Toggle Bar

Outdoor Education Curriculum Themes

We collaborate with teachers to customize each program based on goals for their students. Each of our programs contain elements of environmental science, social-emotional learning, community building, and outdoor experience. Each small group will go out on a separate trail for their field day, where they will engage with the curriculum in an outdoor classroom.

In the spring and fall, students will hike on the trails. In the winter, teachers can choose to cross-country ski or snowshoe with their students. For every program, KSS provides the necessary equipment for the designated adventure. KSS instructors will provide students with the tools and extra gear they need to take care of themselves while spending time outdoors.


Core Competencies

Each of our programs contain elements of each of the following core competencies:

 

aquaticecology2
Team & Community Building

Students will learn about themselves, their peers, and how to work together through engaging games and activities.

aquaticecology2
Environmental Science

Students will study standards-based environmental science topics by engaging in place-based activities that are unique to our environment.

aquaticecology2
Outdoor Experience

Students will foster a greater appreciation for the environment through nature-based activities, guided exploration, and self-reflection.

Learn More

Teaching Styles

 

  • aquaticecology2
    Exploration

    Students explore the curriculum theme through sensory-based activities, engaging games, and inquiry-based learning.

  • aquaticecology2
    Environmental Issue

    Students will explore the environmental and social complexities of an environmental issue. Students will study perspectives of different stakeholders and engage in collaborative discussions to open dialogue and offer solutions. Students study the curriculum theme through the lens of a stakeholder. Acting as their stakeholder, students discuss the issues and come together at the end of the program for a "Town Hall Meeting" to open a dialogue, collaborate, and offer solutions. This program teaches students to collaborate as opposed to compete in order to solve a challenging environmental issue facing their community.


Environmental Science Curriculum Themes

 

  • aquaticecology2
    Aquatic Ecology - (Life Science)
    Only Available Spring & Fall

    Students will perform water quality assessments, and survey aquatic macroinvertebrates in order to better understand the health and interconnectedness of aquatic ecosystems in Colorado.

    DETAILS

  • aquaticecology2
    Forest Ecology - (Life Science)
    Available Year-Round

    Students will explore the Colorado forest ecosystem and discover the interdependent relationships between living and nonliving components.

    DETAILS

  • aquaticecology2
    Watersheds & Water Management - (Earth Science)
    Available Year-Round

    Students will explore how water collects into watersheds and how humans manage and conserve water resources in Colorado.

    DETAILS

  • aquaticecology2
    Geology - (Earth Science)
    Only Available Spring & Fall

    Students will investigate rocks and minerals, weathering and erosion, the transformation of mountain landforms, tectonic plates, and the rich mining history of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.

    DETAILS

  • aquaticecology2
    Snow and Avalanche Science - (Earth Science)
    Only Available Late Winter *Snow Required

    Students will dig snow pits in order to collect scientific data and observe mountainous terrain to explore how snowpack, weather, and terrain contribute to avalanches

    DETAILS

  • aquaticecology2
    Winter Ecology and Adaptations - (Life Science)
    Only Available Late Winter *Snow Required

    While focusing on animal adaptations, winter forest ecology and the insulative properties of snow, students will learn about the many different strategies organisms use to conserve energy and survive over winter.

    DETAILS

  • Interested in an outdoor education field trips? Get in touch today!

    We’re always happy to help plan your next outdoor education experience to ensure that your students have the best overnight field trip of their lives! Should you have questions about any step of the process, or associated paperwork, please contact us.

    Call Us (970)468-2098
    Monday-Friday 9am-5pm MST

    Email Us at Support@KeystoneScienceSchool.org
    We will respond promptly.

    Live Chat
    Monday-Friday 9am-5pm MST