ID – Galena Creek Park Field Studies

Rainshadow Community Charter High School – Spring 2011 ID Project Group Syllabus
Joe Ferguson *** joe@rainshadowcchs.org *** www.joerainshadow.weebly.com
Course Description: In this class, we will be collaborating with the Great Basin Institute to visit, learn
about, explore, and become experts on The Galena Creek Park Recreation Area, and Nevada and
California wilderness areas beyond. Set on the foothill of Mt. Rose, Galena Creek Regional Park and its
visitor center aim to encourage understanding, appreciation, and wise use of the natural, cultural, and
historical resources of the Galena Canyon area and the Mt. Rose Scenic Byway. Our class will take part
in many activities and projects including, but not limited to, leading interpretive and seasonal programs
through the visitor center, discover local animals, plants, birds, fish, rocks, and cultural history through
hands-on games, hikes, guided activities, and special guests, explore other area parks, do “Learn &
Serve” projects, help with the Campfire Series, lead naturalist hikes, and more. The Great Basin
Institute is an interdisciplinary field studies organization that promotes environmental research,
education, and conservation throughout the West. The Institute advances ecological literacy and habitat
restoration through educational outreach and direct service programs.
Course Aims and Objectives for this Semester:
Upon completion of this semester course of study, students will be able to…
- Develop a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world while studying nature.
- Use observation skills to become aware of the natural world.
- Investigate the historical aspects of Galena Creek Park.
- Work with community and nonprofit groups on a variety of projects.
- Understand and utilize Leave No Trace Ethics while exploring natural areas.
- Utilize proper safety and precaution while travelling in and exploring nature.
- Carry out activities in the wild such as camping, hiking, and finding food and shelter.
- Differentiate and interpret the different ecosystems that exist in Northern Nevada.
- Identify and appreciate the vast array of wildlife that relies on local nature to survive.
- Know and understand the history and ecology of the plant species that call Galena Park home.
- Understand the basics of the map & compass, GPS, orienteering, and navigation.
- Know the basics of winter ecology and survival in extreme climates/conditions.
- Create websites to communicate your experiences with classmates and the outside world.
Requirements:
- Participation in classroom and field activities every day.
- Record of journal entries, notes, other writings and classroom assignments.
- Completed portfolio of projects and assignments (see requirements below).
- Completion of major student-driven projects and presentations.

Week / Dates Monday - Friday

1) Course intro. Our schedule. School rules and TERMS. Team building, getting to know one
Jan 24 - 28 another games. Starting a new community garden! Planning a spring class camping trip! No
School Thursday (Professional Development)
2) Friday field trip to Galena Creek Park. Weather & climate study. Wind, weather patterns,
Jan 31 - Feb 4 human influence. Extreme weather & meteorology. Floods. No class Monday – Thursday.
3) Weebly and website creation. Carbon & The Arctic Class Project. What is happening to the
Feb 8 - 12 polar bears?
4) Friday field trip to The Tahoe Environmental Research Center and Galena Creek Park.
Feb 14 - 18 Water quality, watersheds, and our community resources. No class Monday-Thursday.
5) Careers in conservation. Summer internship and job opportunities. Guest presentations.
Feb 21 - 25 Filling out applications. No School Monday (President’s Day)
6) Friday field trip to Galena Creek Park. Becoming a junior ranger in the park. Field
Feb 28 - Mar 4 interpretation and guidebooks. No class Monday-Thursday.
7) Geology, paleontology, and archaeology at Galena Creek Park. History: The past, present,
Mar 7 - 11 and future of the park. Resources.
8) Friday field trip to Galena Creek Park. Exploring the history of the park from a field studies
Mar 14 - 18 perspective. Seeing through the eyes of an archeologist. No class Mon-Thursday.
9) Ecology and energy in the park. Food chains and food webs. Galena Creek Park food web
Mar 21 - 25 class project. No School Thursday (Professional Development)
10) Friday field trip to Galena Creek Park. Exploring the food web first hand. Arts & crafts in
Mar 28 - Apr 1 the park. Spring is here! No class Monday-Thursday.
11) Water ecology and water monitoring. Stream and pond health. Fish and macroinvertebrates.
Apr 4 - 8 Water pollution.
12) Friday field trip to Galena Creek Park. Water ecology field lab. Water quality and quantity.
Apr 11 - 15 No class Monday-Thursday.
13) Preparing for our camping trip. Earth Day booth preparation. Spring Break next week! Final
Apr 18 - 22 project plan.
14) Friday field trip to Galena Creek Park. Entomology & bugs in the park. Insect field study.
May 2 - 6 Creating a native plants interpretive garden. No class Monday-Thursday.
15) Friday field trip to Galena Creek Park. Spring birding expedition with the Lahontan
May 9 - 13 Audubon Society. Park residents & migratory species. Hike. No class Monday-Thursday.
16) Final project proposals and presentation practice. Summer job, internship, and
May 16 - 20 volunteerism. No School Thursday (Professional Development)
17) Friday field trip to Galena Creek Park. Last trip to Galena. Community presentations.
May 23 - 27 Interpretive hikes for the public. No class Monday-Thursday.
18)
Wrapping up. Final Projects. Seniors graduate! No School Monday (Memorial Day)
May 30 - Jun 3
19) Last week of the semester. Finish portfolios and websites. Course reflection and evaluation.
Jun 6 - 9 Onward to (safe) summer fun!

Grading Policy and Assessment: This interdisciplinary course of study is worth approximately 2000 points. It is
worth 1 high school elective credit per semester.
Point Breakdown:
Attendance and Participation – 500 points
Completed Work Folder – 500 points
- includes notes, journal entries, website updates, mini-projects, quizzes, tests, and other classwork.
Major Group and Solo Projects and Presentations – 500 points
Completed Rainshadow Online Portfolio – 500 points
Portfolio Contents: You will submit components from this course into your Rainshadow portfolio that will
showcase your work for the full semester course of study. Your portfolio will contain your best work from this class
and will be a demonstration of your skills and growth as a Rainshadow CCHS student. It will be expected that your
major projects and several other pieces of work from this class will be components of your portfolio.