Oaks - Wilderness Field Study

Wilderness Field Study combines modern scientific understanding with ancestral ways of connecting with the natural world. Learning is best supported through hands-on experiences as students are immersed in nature- where our classroom is the woods, lake, swamp, and field. As they connect with the earth, students develop a sense of pride and protection for it.

We strive to create a community of young adults who feel safe to explore their unique gifts and passions with confidence. Our curriculum focuses on developing centered, healthy, and motivated young adults. Instead of lecturing or simply providing answers, students are asked to think creatively to solve problems, fostering a sense of critical thinking and community.

Wilderness Field Study 2025-2026

for students ages 14-18*

Courses are one day per week. Choose the day that works best for you.

Wednesdays 10:00am-2:00pm

Thursdays 10:00am-2:00pm

*Student age as of September 1, 2025

Wilderness Field Study 2025-2026

The forest is our classroom

Wilderness survival and bush craft skills
- Fire, Shelter, Water
- Orientation and Navigation
- Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants
- Using plant fibers for natural arts such as basketry, wood carving, and cordage
Botany Focus (2025-2026)
- The Scientific Method
- Plant Cells and Tissues
- Plant Life Cycle and Growth Patterns
- Plant Taxonomy
- DNA, Genetics, Variation and Breeding
- Seed Germination and Gardening
- Water, Light, and Photosynthesis
- Soils, Fertility and Plant Growth
- Natives, Invasives, and GMOs

Calendar 2025-2026

Fall Session

Sep 8 - Nov 13

Winter Session

Jan 12 - Feb 12

Feb 16 - 19, weather make up days

Spring Session

Mar 2 - May 14

May 18 - 21, weather make up days

Optional Independent Study
High School Botany Credit

Students that wish to earn a high school Ecology credit have the option of adding an independent study to this class. As the Homeschool Parent, you provide the credit on your student’s transcript. Discovery is the resource for this credit.

Each week, students will have research assignments to deepen their understanding of the topics experienced in class. Students will use the scientific method to design and execute an experiment, studying the interaction of plants and their environment. Expect to spend 1-3 hours each week outside of class on their Botany Independent Study.

Outside resources will include

journal articles
documentaries
online lectures
field guides
books

Student portfolios will include

nature journal
experiment design, data, and analysis
photographs of their hands-on work in the field

Long-Term Planning High School Credits?

Us too.
Each year, the Wilderness Field Study will have a new theme with a different independent study credit.

Wilderness Field Study FAQ's

Is partnership funding available for Wilderness Field Study? Yes! The High School Field Study Course follows our Wilderness School Model, and courses facilitate nature connection through art, music, and physical education/outdoor ed. The Ecology Credit is an Independent Study option to expand on the learning happening during Wilderness School.

Who will teach this class? Our AMAZING Mr. Dean and Ms. Amy will once again teaching this course. Dean is our resident entimologist with a background in botany and passion for wilderness survival skills. He brings energy and life everywhere he goes. You're going to love him! Amy is a native plant landscaper with a background as an arborist. She comes from a family of herbalists, and is an all-around plant and science lover. Her passion and enthusiasm for plants and everything nature pours out of her every word and action. She's a great person to learn alongside.

What is the class size? We've opened 20 student scientist spaces for the class, with two teachers.

For the High School Botany Credit, do we come up with our own work? Nope! Discovery will curate the resrouces for the Independent Study portion of the class. We will have a list of books and supplies needed for the course.

How will the class be graded? There are so many ways to assess learning besides written tests and book reports. Students will create a portfolio during the year, which will include photographs, nature journal entries, scientific data, art/music compositions, videos, and more. Instead of tests, students will demonstrate comprehension of the material through oral presentations and group discussion. We have found that this facilitates a deeper understanding of the subject material than any test ever could! Throughout the year, Independent Study students will check with teachers informally each week. We will also create formal meetings with the teacher to disucss your learning goals, experiments, and projects. For your high school transcript, you will need a grade. At the end of the year, you'll meet with the teacher to look over your portfolio and learning goals. Together you will decide the grade you've earned for your high school transcript.

Where can I find the course syllabus? This couse is new, and we're still working out the details. Chelsea, Discovery's Director, will be creating the syllabus with the support professionals in the field of ecology and teaching. Chelsea is a former high school Physics and Chemistry teacher, and was the chair of the science department when she taught public school- leading teachers in science curriculum development.

Which textbook will you use? We're still curating our Ecology Course book list. Ecology is the study of how living organisms interact with their environment. Instead of a single textbook, the spine of our curriculum will include living books that bring in diverse perspectives regarding how everything works together. We will also utilize documentaries, youtube videos, and journal articles, and our own scientific data as resources in this course.

Will this same course be taught next year? Discovery is on a five-year curriculum cycle. That means we're always engaging in new material. Wilderness Field Study is a new class that will change with the theme each year. So, next year the Independent Study will have a High School Botany credit. The following year Anthropolgy. We're looking at Geology and Biology as well as Dendrology and Ornithology in future years.