producers, consumers, and decomposers that make the redwood ecosystem their home.

Calaveras Big Trees

Trees Inspire Poetry

Redwood Art 2010