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Chris Sapovchak from a Placerita Nature Center taught a herpetology class on Wednesday, Feb. 4 as part of the school's Gifted and Talented Education "Gone Green" program which teaches students about protecting local ecosystems.
Sapovchak and showed students live reptiles, snakeskins, and turtle shells and answered their questions about the animals and their habitats.
"I'm learning that we should stop polluting the environment because some animals are going extinct," said student Jonah Hydar.
Park superintendent Frank Hoffman created eight different classes to teach students the importance of taking care of the planet, Peachland principal Sarah Johnson said.
The classes address earth science and life science topics and students learn about meteorology, geology, oceanography, volcanoes and earthquakes, climatology, plants and animals. Classes promote environmental awareness and expose students to different career possibilities.
Students also learn research and observation skills and how to journal their findings, Peachland principal Sarah Johnson said.
"Our partnership with the Placerita Nature Center has been a remarkable experience," she said.
Future class topics will explore animal skulls and bones on March 4, meteorology on March 18, and mammals on March 23.
All lessons are "hands-on" and students get an opportunity to work in a science lab and computer lab. Students will also go on one overnight excursion to the Placerita Nature Center.
"Having these classes has been a great experience and I've learned lots of things about animals, said student Alexis Lara. "They told us that the longest snake was a Reticulated Python! I'm looking forward to seeing and experiencing more."
