SPLASH THE WHALE IS COMING TO CONCORDIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Splash the whale is coming to Concordia Elementary School! Splash is a 4-9 million year old whale fossil that will be moved to Concordia from another school site on Tuesday, January 27. When it was first discovered at a new home development in Laguna Niguel in 1996, the fossil was named Splash by local students. Paleontologists believe that Splash may be one of the most complete specimens of its kind ever found on the North American continent.
Paleontologists have been diligently preparing the fossil for the move to Concordia. Numerous pieces of the fossil will be placed on a large truck and transported to the school. Most of the pieces have been reinforced with wooden splints and plaster casts to keep them intact during the move.
The installation of the whale fossil at Concordia will provide the cornerstone for Project Splash, a unique hands-on science program that will be utilized by students in grades K-5. One of the goals of Project Splash is to develop a Paleontology Park and Science Discovery Center over the next two years. The program will be located at the south west corner of the campus, in the area that was formerly referred to as The Japanese Garden.
The acquisition of the whale fossil will enable school staff to create a hands-on science discovery center. Students will be introduced to the study of paleontology combined with real-life math and science experiences. The program will focus on enrichment activities fully aligned with California state standards, with students working in teams to excavate, document, and identify fossils in hands-on simulated learning experiences.
Components of the future Paleontology Park and Science Discovery Center include:
Splash the whale: Students will study the fossil and be trained on preparing the fossil for display.
Butterfly Garden: With the support of the San Clemente Gardening Club, a beautiful butterfly garden has been created at the school. Students will learn about butterfly conservation and experience first hand the amazing behaviors, life cycles and beauty of butterflies.
Science Lab: A small science lab facility will be available for teachers to use with their students. The lab will be equipped with a variety of instructional materials and equipment that will help teachers effectively teach science.
Wyland Wall: Whaling Wall II, the oldest existing whale mural by Wyland, the internationally acclaimed artist, has been preserved and installed in the multi-purpose room at Concordia Elementary School. The mural is part of Project Splash and an important piece of art that the entire community can enjoy.
The Paleontology Park and Science Discovery Center that are included with Project Splash will ultimately feature a variety of fossils, interactive displays and exhibits that the entire community can visit, study, and enjoy. Project Splash is being funded by a combination of grants, PTA funds, and community donations. The San Clemente Rotary Club is partnering with the PTA to sponsor a special fund raiser on February 21. A Mardi Gras and Bal Masque will be held at the Pacific Golf and Country club in San Clemente beginning at 6:00 PM. The event will include a silent auction, dinner, and live music and dancing. Tickets are $125 per person and all proceeds will go to Project Splash. For more information about the event, call the Concordia Elementary School office at 492-3060. To learn more about the project, visit the school website at www.cces.capousd.ca.schoolloop.com/ .
