School Programs DescriptionThe Educational SettingCal-Wood is 15 miles northwest of Boulder nestled in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies at elevation 7,800 feet. Surrounded by Arapahoe/Roosevelt National Forest, we are pleasantly secluded, yet within a short drive to the metro Denver area. Students immerse themselves in a landscape rich with forests, grasslands, meadows, ponds, streams, rocky outcrops, stunning continental divide views, and abundant wildlife. Cal-Wood's land and facilities offer tremendous opportunity for hands-on studies in diverse educational topics. |
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Our Educational ApproachWe view Cal-Wood educational programs as non-distinct levels of learning. Initially, we facilitate the students' comfort in their new surroundings, fostering a sense of place. Sensory awareness activities hone their observation/focusing skills. Then we explore specific academic topics and activities previously chosen by the teacher(s). An inquiry-based, experiential approach to teaching these topics promotes true inter-disciplinary learning, weaving together science, mathematics, language arts, visual arts, history, and physical education. This approach, coupled with the dynamic learning environment, allows students of varying intelligence levels and learning styles to thrive. Students learn that they are inextricably tied to the topics and natural resources about which they learn at Cal-Wood, leading to an appreciation for resource conservation. Cal-Wood strives to relate the learning achieved from our school programs to the students' home community. |
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A Sample Teaching BlockVisiting teachers select from a wide range of educational offerings at Cal-Wood. Each topic is taught through a variety of creative, discovery-driven activities. For example, forestry might be introduced with an activity like "Build a Tree", where students act out different parts and functions of a tree. One student might be the heartwood or xylem while another is the phloem or bark or taproot, etc. with accompanying performance of particular body motions and sounds. Bark rubs also effectively introduce forestry. We lay a white sheet of paper against a tree, and, with a crayon or pencil, rub to capture an artistic representation of bark texture. With students' interest piqued, we progress to a more academic exploration of the forest. Dichotomous keys are often employed as scientific tools to distinguish and identify tree species of the Rocky Mountain foothills. Using forestry methods, we can measure the height and diameter of trees and compute their average volume of wood, converting raw material to items known and used, such as paper, furniture and books. Moreover, we commonly "core" trees (taking tiny samples from the trees themselves) to find the age and growth rate/patterns. Mathematically, we determine if a correlation exists between age and volume of a tree. Along the way, we might uncover the land's history in tree rings, finding evidence of drought, logging, or fire suppression. Finally, we discuss how trees relate to our everyday lives and explore ways by which we can reduce our need for logging - through more efficient use of wood products and paper recycling, for example. |
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A Typical DayNo two Cal-Wood programs are alike since each program depends upon the specific goals of the visiting teacher(s). That said, what follows is a rough guideline to a typical day. For a detailed schedule of a typical program, please check out our Sample Program Outline. Morning Afternoon The learning day comes to a close by 4:30, perhaps via a sharing circle which reinforces newfound knowledge. We will have hiked anywhere from one to four miles. Evening
Lights out by 9:30 p.m., so all can get a well deserved rest and be ready to start it all again the next day. |
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Cal-Wood's InstructorsA team of paid professional field instructors whose backgrounds and combined talents from the fields of education, science, natural resources management, and the arts teach all activities at Cal-Wood. They have years of experience teaching youth in the outdoors and a passion and positive energy for their jobs. They skillfully teach various engaging and effective educational activities that recognize diverse learning styles. (view staff profiles)
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Safety FirstSafety has been priority number one since our school programs began in 1982. We prefer to schedule only one school group at a time and although secluded, we are not remote, and have quick access to emergency services. Boulder Community Hospital is 30 minutes away and an approved helicopter landing site is next to Calvert Lodge, which houses a dedicated medical room. All instructors have the necessary training in Wilderness First-Aid/CPR and carry radios and first-aid kits in the field. Finally, our program costs include accident insurance for all participants (insurance may be waived if other coverage is preferred.)
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Note to Teachers:Please contact Myles Maland, Cal-Wood's Program Director, for any questions concerning academic topics, pricing, schedules, etc. |
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