Lompoc Unified School District

STEM

LUSD promotes the development of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills in students across schools through regular classroom instruction, after-school programming, and district-wide STEM learning opportunities.

La Honda STEAM Academy (TK-6)

La Honda STEAM Academy offers science, technology, engineering, art, and technology (STEAM) learning experiences to TK-6. The school’s mission is to nurture curious, independent learners who demonstrate success through collaborative, challenging project-based learning. Through hands-on, inquiry-based learning, students are encouraged to think critically, solve problems creatively, and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. One of the highlights of the school is a beautiful learning garden, where students engage in hands-on learning focused on sustainability and nutrition, reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship, and healthy living. Enrollment for students living outside of the La Honda attendance area is contingent upon approval of an intra-district transfer.

A young woman stands proudly in front of her science fair project titled 'You Don't See What I See.'

STEM Expo (Grades 3-12)

LUSD partners with Vandenberg Spaceforce Base offers students in grades 3-12 an opportunity to participate in the annual Central Coast (CC) STEM Expo. This program offers students an opportunity to create and showcase Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) projects. Interested students work with classroom teachers to design authentic science investigations that align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Students create inquiry boards to craft testable questions and deepen their understanding of variables, set the foundation for meaningful and successful scientific exploration, and showcase their projects at the CC STEM Expo. The mission of the CC STEM Expo is to empower diverse youth to pursue their passions in STEM and envision meaningful careers in these fields. Through this event, we strive to break down barriers, cultivate confidence, and ensure that students from all backgrounds feel supported and included in the world of STEM. Detailed information is on the CC STEM Expo website and at each school.

Three students examine a bone structure, possibly a jaw, with interest.

Catalina Island Marine Institute (Grade 6)

LUSD supports an annual field trip to the Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI) on Catalina Island off the coast of Los Angeles. CIMI is a Guided Discoveries program that is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of children through unique opportunities for discovery. Students in grades 4-12 snorkel over rocky reefs, interact with live organisms in marine science labs, and tackle high ropes challenges in the ultimate field trip adventure. Being away from the comforts of home does wonders for a child. They form a greater sense of independence, making them more willing to try new things, which ultimately leads them to character development. This all occurs while developing social skills and friendships that last a lifetime (without the influence of technology!). Camp allows children to have amazingly positive experiences, and it allows them to experience setbacks and develop grit in a supportive atmosphere. More information is available on the CIMI website and at each elementary school.

Two students work on a science project in a classroom, building a model rocket.

Team America Rocketry Challenge (Grades 7-12)

LUSD partners with Vandenberg Spaceforce Base to offer after-school classes to middle and high school students interested in participating in TARC (Team America Rocketry Challenge), the world’s largest rocket contest for students in grades 7-12. Students in TARC design, build, and launch model rockets and gain hands-on experience solving engineering problems. The top 100 teams across the United States are invited to compete nationally in Washington, DC. The team that places first at the National Finals wins an all-expenses-paid trip to represent the United States in the International Rocketry Challenge. The annual challenge is the aerospace industry’s flagship program designed to encourage students to pursue academic and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math. Detailed information is available at each school.

Two people in blue scrubs work at a table with medical supplies, including syringes, vials, and a red container.

STEM Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways (Grades 9-12)

In addition to traditional standards-based science courses, high schools also offer a variety of Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways that are focused on science. They include: Ag Mechanics, Ag Science, Animal Science, Ornamental Horticulture, Patient Care, Plant and Soil Science, and Sustainable Agriculture. These Pathways offer students an opportunity to explore and prepare for entering the workforce or advance study through hands-on and real-world application of knowledge and skills in key industry sectors.

A group of children participate in a science experiment, led by an instructor wearing an orange squid costume.

Cabrillo High School (CHS) Aquarium (Grades 10-12)

Cabrillo High School is the home of a 6,000 square-foot, student-run aquarium, featuring over 20 live exhibits. The Aquarium is a learning laboratory for students at Cabrillo High School. Students in grades 10-12 have an opportunity to engage in hands-on, project based courses, utilizing the facility and resources in the CHS Aquarium. Interested students who complete required courses can apply for curator leadership positions at the Aquarium. What once began as a school club in a classroom with just a few tanks, blossomed into a non-profit serving students, teachers, district staff, and local and national visitors. The CHS Aquarium is a non-profit, fully funded by donations and grants that support operations; upgraded exhibits, tools, and field trips for our student curators; and student scholarships. Each student who is involved in this program has an opportunity to apply their textbook knowledge. The Aquarium is open to the public once a month. More detailed information can be found on the Cabrillo Aquarium website.

A group of students listen attentively as their instructor speaks on a hillside overlooking the ocean.
Jinsu Elhance/TNC

Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve (Grades 7-12)

LUSD is proud to partner with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and UC Santa Barbara Kids In Nature (KIN) environmental education program to offer hands-on, experiential, and inquiry-based environmental education through field trips to the Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve. The Dangermond Preserve program curriculum focuses on connecting students to nature through comparative ecology study, evaluating the complexities of land management, the significance of this site to studies of climate change’s impacts, and student’s connections to themselves and each other. Most hikes included a reflection letter to self, a science investigation that compared oaks along the trail, and science/nature questions for further investigation. Letters to self were mailed to students approximately 3 months following their program dates. Detailed information is available at each school.