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As our fifth-grade students prepare for the transition to middle school, they embark on a 3-night, 4-day experience at the Keystone Science School. In addition to traveling through the natural areas around the school on cross-country skis to explore snow science, the Colorado River watershed, and avalanche science, students practice the team-building skills they have used in their weekly ADventures challenges.
Day 1
Day 1
Our fifth-grade crew arrived at Keystone Science School at noon and jumped right into activities. With our field groups, we began some team-building activities to learn the strengths and challenges of the group. We also learned about the factors that are required to create an avalanche. For our evening program, we were divided into smaller groups, and we worked together to build towers, create and sell an invented product, and make a contribution to the Keystone Science School Fashion Show; all with the same items that each member contributed to the group. With lots of excitement, and a little nervousness, students are currently getting ready to bunk down for the evening.s
Day 2
Day 2
It was another beautiful day up here at Keystone Science School. After a delicious breakfast we split into our day groups and headed out onto the trails around Breckenridge to find enough snow to dig our snow pits. Each group learned to read the levels in snow pits to determine how to predict the likelihood of avalanches. We also looked at the various types of snow crystals under a magnifying glass to determine the difference between good snowball packing snow (rounds), medium packing snow (facets), and too-loose packing snow (depth hoar). When we reconvened back at campus, students spent some time reflecting in their journals, noticing how they have experienced the Dawson virtues of compassion and courage on our trip over these past two days. We also came together to learn about the Dillon Reservoir, the Colorado River, and how water is distributed throughout our state and beyond. For our evening program we took turns making s'mores around the campfire, while watching and participating in skits and stories. We have had great times playing games together during our flex time and making amazing memories!
Day 3
Day 3
Today was colder but not as windy and snowy. To start our field day, groups reviewed the elements that influence the formation of avalanches (weather, terrain, and snowpack) and went over the types of measurements that can be taken in a snow pit to help assess the risk of avalanche. Then each group went by van to a different location to ski along trails in search of a place to dig their snow pit. Students helped to measure the stability of the snowpack, to record the temperatures at different layers of the snow pit, to measure the height of the snowpack, and the depth of the different layers. Students were noticeably more comfortable using their cross-country skis today.
The students took part in a variety show as their evening program, and we were treated to jokes, skits, dances, a display of cat’s-cradle, and more. Since we need to have our luggage out of our cabins before breakfast tomorrow, students put out their clothes for tomorrow and packed the rest.
Day 4
Day 4
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