Curriculum Description and Calender
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.
☼Social Studies
Histories and cultures of the Southwest and global peace and conflict studies.
☼Languages
English and writing skills, an Indigenous language and Spanish.
☼Arts and Music
Drawing, pottery, singing, photography, dance and drumming, introduction to film making.
☼Outdoor Skills
River expedition, hiking, skiing,snowboarding(snow permitting) and living outside for an extended period of time, plus Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification.
Calendar:
Group Expedition Section September 1-25
Includes:
3 days at base camp in Mancos, Colorado
River Expedition 9 days, Canyon Backpacking10 days
Educational Topics:
Group and personal goal setting
Medicinal uses of plants
Leadership seminar, team building
River systems, hydrology, flora, fauna,
River boating and rescue classes
River politics of the West
Creative writing
Mountain Studies and Science Section
September 29-October 17 La Plata or San Juan Mountains
Educational Topics:
Weather, climate ,snow and avalanche studies
Mining and resource history
Wilderness Medical Training (WFA)
Break: Hot springs!
October 17 to base camp, Mancos, Colorado for 14 days
Midterms and SAT/ACT prep
Student led classes and individual apprenticeship
Dance, drumming and art classes
Continuation of writing assignments, use of computers
Parent Visits: October 24-26
Service Learning and Social Studies Section
Arizona or New Mexico TBD
October 31-November 22
Work with a Native American Host Community in mornings, classes in afternoon.
Educational Topics:
Social Studies: US History and Native American perspectives
Indigenous language and spanish
Arts: silversmithing, jewelry making, pottery, photography, film
Music: drumming, singing, guitar (student choice)
Early 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.