The Chumash: A changing people, a changing land

Join rangers at Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa where students will learn about the connection of local native people, the Chumash, to Satwiwa and the biological diversity of the Santa Monica Mountains. Students will gain a greater understanding of how the local environment has supported life and shaped the various experiences and cultures of people. The relationship between humans and our environments is being tested and students will consider the question of whether balance can be found to allow for the biological diversity to continue here?

Student will go on a hike that will allow them to explore this area. They will then participate in a series of hands-on activities that will expose students to information about native animals, the relationship between the mountains and the ocean, and how the environment has shaped human culture.

Schedule: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

 

Essential Question

The Chumash people are the original people of the Santa Monica Mountains and their culture has and continues to be influenced by biologic diversity. When exploring Satwiwa, what are cultural uses of flora and fauna and how do we benefit from biodiversity today?

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Sign up for field trip here.

 

Curriculum Standards

4-LS1-2- Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways.

4-ESS3-2. Generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes on humans.

HSS- 4.1.3. Identify the state capital and describe the various regions of California, including how their characteristics and physical environments (e.g., water, landforms, vegetation, climate) affect human activity.

HSS-4.1.4 Identify the locations of the Pacific Ocean, rivers, valleys, and mountain passes and explain their effects on the growth of towns.

HSS-4.1.5 Use maps, charts, and pictures to describe how communities in California vary in land use, vegetation, wildlife, climate, population density, architecture, services, and transportation.

HSS-4.2 Students describe the social, political, cultural, and economic life and interactions among people of California from the pre-Columbian societies to the Spanish mission and Mexican rancho periods.

HSS-4.2.1 Discuss the major nations of California Indians, including their geographic distribution, economic activities, legends, and religious beliefs; and describe how they depended on, adapted to, and modified the physical environment by cultivation of land and use of sea resources.