| 
What
is Youth X
Youth
Science Explorations (Youth X for short) is a dynamic science
program
designed to introduce talented middle school students to
the study of natural sciences in Northern California. Using
the
Museum’s exhibits and hands-on teaching collections,
students learn about the places they will visit and develop
observation and questioning skills (including biological
illustration and the recording of scientific field notes).
Armed with newly
learned scientific skills and a deep appreciation for California’s
land and sea environments, students engage in field studies
with scientists and educators in natural settings all over
Northern California. They discover the diversity of California’s
environment and make connections between the living and
physical
worlds of California.
 |
 |
Illustrations
by Elisa Sconza and Aryannah Butler |
Meet
the Youth X Staff!
In 2003,
over a two week period, YouthX participants took part
in
five field trips around Northern California and three workshops
at the Oakland Museum. Among other adventures, this year
found
Youth X participants exploring the coastal ecology of Point
Reyes National Park, Point Lobos and Ano Nuevo State Reserves.
We also studied San Francisco Bay aquatic life on board the
Marine Science Institute research vessel, visited the
Monterey
Bay Aquarium and kayaked in Elkhorn Slough. In 2002, Youth
X participants visited Lake Shasta, and learned caving
skills
while exploring Samwel Cave and Lake Shasta Caverns.
Youth
Science Explorations is one of the most exciting programs
at the Oakland Museum of California. It was designed for outstanding
middle school students in the East Bay who have had little
opportunity to develop their interests in natural science.
Are you a middle school student in the East Bay? Do you like
to spend time in nature? Have you ever thought about becoming
a marine biologist or a geologist? Then click here for application
information to Youth Science Explorations.
"I
expect to find much adventure in this program. I hope to learn
new things about water, birds, sea creatures, and the California
coast. I want to try and drive a real boat. I would really
like to learn about the nature and life along the coast. I
hope to accomplish all these things by the end of the two
weeks. In the end I accomplished all these things which makes
me proud of myself."
Aryannah Butler
7th grade, Ascend School
Youth Science Explorations are funded by the Gap Foundation,
Stephen and Susan Chamberlin, William and Patricia Weeden
and the Union Pacific Foundation
|
