California Natural Science
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This course introduces students to the geology, flora, and fauna of California.
After an overview of the entire state is given, special attention is paid to the various ecological zones of the Golden State: Coast, Coast Range and Coastal Valleys, Central Valley, Sierra Nevada, and Deserts. Students maintain a sketchbook where detailed drawings and notes are taken on selected trees, shrubs, grasses, flowers, mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and insects. Each year a wilderness backpacking trip is taken to a different zone where students are able to experience the amazing beauty and diversity of the natural world in California firsthand.