Outdoor and Experiential ProgrammesExperiential Science, Yukon-StyleExperiential Science 11, a Yukon public school programme of studies for grade 11 students, is designed to extend and enrich the student’s understanding of science through projects and field experiences in biology, chemistry, geography, forestry and environmental studies. The programme features 30 to 35 days of field studies each semester and two days each week in Yukon College science labs. For more
information about the program: Outdoor & Experiential Education ProgrammeThe Outdoor & Experiential Education Programme is committed to preparing passionate and skilled educators who can enrich the lives of their students through the development of a deep appreciation for the Earth." For information on this program
contact: Think Outside the ClassroomUp Here, March 2004 In his article, Think Outside the Classroom, author James Raffan describes the integrated secondary school programmes developed by Yukon’s education department. They are adventure based, cross-curricular programmes organized by theme rather than by subject or discipline. The fi rst of these of these programs, is called ACES, which stands for Achievement, Challenge, Environment and Service. It was designed to engage students who weren’t thriving in the conventional secondary school environment. ACES combined a variety of Grade 10-level courses, including social studies, business education, fi ne arts and Yukon studies and used a series of week-long expeditions to help students develop, among other things, responsibility and problem-solving skills, a sense of stewardship of the Yukon’s natural and cultural environment, self-confi dence, positive peer relationships, and skills and knowledge in a range of low-impact outdoor pursuits. For the Grade 11 students a more rigorous experiential sciences programme was created, combining courses in subjects such as chemistry, biology, geography and field methods in a semester-long program of major field expeditions and research projects. At the Grade 9 level the program is OPES, Outdoor Pursuits and Experiential Science, which combines science and technology, social studies, physical education and outdoor pursuits. While chatting with a group of OPES students on route to a outdoor venture the author learns that while the programme is a lot harder than regular school the students find it well worth the effort in terms of the friends to be made, the things to be learned and the adventures to be had. Their teacher, Kevin O’Connor, comments "OPES provides for students different paths to learning. In the varied learning experiences they encounter throughout the program, they can fi nd their own learning niche. It’s not just textbook learning." (Up Here, March 2004) ACES |
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