• Casper Mountain Science School (CMSS) is a new opportunity for students to experience science in a unique and fun way – the outdoors. CMSS is a science-based, multidisciplinary program where knowledge is interwoven with Wyoming's ecology. Students come to understand the many relationships between themselves and our geology, biology, climate, and history that create our unique landscape.
  
  
• Learning at CMSS is based on objective curricula that encompass inquiry, discovery, and problem solving strategies. It encourages students to ask questions, find answers, arrive at their own conclusions, and be reflective about their own learning.
  
  
• The science school is located near Casper, Wyoming on Casper Mountain at Camp Sacajawea. Sessions are held during the academic school year, September through May. Sessions can run from one to four days in length during the Fall and Spring Semesters.
  
  
• CMSS is a partnership between Natrona County School District, Casper College, University of Wyoming/Casper College Center and BOCES.
  
  

Things You Should Know About Casper Mountain Science School

Students K-12 can benefit from Casper Mountain Science School, and will be provided with enrichment programs outside the classroom that meet state standards. The enrichment programs will help these students in choosing their academic paths.

College students, either science or education majors, are trained to serve as instructors at Casper Mountain Science School. These college students and future educators gain experience in outdoor, multidisciplinary, and inquire based teaching, by expanding their vision of what teaching is and can be.

Current teachers can benefit from this program by learning more about local ecology and through in-service workshops.

The program at Casper Mountain Science School is based on the Wyoming State Science Standards and the NCSD Essential Curriculum with a focus on inquiry, discovery, problem solving and reflection. It will help students gain an awareness of the natural world, build leadership skills, encourage responsibility, and raise respect for their local surroundings.

Environment

• Casper Mountain Science School Registration Forms (pdf)
• 8th Grade "Application Week" Registration Forms

Arrangements for two, three or four day sessions can be made. The average rate per student, per day is $50. A four day session is $200. This amount covers tuition, fees, food and lodging. Students attending Casper Mountain Science School will be registered as Casper College students under the Continuing Education Program.

All NCSD #1 eighth grade students can attend a four day session at CMSS for no charge through an NCDS #1 Secondary Innovations Grant. Other classes planning to attend CMSS can do fund-raising activities to help offset the cost of registration. Private donors have also offered to provide financial assistance to classrooms. To learn more about financial assistance, the sponsoring teacher should contact Jeana Lam-Pickett at CMSS for details.

Teachers, to reserve a date for your class, please contact Carolyn Jacobs or Jeana Lam-Pickett @ (307) 268 -3113.

The primary service provided by CMSS is a four-day outdoor science experience for K-12 students. The curriculum is tied to the school district's core curricula in science, math, and language arts, but the material is taught in an experiential, hands-on manner. This experience is designed to compliment classroom lessons, while providing a much richer and deeper learning experience, shown to benefit children with a variety of learning styles. We believe we can engage students who may not do well in the traditional classroom, and also stimulate gifted students who appreciate intellectual exploration. CMSS will meet the district's "essential curriculum" and state standards required for junior high science. Additional curriculum can be developed to meet other grade levels.

The mission of the Casper Mountain Science School is to provide students the opportunity to learn outdoors where they can increase their knowledge of science, find delight in nature, and reflect on their place in the world. CMSS will provide educational experiences at two levels. Middle level and upper elementary students will attend four day programs and college students will have the opportunity to be instructors. The program has multiple goals:

• To teach the natural history and ecology of Casper Mountain and surrounding areas
• To utilize place-based, experiential learning and authentic scientific research to engage student interest
• To promote responsibility and community service through cooperative learning and self-discovery
• To provide opportunities for students from Casper College and the University of Wyoming/Casper College Center to explore careers in outdoor and science education.

The program is designed as a four day residential experience at Camp Sacajawea near Casper, Wyoming. The camp provides a rustic, yet comfortable, site for the program. The schedule for the four days includes both rigorous instruction and free time for sharing and developing friendships. The curriculum is an inquiry-based exploration of local ecosystems, incorporating math, language arts, and history as much as possible. The place-based curriculum encourages students to use basic scientific concepts to understand the specific natural history and ecology of Casper Mountain.

CMSS students will be divided into groups of five to seven students, each led by a field instructor. This low student/teacher ratio provides opportunities for cooperative learning, teamwork, and leadership training, elements essential to meet CMSS goals and provide the optimal learning environment.

All staff are well trained in the natural history of central Wyoming, the CMSS curriculum, and outdoor risk management and first aid.

CMSS is located at Camp Sacajawea on Casper Mountain, owned by the Girl Scout Council of Montana and Wyoming. The camp has four yurts, each of which sleeps eight students each. There are separate male/female shower facilities. Quarters for the instructors, along with their bathroom facility, are located in the lodge. The lodge has a combination dining room and activity room, and a full kitchen with walk-in cooler and dry storage for food. There is a large loft activity room, as well as a deck for outdoor activities. Camp Sacajawea is located on a major road maintained all seasons. An on-site caretaker provides maintenance and security.

• Investigations: Stream Ecology, Animals & Habitats, Plant Communities
  • Tuesday
    • 11:00 Check in
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 1:00 Orientation and Overview
    • 1:30 Team Building
    • 5:30 Free Time
    • 6:00 Dinner
    • 7:00 Night Sky Program
    • 10:00 Cabins
    • 10:15 Lights Out
  • Wednesday
    • 6:00 Wake up
    • 7:30 Breakfast
    • 8:00 Investigation I
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 1:00 Investigation II
    • 5:30 Free Time
    • 6:00 Dinner
    • 7:30 Music Night
    • 9:30 Cabins
    • 10:00 Lights Out
  • Thursday
    • 5:30 Wake up
    • 6:00 Bird Walk
    • 7:00 Breakfast
    • 8:00 Investigation III
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 1:00 Service Project
    • 4:30 Project Preparation
    • 6:30 Banquet
    • 8:00 Hoe Down
    • 10:00 Cabins
    • 10:15 Lights Out
  • Friday
    • 6:30 Wake Up
    • 7:00 Breakfast
    • 8:00 Service Project
    • 10:00 Journal Sharing/Wrap-up
    • 11:00 Camp Clean-Up
    • 12:30 Lunch
    • 1:30 Travel to Casper

We ask that elementary teachers attend CMSS with their students. Teachers will also need to make arrangements for 2 male and 2 female parent chaperones for each night at the school. Each chaperone will be assigned a yurt to supervise overnight. Chaperones are only needed in the evening and overnight hours.

Middle level teachers are encouraged but not required to attend CMSS with their students.

What do teachers have to say about CMSS?

"Classroom information is directly applied to real world locally; real science."

"It is a living laboratory to get students interested in their surroundings."

"CMSS provides students with experiences that are difficult to achieve in the classroom, reinforcing what is learned in the classroom."

"The value of CMSS is that it's taking advantage of local resources."

| What students are saying about CMSS | Activities |
| Where you sleep | What you eat | What to pack |
| Conditions | Things You Should Know | Sample Schedule |Things You Should Know About Casper Mountain Science School

What do Casper Mountain Science School Students have to say?

"This week I learned that I love being outside and that I actually know more than I thought about nature. I also learned that I am good at being responsible and caring for others."

"The most important thing I learned was how to treat everyone the same and how to have fun without cell phones, iPods or video games."

"I learned how important it is to observe and ask questions so that I don't ever miss the little things in nature, science and life."

"CMSS was so much more hands-on! In school you are mainly stuck behind a desk listening to lectures, but with CMSS you have so much fun learning by experiencing things that you are studying."

"The best thing about the camp was the people. They made it feel like home away from home."

"Being able to go outside and actually explore nature instead of being in school…labeling charts and diagrams."

"I learned a lot about science, how we need to be kind to the environment, and how well I work with people."

"I learned…that science can be a lot more fun when you are not sitting in a classroom."

What do teachers have to say about CMSS?

"Classroom information is directly applied to real world locally; real science."

"It is a living laboratory to get students interested in their surroundings."

"CMSS provides students with experiences that are difficult to achieve in the classroom, reinforcing what is learned in the classroom."

"The value of CMSS is that it's taking advantage of local resources."

Throughout the week a number of investigations will take place. These include the following:

• Animal Investigation
  This activity explores the various evidences of animals on the mountain. Looking at tracks and other signs we will determine some of the habitat and conditions specific animals have to cope with. It will look into the various adaptations these animals have that allow them to survive. We will compare and contrast habitats.
  
  
• Plant Investigation
  Plants are a vital role in making up habitats on Casper Mountain. We will conduct a species inventory of various habitats. Looking at what contributions plants make to the ecosystem, we will explore how plants influence the food web and how environmental factors affect plants.
  
  

• Investigations: Stream Ecology, Animals & Habitats, Plant Communities
  • Monday
    • 8:00 College Prep Day, All Day
  • Tuesday
    • 11:00 Check in
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 1:00 Orientation and Overview
    • 1:30 Team Building
    • 5:30 Free Time
    • 6:00 Dinner
    • 7:00 Night Sky Program
    • 10:00 Cabins
    • 10:15 Lights Out
  • Wednesday
    • 6:00 Wake up
    • 7:30 Breakfast
    • 8:00 Investigation I
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 1:00 Investigation II
    • 5:30 Free Time
    • 6:00 Dinner
    • 7:30 Music Night
    • 9:30 Cabins
    • 10:00 Lights Out
  • Thursday
    • 5:30 Wake up
    • 6:00 Bird Walk
    • 7:00 Breakfast
    • 8:00 Investigation III
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 1:00 Service Project
    • 4:30 Project Preparation
    • 6:30 Banquet
    • 8:00 Hoe Down
    • 10:00 Cabins
    • 10:15 Lights Out
  • Friday
    • 6:30 Wake Up
    • 7:00 Breakfast
    • 8:00 Service Project
    • 10:00 Journal Sharing/Wrap-up
    • 11:00 Camp Clean-Up
    • 12:30 Lunch
    • 1:30 Travel to Casper

What do parents have to say about CMSS?

"Thank you so much for providing this opportunity for my daughter. She had a fantastic time. It definitely further increased her already strong desire for knowledge about science."

"Our son learned to appreciate the outdoors. He has become more interested in doing more outside."

"The instructors were great!"

"My child spoke for two hours straight about his CMSS experience."

"She came home determined to become a biologist."

Things You Should Know About Casper Mountain Science School

• Investigations: Stream Ecology, Animals & Habitats, Plant Communities
  • Monday
    • 8:00 College Prep Day, All Day
  • Tuesday
    • 11:00 Check in
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 1:00 Orientation and Overview
    • 1:30 Team Building
    • 5:30 Free Time
    • 6:00 Dinner
    • 7:00 Night Sky Program
    • 10:00 Cabins
    • 10:15 Lights Out
  • Wednesday
    • 6:00 Wake up
    • 7:30 Breakfast
    • 8:00 Investigation I
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 1:00 Investigation II
    • 5:30 Free Time
    • 6:00 Dinner
    • 7:30 Music Night
    • 9:30 Cabins
    • 10:00 Lights Out
  • Thursday
    • 5:30 Wake up
    • 6:00 Bird Walk
    • 7:00 Breakfast
    • 8:00 Investigation III
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 1:00 Service Project
    • 4:30 Project Preparation
    • 6:30 Banquet
    • 8:00 Hoe Down
    • 10:00 Cabins
    • 10:15 Lights Out
  • Friday
    • 6:30 Wake Up
    • 7:00 Breakfast
    • 8:00 Service Project
    • 10:00 Journal Sharing/Wrap-up
    • 11:00 Camp Clean-Up
    • 12:30 Lunch
    • 1:30 Travel to Casper

CMSS Executive Director – Evert Brown, D.A.
[ Contact ]

Dr. Evert Brown is an instructor in the Biology Department at Casper College. He also supervises the Casper College Greenhouse and is the curator for the Casper College Herbarium. Dr. Brown is the State Coordinator of Project WET, an environmental education curriculum provider. In 2004, he was awarded the Wyoming Outdoor Educator of the Year by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. In 2005, he was awarded the Rosenthal Outstanding Educator Award from Casper College and Outstanding Adjunct Educator Award from the University of Wyoming.

Dr. Brown offers a diverse assortment of courses for Casper College and the University of Wyoming including: Ecology, Botany, Plant Taxonomy, Plant Ecology, Flora of the Rocky Mountains, GIS/GPS, Life Sciences (for Elementary Education majors), and even a PE course. He has worked with the Field Science class for a number of years. A faculty member of the Intermountain Environmental Education Training Team, Dr. Brown has presented many teacher trainings for Natrona County School District, in Wyoming, and throughout the Intermountain Region.

In 2008, Dr. Brown completed the instructor course at the National Outdoor Leadership School. As a NOLS Instructor, Dr. Brown has learned a number of techniques readily transferable to teaching in outdoor settings and directly applicable to pre-service teacher education.

Following his 2007 sabbatical where he learned significant pedagogies relating to outdoor education, Dr. Brown incorporated the skills he acquired into this field science program as well as other offerings.

CMSS Program Specialist - Jeana Lam-Pickett

Jeana Lam-Pickett is the program specialist for Casper Mountain Science School. She has an extensive background in organizational management. Before coming to CMSS she was employed by the Nebraska National Forest as the director of Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed Archeological Site located on the Oglala National Grasslands. She managed the visitor center, organized and implemented interpretive tours and educational programs. At Hudson-Meng she also worked with field schools from the University of Colorado, Colorado State University and The University of Nebraska.

Natrona County School District Liason - Carolyn Jacobs

Carolyn Jacobs (NCSD) has 21 years experience as a classroom teacher of science at Dean Morgan Jr High. In 1999, she received the Medallion of Excellence award from NCSD. In 2002, she received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. She completed her Master's of Natural Science degree in the spring of 2003.

Carolyn Jacobs and Evert Brown have worked together for a number of years to offer teacher trainings in the region through Summer Field Science. In May 2008, they offered the pilot program for Casper Mountain Science School.

Advisory Board Members

• Evert Brown, Casper College Biology Instructor, Department Chair
• Carolyn Jacobs, Dean Morgan Jr. High Science Teacher
• Jeanne Spawn, NCSD Administrator
• Jason Katzmann, University of Wyoming Casper College Center Science Education Professor
• Tammy Brown, Casper College Education Instructor
• Kendall Jacobs, Casper College Math Instructor & Planetarium
• Terry Logue, UNA Emeritus Professor, Earth Science
• Wanda Peters, Audubon Wyoming Community Naturalist
• Mardie Robinson, NCSD Retired Teacher
• Dana Van Burgh, Casper College Field Science Instructor
• Ebba Stedillie, Casper College Communications Instructor
• Will Waterbuy, Environmental / Outdoor Educator
• Andrew Allgeier, Boy Scouts of America