Modules

In this module, we share Your Story Becomes Our History, an online presentation (6th-12th) and separate journal guides (K-5th) focused on encouraging young people to keep a journal/diary. The intent of this is to provide context for the importance of keeping a journal at this time, and potentially sharing your experience during the COVID-19 pandemic with our Museum of Ventura County. The downloadable activity sheets will help K-2nd, and 3rd-5th graders get started with journaling!

Doctors have served many generations of families living in Ventura County, and the Museum of Ventura County has a very special connection to one in particular, Dr. Cephas Little Bard.

By collecting historic objects and other material as “payment” (or trade) for his doctorly services, Dr. Bard started the collection that became the Museum of Ventura County. April is the month when he was born (April 7, 1843) and passed away (April 20, 1902). By sharing the Doctor’s story and some kid-friendly activities and educational resources, we want to thank Cephas Little Bard for his service to the United States and Ventura County as a Civil War Veteran, a medical professional, and historian!

To celebrate Earth Day (April 22nd) and Arbor Day (April 24th) this week, we wanted to focus on one type of tree that we find all throughout Ventura County, the Coast Live Oak. At the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula, the exhibit “Throwing Shade” featured this magnificent Oak tree and the role it plays in our natural and built worlds. To learn more about trees and their environment, we have brought this exhibit online for you to view from your own home!

In this module, you will find resources for kids and adults to learn about the Mediterranean-Climate Ecosystem. Included are several self-directed learning activities, nature journaling, arts, crafts and more! You will also learn about the connection between our Mediterranean Climate and the top crops in Ventura County.

From scrapping in WWII to social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, kids have had an important role to play in helping Ventura County support national goals during a time of crisis! Below you will find three activities that relate to the theme of “How Kids and Families Help on the Homefront.” The first activity will share how kids and families collected scrap and recycled materials during WWII, as well as featuring unique footage of Port Hueneme during the War. The second is an art activity, showing kids how to make their own poster to support of “social distancing.” The third activity features Victory Gardens, which were introduced in WWII and involved kids and families planting gardens  at home (bonus: this activity will show you how to make your own Victory Garden!). Enjoy this module that celebrate history, science, and art!

This learning module features Chumash History, and is designed in a format that can be presented by teachers in the classroom, or while facilitating distance-learning opportunities. There is a range of engaging elements, including images, videos, and a narrative that has been written by local archaeologist Brianna Rotella. Please enjoy Chumash History, for your own learning, or to facilitate an enriched learning experience for your students!