Outdoor Education is one of the programs at Keys that makes this school unique. Each year classes go on a variety of outdoor adventures that build character, enhance social development, and teach students about the environment. From the one-night kindergarten camping trip, to the eighth grade week of oceanography and snorkeling off Catalina Island, these class trips grow in length, distance from home, and complexity of issues presented. Each trip is integrated with science and social studies, and professional naturalists join Keys teachers and parents to provide expertise on a variety of ecological topics.
Kindergarten
Trip
- Costonoa Overnight Camping
- Huddart Park
Challenge & Recreation
- Follow directions
- Learn precautions for outdoors
- Use listening and observing skills
- Observe/learn about different habitats
- Enjoy/discover/respect the outdoors
- Learn about trees
- Take precautions
Cooperation & Communication
- “Each One/Teach One”,
- Share observations orally
- Cooperate with teaching partner
Reflection
- Recall favorite parts of trip for shared writing
- Partner writes picture captions for Memory Book
- Recall in writing/drawing “What Trees Give Us”
Science
- Observe different trees
- Recall parts of tree
- What each part does
- How animals use trees
- Use observation skills and recall class learning about habitats
First Grade
Trip
Challenge & Recreation
- Hiking
- Following directions
Cooperation & Communication
- Food preparation and clean-up
- Cooperative activities
- Teamwork
- Farm chores
Reflection
- Writing/reflection on activities
Science
Second Grade
Trip
Challenge & Recreation
- Sleeping away
- Hiking
- Exploring
Cooperation & Communication
- Team building games
- Scavenger hunt
- Sharing experiences
Reflection
Science
- Hike activities
- Tide-pools
Third Grade
Trip
- Mount Cross , Santa Cruz Mountains
Challenge & Recreation
- Independent living skills
- Hiking
- Swimming
Cooperation & Communication
Science
- Nature observations
- Coastal Redwood forests
- Stream studies
Reflection
Fourth Grade
Trip
- Point Reyes
- Kistler Ranch
Challenge & Recreation
- Packing gear
- Pitching tents
- Tide-pooling
- Horseback riding
- Canoeing
- Hiking
- Gold panning
- Calf lassoing
Communication
Cooperation & Communication
- Games
- Cooking
- Cleaning
- Skits
Reflection
Science
- Plant & coastal animal identification
- Miwok Indians
Fifth Grade
Trip
Challenge & Recreation
- Hiking, tide-pooling
- Wood chopping
- Tent pitching
- Cooking
- Blacksmithing
- Pioneer living
Cooperation & Communication
- Team activities
- Yosemite Meadow Town Meeting
- Historical role playing
Reflection
Science
- Introduction to sea life & geology
- Pygmy forests
Sixth Grade
Trip
- Pinnacles National Monument
- Montara Lighthouse
Challenge & Recreation
- Rock climbing
- Night walks
- Recreation hiking
- Swimming
- Campfire songs
Cooperation & Communication
- Group gems
- Tent sharing
- Food preparation and cleanup
- Skits
- Trust walk
- Climbing support
Reflection
Science
- Chaparral ecosystem
- Bats
- Plate tectonics
- Pinnacle formation
- Night sky and constellations (stargazing)
Seventh Grade
Trips
Challenge & Recreation
- Volcano hike
- Mono Lake swim
- Sleeping out
- Night hike
Cooperation & Communication
- Group activities
- Mono Lake water debates
- Group sharing
Reflection
- Journal writing
- Group discussions
Science
- Volcanic, riparian, saline and desert ecosystems
Eighth Grade
