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Fall in the Field

Outdoor School Programs

Deer Creek Center

Facilities

Important Dates

Fee structure

Directions to Deer Creek

Teacher Resources

Contact Us

 

Outdoor School Programs

Fall 2009 session dates: Tue. Sept. 22nd – Fri. Nov. 4th

We are excited to offer a brand new series of day and overnight educational programs (Tuesday thru Friday) for students beginning in Fall 2009. The theme for this coming year’s Fall in the Field is:

 

Impact and Interdependence: Discovering Ecological Relationships in the Illinois River Valley.

At Deer Creek Center students will gain hands-on experience exploring the relationships between living things and their environment. Our curriculum will be tailored to current Oregon Department of Education Science and Social Science standards and ‘Best Practice’ teaching methods. Environmental Education master’s students are currently designing next fall’s program as part of their coursework at SOU.

 

Learning will take place in small groups in the field and will explore topics and concepts such as:

  • fire ecology and local wildlife
  • plant and animal adaptations and interactions
  • southern Oregon geology and its impact on local flora & fauna
  • energy cycles
  • watershed dynamics
  • human interactions with natural resources

We can also provide a hands-on service learning project for those interested. Our variety of day and overnight programs provide a unique opportunity for students to engage in an interdisciplinary, place-based learning experience in the heart of the Illinois River Valley.

 

Our goals are to provide an exceptional learning experience and expose students to ecological concepts useful for further exploration in and out of the classroom, and to provoke curiosity about the natural world.

 

Curriculum will reflect updated ODE Standards in Science and Social Science as well as international standards outlined in the Tbilisi Declaration (1977). ODE standards addressed may include:

  • 5.2.LS.1 Analyze the interdependence of organisms and their environment and how it affects the survival of individuals and populations.
  • 5.4.1 Using scientific principles, describe a solution to a need or problem given criteria and constraints.
  • 6.2 LS.2 Analyze how organisms within ecosystems compete for resources, including food, space, water, air, and shelter.
  • 6.4.1 Define a problem that addresses a particular need and identify scientific principles that may be related to possible solutions.
  • SS.05.GE.06 Identify and give examples of issues related to population increases and decreases.
  • SS.05.GE.07 Understand how physical environments are affected by human activities.
  • SS.05.GE.08 Understand how human activities are affected by the physical environment.
  • SS.05.SA.03 Identify and study two or more points of view of an event, issue, or problem.

 

Deer Creek Center Deer Creek Center

Deer Creek Center sits at the foot of Eight Dollar Mountain on the banks of Deer Creek, a tributary to the Wild and Scenic Illinois River. The region is known as one of our planet’s most diverse networks of mountains and rivers, making it the ideal setting for a field experience.

 

From the center visitors have access to 850 acres of lush forests, creeks, and meadows. National Forest borders the property on three sides. The site is easily accessed only one mile outside Selma off Highway 199 via paved road.

 

Within a stone’s throw from the center students can observe the life cycle of Chinook salmon, marvel at a patch of rare carnivorous Cobra Lilies, or explore the wildlife-rich habitat left by one the largest fires in Oregon history.

 

Attracted to the extreme diversity of the Klamath-Siskiyou bioregion, researchers and students from around the country utilize the site for scientific conferences, restoration projects, and naturalist training programs. Deer Creek Center is the ideal place for students to explore ecological concepts using approaches that are difficult to replicate in a classroom setting.

 

Facilities

Options include access to:

  • indoor and outdoor classrooms
  • covered pavilion
  • kitchen available for teacher/parent use
  • parking
  • hiking trails

Overnight resources include previous list plus:

  • use of historic lodge for parents and teachers (w/kitchen, private rooms, dormitory,
  • living room, and 3 bathrooms)
  • two yurts (for student lodging)
  • restroom facility with showers

Note: Some facilities require additional fees. See fee structure below for details.

Teachers and parents participating in overnight programs have the option of renting a private room or space in a dormitory. Tent and RV camping are also permitted, though no hookups are available. Students will be housed in our separate boys and girls yurts, conveniently located near the newly built solar-powered restroom facility with showers.

 

Please see www.deercreekcenter.org for comprehensive details and pictures of Deer Creek Center and surroundings.

 

Important Dates

September 22   Fall sessions begin

November 6      Final Session

April 15            Preliminary sign-up date

Fee Structure

Coming soon.

 

For 2-day residential programs, we ask that teachers and parents provide lunch and dinner for themselves and their students on the first night, as well as breakfast and lunch on the second day. We will provide menu ideas with estimated food quantities and costs to make planning easier for parent volunteers. Details regarding cooking arrangements will be available this summer.

Directions to Deer Creek Center :

Deer Creek Center (DCC) is located at 1241 Illinois River Road in Selma, OR

From Grants Pass and points north - Take Hwy 199 S (Redwood Highway) south to Selma.  At Selma turn right at the blinking light onto Illinois River Road (aka County Road 5070).  There is a 76 gas station on the corner.  DCC is approximately 1.5 miles up Illinois River Road on the left.

From Cave Junction, Crescent City and points south - Take 199 N (Redwood Highway) north to Selma.  At Selma turn left at the blinking light onto Illinois River Road (aka County Road 5070).  There is a 76 gas station on the corner. DCC is approximately 1.5 miles up Illinois River Road on the left.

 

Teacher Resources

Coming soon!

 

What to bring to Deer Creek?

 

Easy meal ideas and grocery list

 

Teacher Provides:

  • Chaperones (1 for every 5 students)
  • Transportation
  • Food
  • Materials Fee (to be determined)
  • Accommodation Fee

DCC/SOU Provides:

  • Breathtaking learning environment
  • “Best Practices” instruction
  • Learning kits and resources
  • Yurts, camping, and other housing
  • Pre and post visit curriculum
  • Assessment of our program

                       

Contact us:

 

If you are interested in participating or have any questions regarding the program, please email us at seec@sou.edu or call at (541) 552-6876.

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

Web site ©2009
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Southern Oregon University
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1250 Siskiyou Boulevard
/ Ashland , OR / 97520 /
541-552-7672