Outdoor School Curriculum
Instructors will model and facilitate while students learn using hands-on/inquiry
teaching methods. Students will develop a curiosity and ownership for
the outdoors using the following units. Each lesson meets many TEKS requirements.
Units will be modified for excursions/day visits.
Aquatic
Biology - Hands-on experience in the South Llano River. This full day unit involves
instruction in the water cycle, metamorphosis, water temperature, pH
testing and collecting macroinvertebrates from the river. Each student
has access to a multitude of tools that help them learn to evaluate
and draw conclusions about water quality and how to protect our watershed.
Teambuilding – Teambuilding
activities focus on the 3 C’s – Communication, Cooperation, and Commitment. Students learn to function together
as a group and make new friends during these engaging activities.
Geology – A
field adventure that takes the students to an off campus
site where they can experience the skill involved with being
a geologist. Students will use safety tools and rock picks
to collect and test rock samples in order to discover the
type of rock in an area. Instruction includes learning about
minerals, sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rock and
their characteristics.
Pedology – Manipulation
of various types of soil. Students discover how to compare
the texture and permeability of soil samples, learn how soil
properties affect organisms and plant growth through soil
sampling, and perform soil tests such as pH and organism
collection.
Ecology -
Hands-on activities designed to apply both science and mathematics
skills placing students in the role of an ecologist. Using
GPS technology as well as traditional tools, students will
observe, record and identify local flora and fauna while
discovering habitats and how they are affected by living
organisms and nonliving factors.
Orienteering -
A challenging course designed to apply learned compass and
map skills, as well as enhance problem solving and teambuilding
skills. Compasses and instruction are provided prior to beginning
the course.
Hiking – As
the students travel down picturesque hiking trails, they
are engaged in learning about various plants and their adaptations
to the environment. Students use a field guide to identify
flora and fauna native to the area.
Archaeology/Paleontology – In
order to find out who or what lived in this area, students participate
in a simulated dig using various archaeological tools. Students study
the stratigraphy of the earth and discuss the layers of soil while
discovering many exciting artifacts.
Pioneer Day – Students
travel back in time to experience the daily life of early settlers.
Activities include roping, plowing, bartering, candle making,
biscuit making, clothes washing, whittling, and woodworking.
Students learn the importance of hard work and can compare
and contrast life in the past to present day life.
Circuits –Students
apply learned concepts about electricity and energy to build
a variety of closed circuits using renewable and nonrenewable
resources. Hands-on manipulation of tools is key in this unit.
Hot Air Balloons/
Buoyancy Unit - 6th Grade+ Students learn about density and buoyancy before building their
very own hot air balloons. Pairs of students build and fly
their creation measuring each flight to determine an average
length of flight.
Stream Flow Velocity -
6th Grade + Students become hydrologists and use integrated
science and mathematics to determine the velocity of the South
Llano River.
Solar Cars -
6th Grade+ Students build and race solar-powered cars, then
compare and contrast design choices associated with the car.
This is a fun activity that applies important energy and design
concepts.
ACADEMY
EVENING ACTIVITY CHOICES
Astronomy -
Discover and explore the wonders of the universe. Students learn the
moon phases and view constellations using binoculars and telescopes.
Ornithology – Experience
and observe the Great Horned Owl. Students use safe lab
practices to dissect owl pellets. Students take part in
a night hike as instructors call up a Great Horned Owl
during an owl watch.
Project Wild
Activities – A variety of these Project Wild activities are available to educate students
in ecology and outdoor education. These interactive activities
allow students to actively learn about wildlife scenarios
while having a great time.
Challenge Course – Students
are placed in small groups and work together to strategize
an order for visiting flags placed around our TTU Junction
campus. Each group receives ½ of the points for finding the flag and the other ½ for answering a question about the week correctly. This activity is a great
review over the week’s units and activities that allows for map reading practice, teamwork and some
friendly competition.
Fishing – Grab
a fishing pole and enjoy the beauty of the South Llano River.
Students’ fish using a bamboo pole and live worms during this catch and release activity.