Curriculum and Instruction
Throughout TK-12 instruction, Next Generation Science Standards tie in climate education as students learn about the world around them. In the early grades, students get a variety of hands-on experiences that go along with classroom instruction: field trips to the landfill, tide pools, school gardens, and more. Elementary school culminates with a 5th/6th grade science camp trip.
“For many students, science camp is the first time they get to experience the outdoors in a deeper way. Going to science camp teaches our kids the power of science in their lives, inspires them to get curious about the world, and encourages them to develop a love for the great outdoors.”
— Jessica Miller, Principal
As students move into middle and high school, science offerings include: Environmental Science, Marine Biology, and Agriculture Courses; elements of sustainable agriculture and climate change education are embedded in science courses. There are student clubs at all of our secondary sites, including Environmental Clubs and Bicycle Clubs. Our continuation high school, Pacific Beach High School, has a long-standing program where students work with SLO City Farm learning about sustainable farming practices, soil, and plant growth. We also have state and nationally recognized Future Farmers of America programs at both Morro Bay High School and San Luis Obispo High School.
SLCUSD Foundation and the Miossi Trust
The Foundation has teamed with the Miossi Trust and Creek Lands Conservation to bring Protecting Our Watersheds to our classrooms.
Protecting Our Watersheds (POW!) is a cross-curricular environmental literacy lesson-based program aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) that engages 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students in local phenomena inquiry-based hands-on learning. POW! uses a multiple subject approach with a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) component that culminates in an end of the year field trip experience for each grade. The main program objective is to ensure that every Central Coast student receives the opportunity to form meaningful connections with nature as part of a strategic plan to provide multi-year programming to promote equitable environmental education.
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Develop cross-curricular curriculum based on Central Coast phenomena.
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Adapt curriculum for each school district based on local phenomena.
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Adapt field trips for each school district including a hands-on field journal (material relevant to your district) that students utilize while deepening their relationship with nature.
Summer Experience Culinary Program
We also host a Summer Experience Program, which provides opportunities for students to learn culinary skills and a deeper understanding of the local food system. The Food and Nutrition Services Department hosts culinary classes across five school sites, serving about 1,000 students. The kids love taste testing new recipes and local items, especially ones they see on the school lunch menu!
As a CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant Program recipient, this program intentionally connects the garden, cafeteria, and classroom. We're so excited to see it thriving!