Columbus Middle School
7th/8th Grade Science
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2577 Encinal Cyn. Rd.
Malibu, CA 90265
Description: Charmlee Wilderness Park is located over 532 acres within the Santa Monica Mountains. The park includes over 8 miles of hiking trails, native plant displays, and a nature center. Programs include school and group nature programs and a variety of public hikes.
Charmlee’s history begins with its earliest
residents, the Chumash Indians, that can be
traced back 10,000 years. A number of archeological sites within the Park show evidence that the Chumash culture existed in
Malibu and at Charmlee as early as 8,000 BC.
When the Spanish came in the 18th century
and colonized California, they began establishing cattle ranches in Malibu. As decades passed, the land that Charmlee sits on was bought by many different families and generations into the early 1900’s. Clyde Brandenburg purchased 295 acres
between Lachusa and Encinal Canyons, which expanded the current property. In 1950 he sold all of the land to his son, Leon
Schwartz (Lee). Lee and his wife, Charmian (Charm) named their ranch Charmlee Ranch and lived there until a fire destroyed their house in 1956.
After being sold to many other developers, Charmlee was then turned over to Los Angeles County and became Charmlee Regional County Park which opened up to the public in 1981. It remained under control of the county until 1999, when it was deeded to the City of Malibu. Charmlee now has over 5,000 hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers and nature
lovers walking its 8 miles of trails 360 days a year.
Charmlee Geological History - Created by CSULB
Charmlee Mapping Project - CSULB project
Audience: This can include anyone from elementary school to college level (as evidenced by the CSULB project). However, for the purpose of this I will focus on middle school 7th grade life science. This will be offered as extra credit for my students.
Science Concepts Addressed: Give examples of specific science concepts that may be addressed by visiting the field trip site and explain how they are addressed.
Study Guide: Develop a study guide that could be used by students visiting this site. The study guide should be very clear and address specific science concepts.
For additional information:
San Diego News Article on Charmlee
Invasive weed website for California
Animal track identification