Build more science time in and out of the classroom

On our hikes together, my curious 5-year-old son collects rocks and brings them home to organize in various jars by color and shape. As educators and outdoor enthusiasts, my wife and I encourage his geologic exploration.

“Tapping into natural curiosity like my son’s is what makes science the perfect tool to engage children in critical thinking and a lifelong love of learning.”

Science has taken a back seat in recent years in the elementary classroom to the “core” subjects: math and English. An unintended consequence of the “No Child Left Behind” Act of 2001, which sought to build more accountability in public schools, was the increased focus on student testing in math and English, shifting classroom instructional time away from the sciences, social studies, and even the arts and physical education. A recent Vital Signs report shows less than 1.7 hours per week of science is taught in elementary classrooms in Nevada.

In Northern Nevada, with the recent arrival of the big tech companies like Switch and Tesla, it is critical to focus on preparing our youth now for the tremendous growth in knowledge-based careers. Clearly, there is need to increase access to high-quality, impactful educational opportunities for youth in our community.

Here’s the good news: Science and engineering are the perfect vehicles to teach interdisciplinary lessons, so we can have strong science education in the classroom without taking time away from the core subjects. Additionally, in 2014 the Nevada Department of Education adopted a new set of academic standards for science edducation. This adoption was based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), a set of K-12 benchmarks for science education in the classroom. The standards have been adopted in 18 states and the District of Columbia. Locally, Sierra Nevada Journeys has been taking a lead on designing and delivering student programming and teacher training grounded in the NGSS.

If you have children in your life or teachers in your family, you may have heard of Sierra Nevada Journeys, a local nonprofit founded in 2006 on a simple premise: to build the next generation of citizens, scientists and stewards through hands-on science education. We’ve created unique educational programming to help teachers build more science time in and out of the classroom. We have an excellent team of credentialed teachers that design and deliver fun, high-impact elementary programs that take place in the classroom, on overnight trips to our Grizzly Creek Ranch campus, and on one-day field trips to local natural areas. Armed with our mission to deliver innovative outdoor, science-based education programs for youth to develop critical thinking skills and to inspire natural resource stewardship, Sierra Nevada Journeys programming affects more than 15,000 Nevada students and 400 teachers annually.

Whether it’s rocks, or beavers, or bugs, or earthquakes, science offers so many ways to engage the curiosity of young people. Why not take advantage of that to increase the quality of all of our children’s educational experience?

Sean Hill is the director of education for Sierra Nevada Journeys.

Why Students Love the Daugherty Science Internship at Sierra Nevada Journeys

“I think every intern should have an internship like this.”

— George Kerr, University of Nevada Intern Supervisor

"The Daugherty Science Internship program is an outstanding program and an excellent way to improve your teaching skills in a variety of settings," said Sean Hill, the director of education at Sierra Nevada Journeys. "It increases your familiarity and comfort teaching and planning with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), is a great way to network within the informal education community, as well as with teachers and principals in Washoe County School District (among other local districts), and is an overall fun experience."

The Daugherty Science Internship (DSI) program is supported by a partnership between Sierra Nevada Journeys, University of Nevada, Reno Colleges of Education and Science, and the Sandra A. Daugherty Foundation. The goal of this program is to increase science teaching experience in Elementary Education.

Here are some of the main features of the DSI program:

• Stipend interns will participate in a blended student teaching experience which includes seven weeks at a traditional school placement and seven weeks teaching science with Sierra Nevada Journeys, all to take place during students' teaching semester.

• Interns observe and teach 20+ NGSS-based Elementary science lessons and outdoor field science programs to a wide range of students across 1st-6th grades under the direct supervision of Sierra Nevada Journeys director of education and College of Education mentors.

• The DSI includes two weeks of training on science instruction with Sierra Nevada Journeys, including working with and observing University of Nevada, Reno College of Science researchers to experience cutting-edge, hands-on STEM research.

Rachel Jo, one of our outstanding interns from Spring 2016, spoke with us about how she heard about this experience and what it taught her.

"I first learned about the SNJ internship when Sean came to speak to my science methods course at the University of Nevada, Reno," said Jo. "I loved his presentation and the lesson he gave on watersheds. It was great to see the learning cycle in action and I was excited to see an organization with a mission that was near and dear to my own passions, educating students about science and protecting the environment."

With plans to go into Secondary Education, Jo hesitated about applying for the internship. "I initially did not jump at the opportunity to apply because I was worried it was more geared toward students preparing to teach Elementary Education, and I plan to go into Secondary. I was lucky enough though to talk to a fellow student at the university who had completed the internship the year before. He himself was Secondary and had nothing but great things to say about his experience. He encouraged me to apply and I did."

Jo started her internship this past Spring and one of her tasks was to shadow a few of the the Sierra Nevada Journeys instructors as they taught in a classroom setting. "I was given focused observation sheets to complete that allowed me to really reflect on important skills any teacher at any level should have," said Jo. "I was able to learn a lot about teaching science, the learning cycle, questioning strategies, and different behavior management techniques. Watching different instructors teach a specific lesson was very helpful in seeing how these instructors made the lesson their own. This allowed me to try out new techniques when I started teaching the lessons and learned about what worked for me as a teacher, something that is more limited in a traditional student teaching placement."

Overall, Jo was able to gain valuable experience in science education, behavior management, working with diverse students and families, and was able to grow as a teacher. She is excited to take her learnings into her very own classroom someday.

If interested in applying for this internship for Fall 2016 or Spring 2017, please email Sean Hill at sean@sierranevadajourneys.org.

Retired Aerospace Engineer Volunteers for SNJ

“Science and math are critical to the future of this country and the planet.”

— Marlys Pryor

When volunteering for Sierra Nevada Journeys, you become an integral part of our mission:

Deliver innovative outdoor, science-based education programs for youth to develop critical thinking skills and to inspire natural resource stewardship.

Our volunteers are looking for a way to make a difference in the world, share their love of science and the great outdoors. This is what brought Marlys Pryor to Sierra Nevada Journeys after relocating to Reno, NV in 2015.

Marlys is a retired aerospace engineer from Indianapolis, IN who worked for Rolls-Royce Aircraft Engines, Douglas Aircraft Company and General Electric Aircraft Engine Business Group, to name a few. She has her Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from New York University and her Master of Science in Business Management from the University of LaVerne.

She met Eaton Dunkelberger, CEO of Sierra Nevada Journeys, at a Soroptimist meeting soon after moving to Reno. They got to talking. All who have had the pleasure of talking to Eaton about Sierra Nevada Journeys and our mission become involved in some manner. As Marlys puts it, “I met Eaton and the rest (volunteering) is history.” She attends and lends her knowledge during our Family Science Nights at local elementary schools.

Volunteering takes time, dedication and a strong passion for an organization’s mission. When asked why Marlys volunteers for Sierra Nevada Journeys, she said “I am a staunch advocate of exposing young people to the sciences, whether it be relating to the outdoors or outer space. Science and math are critical to the future of this country and the planet.” We couldn’t agree more.

Marlys “definitely” recommends volunteering with Sierra Nevada Journeys to others because, “Children are the future. We need to impress upon them that if the planet is to continue supporting life in a sustainable manner, everyone has to care and exercise stewardship of our natural resources.”

Many thanks to Marlys and the countless hours she has put into the organization and the education of our youth.

Marlys Pryor (left) and Jennifer Robinson (right) at a Family Science Night at Caughlin Ranch Elementary School.

We are always looking for passionate volunteers for our Outdoor Field Studies and Family Science Nights. If interested, please contact Jennifer Robinson at jennifer@sierranevadajourneys.org.

If you're unable to volunteer your time, please consider making a donation to support SNJ programs.

SNJ Educator Attends 2016 NSTA Conference

SNJ Experiential Educator Michael Casale attends NSTA Conference in Nashville, TN.

“I look forward to attending future conferences at the national level and representing the mission of Sierra Nevada Journeys and its impact that we as an organization have in the community we live.”

For the first time in my teaching career, I stepped away from my local network and went national. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to attend the 2016 National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Conference in Nashville, TN to meet with and learn from teachers around the country. Participation included numerous engaging and informative workshops presented by teachers with diverse backgrounds and levels of experience from a variety of education sectors. Within each workshop, teachers described the successes and challenges they have been facing in their classrooms and other educational settings. 

To my surprise, science teachers from all educational environments (e.g., informal to formal), grades (e.g., pre-K to High School AP) and experience (e.g., first year teachers to instructional coaches) posed a question on common ground: "How do we enhance science education for students from all backgrounds and learning styles, while designing and implementing Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) curriculum that is three dimensionally aligned?" The workshops I attended emphasized current research and teaching strategies centered on the application of the 3-Dimensional framework – the foundation of the NGSS. Others built on each other. For example, I participated in a series of workshops that focused on analyzing and improving existing science units. Working in small groups, the goal was to revise the units to make them more 3-Dimensionally aligned. Each session built on the previous and the same group of teachers worked together throughout the five workshops. This type of continuous learning was a highlight for me. 

My NSTA Conference experience was a rewarding professional and personal learning opportunity. NSTA 2016 enabled me to expand my professional network and afforded me the chance to see a part of the country that I have never traveled to before. Nashville is a unique city that proudly celebrates its deep roots in American music history and culture. I look forward to attending future conferences at the national level and representing the mission of Sierra Nevada Journeys and its impact that we as an organization have in the community we live.

- Michael Casale, SNJ Experiential Educator

Sharing Her Roots: One Big’s Experience in Fostering a Little’s Love of Nature

Kristin and Lacee at SNJ's Open House at Grizzly Creek Ranch in the summer of 2013.

Lacee and I have been matched through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada (BBBSNN) for five years. We just celebrated our anniversary—or matchiversary, as we like to call it—on Feb. 8, 2016. We get together every couple of weeks and over the years have done a wide range of activities. Some of our favorites are game night at the library, crafty-type activities, window shopping at the mall, archery and going out for sushi. 

We learned about SNJ’s camp program during an open house at the Grizzly Creek Ranch Campus in the summer of 2013. Lacee and I had a great day at the open house. When we first arrived, we toured the camp and after the tour, we were allowed to wander and participate in camp activities. We climbed the Alpine Tower, did archery, worked a little in the garden, did science experiments, kayaked, and had lunch in the cafeteria. At the end of the day, Lacee was excited at the possibility of going to summer camp there. 

Attending the open house brought back many great memories for me of going to “Outdoor Ed” and summer camp when I was Lacee’s age. Based on Lacee’s enthusiasm, I wanted her to have similar experiences, make life-long memories, and learn about science, nature, and protecting the environment. I have loved nature and the outdoors since I was a little girl, and I hope to instill a little of that into her as her Big Sister and mentor. 

SNJ has been so very generous to Lacee and her family, providing partial scholarships for her in 2014 and 2015. She had a ball at camp in 2014 (her first year) and said she wanted to go back every year that she could. She went back in 2015, and is looking forward to 2016 as well.

Please consider donating to SNJ during Nevada's Big Give this year to help send other youth from BBBSNN to summer camp. It has been a life-changing experience for Lacee.

- Kristin Szabo, Big Sister and Mentor

Jake's Story

“I showed up late and don’t have any friends yet.”

What a worrisome phrase for any camp staff member to hear but in this case it gives insight into why we all should value outdoor experiential learning.

At Sierra Nevada Journeys’ campus at Grizzly Creek Ranch located in the Sierra Nevada just outside of Portola, CA, we host youth groups, the majority of which are among the underserved.

The staff at Grizzly Creek Ranch had the privilege of spending time with children sponsored by the Reno Housing Authority for a week-long overnight outdoor learning program that started on Monday. During lunch the next day, I met Jake (not his real name). My custom is to wander among the children while dining and ask how they are enjoying the program, the food, whether they’re making friends and, in general, if there is anything we can do to improve their stay. That’s when Jake spoke up and said that he had only just arrived and hadn’t made any friends yet.

“Well, Jake…where have you been that you’re only here this afternoon?” I asked.

“I was in court,” said the 8-year-old, blonde-hair, blue-eyed boy.

I gulped but plowed ahead, “Jake, why were you in court?”

“It was adoption court and I now have parents, a brother, uncles and aunts and an entire family. It’s great!””

Everyone at his table was suddenly transfixed.

Blown away and with a huge lump in my throat I said, “How absolutely wonderful, Jake. I am so happy for you! What a terrific and huge morning for you but I have to ask, why are you here rather than spending time with your new family?”

“I had a chance to come to camp and just couldn’t miss it,” responded Jake.

Overwhelmed and with tears, all I could muster was a smile and some mumbled words.

Jake and children like him are why Sierra Nevada Journeys serves to bring outdoor, experiential science-based learning to the next generation of Americans. We give experiences that build critical thinking skills and awareness required for future environmental stewards. The Sierra Nevada Journey mission is important to Jake’s success as well as the future prosperity and strength of this nation.

Join us. Contribute to the Sierra Nevada Journeys’ mission and goals. You can make a profound difference in children such as Jake who is but one of 80,000 (and counting) whose lives are influenced by experiencing the outdoors and being exposed to nature’s inherent science principles.

- Mark Owen, Campus Executive Director

Gift Guide: Top 10 Toys for your Kid Scientist!

Support Sierra Nevada Journeys by shopping for these science gifts on AmazonSmile. The AmazonSmile Foundation donates 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to your charitable organization of choice.

1.     Little Bits

Age: 8+

Price: $150+

A range of modular components that kids and designers can use to build fun projects with lights, motors, sounds, and other fun affects.

2.     Groovy Lab in a Box

Age: 8+

Price: $30

These subscription boxes arrive at your doorstep every month and are full of hands-on activities that help kids investigate, brainstorm, plan, build, test, and redesign their own creations.

3.     Zombie Plant Growing Kit

Age: All

Price: $20

This unique nature growing kit pairs that botany-lover kid of yours with the excitement of zombies. These plants are known as “don’t-touch-me” plants and will actually play dead, become wilted, when they are touched.

4.     Roominate Dollhouse Kits

Age: 6-12 Years

Price: $40+   

Roominate lets girls play architect to build their own dream house. They design it, build it, and then electrify it to make it come alive. The idea comes from two female engineers from Stanford that are on a mission to inspire the next wave of female technology innovators.

5.     Magna-Tiles

Age: 3-5 Years

Price: $199

With rave reviews, these tiles will keep the kids interested for hours by learning basic math and science skills through fun, creative play. The tiles snap together in endless ways for lots of hours creating fun inventions and designs.

6.     Bedtime Math: A Fun Excuse to Stay up Late

Age: 3-10 Years

Price: $8

Built on the idea that bedtime math can replace bedtime storytelling for kids, this book (also available on Kindle) makes it easy to get in some math practice daily.

7.     Snap Circuits Jr. Electronics Discovery Kit

Age: 8+ Years

Price: $20

With its easy-to-follow instructions, Snap Circuits offers 101 do-it-yourself projects that will give your child an entertaining, concrete education on how electronics work.

8.     Scientific Explorer Tasty Science Kit

Age: 8+

Price: $60

Perfect for your little scientist who loves the magic of cooking. Now they can discover answers to their common cooking questions and put their taste buds to the test!

9.     GoldieBox and the Spinning Machine

Age: 4+

Price: $30      

Designed for younger ages, this interactive book and construction guide gets girls building. The toy encourages spatial skill learning, basic engineering principles, and confidence in problem solving.

10. Klutz LEGO Chain Reactions Craft Kit

Age: 8+

Price: $15

Design and build 10 moving machines, comes with pieces and 80 page instructional book. Provides hours of independent fun and learning. 

The Budding Educator

THE BUDDING EDUCATOR

This blog post was written by Alisha Cahlan and originally appeared on her blog From Where I Sit: The Green Chair.

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It would be appropriate now to mention that we have a huge secret.

Yes, the From Where I Sit: The Green Chair team has been hiding something from you, dear readers, that we just can’t keep to ourselves anymore, and our next profiled guest found us out...

“I can see that this green chair used to be painted red,” Jennifer confidently states with a handheld microscope up to her eye.

Taking a closer look at our iconic green chair, she shows us her keen observation skills also cultivated within her students. As an Experiential Educator, she is seasoned at using out-of-the-box techniques to nurture curiosity and teach others to utilize their five senses when deducing meaning from their natural surroundings.

Our morning with Jennifer includes a prep session in the offices, which resemble a mix between an art and science classroom. Signs reading “Make Good Decisions”, crafting supplies, topographical maps, and various scientific models sit throughout the room.  

She stuffs a box with supplies for her three lessons throughout the day: a yellow softball, squishy basketball toy, blue play-pit ball, rock, 75 booklets, and several folders containing laminated infographics. The topic of the hour is the Earth and tectonic plates, and different from a traditional classroom lesson, students are able to utilize diverse educational tools. The “experiential” part of the Experiential Educator title relies heavily on utilizing different modes of learning.

Traditionally inside the classroom, we learn through auditory (hearing) learning, which involves a teacher orating to us in order to deposit information.  An Experiential Educator, however, will utilize not only auditory learning techniques, but kinesthetic (touch) and visual techniques. The children in Ms. V’s fourth grade class pass around various objects, hypothesizing what characteristics they contain that resemble the layers of Earth.

This is a first of a series of four visits Jennifer will make with the class, one including an outdoor adventure up a mountain to study changes to the Earth’s surface. For this school, which is located in a mostly low-income Hispanic neighborhood where breakfast and lunch are subsidized, many of the students clap and gasp with excitement as she mentions the trip.

A fun outdoor component is an important component of what Experiential Education programming can offer to students, as it will be the only opportunity most under-served student populations will have to positively engage with nature.

The program can act as a building block to further scientific study, often creating an emotional connection to the natural world as well. As such, the opportunities that people like Jennifer facilitate foster an interest in conservation endeavors in an engaged base of young people, who would otherwise have limited exposure to the importance of their role in sustaining a healthy natural environment.

Jennifer and her bright-eyed students make up a critical piece of the sustainability puzzle which gives our planet another bid in the fight for survival.