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!

In this second installment of our two-part educational series on archaeology, we “dig” into local history! Here in Ventura County, we have a rich history of diversity – from the Indigenous Chumash to the arrival of the Spanish, and the various groups that immigrated here after. Come along with us on a journey through time, where we explore the artifacts left behind by each cultural group and discuss what we can learn from them!

If you like dirt, old things, and history…then you’re going to “dig” our two-part educational series on archaeology! In this first installment, you will learn about what archaeology is, why it is important, and what you can do to help preserve the past. At the end of the module, you will also find some fun activities to get you thinking like an archaeologist! Sound fun? Well, then let’s “dig” in!

Dear Ventura County, we hope you have a wonderful holiday season despite all of the current challenges of these strange COVID days. In this module, we invite you to gather some kiddos and create your own “holiday,” just for fun! Then, we explore the origins of the word “holiday,” also just for fun. Finally, we share a peculiar poem that was borne of German porcelain and nineteenth century sensibility (for fun, and just because it was a darn interesting discovery!). This holiday season, give yourself permission to relax, recreate, and soon enough we’ll see you back at our Museum sites!

Have you ever wondered about the wonderful world of insects? They might be small…but they have big jobs to do! From breaking down dead stuff and building soil, to pollinating flowers and protecting your garden from pests, insects are hard at work behind the scenes of some of nature’s coolest processes. Come along with us to learn All About Insects!

Here at the Museum of Ventura County (MVC) and the Agriculture Museum (AG), we love to celebrate the vibrant cultural diversity of our community! In this Virtual Learning Module, we explore the history and origins of Día de los Muertos. From lively street processions, music, colorful dress, and face painting, to intricate altars, candle-light vigils, and deeply symbolic art installations, Día de los Muertos is a beautiful celebration of both Latinx culture and the cyclical nature of life.

Welcome to the world of Norse Mythology! In this Virtual Learning Module, you will learn the origins of some of the most popular Norse legends, explore the virtual exhibit George Stuart Historical Figures ® Nordic Myths & Legends, and draw your favorite Norse characters. This Virtual Learning Module was created by Natalia Radcliffe, the Museum of Ventura County’s Summer 2020 Marketing Intern.

Have you ever gazed up at the night sky and pondered our place in the Universe? Perhaps, you were observing the recent “visit” by Comet NEOWISE, or just looking at the stars. It turns out, that our “Universal Address” has been discovered by astronomers over time. In this module, kids and adults can learn where exactly Ventura County is in the whole, wide universe! You will also find some fun, amazing NASA learning resources, and learn about a virtual Dark Sky Festival taking place at one of your own national parks!

For this learning module we invite you to learn about art. View a short slide-show to learn about the elements that make up artworks and then use your skills to look at some local Ventura County artists’ unique works!

The Museum of Ventura County (MVC) and Agriculture Museum (AG) celebrate young artists and artwork! In this virtual learning module, you will find an activity where you can create shapes and animals for fun and a little drawing practice. If you’re in need of inspiration, we encourage you to view the Third Annual Ventura Unified School District Art Show and Learning to See virtual exhibits that features local student artwork.

Nature is all around us wherever we are on Earth. This summer, if you are out and about in Ventura County (or elsewhere), you can record your observations of the plants and animals in a nature journal. So, when you get outdoors in your neighborhood, a park, the beach, or somewhere on vacation, you can have fun and learn by exploring.

with interactive features such as videos, and images that can be manipulated. Bees, and in particular the honeybee, are extremely important for agriculture (farming fruits and veggies) and are fascinating insects! The content in this virtual learning module is intended for grades K-5.

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!