2009 Innovation in Education Award Finalist

Dave Gerhard

Award: Innovative School Program
Concordia Elementary School
Capistrano Unified School District

“The fact is that many of our students will work in careers that do not even exist today.  It is imperative that we help our students learn how to think, problem solve, and acquire the skills needed to be successful in the future.”  —Dave Gerhard

Program Description

 The cornerstone of Project Splash is “Splash”, a 4-9 million year old baleen whale fossil,  who was discovered in Laguna Niguel in 1996 and whose home is now on the Concordia campus. Paleontologists believe that Splash may be one of the most complete specimens of its kind ever found on the North American continent.

The acquisition of the whale fossil has created the opportunity to develop a hands-on science discovery center.  Students will be introduced to the study of paleontology combined with real-life math and science experiences.  The program focuses on enrichment activities fully aligned with the California state standards, with students working in teams to excavate, document, and identify fossils in hands-on simulated learning experiences.

The Paleontology Park and Science Discovery Center that are included with Project Splash will ultimately feature a variety of fossils, interactive displays and exhibits that the entire community can visit, study and enjoy.

What is the role of K-12 education in driving Orange County’s economic competitiveness?

Public schools have a critical role in driving Orange County’s economic competitiveness.  It is our responsibility to prepare students to compete and succeed in our high tech world.  Project Splash provides opportunities for students to use technology for research, data collection, logging observations, and producing high quality reports.