STEM Program: In-person STEM-VENTURERS

Our STEM-Venturers program offers engaging in-person activities in French focused on science, technology, engineering, and math. Our mission: to spark curiosity in children and teens and perhaps inspire the next generation of STEM professionals through fun, unique, and high-quality experiences.

Outing at Ravenswood Open Space Preserve

About the Event

As part of our STEM-Venturers Program, EFBA is organizing an exciting outdoor adventure for children to explore the wonders of Ravenswood Open Space Preserve, a hidden ecological gem in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area. On Sunday, May 18th, from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM, participants will explore this beautiful natural site while engaging in fun and educational activities—all in French!

Just 45 minutes from San Francisco, east of Palo Alto, this protected park is the perfect place to teach kids about biodiversity, the importance of wetlands, and birdwatching. It’s an ideal day to spark their curiosity about the natural world around them while having fun.

The day will include observation workshops, interactive games, and a picnic, offering a full immersion in this unique landscape.

Educational Goals

During this outing, participants will:

  • Discover wetland ecology and understand the crucial role these environments play in our ecosystem.
  • Observe and identify various animal and plant species, particularly the birds of the bay.
  • Learn French while developing their observation skills and scientific curiosity.

Cultural Focus

Wetlands: A Vital Ecosystem

Over the last 150 years, the San Francisco Bay has lost between 85% and 90% of its wetlands—a dramatic decline due to several factors, including agriculture, urban development, and salt production.

If you’re familiar with the region, you’ve likely noticed the salt marshes, which date back to the California Gold Rush and cover nearly 6,700 hectares. These landscapes, impressive from the sky, have profoundly impacted the environment. Over time, salt production evolved from a craft to an industry. With mechanization, fewer marshes were needed to meet demand, increasing productivity. Eventually, the multinational company that managed this production donated some of its unused lands for coastal conservation. The California government also purchased additional parcels, bringing nearly 6,000 hectares of marshland back to nature.

In recent years, an ambitious wetland restoration program has been underway. Regular breaches are made in the dikes surrounding the old salt marshes, allowing the tide to revive these lands. This long and complex process is starting to pay off, as vegetation gradually reclaims these newly restored areas.

Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, comparable to tropical rainforests and coral reefs. They support rich biodiversity and play a crucial role in water filtration, erosion control, and climate regulation. The children will learn how these habitats function and why it’s essential to protect them for future generations 🌿.

Looking for short, family-friendly documentaries that beautifully capture the love Bay Area residents have for their environment? Each episode of Saving the Bay is just 2 to 5 minutes long, making it perfect for quick, inspiring viewing.

DETAILS

Date and Time: Sunday, May 18th, from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM (PST)

Drop-off and Pick-up Location: Ravenswood Parking Lot, East Palo Alto, CA

Activity Schedule:

  • 10:15 AM: Families drop off their child(ren) at the Ravenswood parking lot, East Palo Alto.
  • 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM: Icebreaker games and workshops on local biodiversity.
  • 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM: Picnic in nature followed by quiet activities in French.
  • 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM: Walk, scavenger hunt, and birdwatching in the preserve.
  • 3:30 PM: Families pick up their child(ren).

Instructors: Gabrielle Durana, EFBA President, and Julia Peillon, Director of Cultural Programs.

Target Audience: Children aged 7 to 11 with prior knowledge of French (minimum two years of recent study or equivalent). A placement test will be required for students not enrolled in our 2024-2025 afterschool program. To join us, participants should be able to:

  • Express themselves fluently in French
  • Easily understand the main ideas of conversations on a wide range of topics

Questions about your child’s language level? Email us at admissions@efba.us before registering.

What Will Participants Need?

  • Comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for outdoor activities.
  • A water bottle and a hat.
  • A packed cold lunch for the midday meal.
  • Mosquito repellent.

Only 14 spots are available, so don’t wait to sign up!

Registration Fees:

  • EFBA Students: $74
  • Standard Rate: $84

PAST ACTIVITIES

DATE DESCRIPTION
Sunday, May 22, 2022

Mysteries of Calistoga’s Petrified Forest

Children traveled to Calistoga‘s Petrified Forest for a day of fun activities and exploration of this unique site, all in French! Children learned about geology, fossilization, the era of the dinosaurs, and engaged in fun activities including a treasure hunt! The activity was led by Julia, EFBA cultural director, and Gabrielle, EFBA Founder and Executive Director.
Saturday, January 22, 2022

EFBA’s blob: a mysterious disappearance

On Saturday, January 22, 2022, children were called to the rescue for a very special mission: to find the EFBA’s Blob! The situation is serious: he has disappeared while growing up peacefully at Julia’s, our cultural program director!

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