Embedded Files
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
As our Winterim trip to Keystone Science School comes to a close, we're grateful for the time we have had to bond, play, learn and create a lasting memory for fifth-graders to carry with them as we begin to move into the last months of our school year.
When students left the cabin this morning for breakfast, they were greeted with a layer of new snow that added to the beauty of the outdoors. With the snow as our guide, students dressed in the warmest layers, and we headed out to the hiking trails for a second day. We dug snow pits and measured the temperatures at different levels of the pit, found layers of different densities that indicated different weather events, and discussed how these layers could create the conditions for an avalanche. We also had some delightful time just playing in the new snow. Back at KSS, students used avalanche boards to help determine the angles of elevation that set off an avalanche under different conditions of snow grain and terrain. The evening ended with a student variety show displaying a wide range of talents.
We look forward to seeing you tomorrow!
Day 4
Day 4
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