High School
Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation offers environmental field study programs at three of the region’s best natural resource parks. Roy P. Drachman Agua Caliente Park, located on the east side of Tucson, is a true desert oasis. Natural spring-fed ponds attract a variety of wildlife and provide some of the most exciting bird watching in the area. Felíz Paseos Park and Tucson Mountain Park, located on the west side of Tucson, showcase the iconic Saguaro-Paloverde habitat characteristic of the Sonoran Desert.
Read through the following detailed program descriptions to help you decide which programs best suit the needs of you and your students. All environmental field study programs are linked to the Arizona Academic Standards and selected programs are available for the schoolyard or the classroom. Check the Program Location Table in the following brochure to find out which programs works best for you.
High School Programs Brochure
For more information about school programs offered, or to schedule a program, contact (520) 615-7855 Ext. 101 or email us at eeducation@pima.gov.
Desert Wildlife Ecology and Sonoran Desert Conservation
Multimedia and live wildlife presentations are available to enhance the study of desert wildlife. This program is useful as a preparation for field study trips to Pima County’s natural resource parks or to enhance biology, ecology and conservation education classes. Presentation focus is easily adapted to the specific needs of each classroom
Linked to Arizona Academic Standards — Science S3C1PO1, PO3, PO4, PO5; S4C3 PO1, PO2, PO3; S4C4 PO4, PO6; Social Studies 4SCP6
Geology of the Tucson Mountains
The geology of the Tucson Mountains is often described as chaotic due to the hodge-podge of geologic features seen today. Explore some of these dramatic features to understand how the Tucson Mountains and basin were formed. Use the geologic record to understand how the environment has made dramatic changes over the past 250 million years. This field trip involves relatively easy hiking over desert terrain.
Linked to Arizona Academic Standards — Science S6C1HSPO1, PO2; S6C3HSPO4; 6SC-P4
Tucson’s River of Words Youth Poetry & Art Contest & Classroom Workshops
Tucson’s River of Words combines the sciences and arts in a truly unique experience to promote stewardship of our natural resources. By connecting students to the natural world through environmental and art education, the program encourages students to take responsibility for conserving water. Program participants receive 1 hour of in-class instruction from environmental educators about watershed and water conservation and 1 hour of instruction on either poetry writing or mixed-media art. Students are instructed by professional poets and artists on how to express their scientific understandings of watersheds and water conservation through original works of poetry and art. After completing the program, students are encouraged to submit their work to the Tucson’s River of Words Youth Poetry and Art Contest. Contest entry forms will also be available at the program. Contest deadline is February 1, 2009.
Linked to Arizona Academic Standards — Language Arts R-R1, R5, F2, F4, F5, F8, E2, E3, E4, E6, P2; W-R1, R2, F1, F2, F3, E1, E2, P1, P6, D1, D2; LS-R3, R4, R5, F1, F3, E2, E4, P3, D2, D4; VP-R3, F3, E1, P3; Science S6: C3: G4PO1. Social Studies 3SS –F2, PO1, PO3, PO5; 3SS-E1PO3, E7PO6, P4PO3, P4PO5, D3PO2, D3PO6.
Riparian and Desert Ecosystem Discovery
Explore the diversity of life in riparian and desert ecosystems through guided, hands-on exploration. Use binoculars and hand-lenses to make observations and express findings through ecosystems models. Topics covered include food webs, water cycles and chemical cycles.
Linked to Arizona Academic Standards — Science S3:C3:HSPO1; S4:C1:HSPO4
Water Monitoring in Freshwater Habitats
The natural spring and pond at Agua Caliente Park are teeming with life. Collect samples for measuring water quality and identifying indicator species. Use data collected to learn the relationship between water quality and the abundance of life. Water chemistry tests conducted include pH, electrical conductivity, alkalinity and dissolved oxygen.
Linked to Arizona Academic Standards — Science S4: C3 HSPO1, HSPO2; C4 HSPO4, HSPO6; C5 HSPO2 HSPO4. S5: C1 HSPO2; C4 HSPO2, HSPO12
Map and Compass
A fun and practical way to explore the desert is through orienteering, or the use of map and compass to find your way. Learn how the Earth’s natural magnetic field interacts with a compass and how wildlife relies on magnetic fields to navigate. Then, use a compass with a topographic map to determine bearing and distances to specific map points.
Linked to Arizona Academic Standards — Mathematics HS S1C3PO1, S4C3PO7, S4C4PO9. Health S2 2PA-P5 PO1. Social Studies 3SS-P1 PO1, 3SS-D1 PO5
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