People & Their Environment

History of the Course

The course has a rich history as it ran for over thirty years at Monument Mountain. It was first taught by Don Hagberg, a long time science teacher for the district. He partnered up with a number of different faculty over that time span to team teach the class. Don retired about fifteen years ago and the course stopped running shortly thereafter. Ben Fish, a 2010 graduate of Monument Mountain, initiated the idea of bringing the course back. A number of people worked with Ben, most notably Mr. Michael Powell, in order to be able to offer this once popular class in environmental studies and group dynamics again. The class ran for the first time in about eight years in the spring of 2010. The class educates students about the natural world and seeks to create a positive group dynamic and an appreciation of our natural heritage. There are three trips; a one day hike and a three and four day backpacking trip . This means the students will miss eight days of school during the fall semester.

Course Description

PEOPLE AND THEIR ENVIRONMENT | Credit: .5

Grades 11 and 12 Physical Education or General Elective

Prerequisite: Successful Application

This class educates students about the natural world, basic first aid, and backcountry survival skills. It seeks to create connections between students and their environments. There is a one, three and five day hike as part of the course so students need to have solid time management skills and realize there is a nine day commitment when all other parts of their bus lives are put on hold. This course also focuses on team building, building leadership and communication skills, and there are a number of physical challenges during the semester. There is an application process to get into the course. See Mr. Powell in the Guidance Office for more details.