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Experiential Education - Learn by Doing
The goal of experiential education is to engage students in the learning process by allowing them to make
discoveries themselves rather than lecturing or asking them to read about the subject. Not only do students
develop knowledge of the subject matter, they also gain experience, new attitudes and unique ways of thinking.
The significance of this type of learning far exceeds the typical classroom experience. For example:
• To study mountain formations and the movement of the earth's crust, we take our students into the
Grand Teton National Park and let them witness firsthand the results of this spectacular mountain range.
• We take our students to see Yellowstone's plants, animals, geysers, etc. to experience biology and
physical geography in a genuine setting.
In other words, we make learning exciting and memorable.
Dual Enrollment
Sage Outdoors operates similar to a high school concurrent enrollment course - Utah State University provides
the curriculum, assessment, and credits while our program provides the setting, university-approved teachers, and
the educational experience. Program fees include the cost of credits which are purchased from the university.
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Why choose a Sage Outdoor Learning summer education?
• The Sage Outdoor Learning program is not limited by low funding.
• Our teachers have transportation available to take field trips anywhere in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
• Class size is limited to 15 students per teacher. Most 100 level college courses have at least 100-200 students.
• Each teacher has a college age assistant to provide extra help.
• Our program fits uniquely into the education industry because students earn college credit, but learn and experience education on a private level and in an outdoor setting.
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American Government
This course is designed to fulfill a General Education – Social Science requirement in a universities core curriculum.
Description: Studies the history and structure of the American National Government.
Course Length: 4 - week summer block
Monday – Friday 12 hours p/week
Content and Topics: Roots of American institutions, colonial systems of government, The Constitution, federalism, civil liberties, civil rights: equal protection and beyond equal protection, Interest groups, political parties, campaigns, nominations, elections, the media, the congress, the presidency, the bureaucracy, the judiciary, public policy, state and local government, and current issues facing.
Goals and Objectives:
1-Acquire an accurate understanding of the basic structure and history of the American National Government.
2-To stimulate critical thinking and discussion of the course content and current issues/events.
3-To help students understand the impact government has on their lives, and their role as a citizen.
GRADING
Final grades are based on the following criteria:
1-Exams (60%)
2-Short essay assignments (20%)
3-Final paper (20%)
EXAMS
Four tests including the mid-term and final exams. The tests are worth a total of 100 points each; multiple choice - 40 points, short answer - 40 points, one essay - 20 points
ASSIGNMENTS
Two assignments a week (8 total). Each assignment is geared to help the students understand the course content and prepare for upcoming exams.
FINAL PAPER
The final 5 page argument paper is an opportunity for the student to explore a topic discussed as a current issue/event in class. The essays will be graded on the following criteria, thesis statement, substance, use of terminology learned in the course, clear evidence of how the topic of study either affects or is affected by the government, and a clear format and conclusion.
Readings: The logic of American Government by Samuel kernel and Gary Jacobson
Physical Geography
This course is designed to fulfill a General Education – Physical Science requirement in a universities core curriculum.
Description: Study of our physical environment: weather, climate, vegetation, soils, and landforms with an emphasis on the physical geography of the greater Yellowstone area.
Course Length: 4 - week summer block
Monday – Friday 12 hours p/week
Content and Topics: Geography of the earth, interpreting maps, the atmosphere, solar energy, wind patterns, atmospheric moisture, climate patterns, the biosphere, plants/animals and geographic patterns, soils, landforms, tectonic forces, mass wasting, fluvial processes, glaciers, and human interaction with the physical environment.
Goals and Objectives:
1-Acquire an accurate understanding of the terminology, processes, and trends of physical geography.
2- Identify the physical geography of the Yellowstone area.
3- To stimulate critical thinking and discussion of the course content and current issues/events.
4-To help students understand their responsibility for the physical environment.
GRADING
Final grades are based on the following criteria:
1-Exams (60%)
2-Short essay assignments (20%)
3-Final paper (20%)
EXAMS
Four tests including the mid-term and final exams. The tests are worth a total of 100 points each; multiple choice - 40 points, short answer - 40 points, one essay - 20 points
ASSIGNMENTS
Two assignments a week (8 total). Each assignment is geared to help the students understand the course content and prepare for upcoming exams.
FINAL PAPER
The final five page argument paper is an opportunity for the student to explore an environmental issue discussed in class. The essays will be graded on the following criteria, thesis statement, substance, use of terminology learned in the course, clear evidence of how the topic of study either affected, and a clear format and conclusion.
Readings: McKnight, Physical Geography 7th ed., Pearson, 2002
Field Biology
This course is designed to fulfill a General Education – Biological Science requirement in a universities core curriculum.
Description: A field-oriented course designed to teach field identification techniques and field research methods along with general biology and ecology. This course is intended to be taught out of doors in order to facilitate hands-on experiential learning. Many ecosystems will be visited including cold deserts, coniferous forests, streams, rivers, and riparian areas all located within the greater Yellowstone and greater Teton areas.
Course Length: 4 - week summer block
Monday – Friday 12 hours p/week
Contents and Topics: Topics covered include taxonomy, classification, community interactions, ecosystem structure and function, ecological succession, and field research techniques. Emphasis will also be placed on current events dealing with environmental issues. Additional topics may be covered at instructor’s discretion.
Goals and Objectives: The goal of a field-based course is to give students hands-on experience to help them understand the basic principles which govern interactions in nature. By exposing students to the natural world in this way, the door will be opened for further study into the natural sciences, and also to enjoying the natural world throughout life. With emphasis on current events and issues, students will be able to form opinions, be informed citizens, and learn how they can become involved in protecting and managing our natural heritage.
GRADING
Final grades are based on the following criteria:
1-Exams (60%)
2-Short essay assignments (20%)
3-Final paper (20%)
EXAMS
Four tests including the mid-term and final exams. The tests are worth a total of 100 points each; multiple choice - 40 points, short answer - 40 points, one essay - 20 points
ASSIGNMENTS
Two assignments a week (8 total). Each assignment is geared to help the students understand the course content and prepare for upcoming exams.
FIELD NOTEBOOK
Students will be required to keep a field notebook including summaries of field studies, identifications, photos, and other written assignments.
Readings:Starr, Biology: Unity & Diversity of Life, 8th ed.
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