Submitted By Kelly Myers

Mountain Vista 3rd grade held their CondorKids Parent Night last Thursday, April 27. Thanks to the Santa Barbara Zoo and the connection to Hopper Mountain Wildlife Refuge, students have been working on a 6 week unit covering the history, geography, biology, and conservation of the California Condor.

Several groups attended in support of this special night for the students. Dorothy Horn-Condor Park Ranger from Fish and Wildlife, Devon Pryor-a biologist from the Santa Barbara Zoo, and Helen from Friends of the Condor Wild and Free set up tables with actual Condor artifacts and information about being a biologist for all in attendance. The connection with these groups has provided a wonderful learning experience for all. The 3rd grade in FUSD will culminate this unit in a visit to the Santa Barbara Zoo where students will learn about the feeding of a condor, how to track with gps, meet biologists who rappel into Condor nests, metal detect microtrash, use scopes, and handle artifacts.

FUSD 3rd grade would like to thank the Santa Barbara Zoo for their continued support, both with staff and with financing the projects, unit, and trips to their zoo. Our students are better for it.