(New!) Wilderness Field Study
Wilderness Field Study combines modern scientific understanding with ancestral ways of connecting with the natural world. Learning is best supported through hands-on experiences as students are immersed in nature- where our classroom is the woods, lake, swamp, and field. As they connect with the earth, students develop a sense of pride and protection for it.
We strive to create a community of young adults who feel safe to explore their unique gifts and passions with confidence. Our curriculum focuses on developing centered, healthy, and motivated young adults. Instead of lecturing or simply providing answers, students are asked to think creatively to solve problems, fostering a sense of critical thinking and community.
Wilderness Field Study 2024-2025
for students ages 14-18*
Courses are one day per week. Choose the day that works best for you.
Wednesdays 10:00am-2:00pm
Thursdays 10:00am-2:00pm
*Student age as of September 1, 2024
Wilderness Field Study 2024-2025
The forest is our classroom
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Wilderness survival and bush craft skills
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Fire, Shelter, Water
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orientation and navigation
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Animal tracking,
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Ecology Focus:
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Ecosystems and Biomes
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Population and Biodiversity
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Native, Introduced, and Invasive Species
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Predator Prey Cycles, Life Cycles
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Energy and Matter Flow through Cycles
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Food Chains, Webs, and Energy Flow
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Chemical Cycles: Water, Carbon, Nitrogen
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Human Impact on Ecosystems
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Specialized skills of interest to students such as
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harvesting and preparing edible/medicinal plants
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preparing animal hides
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fishing, preparing and cooking fish over the fire
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wood carving
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basketry
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creating musical instruments
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and so much more
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Complete Course Syllabus, Coming Soon!
Calendar 2024-2025
weeks of...
Fall Session
Sep 16, 23, 30
Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Nov 4, 11, 18
Winter Session
Jan 20, 27
Feb 3, 10, 17
Spring Session
Mar 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Apr 14, 21, 28
May 5, 12
Optional Independent Study
High School Ecology Credit
Students that wish to earn a high school Ecology credit have the option of adding an independent study to this class. As the Homeschool Parent, you provide the credit on your student’s transcript. Discovery is the resource for this credit.
Each week, students will have research assignments to deepen their understanding of the topics experienced in class. Students will use the scientific method to design and execute an experiment, studying the interaction of mammals and their environment. Expect to spend 1-3 hours each week outside of class on their Ecology Independent Study.
Outside resources will include
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journal articles
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documentaries
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online lectures
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field guides
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books
Student portfolios will include
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nature journal
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experiment design, data, and analysis
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photographs of their hands-on work in the field
Long-Term Planning High School Credits?
Us too.
Each year, the Wilderness Field Study will have a new theme with a different independent study credit.
Wilderness Field Study FAQ's
Is partnership funding available for Wilderness Field Study? Yes! The High School Field Study Course follows our Wilderness School Model, and courses facilitate nature connection through art, music, and physical education/outdoor ed. The Ecology Credit is an Independent Study option to expand on the learning happening during Wilderness School.
Who will teach this class? Our AMAZING Mr. Dean will be the lead teacher. Dean is our resident entimologist with a background in botany and passion for wilderness survival skills. He brings energy and life everywhere he goes. You're going to love him!
What is the class size? Becuase this course is new, we're not sure how many students to expect! We've opened 18 spaces for the class. Once we have over 12 students enrolled, we'll make sure we bring in a support teacher as well.
For the High School Ecology Credit, do we come up with our own work? Nope! Discovery will curate the resrouces for the Independent Study portion of the class. We will have a list of books and supplies needed for the course.
How will the class be graded? There are so many ways to assess learning besides written tests and book reports. Students will create a portfolio during the year, which will include photographs, nature journal entries, scientific data, art/music compositions, videos, and more. Instead of tests, students will demonstrate comprehension of the material through oral presentations and group discussion. We have found that this facilitates a deeper understanding of the subject material than any test ever could! Throughout the year, Independent Study students will check with teachers informally each week. We will also create formal meetings with the teacher to disucss your learning goals, experiments, and projects. For your high school transcript, you will need a grade. At the end of the year, you'll meet with the teacher to look over your portfolio and learning goals. Together you will decide the grade you've earned for your high school transcript.
Where can I find the course syllabus? This couse is new, and we're still working out the details. Chelsea, Discovery's Director, will be creating the syllabus with the support professionals in the field of ecology and teaching. Chelsea is a former high school Physics and Chemistry teacher, and was the chair of the science department when she taught public school- leading teachers in science curriculum development.
Which textbook will you use? We're still curating our Ecology Course book list. Ecology is the study of how living organisms interact with their environment. Instead of a single textbook, the spine of our curriculum will include living books that bring in diverse perspectives regarding how everything works together. We will also utilize documentaries, youtube videos, and journal articles, and our own scientific data as resources in this course.
Will this same course be taught next year? Discovery is on a five-year curriculum cycle. That means we're always engaging in new material. Wilderness Field Study is a new class that will change with the theme each year. So, next year the Independent Study will have a High School Botany credit. The following year Anthropolgy. We're looking at Geology and Biology as well as Dendrology and Ornithology in future years.
More Questions?
