IEE
(Interdisciplinary Environmental Expedition)
The Interdisciplinary Environmental Expedition course is composed of a community of learners working together to gain a balanced, in-depth understanding of the world around them.
Using an integrated approach, students will be provided with the educational opportunity to study and learn about the natural environment through a hands-on format. Students will learn critical thinking skills experientially by applying knowledge and skills to their surroundings. Students will be given the necessary tools to create positive change within their community and possibly even the world around them.
This course is committed to developing community partnerships that result in a shared vision of stewardship and a sense of appreciation for and responsibility to the world around us. Above all, this course is committed to providing non-traditional education that not only challenges students, but makes learning relevant.
Intended Class Junior
Benefits of Taking IEE
- Preparation for future careers
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Students receive three credits, opposed to two
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Easier transition to post-secondary studies or careers
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There are many teamwork opportunities
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Students put critical thinking skills to work
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Students experience relevant education
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Helps develop community partnerships
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Helps create a sense of place and ties in students with their own community
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Community sees positives in high school students
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Raises bar with students, for example, students are required to give presentations to community audiences (other than their peers)
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Teaches students to be open-minded and to look at multiple sides before making a decision and then making a decision with knowledge and research
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Heightens awareness of students and their community or issues they can have a say in-their voices can make a difference
Program Components
- Covers three subjects: English, Environmental Science & Outdoor Recreation
- Two trimesters: Fall & Spring
- Two-period afternoon block
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Numerous field studies and outings
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Two major 3-day expeditions
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8-10 senior interns (former IEE students)
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Guest speakers
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Various projects
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Literature and Poetry
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Community partnerships
Fee
- $75.00 for each expedition (there are 2 expeditions)
Core Values
- Learning and understanding will increase when students can see and apply connections to relevant situations.
- The key concepts of stewardship and responsibility can truly be learned by experiencing and problem-solving within the natural environment.
- To solve contemporary and future problems, students must develop and practice teamwork skills.
- Experience-based learning develops knowledge and skills necessary to facilitate future decision making.
- Active learning promotes awareness and appreciation of our environment.
- A love and respect for the natural environment must be developed and nurtured.
- Knowledge and practices nurtured at this time, promote lifelong health, wellness, and learning.
Curriculum
- Geology
- Water Studies
- Flora/Fauna
- Ecology
- Mountain Biking
- Rafting
- Rock Climbing
- Fly Fishing
- No Trace Camping
- JournalingSketching and Water Color
- Sense of Place
- Sense of Self
- Sense of Community
- Sense of World
- Public Policy
- Stewardship
- Sustainability
- Service Projects
Possible IEE Book Titles
- Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
- Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
- The Sky Fisherman by Craig Lesley
- A River Runs Through It by Norman MacLean
- My Antonia by Willa Cather
Interns
Interns are a key element for the success of the IEE class. They are crucial for keeping class sizes lower. They gain advanced skills in mountain travel, orienteering, mountain biking, trail running, setting courses, paddle boat guiding, first aid, fly fishing, and rock climbing. The interns are special people that are key leaders during the IEE course. It takes a tremendous amount of responsibility, time, and effort to be in this position.