Science Inquiry Outdoor Classroom

INSTRUCTOR INFO

Richard Hugo

hugo@pdx.edu

COURSE CRN

• Spring 2025

  • 63544

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this course we construct “Virtual Field Environments” (VFEs) that allow students to freely explore an online, multidimensional representation of a natural area. Our VFEs are used by K‐12 teachers to enrich actual outdoor science trips or provide access to places their students couldn't otherwise visit. Working with a small team, you will focus on one field site to gather field videos, photos, and audio clips; edit those media for the web; and build a VFE using a user-friendly web tool. You will also have the opportunity to participate in actual K‐12 field trips led by our community partners.

Project Description

No science background is required. Your role in the project can include field work, media editing, "lesson" planning, and/or website design and creation. Regardless of your role, you will learn about student‐centered teaching, inclusive education, and local ecology. Our community partners include Clean Rivers Education and Forests Forever, Inc. Class meets on Mondays to discuss topics in inclusive science education and to coordinate project work. Field and computer work can be scheduled on your own time, in coordination with your team. Field sites may include natural areas within Metro Portland, or Hopkins Demonstration Forest near Oregon City. If you choose to do field work, you are responsible for your own transportation, though carpools can usually be arranged.

CONTACT INFO

Richard Hugo, hugo@pdx.edu