Shipley Nature Center

Inside the Outdoors® at Shipley Nature Center includes five science and social science experiences for Kindergarten through fourth grade. Shipley Nature Center is an 18-acre restored natural area in the western portion of Huntington Beach Central Park.

Curriculum enrichment for grades K - 4:
California Science Content Standards California Social Science Content Standards
Kindergarten: 2a, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e
1st Grade: 2a, 2b, 2c, 2e, 4d
2nd Grade: 1a, 2a, 2d, 4c, 4g
3rd Grade: 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.5.1
4th Grade: 4.2.1


Kindergarten: Ecosystem Extravaganza
Students use their senses to explore and compare
different ecosystems by making leaf rubbings and digging
through soil. They will also see and touch live program
animals from different ecosystems.

First Grade: Ecosystem Extravaganza
Discovering the world of plants, students learn about seeds, flowers, and special characteristics of plants that attract or repel insects and other animals.

Second Grade: Ecosystem Extravaganza
Students delve into the world of skins, skulls, scat, and
tracks as they walk through the nature center on the
lookout for animal evidence.

Third Grade: Gabrieliño Walk
Students travel back in time to discover the lifestyle of local Native Americans. They twine plant material to make string, create music using authentic instruments, hunt and learn how the Tongva (Gabrieliño) and Acjachemen (Juaneño) used plants as food, shelter, and medicine.

Fourth Grade: Native American Program
Students will "cook", gather food, play skill building games,
hunt, weave, and make fire to experience life as it was
500 years ago for the California Native Americans.