The January through June months of Explore the Channel Islands focus on the natural science and history of the Channel region. The learners start back in the depths of prehistory when wooly mammoths roamed the islands, and move through geologic time tracing the forces that have shaped the channel. Then we look towards the heavens and explore the night sky - both from the Native American prehistoric perspective, and also using state-of-the-art remote access technology to capture our own images of the night sky today, using a university telescope.

Next the learners examine the geography and oceanography, and learn to recognize the weather patterns and emergencies known to the Channel region. Then its down underwater to see the fish, sea mammals. And recently discovered life forms that inhabit the channel. As we head out towards the islands in our studies, we will explore the Channel islands National Marine Sanctuary and the preserves off Catalina Island. And the final expedition examines the native and introduced life out on the islands.

The culmination of the science section can be hosting a science and history fair, taking a virtual field trip out to the islands via a live Internet broadcast, or joining the Camp on a live physical field trip to one of the Islands.

Channel Paleontology, Geology, and Astronomy

Channel Geography, Oceanography, and Meteorology

The Channel’s Ecosystem

Tidepools and Kelp forests

Whales, Dolphins and Sea Lions

Fish, Sea Birds, and Shellfish

Native and Non-Native Animals on the Islands

Native and Non-Native Plants on the Islands