School and Group Programs

Intro text

Olympic Park Institute's
Field Science School

Curriculum Summary

"When you try to pick out anything by itself, you find it hitched to everything else in the universe."
- JOHN MUIR

Teachers focus their students' experience by choosing one of three curriculum tracks: Forest Ecology, Watershed Science, or Geology/Earth Science as a central framework. Junior High and High School groups have a fourth option: Elwha River Project.

Learning goals of each Track are detailed below. Our curriculum choices are aligned with Washington's Essential Academic Learning Requirements and designed to support the work of classroom teachers.

Forest Ecology

Students gain an understanding of the components and intricate interconnections of the forest ecosystem. Focusing on old growth stands in Olympic National Park, students explore species distribution, soil formation and forest lifecycles. We'll discuss how humans have relied on forests through history, and gain an appreciation for the complex biotic communities that are supported by these ancient groves.

OPI is located in a temperate rainforest. Our microscope and "skins & skulls" laboratories provide opportunities for detailed, hands-on investigation of soils and animal adaptations.

Watershed Science

Students learn about the water cycle and the structure of freshwater systems. While exploring terrestrial and aquatic habitats, students come to an understanding of the critical role that water plays in the ecology of the Pacific Northwest. Students will also observe and study the impacts of different human activities on water resources.

We will partake in a variety of field and lab-based activities including: stream study measurements, modeling a watershed's natural and human-built features, and exploring a riparian zone through hikes and learning games. Olympic National Park uses some of the data generated by OPI students to study the health of our local Barnes Creek.

Geology/Earth Science

Students engage their observational and problem-solving skills to learn foundational geologic concepts (the rock cycle, plate tectonics, geologic time, erosion, glaciation, and other processes), then build the story of how the Olympic Mountains were formed. Students also investigate interconnections among biotic and abiotic systems (the "rain-shadow effect," for example).

Studying earth science in the field is an excellent way to put the scientific method into practice. Through active exploration, students make observations, ask questions, formulate hypotheses, and discuss theories. The soil lab, modeling experiments and fossil casting complement an array of hands-on outdoor experiences.

Elwha River Project

Students partake in groundbreaking research in preparation for the upcoming removal of the two Elwha River dams. Upon removal of the dams, the resulting watershed restoration project will be the largest in human history. This once in a lifetime opportunity will take your students to several monitoring sites throughout the watershed where they will conduct experiments and collect data which serve as the basis of OPI’s ongoing research projects. Equipped with the methodologies gained through OPI experiments, students will design and conduct their own research projects in the Elwha Watershed. To learn more about Elwha River Science Education, visit www.elwhascienceed.org.

Contact us to learn more about our Field Science program.

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