Each season at Sacramento Splash brings a fresh wave of discovery, and this year’s Investigating Vernal Pools (IVP) program is once again transforming how students experience science. What begins as classroom learning quickly unfolds into something far more immersive when students step into the grasslands and encounter a living ecosystem firsthand.
For many students, the IVP field trip marks their first time leaving paved spaces behind and entering a natural landscape. Concepts they’ve studied suddenly come alive through real-world observation, from spotting vole runs in the grass to carefully examining aquatic invertebrates thriving in seasonal pools. The excitement is immediate and unmistakable. One student summed it up best: “This is better than my PS5!”
Where Learning Becomes Personal
IVP’s hands-on approach allows students to move from passive learning to active engagement. As they scoop water, observe organisms, and identify species, students begin to take ownership of their discoveries. The experience becomes personal. Critters are no longer abstract examples in a book; they are living organisms that the students have encountered, themselves.
These sensory-rich moments leave a lasting impression. Kneeling at the edge of a vernal pool, feeling the cool water, and witnessing life up close, helps cement scientific understanding in ways the classroom alone cannot. Each field trip becomes more than a lesson; it becomes a memory.
Building Understanding and Stewardship
Beyond scientific skills, IVP helps students understand the interconnectedness of ecosystems. Through observation and discussion, they learn that even the smallest organisms play a role in maintaining ecological balance. This awareness naturally leads to stewardship, as students begin to see themselves as caretakers of the natural world.
That shift, from curiosity to responsibility, is one of the program’s most powerful outcomes. Students don’t just learn about conservation; they experience why it matters.
Preparing Teachers for Success
The success of IVP begins well before students arrive in the field. The program includes an extensive classroom curriculum, and Splash provides teacher training designed to make the experience approachable and effective. Many educators are introduced to vernal pools for the first time through this training, which builds foundational knowledge, clarifies expectations, and offers practical tools for teaching both in the classroom and outdoors.
By January, when the vernal pools begin to fill, the teachers return from Winter Break to immerse their students in the 13-unit curriculum they have been trained on. This helps teachers feel prepared, supported, and confident in guiding students through this unique learning experience.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Field Season
Preparation for the upcoming field season begins on January 13, with behind-the-scenes center cleanup, setup, and in-person training of new field guides, who have already been studying Splash’s guide learning materials. The first student groups will arrive in the field on January 20, marking the official start of another season of exploration.
Teachers are encouraged to bring enthusiasm into the classroom, as student engagement often mirrors their excitement. Practical preparation also matters; field trips take place rain or shine, making layers and weather-appropriate clothing essential for a successful day in the field.
A Community Effort
As the season unfolds, students who may arrive hesitant often leave energized, curious, and confident. These transformations are made possible through a shared commitment from teachers, families, volunteers, and community supporters.
Every IVP field trip represents a collective investment in education, stewardship, and experiential learning. With each visit to the vernal pool grasslands, students gain more than scientific knowledge; they gain perspective, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
One splash at a time, the Investigating Vernal Pools program continues to shape future environmental stewards and spark a love for science that extends far beyond the field.