FIELD
EXPERIENCES

Idaho Forest Group’s Chilco lumber mill turns logs into lumber for homebuilding, remodel, and repair.  See how Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math are used in the process.

More information to come on this exploration opportunity!

IDAH2O Stream Assessment and Crayfish Study combo at Corbin Park, in nearby Post Falls, right on the beautiful Spokane River. These two citizen science programs are a fantastic fit for any class from 5th grade and up. It’s classic FieldSTEM, and will give the teachers some new and useful science teaching tools. 

Flatwater kayaking is a wonderful way to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors. Experience paddling a kayak to explore the marshland ecosystem and the importance to bird habitat. As we watch for birds and other animals among the cattails and rushes, you will will gain an understanding of the benefits of this important ecosystem. Participants will wander up Mica Creek and then along the bay shoreline to Mica Boater’s Park before heading back to  the launch site. 

Learn how computer science can help engage students in abstract concepts and solving big problems. 

This session will outline the basics of hosting a successful and engaging STEAM Night and cover topics like activity development, community partnerships, logistics, and student and family participation. We’ll also explore how these events can align with your school’s initiatives and programs, state standards, and curriculum. Resources will include a ‘how to’ & inspiration guide, planning documents, and a list of some STEAM Night activity favorites. 

Meet the minds that left their footprint on mankind forever. The Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center is the world’s only aeromedical museum hosting vintage planes, vehicles, and displays on the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots (WASP), Tuskegee airmen, the Flying Tigers and NASA. Within the hangar that hosts these planes is also a tribute to famous inventors like Forrest Bird, who pioneered the medical respiratory industry. Learn what it was like to fly these vintage aircrafts and about the famous inventors, what they thought and the impact of their inventions cleverly presented in a way that inspires both young and old that they too can change the world.

First Green is an innovative environmental and STEM education outreach program using golf courses as environmental learning labs. Golf Course Superintendents and/or local golf course representatives host students on field trips where students can test water quality, collect soil samples, identify plants, design plantings, assist in stream bed restoration, and be involved in the ecology and environmental aspects of the golf course. On this field trip, we will demonstrate a few labs so you will be able to experience firsthand what your students will see when they visit a golf course.

America’s people, economy and wildlife rely on healthy lands and waters. Restoring ecosystems can slow climate change and bring back lost biodiversity. Building long-lasting, sustainable partnerships is key in ecosystem restoration. Cougar Bay Wetlands is a model for such partnerships.  
As you tour this area, you will learn the step by step process and significant progress made in the ecological and recreational value of this wetland and its future goals.

Come explore the visual jewel of a forest sanctuary set in the heart of downtown Coeur d’ Alene. Tubbs Hill is a model natural area that stands as a beacon, both now and into the future, for everyone who wishes to enjoy the presence of the natural forest experience in an urban setting. It comprises 165 acres of publicly owned land with an abundance of tranquil, breathtaking scenery and hiking trails. On this easy-to-moderate (some uphill) 2+ mile hike, you will learn about the history, geology, ecology, flora and fauna, along with the challenges this area has faced. This is a prime osprey nesting habitat with active nests along our trail.