News

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Adelante and Franklin Students Take the Classroom to Santa Cruz Island

Fourth graders from Adelante Charter School and Suzette McCormick’s fifth-grade class at Franklin Elementary School had the opportunity to visit Santa Cruz Island last Wednesday. Both classes have participated in the MERITO Academy this year (Multicultural Education for Resource Issues Threatening Oceans). The goal of the MERITO Academy program is to provide high quality, sustainable science programming integrating watershed and ocean science into grades 4-8 public education and extended learning programs, resulting in the active contribution to ocean protection by educated and engaged youth.

Students spent the day exploring and learning more about the unique plant and animal species found only on the island as well as its rich cultural history and geology. They saw many island foxes, recently been brought back from the brink of extinction. The trip was a culmination of the semester–long program. Through the MERITO program students have gained a love for the ocean and a deeper understanding of the vital role the ocean plays in supporting life on planet Earth.