This document describes a summer STEM expedition program for students in grades 7-12 that focuses on geology, wildlife tracking, and digital photography. The program includes hands-on learning experiences in geology through field work and labs, wildlife tracking through identifying animal tracks and working with biologists, and photography skills. Students will travel to Oregon for several days to study at Crater Lake National Park and participate in additional field activities. The program aims to provide science and technology credits and is open to both students and community members.

1. Geology, Wildlife Tracking and
Digital Photography
STEM
EXPEDITIONS

2. What are YOU doing
this summer?
Curious about the Do you love the
geology of the Earth? outdoors?
Want to learn how to take
better digital photographs?
Do you like to travel?
Want to discover how to track animals?
Do you want to earn High School credit over
the summer in science and technology?

3. Spend some of your
summer with us!
Students in grades 7-12 during the 2012-2013
school year can take the course
0.5 HS Elective Science Credit
0.5 HS Elective Technology Credit
Family and Community members are also
welcome to participate!

4. Geology
Hands-on labs and research
Study of intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks
Plate tectonics theory
Properties of the Earth’s exterior
Geological mapping and investigation
Two night stay at Crater Lake National Park
Tour with Dr. Grunder from Oregon State University

5. Wildlife Tracking
Learn how to read the footprints and other clues left behind by
animals in the wild. Identify what lives in New Albany and
where and then travel to Oregon to study with trackers to
expand your skills in different ecosystems. The focus will be on
track identification, gait patterns and data collection.
Work with wildlife biologist Dave Clayton who is researching
radio-collared fishers.
Learn how US Fish and Wildlife Forensic Lab uses scientific
procedures to analyze physical evidence in crimes against
wildlife.

6. Digital Photography
•Develop digital photography expertise while
enhancing artistic expression of your photos.
•Learn how to adjust the camera for your subject
matter and environment.
•You will be analyzing, photographing, and
documenting the geographical studies, animal tracks,
wildlife, landscapes and much more.
•Learn how to organize, retouch and present your
photo documentation through the art of retouching
and final presentation software.

7. Crater
Lake
Spring arrives Crater Lake
Our lodging at
Crater Lake
Hiking the rim
Dinner in the lodge

8. Crater Lake
Accommodations
While at Crater Lake we will
be staying in Cabins at
Mazama Village.

9. Green Springs Inn
When not at Crater
Lake we will be
staying in cabins at
Green Springs Inn.

10. Class Schedule
APRIL A few meetings will take place in April for logistical purposes.
MAY The class will meet once a week after school hours.
JUNE 80% of the class will take place during this time.
June 11-15 Full day classes on the New Albany School campus.
June 16 Group flies out to Oregon
June 22 Group returns from Oregon
June 25-29 Complete all class work and final project in New Albany.
Students will be expected to share their final projects with the community at
a later date.

11. NAPLS Staff
Claire Monk, Pat Samanich, Leslie Shea
8th grade science teacher, Digital Photography Digital Photography
Geology Teacher Teacher Teacher

12. NAPLS Staff
Technology Support Educational Technology Wildlife Tracking
Services Coordinator Coordinator Teacher

13. Partnerships
and Collaborators
Mike Kessler, Wildlife Renie Brady, retired Southern Joe Kreuzman, director of
Tracking teacher from Oregon University professor Coyote Trails School of
the University of Vermont and author. Nature, professional
Tracker, teacher and EMT

14. Partnerships
and Collaborators
Dave Clayton, US Fish and
Dr. Anita Grunder from the
Wildlife, research study on
Department of Geosciences
fishers in Oregon.
at Oregon State University.

15. Partnerships
and Collaborators
Jonah Evans, Wildlife Diversity
Dean Swartz, local resident,
Biologist for Texas Parks and Wildlife
dad to two New Albany students
Department, Track and Sign Evaluator
and professional photographer.
for CyberTracker.
www.photographergonewild.com

16. Estimated Costs
Costs will depend on how many participants sign up for the course.
Final costs will be announced mid-March.
Course fees will include the following:
• Round trip flight to Medford, OR
• Cabin lodging and tours at Crater Lake National Park
• All meals and lodging at Green Springs Inn, Ashland, OR
• Van rental, gas for transportation
• Instructors, guest speakers
• US Fish and Wildlife Forensic Lab visit
Participants will be expected to supply their own personal gear such as
camera, journal, small backpack, flash drives, and meal purchases at airports
and while at Crater Lake, including a special dinner overlooking the crater
on our last evening there.

17. Participant
Orientation Night
Come meet the teachers of the course and
learn more details about the class. We’ll
do a short presentation and then answer
questions.
WHEN: March 14, 2012, 6:30pm
WHERE: Mini Theater at NAHS

18. Course Application
and Information
Check out the course website for more information and
a course application.
https://sites.google.com/a/napls.us/stem-expeditions/2012
Applications are due MARCH 23rd.
Questions? Contact Sandy Willmore at
swillmore@napls.us