Science Education in the Outdoors

Courtesy of Judge Memorial Catholic High School

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Outdoor education is becoming a huge part of learning in high-school settings.

At Judge Memorial Catholic High School, we are trying to create opportunities for students to learn outside of the classroom. In past years, students have gone on trips to the Teton Science School, Spain and Italy; they’ve rafted down the Colorado River; and most recently, in November, studied oceanography at Catalina Island off the coast of southern California.

In the last few years our Teton Science School program has been directed by Dr. Natalie Dutrow. Previously the program was directed by Mr. George Angelo. Students and advisors go during the winter so they can study snow science and learn about the environment.

While students are there they trace animal tracks, collect data on the snow, and analyze this data. The majority of the day is spent out in the field. Each morning students pack a lunch, do a group lesson, and layer up to explore the outdoors, maneuvering through the snow by skate skiing or snowshoeing. Once students get back from the day in the field, the group meets and discusses their findings.

This past fall, the Oceanography class directed by Dr. Dasch Houdeshel went to the Catalina Environmental Leadership Program on Catalina Island off the coast of Los Angeles.

“Going to experience a place or a thing is the best way to learn about it,” Dr. Houdeshel  said.

Dr. Houdeshel hopes students take away three things: “First, a love for the ocean; second, the importance of multidisciplinary approaches to first understand and then to solve problems; and third, each individual has a different skill set that they can apply to a larger community to solve problems.”

To sum up the experience, Dr. Houdeshel stated, “The snorkel on the first day was the first time five of our students had ever been in the ocean. That was what the trip was about – providing new experiences to give our students a reason for learning and doing well in school.”

Courtesy of Judge Memorial Catholic High School