Explorations in Science

Pali takes pride in providing hands-on field-based activities that bring classroom science to life. We introduce students to numerous scientific disciplines through archeological excavations, rocket launchings, squid dissections, and bungee jumping thirty-five feet in the air!

Kraken Squid Open
1 class session
In this innovative module, students will learn about adaptation as they create their own “aquatic creature.” They will also engage in hands-on learning (literally) as they dissect a squid, locate its organs and appendages, and compare its structure to a human’s physiological design. With this class, students will better understand the importance of their cephalopod friends and their relation to our planet.

It's Not Easy Being Green (Herpetology)
1 class session
During a frog hunt, students will touch creatures and experience the science of herpetology up-close. Utilizing our Nature Center’s many critters, looking for Herps on our campus, and playing games students will learn the difference between amphibians and reptiles. They will also play games designed to demonstrate lizard adaptations. In one game, youngsters play the roles of lizards whose tails have been cut off. Students will gain knowledge of reptiles and amphibians, and how they thrive in every ecosystem on earth.

Can You Dig It? (Soil Studies)
1 class session
Why do certain plants and trees grow in some places and not in others? By studying topography, students will learn how climatic factors affect the differences in soil and cause some species to thrive where others would not. Playing the role of ecological scientists, students will conduct experiments (using a soil auger and our soil pits) on different soil types: human impact zones, forest zones, meadows and a burn area. As humans continue to develop and change natural landscapes, it is important for students to understand how this behavior affects the environment and their future.

The Energy Dilemma
1 class session
Young scholars will learn about the energy dilemmas facing the 21st century, differentiate between renewable and non-renewable energy sources, and find ways to reduce their energy consumption. Weather depending, students will bake cookies in a solar-powered oven, and discuss alternative forms of energy while snacking on their treats. They will also test wind power, create time lines of manufactured goods and discover their ecological footprint. Students will complete this module with a realistic understanding of energy resources and the importance of recycling.

Aerodynamics
2 class sessions
This fascinating and fun-filled class examines the science of flight as it applies to both airplanes and rockets. In a practical application of their studies, student groups will design, build and launch airplane gliders and rockets powered with water and air pressure fuel. Using basic trigonometry, students will calculate the altitude of their launches (rockets may launch to heights of 100 feet!). Students will leave with an understanding of the basic principals of aerodynamics and aeronautics.

Archaeology
1 class session
By using archaeological methods, students will learn how the science of archeology has contributed to our knowledge of past civilizations. Students will visit their own excavation site, search for and discover artifacts, graph their locations within the site and piece together their discoveries. Depending on dig locations and the types of artifacts they find, students will theorize the history of the area.

Geology/Engineering
2 class sessions
How are rocks and minerals formed and classified? Students will find out as they learn about the geologic history of Southern California, different layers of the earth, plate tectonics and the causes of earthquakes. They are also taught basic engineering principles as they design their own model buildings and test them against our realistic earthquake simulator. Students will gain an understanding of geology principles and the ever-shifting landscape under the surface.

Freshwater Biology
1 class session
In this class, students learn what percentage of the Earth is fresh water and how to conserve it. They will also venture outdoors and use scoop nets to find macro-invertebrates. Students will learn the characteristics of invertebrates – reproduction, nutrition, protection and locomotion – and discuss the importance of these creatures to the ecosystem. At the conclusion of this module, youngsters will leave with an understanding of an amazing, rarely seen world. This class can be teamed with Water Quality to gain a greater appreciation for one of the Earth’s most important resources.
(Weather Dependent.)

Water Quality
1 class session
Water, water, everywhere! Students will explore the hidden populations living within water, specifically microscopic organisms and how they affect water quality. Students will then chemically test the quality of the water using various techniques and determine if the water supply at Pali is polluted. Students conclude the class by learning how water systems become polluted and how this can be prevented. This class can be teamed with Freshwater Biology.

Beyond the Third Rock (Solar System Studies)
1 class session
Space is not empty but filled with a bunch of extraordinary objects to explore. Beyond the 3rd Rock will be filled with topics such as asteroids, moon, eclipses, sun facts and even looking at the sun during the day. The class will be brought to life with activities and information so the students can learn and have fun all in one.

CSI Pali
1 class session
Someone at Pali is a thief! In this fascinating class, students will study the popular field of forensic science. Upon entering a crime scene, students work to solve a mystery by taking fingerprints, comparing fingerprint patterns, analyzing evidence, learning about blood types and studying handwriting samples. They will create a data table and employ deductive reasoning to rule out suspects. Students gain a working knowledge of the field of forensics and its importance in criminal justice.

Zero Gravity
1 class session
Euro Bungee is a multi-station super trampoline system that enables students to jump as high as two stories while accomplishing gravity-defying maneuvers. Students will learn the laws of motion first-hand as they twist and spin while securely fastened to a harness. At the conclusion of this module, they’ll bounce away with a greater understanding of gravity and other forces.
(Limited space, season and weather dependent.)