Program Structure

Pre-Trip- Discovery Centers (classroom two weeks before field trip)

The Refuges will offer 5, 10-20 minute self-guided activities which introduce students to major themes of the program as well as develop the skills (science process) needed for success in the program.

Tips for Developing Discovery Centers

1. Simple, straight forward directions
2. Each center should 10-20 minutes to complete (younger grades should have shorter activities).
3. The more physical the activity the better. Examples- puzzles, picture books, classify objects, partner games, mazes, etc.

Field Trip-Wetland Wonders

The field trips run 3-5 hours and can be done at either Alamosa or Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge. The trip begins with an introduction to the day's concepts as a large group of 20-60 students. Then students are divided into three groups and rotate through three 30-40 minute lessons pertaining to the objectives of the specific grades. Then the students reconvene together and do a short wrap-up activity.

Tips for Developing & Implementing Field Trips

1. Try to create activities that are based in the outdoors, try to avoid activities that can be done in the classroom. (For example: data collection, observation, field sketching, scavenger hunts.
2. The Introduction/Wrap up should review material learned in pre-trip discovery centers and introduce students to the goals of the field day.
3. Field Stations should be hands-on/minds-on and relate to the learner outcomes and program goals

Post-Field Trip-Wetland Inquiry(back in classroom)

One activity that can be teacher-lead that alloes students to synthesize and apply what
they have learned in the program.

Tips for Developing Post-field Trip Activities

1. Interactive, group work component, self guided, or minimal direction from teachers, with some sort of problem solving component or decision making. Example: students decide how to manage for Mosquitoes in Alamosa county based on the needs of birds and human health threats (west-nile virus) and make recommendations to the policy officials.

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