San Pedro, CA – Hands-On Wildlife Conservation Education
Overview
What is the one thing that makes birds different from all other animals? Feathers! These specialized structures are designed for flight, fashion, and more, but when feathers are contaminated with oil or other pollutants, a bird’s life is at risk. Beaks are just as important: they’re the main tool birds have to find, pick up, and eat food. If we don’t properly clean up and dispose of waste, birds can be harmed by the very structures they rely on to survive.
Located at the Los Angeles Oiled Bird Care and Education Center, our program introduces students to real-world wildlife rehabilitation and the challenges faced by aquatic birds in a human-impacted environment.
Why it Matters
Birds are facing growing challenges in a rapidly changing world. Our goal is to foster a sense of wonder, stewardship, and advocacy for not just birds, but all wildlife in young people from all backgrounds.
Program Highlights
- Interactive program options – Choose from two engaging lab activities:
1. Feather Fixers – Discover how oil affects waterproofing in feathers and experience the delicate process of cleaning and restoring them.
2. Bird Beak Lab – Explore how beaks are specially adapted for different diets, and learn how pollution and waste can harm birds’ ability to feed themselves. - Understanding adaptations
Gain insight into the structures that make birds unique, from feathers that allow flight or beaks that help them specialize in certain foods, and how these adaptations have enabled them to thrive across every continent. - Unique location
Our center is right next door to the Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles (MMCC), offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity for cross-species conservation education.
Program Details
- Grades: Designed for grades 3-5 and NGSS-aligned; adaptable for grades K-2 & 6-12
- Duration: 1-1.5 hrs.
- Dates: Tuesday – Thursday, September – June
- Participants: Minimum 12 – Maximum 60 students per day
- Teacher Requirements: At least 1 adult per 6 students for support
- Age Requirements: Ages 5 – adult
- Location: Los Angeles Wildlife Center, 3601 S Gaffey St #3, San Pedro, CA 90731
- Cost: Free
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
- Our programs are designed to support the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) supported by these programs include:
- LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience (3-LS4-4)
- LS4.C: Adaptation (3-LS4-3)
- LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans (3-LS4-4)
- LS1.A: Structure and Function (4-LS1-1)
- LS1.D: Information Processing (4-LS1-2)
- ESS2.E: Biogeology (4-ESS2-1)
- LS1.C: Organization for Matter & Energy Flow in Organisms (5-PS3-1)
- LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems (5-LS2-1)
- LS2.B: Cycles of Matter & Energy Transfer in Ecosystems (5-LS2-1)
- ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems (5-ESS3-1)
Request a Field Trip Here!
*Please submit your request form ideally 4 weeks prior to the date you would like to reserve. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate requests for bookings less than 3 weeks prior to the event.
The Los Angeles County Education Program is offered free to all LA County classrooms, but it takes time and resources to run. Support access to nature-based education by donating here.
You can also support our program by donating needed supplies via our Amazon Wish List (comin soon!)
Extend your visit with the Marine Mammal Care Center to explore marine mammal rescue and ocean conservation. Visit MMCC Education Program here.