• Gore Range Natural Science School offers year-round outdoor science learning adventures for school groups of any age.
• More than a field trip, a GRNSS program provides students with the opportunity to practice detailed observation, work together as a team, participate in research affecting local and national land-use decisions, and gain greater connection to the natural world in which they live.
• Whether field topics focus on geology, forest ecology, stream ecology, or snow science, educators at Gore Range Natural Science School work closely with teachers to ensure that field course curriculum align with state and district standards in language arts, math, and science. Our multi-disciplinary, experiential approach engages students by honoring multiple styles of learning.
• Gore Range Natural Science School has launched a new yearlong natural science program at Avon Elementary Schoool.

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• Costs vary depending on the length of program and number of students. GRNSS understands the financial limitations facing schools –  we're a nonprofit! – so we work with teachers to ensure participation. Call Amy Beirne, 970-827-9725 ext. 17, for more information.

• Student-to-Faculty ratio does not exceed 10-to-1

• Spanish language instruction and materials are available

GRNSS educators are not advocates. While recognizing that population growth in the Rocky Mountain ecosystem is placing increased demand on the region's natural resources, we believe that well-informed students who develop the skill of independent thinking will become the most capable, responsible citizens.

• GRNSS serves public and private schools in Eagle County and beyond. Non-county schools participate in our residential programs.

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• GRNSS field courses increase in complexity and duration depending on grade level.
• Elementary programs typically include a one-hour initial classroom visit followed by a five-to-six-hour field day. The program ends with a 90-minute follow-up classroom visit.
• Middle school programs follow the same format, but typically include two field days that occasionally span an one night at GRNSS in Red Cliff.
• High school programs are typically residential and last two to three day.
• Residential programs may be arranged for most grade levels, depending on class size and program duration.

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Residential programs are one to two nights in length and take place at various locations throughout Eagle And Lake County, including Anderson Camps, Sylvan Lake State Park, Outward Bound Leadville Mountain Center, and the 10th Mountain Divion Hut Association. Facilities typcially support from 32 to 50 students. The most common residential programs we offer are geology, forest ecology, winter ecology and snow science, and stream research. Programs can be adapted for any grade level.

Students participating in residential programs are required to bring their own sleeping bags. Girls and boys sleep in separate quarters and are supervised by adults at all times. Throughout the course of the program, Science School educators work with students in small field groups, which are also responsible for sharing key duties such as breakfast and dinner preparation and meal clean-up.

Residential programs are a great way to get more mileage out of field science because they immerse students in a unique and rigorous setting while allowing students to learn more about and from each other.

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Gore Range Natural Science School works with several public and private school teachers to customize programs that complement classroom units and curriculum. Custom programs can be day or residential (at Red Cliff). Examples of custom programs include solar energy, insects, geology, and mountain explorers. Call Youth Programs Director Amy Beirne at 970-827-9725 ext.17, for more information.

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Gore Range Natural Science School conducts its field science programs at a variety of sites throughout Eagle County. Most programs take place on public lands near Maloit Park, Berry Creek, Eby Creek, Sylvan State Park, and McCoy.

 

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GRNSS believes in the power of field-based natural science to increase students' science literacy and overall academic achievement. We also understand the pressure Eagle County School District teachers are under to help their students achieve the academic goals that CSAP and TAP dictate. For that reason, in 2002 GRNSS began a formal assessment of this claim with the help of a grant from the Daniels Fund for Colorado.

First year evaluation of student science literacy related to natural science material presented in 5th grade forest ecology and 7th grade biodiversity field courses demonstrated a 16 percent increase across both fifth and seventh grade students. Second year evaluation showed an increase of 18% in fifth grade students and 24% in seventh grade students. This is a significant increase – both between pre and post-tests, and between the first and second year of the evaluation program.

Overtime, GRNSS hopes to demonstrate that its programs can increase student academic achievement. GRNSS is clearly aware that the success of its school programs hinges on the support of local teachers whose own success depends on the academic achievement of their students. By demonstrating measurable academic outcomes that relate specifically to state and district standards, GRNSS meets the needs of both teachers and students, while providing an outdoor learning environment that honors multiple styles of learning and connects students to the place where they live.

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Over the years we’ve received countless endorsement of Gore Range Natural Science School, our programs, and our educators. We’re proud of the overwhelmingly positive feedback and are pleased to share with you what teacher, students, and chaperones have to say.

Students

“I liked going in the water to measure the depth, temperature and wideth of the water. I also enjoyed the fact that we were in small groups. That made me feel more comfortable. I had an awesome time and hope to come to another Gore Range course.”
- Battle Mountain High School student

“Before the program I loved being outside in nature because my house seems like a cabin the woods.  Now, I haven’t changed my feelings for the outdoors, but I have more respect for it!”
- Student

“I loved learning about different kind of trees, scat, Animals, and animal prints! …I learned a lot of great new things at the Gore Range Natural Science School!  I had a great time learning about Forest Ecology.”
 - Jenny B, Avon Elementary School 5th grade student

“This has been such an exhilarating afternoon!  It was the first time I have ever been snow shoeing or backpacking in the “back country”.  I had so much fun discovering types of plants, trees and animal tracks.”
­- Lake County Middle School 7th grade student

The parts I liked about this program was being outside and learning instead of being inside and learning… I learned how diverse nature is….I think we should do this more often.
- Minturn Middle School 7th grade student

Teachers

 It is nice to implement your program with our weather unit and adaptations. It is a true learning experience in the real world.
- St. Claire Teacher

They learned a great deal. We wrote paragraphs about our day and I could really assess what the students gained from this experience. …Instructors were very knowledgeable, patient, interesting and organized.
 – Eagle Valley Middle School teacher

Each instructor did a superb job of reaching a diversity of learners.  Students who often struggle in the traditional classroom came alive and achieved at higher levels.  This is a vital experience for all.  Lives are touched, curiosity is fueled, the seeds of a "land ethic" are planted....  As usual the program was exceptional! I am continually impressed by the professionalism of the staff.
- Ted James, Teacher

Learning during the field session was very diverse and allowed for all types of learners to thrive. I really enjoyed the creative learning. ……All the instructors were so positive and prepared!! Thank you…..It was a wonderful connection to our current learning.
– Amy Schroder, Teacher

“It has been refreshing working with GRNSS this past school year as they continue to demonstrate high knowledge levels of subject matter, highly organized presentations that are obviously goal driven.”
- Stan Johnson, Education Coordination, Colorado Division of Wildlife

Chaperones

This should be how the science class works everyday – hands on.
- Nancy Robbins, Parent

The hands-on learning approach is always better than lecture. The concept of teaching awareness of our relation to the ecosystems in which we live is something that will remain with the students indefinitely. Teaching the children to really appreciate quiet time was very impressive. I think it is a great program that involves the students’ thinking process and decision making in how they view the natural surroundings and animal habitats that we share on a daily basis.
– Joseph Keegan, Parent

Students all commented how much fun it was to learn without walls!
- Tern Nagel, Parent

The best part was observing the interaction between the instructors and students; there was a genuine build-up of enthusiasm and appreciation of their surroundings by the students.  Their writings during solo time were wonderfully expressive of this. 
- Pam Timmins, adult chaperone

 

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