History

More than 50 years ago, 3 science teachers from Dean Morgan Junior High School decided they could teach their students more effectively outside, in nature. Dana Van Burgh, Ed Strube, and Terry Logue focused on geology and botany in the beginning, but soon added history and the environment. For over 50 years they have taught secondary students, teachers, oversaw elementary student classes, and led field trips for students of all ages in Wyoming and surrounding states.

The best teaching method turned out to be “hands-on” and “minds-on” science. This was achieved by taking the students to the field where they could see geological structures and wildflowers for themselves. Once there, many questions were asked to get the students thinking about what they were seeing and pique their curiosity. Students identified plants, created plant notebooks, and listened to the lively banter of their team of teachers.

The spirit of Field Science will live on in this year’s summer offering. We will explore different ecosystems by identifying plants, animals, rocks, and fossils and learning how they interact with their environment. In today’s world of so many electronic distractions and so little science taught in early elementary school, it is important to introduce children to nature. Our goal is to get children interested in science while giving them a more thorough understanding of their natural world.