STEM in Full Swing: A Big Week of Soil, Science & Field Trips Across Two Counties
Oxnard High School Students at McGrath Family Farms
STEM programming is officially in full swing at SEEAG, and this week was a wonderful milestone — we had programming happening simultaneously in Santa Barbara County and Ventura County. Between Lompoc High School and Oxnard High School, we worked with nearly 50 students eager to explore future careers in the agriculture sector.
Digging In: Soil Science Labs at Lompoc & Oxnard High Schools
Students at Lompoc High School, currently taking Animal Science, and students at Oxnard High School enrolled in the Energy, Environment, and Utilities Industry course, participated in our hands-on Soil Science Lab.
In this lab, students explore:
The characteristics of healthy vs. unhealthy soil
The role of parent materials
How and why we measure electrical conductivity (EC) and soil moisture
How soil health impacts plants, water retention, and overall ecosystem resilience
After a quick introduction, we dove into the four soil samples students would be observing, measuring, and identifying. Using moisture meters, EC readers, and their own senses, students examined each sample’s texture, smell, color, organic matter, structure, and more.
Their challenge?
Work in small groups to analyze four “mystery” soil samples and determine which environment each one came from.
The soil samples represented four distinct agricultural and environmental conditions:
Conventional farm soil
Regenerative farm soil
Drought-impacted soil
Vermicompost-rich organic soil
The goal was not only to test their knowledge, but to help students build the observational and analytical skills that real agricultural scientists use every day.
Field Trips: From Organic Farming to Regenerative Ranching
The next day, Oxnard High School students visited McGrath Family Farms for a deep dive into sustainable agriculture. Students learned about:
The history and evolution of the farm
Organic vs. micro vs. large-scale farming
Tools and equipment used in strawberry production
The importance of soil biodiversity and regenerative practices
A highlight was hearing from Jacob Pecenka, a research scientist, who shared insight into his career path and the science behind crop improvement and field research. Students also enjoyed a stop at the farm store for fresh produce tasting — always a hit!
Meanwhile, in Santa Barbara County, Lompoc High School students traveled to Las Cumbres Ranch for their field trip. There, they got a firsthand look at:
What regenerative ranching looks like in practice
How cattle are raised responsibly
The biodiversity beneath their feet
The interconnectedness of animals, soil, and climate resilience
Students also got to meet plenty of animals along the way, making the experience both educational and memorable.
A Week to Celebrate
From labs to livestock, soil science to strawberries, this week showcased the variety and richness of agricultural education in our region. Students gained new skills, deepened their curiosity, and walked away with a better understanding of how science, farming, and stewardship come together to feed our communities.
It was an energizing week of STEM learning across both counties — and we can’t wait to keep the momentum going!
