Living World Science

Living World

Please enjoy, and share in, the experiences students from LABcampZ talk about ALL YEAR LONG!

Just click on the image, or "Day" to view the flash gallery. Click on the "download images" link to visit a secured site for parents to download a .zip file of all the photos for a particular day. This may take a few minutes as the .zip files are rather large. Select the location you want the .zip folder and then right click the folder and select "extract all files" and choose the destination for the folder. Contact Mr. Decking for username and password.

Day 1
LABcampZ students began the day learning about the effects of yeast by making some Hawaiian Sweet Bread. They learned the "scientific" explanation for the origins of our existence. Students were able to go on a botany tour of the San Elijo Reserve and collected samples for leaf rubbings and a fossil activity. Download all images by clicking here.

Day 2
Today, LABcamperZ began with a Powerpoint lesson on the "rock cycle". Following their lesson, they went on a field trip to the Gemological Intstitute of America (GIA). GIA put together an incredible program for the kids, including a few "hands on" activities that the students really enjoyed. Students also received a tour of the GIA museum, which was amazing. Thank you for a great field trip GIA! On their return, students were treated to the beginning of a Montessori lesson on the "Timeline of Life", presented by Ms. Reeves. Download all images by clicking here.

Day 3
LABcamperZ had an amazing day that began with a trip to the Conservation Research laboratories (CRES) at the Wild Animal Park. Students were able to meet 4 researchers from Africa that are studying differences in DNA between domesticated animals and wild animals in hopes that they can help curb poaching and the "Bushmeat Crisis". What an experience! Following the tour of CRES, students went to the Wild Animal Park and were excited to see the new Dinosaur exhibit. Download all images by clicking here.

In an effort to help CRES spread awareness of the "Bushmeat Crisis", LABcampZ encourages you to visit the following websites to learn more about what you can do to help.

Bushmeat Crisis Task Force [BCTF]
(includes many download-able educational materials)

Bushmeat-free East Africa Network [BEAN]
(includes links to organizations involved in fighting the bushmeat crisis in East Africa)

Biosynergy Institute/Bushmeat Project
(WARNING: graphic images on first page)

The Neotropical Bushmeat Crisis and its Impact on Primate Populations
(Link to a 2007 report on the Bushmeat Crisis in Latin America)

Barcoding Bushmeat.org
(includes links to DNA Barcoding websites and informative brochures)

American Museum of Natural History’s Center for Conservation Genetics

Day 4
More exciting science today! LABcamperZ began the day with learning about the differences between plant and animal cells. Following this lesson, students were able to take samples of their own cells (cheek cells) and look at them under microscopes. Following this laboratory, students went on a field trip to Torrey Pines Reserve and many hiked all the way to the beach! Once back from the reserve, students learned about the anatomy of a starfish in a dissection lesson wih Mr. Byrum. Students loved this activity! Download all images by clicking here.

Day 5
The tide was coming in, but that didn't stop LABcampZ from enjoying the Scripps tidepools! Students discovered a large Humbolt squid washed up on the shoreline, a very rare find. Following their tidepool excursion, LABcamperZ finished their study on the "Timeline of Life". Download all images by clicking here.

Overnight
Popcorn and a movie anyone? LABcamperZ returned to school for an evening adventure of stargazing, movie-watching, oh, yes, and s'mores making. CamperZ picked a fun movie and curled up in their tents with piping hot bags of popcorn. They woke to a "hot off the griddle" pancake breakfast with their choice of fruit or chocolate chip toppings! CamperZ helped break down their tents and clean up before leaving, what an awesome group of students! Download all images by clicking here.