Who says that education only happens inside? Biodiversity field trips are outdoor education programs focused on one or two topics, and allows the teachers and students to really delve deep. All field trips are organized by Dr. Dorothy (associate director) and the class teacher to identify which topics to study, where to study them and for how long. Many field trips also involve UW faculty who are experts in the given topic. All field trips can cover multiple topics, ranging from biology to math, reading, social studies and more. Click here to read about the aspen genetics lab.
Other field trip examples include visiting a local forest to talk about the mountain pine beetle epidemic and how it is affecting the forests in multiple ways (plant community, hydrology, fire ecology, etc.), identifying native birds, mammals and/or insects, discussing plant community structure, and more.
Enhanced understanding of life sciences by seeing processes happen in nature.
Heightened connection-making between concepts, such as temperature, solar radiation, pollinator activity and color of flower heads.
Improved observation, hypothesis formation and data collection skills, and appreciation for the scientific method.
Understanding of timely issues, such as pine beetle kill and invasive bird species.
Contact the Biodiversity Institute at 307-766-6240 or biodiversity@uwyo.edu to discuss with Dorothy Tuthill, Associate Director, what your class can do this school year!
Need more context? Here is a poster outlining the program and offering suggestions, and a handy postcard summarizing the idea. Contact Dr. Dorothy with any questions or to get your class involved.
>>Provide feedback on this and other programs the Biodiversity Institute offers.
