Class Options

Our goal is to provide students with a greater appreciation of the natural world through hands-on discovery, careful observation, critical thinking, and tying the subjects they study in school with real-world application. The experience is driven by actively engaging students in nature and experiments, reinforced by fact review and journaling. Our 75-minute classes include activities, experiments, and information collection. In each experience, the phrases “I notice… I wonder… This reminds me of…” are used to reinforce the scientific process and the myriad of connections in the world around us.

 

Located just 40 minutes east of San Diego, Pine Valley is roughly 3,700 feet in elevation with great views of the Laguna Mountains and unparalleled views of the night sky. Pine Valley is nestled in 460,000 acres of Cleveland National Forest and has less than 0.1% of the population found in San Diego. Daily we see the beauty of the natural world, enjoy miles of hiking trails, and observe the rich diversity in this unique ecosystem. This lends itself beautifully to our science and outdoor adventures where students learn while getting dirty and having memorable fun.

 

Our trained leaders will facilitate each activity and partner with your teachers and chaperones to provide the best learning experience possible. We keep class sizes under 20 students to enhance the learning experience.

The Art of Science

The Art of Science

Science

Our natural world is a masterpiece, and we’re going to closely observe some of the cycles, patterns, and designs found in nature. We’ll even use some of this natural art to create our own craft to remind us of the beauty of nature. This class emphasizes the A in STEAM studies as well as Earth’s systems and the Exploration Routine.

Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Science

You may know what happens when baking soda and vinegar are mixed, but do you know the engineering marvels that this reaction can create? In this practical engineering class, students will use baking soda and vinegar to conduct several experiments, including blowing up a balloon, extinguishing a candle, and creating their own device to affect the chemical reaction.

Dirt Scooters

Dirt Scooters

Physical Education

Kick scooters with pneumatic wheels are a sure way to create adventure on our dirt scooter track. After learning about safety and gearing up, students will have a blast on our track! Availability is weather-dependent.

Entomology

Entomology

Science

Learn about how scientists categorize all living things, right down to some of the smallest members of the animal kingdom: insects! Students will learn several insect orders, find arthropods in their natural habitat, and dissect a grasshopper.

Geology

Geology

Science, Physical Education

Get your hands on various rock formations and conduct experiments to understand the process of flaking and rock layers as we explore the world of geology and fossilization.

Laser Tag

Laser Tag

Physical Education, Teamwork/Leadership, Science

For a high-energy class, set your blasters to ‘fun’! Using our high-tech equipment, teams will have the opportunity to strategize while playing a variety of laser tag games, from free-for-all to multi-team matches. Learn a bit about the science behind lasers as well.

Nature Science Investigators

NSI

Science, Physical Education

In this class, students will enjoy the outdoors as nature investigators, testing their skills to notice their surroundings. They can then put their newfound observation skills into practice with a hike through Cleveland National Forest.

Team Building

Team Building

Teamwork/Leadership, Physical Education

Move out of the comfort zone and closer to your teammates. We will test out traditional “low ropes” elements that will have you balancing, swinging, and strategizing as a team. (To experience more team building elements, you can make this a “double class”, taking up two class periods.)

Trees & Me

Trees & Me

Science, Teamwork/Leadership

Have you ever compared your life to the life of a tree? While learning about dendrology, the study of trees, find out how to measure trees and how many of you it would take to reach the treetops. Then discover the stories that tree rings can tell and make your own life story from a tree cookie.

Balloon Drop Challenge

Balloon Drop Challenge

Teamwork/Leadership, Science

Teams work together to design, budget for, and construct a contraption that will absorb shock and protect a water balloon from a drop of over 35 feet- that’s as tall as an adult standing on our zipline platform!

CSI

Critter Scene Investigation

Science, Teamwork/Leadership

Learn forensic skills and utilize them in a unique way! Teams of investigating students will study several different scenes containing evidence left by animals. What animals were involved? What did they do? It’s up to you to find out in CSI- that is, Critter Scene Investigation!

Electricity

Electricity

Science

Let’s face it: electronics have become a major part of our daily lives. While you may know how to operate your electronic devices, do you know how they work? Using snap circuits and other hands-on activities, you’ll find out in this class!

Environmental Engineering

Env. Engineering

Science, Teamwork/Leadership

Work as a team to engineer new projects. Can you make a solar oven powerful enough to melt a marshmallow? Or can you make wise decisions to prevent and reduce pollution in your model lake? Find results for both of these engineering experiments by the end of class.

Heights and Balances

Heights and Balances

Teamwork/Leadership, Physical Education

Students learn how to set and accomplish SMART goals along with the basics of properly using a climbing element, including inspecting safety gear and tying knots. Heights and Balances takes place at our Pine Climb.

Meteorology & Physics

Meteorology

Science

Sandwiched between the Pacific and the desert at 3700 feet above sea level, Pine Valley is ideally situated to study weather phenomena. Study weather patterns, see the effects of drought and flooding, look at regrowth from past forest fires, and learn fire safety.

Target Practice

Target Practice

Physical Education, Science

Learn about archery and slingshot safety, equipment, range procedures, vocabulary, and scoring. Put this newfound knowledge into practice at the target shooting range under the direction of a trained instructor.

Theatrics

Theatrics

Teamwork/Leadership

Learn basic acting skills and how to coordinate as a cast as you practice a skit to perform in front of the rest of the school. This class must be done in conjunction with a performance night evening activity so that students can have the opportunity to showcase what they’ve learned.

Waste Awareness

Waste Awareness

Science, Teamwork/Leadership

Throwing waste in a garbage can is not the end of the story. Discover how long it takes materials to decompose and how we can combat overflowing landfills through waste reduction and alternatives such as recycling and compost.

In addition, all schools hear our Food & Waste presentations at every meal.

Food & Waste: YOU can make a difference, starting with the food on your plate! Learn about the pathways of wasted food and the ways we can combat waste through reducing, reusing, and recycling.
Science, Teamwork/Leadership, Physical Education