Science, Exploration, and Hands-On Experiences
Next Generation Science Standards Hands-On Activities
Step into our outdoor Starlab Planetarium, where the wonders of the cosmos unfold before your eyes. As the dome darkens and the stars begin to twinkle, you’ll find yourself transported to a world of celestial marvels and ancient stories.
Next Generation Science Standards Hands-On Activities
Astronomy
Stargazing Adventure
At Sly Park, the night sky unfolds in all its splendor, revealing a universe of wonders rarely seen from city lights. In the clear, crisp air of the mountains, Sly Park offers breathtaking views of celestial bodies—brilliant stars, shimmering galaxies, and ethereal nebulae, each waiting to tell their story. Through one of our ten powerful telescopes, students can journey light-years away to witness the mysteries of space, learning about the Moon’s rugged surface and the science behind twinkling stars. Every night becomes an unforgettable voyage into the cosmos!
Explore the Wonders of Space at Sly Park’s Starlab Planetarium
Step into our outdoor Starlab Planetarium, where the wonders of the cosmos unfold before your eyes. As the dome darkens and the stars begin to twinkle, you’ll find yourself transported to a world of celestial marvels and ancient stories.The Sly Park Environmental Education Center’s planetarium offers an engaging and immersive experience that aligns with California’s Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). It supports and enhances students’ understanding of key astronomical concepts, directly addressing NGSS standards with lessons about:
- Earth’s place in the universe. Students observe and investigate patterns of seasonal changes in the night sky, aligning with standards that focus on celestial movements and Earth-space relationships.
- Scale and proportion. The planetarium provides a unique model to explore the concept of scale in the universe, helping students grasp the vast distances and sizes involved in astronomical studies.
- Patterns and cycles. Students can identify and analyze patterns in celestial objects’ behavior over time by observing the movement of stars, planets, and constellations.
- Systems and system models. The planetarium serves as a model of the night sky, allowing students to understand how different celestial bodies interact within the larger system of the universe.
- The Starlab planetarium projects the night sky indoors where students learn about constellations, legends from many different cultures, and concepts that help them understand astronomy.
Observatory
The Sly Park observatory's telescopes include an 11" Celestron, a 17 1/2 " Newtonian, two 8" Newtonians and six 6" reflectors, all of which offer breath-taking views of the heavens. During the daytime, sunspots and solar prominences can be viewed with our hydrogen alpha filter.
Stargazing Events
Sign up for the McDonald Observatory's SkyTips newsletter to receive stargazing highlights, upcoming StarDate radio program descriptions, and other McDonald Observatory news.
Astronomy Links
Ecology
Creek Ecology
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of creek ecology at Sly Park. Our hands-on activity transforms students into young scientists as they explore the intricate web of life in riparian ecosystems and their watersheds.
Students will experience scientific exploration, sampling techniques, inquiry-based learning, ecosystem health, and the human impact on the natural environment. Students will learn valuable scientific skills and a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things in our waterways. They’ll leave with a newfound understanding of creek ecosystems and their vital role in our environment.
Forest Ecology
Students embark on a journey through riparian and mixed conifer forest ecosystems in our forest ecology program. Through hands-on learning and sensory awareness activities, they will engage in inquiry-based exploration that reveals the intricate interactions between abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) components of the forest.
This immersive study deepens students’ appreciation for nature while fostering a sense of responsibility toward preserving our precious woodlands.
Wildlife Ecology
Sly Park is located within a diverse ecosystem that includes creeks, forests, and fields. Our comprehensive wildlife ecology program—enhanced by the unique Sly Park Animal Room—offers an immersive learning experience that brings nature to life. Students will discover ecosystem diversity, energy transfer, structure and function, and the crucial role of biodiversity in maintaining ecological balance. Hands-on learning experiences include observing living and preserved wildlife specimens up close, interactive games to illustrate ecological concepts, and scientific discussions to share and analyze findings.
Through these engaging, hands-on experiences, students develop a scientific perspective on wildlife and ecosystems, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world and its delicate balance.
Invertebrate Investigations
Invertebrate Investigations
Dive into the fascinating world of forest floor ecosystems with our Invertebrate Investigations activity. This hands-on experience transforms students into junior scientists as they explore the vital role of small creatures in our natural world.
Students will discover how to use scientific sampling to collect terrestrial invertebrates and other tiny organisms, and then uncover facts about their critical importance in the ecosystem. Through this immersive investigation, students gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate web of life in forest ecosystems and the significant impact of even the smallest organisms on our environment.
STEAM Room
STEAM Room
In the Sly Park STEAM Room, students dive into a world of creativity and problem-solving through a series of interactive stations focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM). They’ll learn about the engineering design process by engaging in hands-on activities that guide them through the various stages—brainstorming ideas, prototyping, and testing solutions.
Students can unleash their creative sides by designing and producing a Sly Park silk-screened shirt, a cherished tradition that allows them to express their individuality and ingenuity.
Community-Based Activities & Adventures
Community-Based Activities & Adventures
Challenge Wall
Challenge Wall
At Sly Park, our indoor climbing wall features three distinct routes, each offering varying levels of difficulty. This setup encourages students to push their limits and embrace personal challenges while fostering social and emotional growth.
Our dedicated Sly Park teachers, along with visiting staff, create a supportive environment focused on relationship-centered learning. This approach not only enriches the student experience but also strengthens group dynamics, helping students build lasting connections with one another.
Evening Programs
Evening Programs
Sly Park’s evening programs provide a campus-wide opportunity for all students to engage in several community-based activities. These activities allow multiple avenues for students to develop relationships and a sense of belonging at Sly Park and in their home classrooms.
These experiences help foster a positive climate and culture at Sly Park and leave students with a more enriching experience. The evening programs are as follows: Community Games, Song Night, Science Carnival, and the Eco Show.
Hikes & Trails
Orienteering
In our Orienteering program, students work in teams of two or three to master the art of navigation using a compass and GPS unit. Together, they will embark on an exciting adventure as they navigate a course marked by controlled waypoints.
Students can build team collaboration and navigation skills, learn topographical analysis techniques, and compare their observations of the environment using critical thinking and investigative abilities.
Night Hike
Join us for an interactive group hike that invites students to experience the magic of the night. Under low-light conditions, students will engage in scientific observations, uncovering the mysteries of nocturnal life and the cosmos.
Students can learn about nocturnal animal adaptations and how they’ve evolved to thrive in darkness. They’ll build sensory awareness as they navigate along the trail using sight, sound, and touch. Hikers can gaze at the stars, identify constellations, and discover the rich tapestry of nighttime folklore that has shaped human understanding of the natural world.
Jenkinson Lake
The Lake Hike at Jenkinson Lake is a stunning five-mile round-trip journey through the picturesque Eldorado National Forest, leading you to the serene Jenkinson Lake Group Camp areas and the beautiful Crystal Cove.
As students hike around the lake, they’ll discover scenic vistas, lush forests, and tranquil waters. The surrounding area is rich in wildlife, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching and observing the fish that live in the lake.
Manzanita Hill
The Manzanita Hill hike features a beautiful, paved one-mile walking path that winds through the stunning Eldorado National Forest. This accessible trail invites students to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying a leisurely stroll.
During their hike, students can keep an eye out for the energetic squirrels darting through the trees and the deer grazing nearby. The area is also home to numerous bird species and native plants, including the manzanita bushes for which it is named.
Native American Studies
Native American Studies
Step into our Native American Interpretive Center (NAIC) and embark on a journey through time. This immersive space showcases authentic artifacts that honor the rich heritage of local tribes who once called our region home. Students will develop practical skills and gain insight into the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Native American cultures.
At the NAIC, students engage in a thought-provoking exploration of Native American cultures and their relationship with the environment. Our center offers a variety of engaging, hands-on activities that bring ancient skills to life, including fire-building, arrowhead knapping, acorn grinding, and ancient engineering and craftsmanship techniques.
Survival by Design
Survival by Design
In our Survival by Design activity, students engage in a hands-on experience that combines team building with the practical skills of shelter construction. Working in teams, students will design, build, and evaluate an emergency survival shelter.
During the design and building process, students will learn how to collaborate with others, navigate specific design constraints, and use heat-transfer principles to improve the effectiveness of their shelter designs. Students gain valuable survival skills and strengthen their ability to collaborate and innovate.
