CASCADE
STREAMWATCH - Nationally acclaimed
aquatic ecology program at the Cascade Streamwatch Education Complex
at Wildwood Recreation Site at the base of Mt. Hood.
SCIENCE
IN THE FOREST - An innovative forest education program
conducted at numerous sites including the Wildwood Recreation Site, Metolius Preserve and
Hopkins Demonstration Forest.
KOKANEE KARNIVAL Youth Education Project - The purpose of the Project is to provide a dynamic, hands on learning experience to educate and excite elementary school children about clean water, healthy watersheds, and fish conservation, while promoting safe and responsible angling, good citizenship, and community stewardship (central Oregon).
SUMMER SCIENCE EXPEDITIONS - Multi-day wilderness experiences that immerse participants in scientific research, outdoor recreation and backcountry survival.
GOAL
The goal of our Watershed Science projects is to increase literacy in science and geography.
CORE ELEMENTS
To accomplish our goal, Wolftree provides projects that have the following core elements.
Field based. Students explore the natural world at several diverse field sites located throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Experiential. Teams use contemporary scientific research tools, technology and techniques to collect and analyze scientific data.
Small teams. Research teams of usually seven, five students and two mentors, immerse themselves in the study of ecology.
Science Inquiry: Students do the following: (1) Use technology and
mathematics to improve investigations and communications; (2)
Formulate and revise scientific explanations and models using logic and
evidence; (3) Recognize and analyze alternative explanations and models;
and (4) Communicate and defend a scientific argument.
Applied Science: Students do the following: (1) Use problem-solving
techniques, research skills, and decision-making strategies (individually
and collaboratively) to identify issues and problems; and (2) Conduct
research, and evaluate information to formulate and defend a position or
decision.
Geography: Students do the following: (1) Use maps and other
geographic representations, tools, and technologies to acquire, process,
and report information from a spatial perspective; and (2) Explore the
characteristics and spatial distribution of ecosystems on earth’s surface.Inquiry driven. Students learn how to make observations, develop questions and hypotheses, design investigations to test their hypotheses and present their conclusions.
Guided by scientists, resource specialists, and educators (mentors). Over 250 professional scientists from nearly 70 public and private organizations support Wolftree students. Mentors are trained to engage students with challenging questions, encourage critical and creative thinking, and guide students towards meaningful conclusions.
Classroom activities and materials complement field studies. Wolftree staff and mentors facilitate pre and post classroom activities to provide a seamless link between the classroom and the field. Teachers are provided with a host of supplemental instructional materials including our Ecology Field Guide, a comprehensive guide to our field studies.
Accommodates a full range of learning abilities and cultures. Females and minorities are especially encouraged to succeed through special projects.
Tied to national and state standards and benchmarks. All our programs provide students the opportunity to fulfill school benchmark requirements, especially regarding science inquiry.
OUTCOMES
Upon completion of a Wolftree Watershed Science projects, students are able to:
+ Demonstrate an understanding about the structure and functions of watersheds
+ Apply advanced observation and awareness techniques
+ Formulate testable questions or hypotheses based on observations
+ Design an investigation to test their hypotheses
+ Collect watershed data using contemporary scientific tools and technology
+ Analyze, organize, and summarize their data
+ Answer their scientific questions or assess whether their hypothesis is supported by data
+ Effectively communicate their observations and conclusions; and
+ Fulfill national and state requirements for science, science inquiry, and geography.
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