Each year, the Mount Madonna School (MMS) fifth grade class engages in a year-long, cross-curricular study focused on an environmental topic selected by the students. For 2022-23, students voted to focus on pelicans to raise public awareness and reduce the existential threats faced by these seabirds.
In November, students visited the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz to learn about marine debris in the Monterey Bay and how it affects the broader ecosystem. That same day students conducted a cleanup of Cowell Beach, mostly collecting microplastic debris, cigarette butts and pieces of Styrofoam.
This field trip was part of the students’ research, as they are collaborating in small groups to write reports about pelicans, the Monterey Bay habitat, and an identification of threats to pelicans and conservation efforts underway.
To support students’ learning, teacher Jessica Cambell invited representatives from International Bird Rescue (IBR) to campus for a presentation to students.
“The presenters helped students to learn more about threats faced by pelicans and the work the organization is engaged in to help protect pelicans and other birds around the world,” said Cambell. MMS students are partnering with the organization around pelican conservation this school year, and will create educational flyers for IBR to use at their public outreach events. The class will also “adopt” a pelican cared for by IBR for rehabilitation and release.
Additional collaborations related to the students’ project are being considered, said Cambell, including a possible link for MMS students with students at other schools located where pelicans migrate; and, fifth graders may partner with the upper school Environmental Justice club to reduce waste in the campus Snack Bar.
In early January, MMS fifth graders will visit Neary Lagoon Park and Wildlife Refuge in Santa Cruz in collaboration with the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for a “watershed walk.”
“As part of this experience, students will work with educators from the natural history museum to build an understanding of how humans impact the watershed and the role we all play in protecting our watershed,” shared Cambell. “Students will conduct water quality testing, data analysis, habitat observation and stewardship. This field trip will also be connected to a classroom visit from a museum educator, as we explore the vital role watersheds play in the survival of pelicans and many other species.”
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Contact: Leigh Ann Clifton, director of marketing & communications,
Nestled among the redwoods on 375 acres, Mount Madonna School (MMS) is a diverse learning community dedicated to creative, intellectual, and ethical growth. MMS supports its students in becoming caring, self-aware, discerning and articulate individuals; and believe a fulfilling life includes personal accomplishments, meaningful relationships and service to society. The CAIS and WASC accredited program emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville. Founded in 1979.
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Contact: Leigh Ann Clifton, director of marketing & communications,
Nestled among the redwoods on 375 acres, Mount Madonna School (MMS) is a diverse learning community dedicated to creative, intellectual, and ethical growth. MMS supports its students in becoming caring, self-aware, discerning and articulate individuals; and believe a fulfilling life includes personal accomplishments, meaningful relationships and service to society. The CAIS and WASC accredited program emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville. Founded in 1979.
