SCICON: Where Fifth Graders Discover Science, Conservation, and Appreciation for Nature

SCICON, a unique outdoor school located in the foothills of Tulare County, CA, is operated by the Tulare County Office of Education. Every year, over 8,000 fifth and sixth graders visit the school to learn about science and conservation. The director of SCICON, Dianne Shew, believes that the purpose of the school is to help students develop an appreciation for nature and learn how to take care of the earth while fostering respect for themselves and others.

SCICON covers 1,170 acres of land and borders National Forest land, ensuring that the area remains preserved for future generations. Students have the opportunity to go on hikes of varying difficulty levels, learn about aquatic life, and explore a museum featuring local items and animals. Sixth-grade student Gavin enjoys being surrounded by fresh mountain air and has become more aware of his impact on the environment as a result.

In early 2023, SCICON experienced major flooding due to historic rains that caused significant damage to fragile salamander habitats. The Friends of SCICON organization received a grant from Disney’s Conservation Fund to restore the salamander habitat and support global conservation efforts. Disney “VoluntEARS” also joined in to help clean up and revitalize the habitat. Shew believes that instilling a love for nature in children will make a difference for future generations.

As Disney’s parent company and ABC Localish’s partner station, Disney is committed to supporting environmental conservation efforts and educating children about the importance of taking care of our planet. The hope is that each child who visits SCICON will go home with new knowledge about science and conservation that they can apply in their daily lives, contributing positively towards a better future for us all.