Preface

This guidebook is written primarily for educators of earth science-related subjects but should be interesting and useful to anyone who has ever wondered about the why, the how, or the when behind some of the unique beautiful, and natural areas of southern California.

At the risk of oversimplifying content, there has been an attempt to strike a balance with the presentation of the material so it will be comprehensible for college students in introductory-level courses, as well as inquisitive middle and high school students and “meaty” enough that it could be used to supplement curriculum in earth science courses. 

Included is a section on “how to plan field trips” for educators and other group leaders who may be inexperienced in planning field trips and managing large groups of students in the field. If you feel confident in coordinating field trips, then feel free just to skim this section or skip it altogether while keeping in mind the adage, “Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.”  

The links to videos and animations may or may not be accessible while in the field depending on the availability of cellular data or type of phone service. Downloading this content ahead of time to electronic devices is encouraged so instructors can use these instructional tools when a lack of cell service prevents access.  

Each field trip locality includes a pre-field trip assignment that could be used to help students prepare for the field trip curriculum. Suggested “Learning Objectives,” a.k.a. student learning outcomes (SLOs), are included to help provide a framework for instruction and learning expectations for students, while in-field activities and follow-up activities, and post-field trip questions are offered to help students master the learning outcomes. You may want to require students to carry a field trip notebook to complete these exercises; composition books, notepads, or even a stapled stack of papers on a clipboard would all make for fine field books.

Each chapter includes almost everything needed for an educational and fun half-day to multiday trip. However, the reader is encouraged to pick and choose from different itineraries to create a field trip experience best suited for them from a logistical standpoint and considering the academic background of their group.

I have also included some “en route talking points” that should serve to broaden the field trip experience by making use of some of the “downtime” while on the road. Note that these are written from the viewpoint of the author, departing from Cerritos College, which is located at the junction between CA-91 and I-605 in southeastern Los Angeles County. Consequently, it may be that some freeways and talking points do not relate to your route - I encourage you to add to what's suggested in this manuscript! Southern California has a varied and fascinating geography with a complex and interesting human history that can be shared with students to make for a more intriguing and educational outing.