The Environmental Science courses were developed to promote a conservationist attitude for future generations. We want students to not only learn about the Alaskan Wilderness, but also make it the very fabric of their lives. If the Wilderness becomes a part of them, they will take care of it and teach others to do the same.
The classes are offered as part of Cook Inlet Academy's Summer School Program. Since Cook Inlet Academy is accredited by the The Northwest Association of Accredited Schools, class credit earned can be transferred to any public or private high school
Students in Environmental Science I will spend 3 days in class at a cabin on Caribou Island on Skilak Lake and 4 days in the "field". When in class, students will learn use and care of equipment, cooking skills, bear encounter skills, map and compass skills, and health and safety. Prior to the beginning of class, several class projects and textbook reading will be assigned.
While in the field, students will use their newly learned wilderness skills. They will live and cook in groups of two (guys with guys and girls with girls). These small groups help disperse the impact on the land and enable each student more of an opportunity to master their wilderness skills. Each student will also get individual coaching from the instructors. Also while in the field, students will learn primary and secondary succession and how to determine flora and ages of forests.
Environmental Science I Tentative Schedule
July 8--14, 2009
The first 2 class days will be held at our cabin on Skilak Lake. During the next 4 "field" days, students will hike with fully loaded backpacks (25% of body weight) and cover approximately 5-8 miles each day. During the final day, students will evaluate the trip, clean up equipment, and take a final exam.
At present, each class has a limit of twelve students. In previous years, classes have filled up quickly. If interested in classes, you should register early.
Parents who want their teens to take a full credit in science are finding it easier costwise to have their teens take Environmental Science I one summer and Environmental Science II another summer. They can however, both be taken during the same summer.
**NOTE: You can take Environmental Science I and II in any order. One is not dependent on the other.
Environmental Science I and II are for those students who have completed 8th grade.
The cost for Environmental Science I is $390.00 per person per class. The cost includes all meals and snacks as well as the gear listed below.
Equipment Supplied By Adventure Alaska Wilderness Program:
*first aid/survival kits
*bear spray
*all cook stoves and fuel
*cookware and utensils
*all meals and snacks
*all transportation
*Nalgene water bottles
*REI tents
*water filters (PUR and Sweetwater Guardian)
*all maps and compasses
*textbooks
*two-way radios
*O degree REI sleeping bag
*Lowe Alpine backpacks
Environmental Science I teaches:
*stove use and cooking skills
*bear encounter skills
*map and compass skills
*equipment uses
*leave no trace techniques
*search and rescue sklls
*survival skills
*plant identification
*health and safety of self and others
*environmental concern
*first aid/CPR skills
*experiential journal writing
*trip calculations
*problem solving
*leadership skills
*general backpacking and camping skills
*trail maintenance
*water filter techniques
*stream crossing skills
*research skills
*equipment selection
*decision making skills
*setting and attaining personal goals
*nutrition needs
*organism relationships
*primary and secondary succession
*wilderness management issues
Our courses are designed to help students learn from experience. This being the case, students will cook for themselves, set up their own camp, demonstrate first aid and survival skills, demonstrate bear encounter skills, deal with the correct ways of hiking in various terrain, and show their skills in "Leave No Trace" Backpacking.
***For a more detailed list of skills learned in Environmental Science I, "click" on the "Env Sc I Grading Rubric" link above.
**All students need to provide is their clothing, hiking boots, and toiletries
**Because quality equipment can save lives and make the wilderness experience more enjoyable, we only use the best quality gear from REI, The North Face, MSR, Lowe Alpine, Nalgene, and Sweet Water Guardian.
(check with your school about the transfer of credit prior to registration). This is a benefit for those students needing a high school science credit and find it difficult to do so during the regular school year. It also gives students who are just entering their freshman year of high school a head start in science. Credit in Physical Education is also available for those who are interested.
Thanks to REI--Anchorage for providing much of the gear which make our classes a success.
