Curriculum Description
Curriculum
☼Science: interconnections in climate change, studies in snow science, desertification, weather, geography, mining in the Southwest, renewable energy science
☼Math: algebra,trigonometry, pre-calculus, and geometry are integrated into our service project, and our mountain studies section
☼Social studies: resources and people of the Southwest, and global peace and conflict studies
☼Languages and cultural wisdom, Navajo and Spanish
☼Arts and Music: drawing, pottery, photography, dance and drumming, introduction to film making.
☼Outdoor Skills: including a whitewater river expedition, hiking, skiing,snowboarding and living outside for an extended period of time, wilderness medical certification (WFA)
Calendar:
September 1st-25th: Group Expedition
Orientation, 3 days at base camp in Colorado.
Canyon or Mountain Backpacking 10 days, River Expedition 9 days
Educational Topics:
Group and Personal Goal Setting
Mountains and Canyons, geology,
medicinal uses of plants,
leadership seminar, team building
River systems, hydrology, flora, fauna,
Whitewater river boating and rescue classes
River politics of the West
Creative Writing
Use computers to write home and for assignments
September 29th-October 17th To the La Plata or San Juan Mountains
Educational Topics:
Weather,Climate, Snow and Avalanche Studies
Mining and resource history
Wilderness Medical Training WFA
Break – to the hot springs!
October 17th – Back to base camp for 14 days
Midterms and SAT/ACT prep
Student Led Classes and individual apprenticeship
Dance, drumming, and art classes
Continuation of writing assignments, reflections
Parent Visits October 24-26th
Prepare for Service Project in Arizona.
October 31st-November 22nd,
Work with a Native American Community in mornings, classes in afternoon.
Educational Topics:
Social Studies:US History through Native American perspectives
Local Indigenous Language, Navajo or Hopi
Arts, silversmithing, and jewelry making
Music, drumming, singing, guitar
Thanksgiving celebration with our host community
November 18 – return to Basecamp - 4 days
Unpack, celebrations, semester evaluations
Depart for Thanksgiving and end of semester November 22nd.
Please note, this schedule is tentative and allows for enrollment for students normally on a semester or trimester schedule.