Ecology

Life Science - Exact activity and theme TBD

The San Diego River is teeming with life, from 4 foot tall herons to microscopic algae. We invite you to learn from River Park Foundation scientists how the organisms that live in the river can unlock secrets about the San Diego River’s health! Look at real aquatic bugs, play games, and learn about places to explore nature along the San Diego River.

As San Diego’s most influential advocate for sustainability, I Love a Clean San Diego (ILACSD) is an environmental catalyst, awakening passion and inspiring action, empowering everyone to improve the health and beauty of our local environment. For over sixty years, we’ve brought the best in all of us together for a lasting, positive impact on our region. I Love A Clean San Diego is the go-to resource for beach and inland cleanups across San Diego County. We build awareness and invite the community’s enthusiastic support.

Did you know that wetlands are found worldwide and are among the richest habitats, just as rich as a tropical rainforest? Meet scientists from the Tijuana Estuary, discover wetland critters, play with a mudflat, see what kind of science wetland biologists do, and discover why wetlands are important for YOU and for wildlife.

Magnolia Science Academy is a STEAM-focused charter school serving 6th-8th grade students in San Diego. Our students experience STEAM every day in their classrooms and they are very excited to share this experience with the community. MSA Steam Ambassadors will share: - a variety of short, hands-on science demos. - explain the science behind each demonstrations. - help guests understand how STEAM is part of everyday life and accessible to all.

We will offer hands-on activities about Water pollution prevention and conservation. Watershed model, water conservation demonstration, and trash science!

Since 2009 Castle Park High students, under the guidance of Dr. Robert Pomeroy of UCSD, have learned to produce biodiesel from vegetable oil. Established students from our BASG group are now teaching our new members how to complete the process of biodiesel synthesis. In addition to the synthesis of biodiesel, students use a particle counter to determine how many particles are produced during the combustion of various fuels. These data indicate how “clean” the fuel burns and how particulate impacts our global climate.

We will showcase the research of the USD Biology Department in an interactive and fun way.

Our booth will feature our live, non-releasable raptors. These are all local birds of prey that can be found here in San Diego and will include several different species of hawks, falcons, and owls. Guest will be given the opportunities to meet these birds in a close, personal setting while learning about their importance in the San Diego ecosystem. We will teach guests about these wonderful animals natural history, biology, and importance of conservation.