Almaden Resident

Education

Walden West science school provides Guadalupe students with nature lesson

By Emilie Crofton

Fifth-graders at Almaden Valley's Guadalupe Elementary School spent last week hiking in the great outdoors, playing games and observing organisms in ponds and creeks. It was not an extended holiday vacation but science school at Walden West, a hands-on learning experience. Walden West, located at 15555 Sanborn Road near the surrounding Sanborn County Regional Park in Saratoga, is an outdoor science school owned and operated by the Santa Clara County Office of Education.

"In schools the focus is on reading and writing, not so much on science," says Walden West director Anita Parsons. "Here we hope to inspire students to learn more about science and how to protect the environment."

Fifth- and sixth-grade students are taught by skilled environmental educators through hands-on and outdoor activities during their five-day, four-night stay at Walden West.

Every experience, from their cabin groups to mountain hikes, is a learning experience, Parsons says. During lunchtime, students are taught the importance of waste management. After every meal the amount of waste is measured, with a goal of having the least amount of waste possible.

"Everything we do is educational, and everything they learn is done in a fun way," Parsons says.

The Guadalupe students worked on developing their social skills as well, by mixing with students from Dorsa Elementary School.

"At first I didn't want to go because I was going to miss my mom too much," says 10-year-old Hanna Scheuerman, or Wildflower, as she is called at Walden West. All the students take on nature names as part of the weeklong experience. "But it's really fun here. I'm so happy I came."

Field instructor Leigh Axelrod, or "Rain," led her group on a survival hike to a pond where students learned about different organisms and the ecosystem.

"We're actually seeing what we're learning," says Anja Bayerle.

After Anja found a newt, her field instructor taught the students all about the amphibian.

Parsons says she is hoping to reach more schools in the near future, especially those that may not be able to afford five-day trips at Walden West. Parsons is currently raising funds for a future science lab that schools could visit for one- or two-day field trips.

In September 2007 Walden West opened its new lodge, a $5 million renovation project. The Santa Clara County Office of Education contributed $4 million; the additional $1 million came from years of community fundraising.

The lodge includes a dining hall and kitchen, theater, conference room and offices.

After a week at the science school, students went home with a better understanding about the world that surrounds them.

"Being here has been amazing," Anja says. "It's better to be outside then in the classroom. We don't even need recess."

For more information on Walden West Center, call 408. 573.3050 or visit www.sccoe.k12.ca.us/walden
west/schoolprograms/outdoor.