DATES: AUGUST 5 – 8, 2025
TUITION & LODGING: $762
LOCATION: GARDINER, MT
GROUP SIZE: 12
ACTIVITY LEVEL: 2
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Let Yellowstone provoke curiosity and inspire learning. Go beyond the popular media to embrace the ecological complexity of the park and its surrounding landscapes. With a focus on the science practices of questioning, modeling, data analysis, and argumentation, participants will explore Yellowstone’s ecosystem dynamics and resilience through famous, as well as lesser-known, conservation stories that will transform classroom instruction. After observing landscape and wildlife interactions from Lamar Valley and other park areas, participants will be immersed in field and classroom learning experiences aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards for three-dimensional teaching and learning that can transfer to middle, high school, and nonformal education settings. Participants will experience the power of modeling and revision as a strategy for teaching the nature of science while allowing their students to use authentic science from the park and other researchers. Throughout the experience, participants will experience pedagogy and consider curriculum from BSCS Science Learning, HHMI/BioInteractive, 3D Molecular Designs, and others to make complexity accessible to their own students.
Professional learning credits may be available.
DAY 1
WELCOME & ORIENTATION
The program starts with an evening orientation. Participants will also discuss the strengths and assumptions of ecosystem models in science, including those that have changed as more data becomes available. After examining phenomenon of change in the park, teachers will collectively design an initial systems model to explain changes in Yellowstone.
DAY 2
Observations to Investigations:
The morning will be spent observing wildlife and their interactions in diverse habitats within the park. Activities will encourage observation with all senses to decode the rich stories all around. In the afternoon, participants will be immersed in two investigation lessons related to current research and understanding of the impacts of wolf reintroduction. Strategies for tracking and managing student evidence will be included. Using these experiences, participants will identify gaps in the initial model and make revisions. After dinner, participants will experience a mini-immersion focused on an accessible classroom lab, experience, or data point. Everyone will have time to reflect on pedagogy and application to their own classrooms.
DAY 3
Evidence to Argumentation:
The morning will be spent observing wildlife and their interactions in diverse habitats within the park. A moderate hike will include field experiences that enhance data gathering and place-based engagement. After lunch, participants will be immersed in an investigation lesson(s) to deepen their understanding of, and extend thinking about, ecosystem dynamics. Strategies to support students to use evidence in argumentation will be explored. Participants will modify and improve their models of the ecosystem. Participants will have time to reflect on pedagogy and its application to their own practice. After dinner guest speaker or evening activity.
DAY 4
More Wildlife Stories:
A morning moderate hike will allow participants to practice observation and data collection skills. Participants will choose from other science and conservation stories and phenomena (issues related to bison, lake trout, human impacts, or migration for example) to create a new initial model, identify gaps in understanding, and participate in one investigative lesson. A discussion of the dynamic nature of science and its impact on teaching, scientific modeling, and our understanding will synthesize our learning throughout the course. Participants will reflect on pedagogy and application to consider local conservation stories from their state/region to utilize with their students.
Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, and goes through 5:00 PM on Friday, August 8, 2025.
Meals: This course is not catered. Participants will need to bring their own food; lunch should be able to travel in the field.
ACTIVITY LEVEL 2
- Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles per day, comfortably, with elevation gains up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking possible.
- For more information about our activity levels, please visit our Activity Level webpage here.
- Most activities will take place at elevations between 7,200 to 8,000 feet. Participants residing at lower elevations may want to arrive a day early to adjust to the altitude.
- To learn more about how specific medical conditions can be affected by Yellowstone’s environment and our activities, please visit our site page on health information.
- All field activities will be conducted as a group. If members of the group cannot participate in the day’s activities, they need to let the educator know in advance.
- To participate in this program, each participant must fill out and sign a health questionnaire and assumption of risk waiver. These forms must be completed and returned at least 30 days prior to the program start date.
EQUIPMENT SPECIFIC TO THIS COURSE:
Suggested Packing List located in General Information document under the ‘Whom to Contact’ tab.
- laptop
- journal
Whom to Contact: For any questions, concerns, or additional information please contact the following:
Program itinerary, health forms, payment, and general program questions please contact Yellowstone Forever at [email protected] or 406-848-2400 extension 3
Road updates, park conditions, and general park information please contact Yellowstone National Park Service at https://www.nps.gov/yell/contacts.htm
If running late for a program, please contact 406-641-2185.
General Information: For general information about the facilities, preparation for classes, what to expect, cancellation policies, and more, please see the Gardiner-Based Field Seminars – General Information document.
Cancellation Policy: Review our Cancellation & Refund Policies here.
APPLY FOR THIS WORKSHOP NOW
Kim Parfitt, M.S. &
Jim Lane, M.A.
Kim believes that science is a verb. She has been committed to sharing joy, wonder, and stories of the natural world in both formal and nonformal education settings ranging from ferries on the Inside Passage of Alaska to her classroom of 18 years in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Her students experienced authentic science through unique partnerships with science professionals including studying the genetics of aspen groves in response to climate change and tracking mule deer movement in rural areas experiencing rapid growth. She has been a curriculum developer and professional learning facilitator for BSCS Science Learning, HHMI/BioInteractive, and 3D Molecular Designs. She also volunteers for Yellowstone Forever and knows the saddest thing is seeing the Lamar Valley in your rearview mirror.
Jim Lane, M.A.
Jim Lane, is a science educator at Mahtomedi High School in Minnesota specializing in outdoor citizen science. He is a Knowles Teaching Senior Fellow and an HHMI BioInteractive Ambassador. He is on the education advisory board for 3D Molecular Designs, has been an adjunct professor of science education at Augsburg University, and a curriculum developer and professional learning facilitator for the Biology: Understanding for Life Curriculum by BSCS. He enjoys backpacking, fishing, and hiking with his family in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem every summer. He shares his wonder of the natural world on Instagram @neature_seeker.
