Biodiversity Field School
As a creative experience and to meet Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Springfield Public Schools science teachers designed and launched the Biodiversity Field School at historic Dorris Ranch with support from many community partners and local scientists. Instead of using traditional notebooks, students are encouraged to test their knowledge of environmental science, collect field samples, geotag location of items in the field using their phones, and participate in several activities.
Junior students from Springfield and Thurston high schools participate in the Biodiversity Field School event. The experience supports students taking NGSS Biology courses. Student groups also visit at least three out of the 15 learning stations setup around the ranch. Students are also asked to explore and consider several essential questions related to ecosystems and biodiversity.
Learning by Doing
From environmental trivia and predator/prey live games to collecting leaves for analysis and learning about bat populations in the Willamette Valley, students from Springfield High School and Thurston High School get a chance to experience how to be a citizen scientist and take a peek at local changes in the biodiversity of arthropods, hazelnut trees, aquatic macroinvertebrates, lichens, birds, bees, and mammals over time. The entire experience is focused on how humans impact biodiversity as part of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) taught in SPS' K-12 science curriculum.