Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District (PVPUSD) Programs*
G4 Natural History
G5 Earth Sciences
WOW Program
Junior Docents
Puppets
* Funding by Los Serenos, community grants and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
Grade 4 Natural History Program
WHO: Open to all Fourth grade PVPUSD Students
WHY: Meets intent of California State Standards for Fourth grade students by highlighting the Palos Verdes Peninsula’s rich cultural history, diverse plant life and unique geology.
WHAT: The program consists of activities and tours led by Los Serenos docents in conjunction with a field trip to the Point Vicente Interpretive Center. Each student is awarded a keepsake workbook as well as pre- and post- testing material. It is designed to complement the student’s academic lessons while providing a sense of stewardship and pride for the wonders of the Peninsula.
Grade 5 Earth Sciences Program
WHO: Open to all Fifth grade PVPUSD Students.
WHY: Designed to complement and enhance the in-class curriculum related to the California State Earth Science Standards and give students a local frame of reference and practical application for what they have learned.
WHAT: Visiting students are rewarded with a trip to Forrestal Nature Reserve. There, Los Serenos docents lead students on a nature walk through the reserve while sharing insights regarding the unique geology and special habitat of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Whale of a World Program (WOW)
WHO: Title 1 elementary schools in local areas of Los Angeles County
WHY: This program funds the buses for field trips and educational material for Title I elementary schools in local areas of Los Angeles County. The program is funded through community and foundation grants. The WOW Outreach Program uses the allure of the ocean and its inhabitants plus the exhibits at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center to raise the students’ awareness of how conservation and preservation impacts the native and coastal habitat and wildlife that exist in these environments. The program attempts to stimulate the students’ interest in learning by providing experiences that will enhance their education plus raise their self-esteem and affect a positive change.
WHAT: The students will have an opportunity to visit one of three sites: The Point Vicente Interpretive Center, the Abalone Cove Shoreline Park tide pools, and the Forrestal Nature Reserve.
Junior Docent Program
CLICK HERE TO APPLY. Submission deadline is December 15, 2024
Classes start Saturday, January 25, 2025 (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
WHO: Open to local high school students.
WHY: The program was designed to complement the existing educational and support activities provided by the members of Los Serenos including museum tours, hikes support, whale wagon duty and special event participation. The program offers high school students community service opportunities and strives to instill an understanding and appreciation for the dynamics and fragility of the natural world around them, while also providing fulfilling and rewarding experiences for its participants.
WHAT: Beyond the seven weeks of training classes and 36 hours of annual commitment, the program currently includes activities such as field trips to the tide pools at Abalone Cove, opportunities to hone presentation and public speaking skills, as well as a chance to work with fellow members and RPVtv staff and volunteers on the Junior Docent Nature Series. Interested? Learn more HERE.
Puppet Program
Do you want a fun and exciting introduction to tide pools? This animated puppet show, created in 2017, uses the magic of puppets in an interactive teaching style to introduce curious young children to the wonders of tide pool sea creatures that live along the rocky shoreline. Cecil the Clam, Herman the Hermit Crab, Louie the Lobster, Otto the Octopus, Susie the Sea Hare and Wally the Pacific Gray Whale join C. Starr the Sea Star on wild adventures into a tide pool of discovery and memorable experiences. The Adventures of C. Starr puppet show is presented at Whale of a Day (WOAD), the City of Rancho Palos Verdes’ Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza and other special events. For more information, please contact the Point Vicente Interpretive Center at 310-377-5370.