American Outdoor Schools operates from the first of September to the middle of June. We offer three, four, and five day programs starting with dinner on the first day through lunch on the last day. AOS staff lead all classes, evening programs, as well as games and activities.
Natural science and Environmental Education topics are taught from a stewardship perspective. Subjects included are from the disciplines of biology, geology, astronomy, zoology, botany, ecology, conservation, nature study, and outdoor recreation skills. Students are provided with a working manual, which is their tool for learning, to apply the concepts that they have been taught by collecting specimens, conducting experiments and recording observations. The curriculum is designed for grades five through eight, utilizing observation, classification, investigation and analytical skills, as seen in the overview below:
Discoverers (5th grade) focuses on using the senses to observe and understand the natural community and its various components.
Explorers (6th grade) concentrates on exploring nature in order to understand and appreciate the concept of interdependence within the ecosystem.
Investigators (7th grade) is centered on collecting and analyzing data about the natural world, and considering the students' role as stewards of the earth.
Survivors (8th grade, adaptable for all grades) is based on the concept that the natural environment provides our basic needs. Using scientific concepts and group problem solving, students will be challenged to learn skills to help them "stay alive" and avoid some of the problems people encounter in the wilderness.
View a Sample Schedule.
OBJECTIVES
The student will understand the concepts of:
- Community and interdependence (all parts are required)
- Value of the individual or citizen within the community
- Decision making and cooperation as a part of community life.
TRIPS AND CONCEPTS TO EXPLORE
BODEGA HEAD - Coastal Community and interdependence
Investigate and compare the coastal environment and communities with the community the students live in. Discuss and observe the roles of deer, cormorant, lupine, rabbits, whales, etc. and how they interrelate.
ARMSTRONG REDWOODS - Redwood Community and choices
Observe that environmental factors determine the types of inhabitants within a community. Explore the redwood community and it's ecological systems. See the results of one person's choice to utilize the land responsibly.
SALT POINT - Tide pool Community and the food chain
Explore a community structured according to tidal zonation. Observe the interaction of individuals within their zone, specifically relating to the food chain.
FORT ROSS - Community citizenship and resources.
Become a part of a people community that was based on resources and comprised of several nationalities. Discuss why communities are developed, why some fail, and what impact man has on his environment.
SAW MILL - Resources
Experience the use of a resource - the idea of using timber as a crop. Discuss the fact that technology and the environment do interact within man's communities.
The school will need to provide transportation from Mt. Gilead to each site as well as the return trip.
