Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District (PVPUSD) Programs*

* 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.  See more details HERE.

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 two sites: The Point Vicente Interpretive Center and/or 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

The Puppet Program, created in 2017, uses the magic of puppets in an interactive teaching style to introduce curious young children to the wonders of nature.  “Coastal Adventures:  The Good, The Bugs and the Ugly” (targets PVPUSD 1st grade initially) debuted at the 2025 Whale of a Day in April.  This life-science show is based on PVIC museum exhibits on Land Animals and our Native Plant Garden.  “Coastal Adventures” is planned to be implemented as one of our eductational programs, the 4th Grade program, that will complete all our educational school-based programs from grades 1 through high school.  For more information, please contact the Point Vicente Interpretive Center at 310-377-5370.