Curricular Materials

This course is designed for students enrolled in the Bridge Idaho Upward Bound program. During a 2-week stay at the McCall Outdoor Science School, students will explore basic environmental science topics through the lens of local and traditional knowledge and the use of remote sensing technology. Students will learn about the use of UAVs to work on local socio-ecological issues and design and conduct student-led projects that explore the application of the technology to issues of interest to them and to their community.

Participants will learn about basic environmental science topics like biodiversity, water quality, energy, and environmental philosophy through daily readings and field investigations. Additionally, they will go in depth with topics related to local socio-ecological issues. They will be exposed to a variety of career options in STEM fields. Daily journal entries will be used to assess learning each day.

At the end of the course, students will work together in small groups to pose a research question that can be answered using remote sensing technology and traditional knowledge. Students will create a presentation to share their work with others.