syllabus spring id gcpfs

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ID Galena Creek Park Field StudiesRainshadow Community Charter High School Spring 2011 ID Project Group Syllabus

Joe Ferguson *** [email protected] *** www.joerainshadow.weebly.com

Course Description: In this class, we will be collaborating with the Great Basin Institute to visit, learn

about, explore, and become experts on The Galena Creek Park Recreation Area, and Nevada and

California wilderness areas beyond. Set on the foothill ofMt. Rose, Galena Creek Regional Parkand its

visitor center aim to encourage understanding, appreciation, and wise use of the natural, cultural, and

historical resources of the Galena Canyon area and the Mt. Rose Scenic Byway. Our class will take part

in manyactivities and projects including, but not limited to, leading interpretive and seasonal programs

through the visitor center, discover local animals, plants, birds, fish, rocks, and cultural historythrough

hands-on games, hikes, guided activities, and special guests, explore other area parks, do Learn &

Serve projects, help with the Campfire Series, lead naturalist hikes, and more. The Great Basin

Institute is an interdisciplinary field studies organization that promotes environmental research,

education, and conservation throughout the West. The Institute advances ecological literacyand habitat

restoration through educational outreach and direct service programs.

Course Aims and Objectives for this Semester:Upon completion of this semester course of study, students will be able to

-Develop a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world while studying nature.-Use observation skills to become aware of the natural world.- Investigate the historical aspects of Galena Creek Park.-Work with community and nonprofit groups on a variety of projects.-Understand and utilize Leave No Trace Ethics while exploring natural areas.-Utilize proper safety and precaution while travelling in and exploring nature.-Carry out activities in the wild such as camping, hiking, and finding food and shelter.-Differentiate and interpret the different ecosystems that exist in Northern Nevada.- Identify and appreciate the vast array of wildlife that relies on local nature to survive.-Know and understand the history and ecology of the plant species that call Galena Park home.-Understand the basics of the map & compass, GPS, orienteering, and navigation.-Know the basics of winter ecology and survival in extreme climates/conditions.-Create websites to communicate your experiences with classmates and the outside world.

Requirements:- Participation in classroom and field activities every day.- Record of journal entries, notes, other writings and classroom assignments.- Completed portfolio of projects and assignments (see requirements below).-Completion of major student-driven projects and presentations.

Week / Dates Monday - Friday1)

Jan 24 - 28

Course intro. Our schedule. School rules and TERMS. Team building, getting to know one

another games. Starting a new community garden! Planning a spring class camping trip! No

School Thursday (Professional Development)

2)

Jan 31 - Feb 4

Friday field trip to Galena Creek Park. Weather & climate study. Wind, weather patterns,

human influence. Extreme weather & meteorology. Floods. No class Monday Thursday.

3)

Feb 8 - 12

Weebly and website creation. Carbon & The Arctic Class Project. What is happening to the

polar bears?

4)

Feb 14 - 18

Friday field trip to The Tahoe Environmental Research Center and Galena Creek Park.

Water quality, watersheds, and our community resources. No class Monday-Thursday.

5) Careers in conservation. Summer internship and job opportunities. Guest presentations.
mailto:[email protected]://www.joerainshadow.weebly.com/http://www.joerainshadow.weebly.com/mailto:[email protected]


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Feb 21 - 25 Filling out applications. No School Monday (Presidents Day)

6)

Feb 28 - Mar 4

Friday field trip to Galena Creek Park. Becoming a junior ranger in the park. Field

interpretation and guidebooks. No class Monday-Thursday.

7)

Mar 7 - 11

Geology, paleontology, and archaeology at Galena Creek Park. History: The past, present,

and future of the park. Resources.

8)

Mar 14 - 18

Friday field trip to Galena Creek Park. Exploring the history of the park from a field studies

perspective. Seeing through the eyes of an archeologist. No class Mon-Thursday.

9)

Mar 21 - 25

Ecology and energy in the park. Food chains and food webs. Galena Creek Park food web

class project. No School Thursday (Professional Development)10)

Mar 28 - Apr 1

Friday field trip to Galena Creek Park. Exploring the food web first hand. Arts & crafts in

the park. Spring is here! No class Monday-Thursday.

11)

Apr 4 - 8

Water ecology and water monitoring. Stream and pond health. Fish and macroinvertebrates.

Water pollution.

12)

Apr 11 - 15

Friday field trip to Galena Creek Park. Water ecology field lab. Water quality and quantity.

No class Monday-Thursday.

13)

Apr 18 - 22

Preparing for our camping trip. Earth Day booth preparation. Spring Break next week! Final

project plan.

14)

May 2 - 6

Friday field trip to Galena Creek Park. Entomology & bugs in the park. Insect field study.

Creating a native plants interpretive garden. No class Monday-Thursday.

15)

May 9 - 13

Friday field trip to Galena Creek Park. Spring birding expedition with the Lahontan

Audubon Society. Park residents & migratory species. Hike. No class Monday-Thursday.

16)

May 16 - 20

Final project proposals and presentation practice. Summer job, internship, and

volunteerism. No School Thursday (Professional Development)

17)

May 23 - 27

Friday field trip to Galena Creek Park. Last trip to Galena. Community presentations.

Interpretive hikes for the public. No class Monday-Thursday.

18)

May 30 - Jun 3Wrapping up. Final Projects. Seniors graduate! No School Monday (Memorial Day)

19)

Jun 6 - 9

Last week of the semester. Finish portfolios and websites. Course reflection and evaluation.

Onward to (safe) summer fun!

Grading Policy and Assessment: This interdisciplinary course of study is worth approximately 2000 points. It is

worth 1 high school elective credit per semester.Point Breakdown:

Attendance and Participation 500 points

Completed Work Folder 500 points

- includes notes, journal entries, website updates, mini-projects, quizzes, tests, and other classwork.

Major Group and Solo Projects and Presentations 500 points

Completed Rainshadow Online Portfolio 500 points

Portfolio Contents: You will submit components from this course into your Rainshadow portfolio that will

showcase your work for the full semester course of study. Your portfolio will contain your best work from this clas

and will be a demonstration of your skills and growth as a Rainshadow CCHS student. It will be expected that you

major projects and several other pieces of work from this class will be components of your portfolio.


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syllabus spring id gcpfs

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