SCIENCE @ Topanga Elementary
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Topanga Elementary students take their science classes to the trails surrounding our wonderful school during lessons from the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains. This science enrichment activity is paid for by Topanga Enrichment Programs (TEP). Thanks to all the parents and community friends who support our school by supporting TEP!

OUR MISSION
To support and encourage intellectual curiosity and to instill in the children of Topanga an appreciation of our natural resources and a desire to practice environmental stewardship.
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EDUCATION
Topanga Elementary Charter School (TECS) has invested time and resources to develop a one-of-a-kind science educational experience for our children. A sampling of our Education Activities is below:
  • Dedicated Science Teacher and Classroom: Formal weekly science curriculum for all grades K – 5.
  • Dedicated Science Committee: A team of parents work on a volunteer basis with the principal and science teacher to
    support the science program and develop and carry out program initiatives.
  • Outdoor Learning Laboratory: The TECS campus is unique in having five acres of oak woodland, including extensive nature
    trails and an outdoor amphitheater on our campus. We have worked with the Santa Monica Mountains Resource Conservation District (RCD) to develop a curriculum in which classroom activities are integrated with regular hikes and outdoor learning among the oaks on our school’s nature trails.
  • Annual Science Fair: Every child has the opportunity to undertake a project of their choosing, receive guidance on project development and presentation, then present to parents, families and classmates.
  • Native Butterfly Microhabitat Projects:
    • Native plant gardens established on campus to support pollinators supported by student tile mosaic blending
      science, art and campus beautification.
    • 2019 Recipient – Xerces Society for Conservation of Invertebrates, Monarch Restoration Project Award
  • Raptor Day: All students learn about raptor and reptile biology by interacting with live raptors in our outdoor amphitheater.
  • 5th Grade Science Field Trip: An immersive science field trip, partnering with research education centers.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH
We engage in community outreach activities to support our community and teach our children the value of working together to share their gifts with others. A sampling of our Community Outreach Activities is below:
  • Butterfly Day: Partnership with Bill Buerge and the Topanga Mountain Mermaid to produce an annual community event aimed at raising awareness of the critical importance of pollinators to our lives on earth.
  • Annual 5th Grade “Science Day”: We work with local and national partners to host the 5th grade class from Hart Street Elementary School for a day of science learning activities. We bring Hart Street students to Topanga and our 5th graders share learning activities in: Native Flora and Fauna in our ecosystem; Watershed Education; Endangered Species; Trout Biology; Raptor Biology, Renewable Energy, and others by leading hikes in our oak woodlands.
  • P22 Day: Our children welcome Beth Pratt and hikers from the National Wildlife Federation who provide a presentation to educate our students about urban wildlife awareness and challenges facing mountain lions in urban settings.
  • Topanga Library Speaker Series and Science Poster Display: The TECS Science Committee invites scientists to speak in public seminars at the Topanga Public Library.

SUPPORT
​The TECS Science Committee gratefully acknowledges financial support from:Topanga Enrichment Programs; Santa Maria Trails Fund; Arnold and Mabel Beckman foundation; Topanga Mountain Mermaid; Topanga Art & Tile; Angel in Your Kitchen; Love Bug Pizza; Misty and Jared Vest Family; Camp Wildcraft

COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Bill Buerge and the Topanga Mountain Mermaid; US Fish & Wildlife Service; National Wildlife Federation; Xerces Society for the Conservation of Invertebrates; Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains; Audubon Society; Topanga Town Council; Raptor Events;; Angel in Your Kitchen; Topanga Art & Tile

COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Alisa Land Hill, Kent Land Hill, Stephen Powers, Mia Rondinella, Petra Sapir, Jessica Viola, Hannah Wear

CONTACT 
Alisa or Kent Land Hill alisajlandhill@gmail.com / kenthill@microbio.ucla.edu

To learn more, you can also read the Science Committee Minutes...

​and check out last year's Topanga Elementary Science Fair 5/18-5/19
Also, here are some videos from our TEP science speaker series, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Public Library. Enjoy! ​