Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Learning About The Natural World Through An Inquiry-Based Residential Experience, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Oliver Ranch Project

The mission of the Red Rock Desert Learning Center is to instill stewardship and respect by increasing knowledge and understanding of the Mojave Desert ecosystems and cultures through a unique experiential discovery program

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Community Outreach Activities Plan, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Oliver Ranch Project

The Red Rock Desert Learning Center is being designed to teach participants about the natural world through inquiry-based experiential and interdisciplinary methods in a residential outdoor setting in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The intent is for students, teachers, and researchers to gain an appreciation of desert ecosystems and to begin to apply and connect their knowledge to world ecological systems. The campus will incorporate many “green building” systems in its design and operation, and those systems will be an active part of the school’s curriculum.

Red Rock Desert Learning Center & Wild Horse And Burro Facility: Fact Sheet, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Oliver Ranch Project

Overview and questions about Red Rock Canyon Desert Learning Center and Wild Horse and Burro Facility.

Red Rock Desert Learning Center & Wild Horse And Burro Facility: Frequently Asked Questions, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Oliver Ranch Project

The mission of the Red Rock Desert Learning Center is to instill stewardship and respect by increasing knowledge and understanding of the Mojave Desert ecosystems and cultures through a unique experiential discovery program.

Red Rock Desert Learning Center & Wild Horse And Burro Facility: Newsletter, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Oliver Ranch Project

The mission of the Red Rock Desert Learning Center is to instill stewardship and respect by increasing knowledge and understanding of the Mojave Desert ecosystems
and cultures through a unique experiential discovery program.

Red Rock Desert Learning Center & Wild Horse And Burro Facility: Historical Timeline, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Oliver Ranch Project

Historical Timeline of Red Rock Desert Learning Center.

Explorations In Off-Higway Vehicle (Ohv) Recreation: A High School Driver Education Extension, Allison Brody, Jennell M. Miller, Sky Mcclain, Katharine August

Education about the Environment

The lessons within this curriculum have been designed to meet the following goals:

● To increase knowledge about the natural world OHV recreationists will encounter in their exploration of Southern Nevada;

● To increase knowledge of responsible use of OHVs and principles of Tread Lightly! and Leave No Trace (both are nonprofit organizations dedicated to increasing awareness about how to minimize impacts while enjoying public and private lands);

● To increase awareness, knowledge, and understanding of land ethics;

● To allow youth to analyze personal values regarding recreational experiences, including OHV use.

Field Trip Survey Results, Public Lands Institute

Presentations (PLI Education)

Field Trip Survey Results

Assessing An Environmental Education Program, Gregory Schraw, Lori Olafson, Jeanne A. Klockow

Presentations (DM)

We developed a comprehensive assessment plan and tested the curriculum to determine whether hands-on outdoor recreation events promote knowledge, attitudes, and performance among at-risk urban children. Knowledge, attitude, and performance assessments were developed, refined and implemented with a variety of age groups participating within the events. Findings revealed that knowledge, attitudes, and performance increased substantially as a result of participating in the outdoor recreation events.

College Of Engineering Senior Design Competition Fall 2005, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas

Fred and Harriet Cox Senior Design Competition Projects

Part of every UNLV engineering student’s academic experience, the senior design project stimulates engineering innovation and entrepreneurship. Each student in their senior year chooses, plans, designs and prototypes a product in this required element of the curriculum. A capstone to the student’s educational career, the senior design project encourages the student to use everything learned in the engineering program to create a practical, real world solution to an engineering challenge.

The senior design competition helps to focus the senior students in increasing the quality and potential for commercial application for their design projects. Judges from local industry evaluate the projects …

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Core Group Meeting: December 6, 2005, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Reports (RRLC)

1. Introductions & Announcements (5 min.)
2. Approval of Minutes from October 18, 2005 Meeting (5 min.)
3. Update on Project Schedule – Michael Reiland (10 min.)
   A. Utilities
   B. Water Line
   C. Parking
   D. Operator
4. Update on Design Development – Michael Reiland (10 min.)
5. Cultural Treatment Plan – Michael Reiland (10 min.)
6. Environmental Assessment Update – Otak Inc. (10 min.)
7. Curriculum Update – Jeanne Klockow (10 min.)
8. Standing Reports (10 min.)
   A. BLM Capital Improvements – Michael Reiland
   B. Community Outreach – LaNelda Rolley
9. Committee Reports (5 min.)
   A. Building Committee
   B. Design Oversight
   C. Educational Programs
   D. Fund-raising and Partnerships
   E. …

Education In The Environment: A Hands-On Student Research And Outdoor Learning Experience: Quarterly Progress Report: Period Ending November 30, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Reports (PLI Education)

During the past three-months, the focus of the university’s efforts has included the following highlights:

• Forever Earth was scheduled 15 times in the past quarter.
• Twelve Discover Mojave Outdoor World events were completed; a draft Year 2 schedule was completed.
• An Outdoor World assessment report compiled and results were presented at a professional academic conference.
• The Phase I Education in the Environment Strategy document was completed.
• A Phase II action plan is underway by the Environmental Education Committee.
• A place-based education conference, “Our Places Tell Stories,” will be held in January 2006.
• Survey data is being collected from Clark County …

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Core Group Meeting: October 18, 2005, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Reports (RRLC)

1. Introductions & Announcements (5 min.)
2. Approval of Minutes from September 20, 2005 Meeting (5 min.)
3. Curriculum Update – Jeanne Klockow (15 min.)
4. Review of Project Schedule – Michael Reiland (10 min.)
   A. Utilities
   B. Water Line
   C. Parking
   D. Operator
5. Standing Reports (15 minutes)
   A. Line and Space Architects – Les Wallach/Henry Tom
   B. BLM Capital Improvements – Michael Reiland
6. Committee Reports (5 min.)
   A. Building Committee – Angie Lara
   B. Design Oversight – David Frommer
   C. Educational Programs – Paul Buck
   D. Fund-raising and Partnerships – Blaine Benedict
   E. NEPA – Michael Johnson
   F. Operations – Jackson Ramsey
   G. …

Assessing “Discover Mojave” Instrument Development And Analysis: Final Report, Lori Olafson, Gregory Schraw, Michelle L. Weibel

Reports (DM)

We developed curriculum and a comprehensive assessment plan to determine whether hands-on outdoor recreation events promote knowledge, attitudes, and performance among at-risk urban children. Knowledge, attitude, and performance assessments were developed, refined and conducted through various stages based on cultural and language barriers as well a variety of age groups participating within the events. Findings revealed that knowledge, attitudes, and performance increased substantially as a result of participating in the outdoor recreation events. We conclude that the implementation and assessment of the program is strong. We also make several recommendations for future programs.

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Core Group Meeting: September 20, 2005, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Reports (RRLC)

1. Introductions & Announcements (5 min.)
2. Approval of Minutes from August 16, 2005 Meeting (5 min.)
3. Discussion of Scope/Design Issues –Michael Reiland/David Frommer (30 min.)
4. Cost Update – Michael Reiland (15 min.)
5. Schedule Update – Michael Reiland (15 min.)
6. Standing Reports (15 minutes)
   A. Line and Space Architects – Les Wallach/Henry Tom
   B. BLM Capital Improvements – Michael Reiland
   C. Community Outreach – Nancy Flagg
7. Committee Reports (5 min.)
   A. Building Committee – Angie Lara
   B. Design Oversight – David Frommer
   C. Educational Programs – Paul Buck
   D. Fund-raising and Partnerships – Blaine Benedict
   E. NEPA – Michael Johnson
   F. Operations …

Red Rock Desert Learning Center: The Vision, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Oliver Ranch Project

A public meeting will be held to introduce the Red Rock Learning Center, the first outdoor education center for local fifth grade children in Southern Nevada. Designed to enhance math and science skills, the school will be built in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. It will feature a curriculum that teaches children about conservation and the natural world by increasing their knowledge and understanding of the Mojave Desert ecosystem.

Discover Mojave Outdoor World ~ Forever Earth, Public Lands Institute

Presentations (DM)

Program goals:

• Introduce economically disadvantaged urban youth, ages 8-12, to outdoor recreation and education
• Foster a belief that outdoor recreation plays an important and positive role in the health and fitness of America’s youth

Education In The Environment: A Hands-On Student Research And Outdoor Learning Experience: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending August 31, 2005, Environmental Education Strategy For Nevada

Reports (PLI Education)

During the past three-months, the focus of the university’s efforts has included the following highlights:

• Data compiled, summarized, and analyzed from survey of existing environmental education programs in Southern Nevada.
• Planning underway for place-based education conference to be held in January 2006.
• Survey of Southern Nevada teachers developed and ready to be administered in October 2005.
• Vision, mission, and goals set for area-wide Environmental Education Committee.
• Planning for pre-service teacher training in environmental education and master’s degree environmental education program initiated.
• Coordination efforts underway between the Interagency Environmental Education Team and other interagency teams that have identified education components within …

Red Rock Desert Learning Center: The Vision, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Oliver Ranch Project

To instill stewardship and respect by increasing knowledge and understanding of the Mojave Desert ecosystems and cultures through a unique experiential discovery program.

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Core Group Meeting: August 16, 2005, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Reports (RRLC)

1. Introductions & Announcements (5 min.)
2. Approval of Minutes from July 19, 2005 Meeting (5 min.)
3. Matrix of Project Concerns and Resolutions – Michael Reiland (15 min.)
4. Update on Project Timeline Schedule – Michael Reiland (10 min.)
   A. Status of Operator Process
   B. Status of Water Options
   C. Status of Draft EA Report
5. Curriculum Development – Jeannie Klockow (10 min.)
   A. Wild Horse & Burro Curriculum
6. Standing Reports (20 minutes)
   A. Line and Space Architects – Les Wallach/Henry Tom
   B. BLM Capital Improvements – Michael Reiland
   C. Community Outreach – Nancy Flagg
7. Committee Reports (10 min.)
   A. Building Committee – Angie …

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Core Group Meeting: July 19, 2005, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Reports (RRLC)

1. Introductions & Announcements (5 min.)
2. Approval of Minutes from May 17, 2005 Meeting (5 min.)
3. Update on NEPA Process – Michael Johnson & Otak (30 min.)
   A. Overview of NEPA Process C. Status of interim EA report
   B. EA Timeline Schedule D. Status of cultural treatment plan
4. Matrix of Project Concerns and Resolutions – Michael Reiland (15 min.)
5. Review of Project Timeline Schedule – Michael Reiland (10 min.)
   A. Status of Request for Proposals C. Status of Nevada Power Grid
   B. Status of Water Options
6. Curriculum Development – Jeannie Klockow (10 min.)
   A. Wild Horse & Burro Curriculum
7. Community Outreach …

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Core Group Meeting: May 17, 2005, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Reports (RRLC)

1. Introductions (5 min.)
2. Approval of Minutes from March 15, 2005 Meeting (5 min.)
3. Review of Project Issues & Concerns (30 min.)
   A. Discussion of Strategic Project Review
4. Update on Water Options and NEPA Timeline/Progress – Michael Reiland (15 min.)
5. Core Curriculum Development: Progress Report – Jeannie Klockow (15 min.)
6. Community Outreach – Nancy Flagg (15 min.)
   A. Key Messages
   B. List of environmental groups and media
   D. Revisit Core Group list
7. Standing Reports (20 minutes)
   A. Line and Space Architects – Les Wallach/Henry Tom
   B. BLM Capital Improvements – Michael Reiland
8. Committee Reports (10 min.)
   A. Building Committee – Angie …

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Core Group Meeting: March 15, 2005, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Reports (RRLC)

1. Introductions (5 min.)
2. Approval of Minutes from January 18, 2005 Meeting (5 min.)
3. Core Curriculum Development: Timeline and Progress Report – Jeannie Klockow (30 min.)
4. Update on Water Testing – Bob Boyd (15 min.)
5. A. Line and Space Architects – Les Wallach/Henry Tom
   B. UNLV/CESU – Nancy Flagg
   C. BLM – Michael Reiland
6. Committee Reports (5 min.)
7. Open Discussion / New Business (5 min.)

Education In The Environment: A Hands-On Student Research And Outdoor Learning Experience: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending February 28, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Reports (PLI Education)

During the past three-months, the focus of the university’s efforts has included the following highlights:

• Hired Forever Earth/WOW Project Manager Daphne Sewing
• Hired Environmental Education Strategy Project Manager Allison Brody
• Completed five WOW curriculum modules
• Formed a partnership with Clark County Parks and Community Services to pilot WOW events in Spring 2005
• Scheduled first WOW event during the week of March 21, 2005
• Completed Forever Earth orientation trip on February 25, 2005
• Finalized Forever Earth legal documents and insurance requirements

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Core Group Meeting: January 18, 2005, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Reports (RRLC)

1. Introductions (5 min.)
2. Approval of Minutes from November 16, 2004 Meeting (5 minutes)
3. Presentation of Science Curriculum – Paul Buck (30 min.)
4. Line and Space Architects
   Presentation of Schematic Designs– Les Wallach/Henry Tom (1 hour)
   Update on Design Timeline (10 min.)
5. Standing Reports (10 minutes)
   A. UNLV/CESU – Nancy Flagg
   B. BLM – Michael Reiland
6. Committee Reports (5 min.)
7. Committee Meeting Schedule for 2005 (5 min.)
8. Open Discussion / New Business (5 min.)

Oliver Ranch Science School Complex & Wild Horse And Burro Facility: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending March 31, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Oliver Ranch Project

Assist in project coordination between numerous stakeholders such as the Clark County School System, Desert Research Institute, Community College of Southern Nevada, UNR Cooperative Extension, Nevada State College, local museums, state parks, non-profit organizations, federal agencies, and the public to ensure appropriate educational curricular activities and venues are provided for in the conceptual design of the School and the Wild Horse and Burro facility where appropriate as well as assist in the NEPA process as needed. The activities will be conducted at least in part by university faculty, staff and students as part of the university’s research, teaching, and service …

Oliver Ranch Science School Complex & Wild Horse And Burro Facility: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending September 30, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Oliver Ranch Project

Executive Summary

Activity highlights during the first quarter of Year Two include the following actions toward task agreement deliverables:

• Agenda and minutes prepared and distributed for three core group meetings
• Wild horse and burro curriculum completed and vetted through local, regional, and national levels
• Historical curriculum completed and ready for review by core group
• Two RRDLC PowerPoint presentations coordinated, written, and illustrated by Public Lands Institute staff for BLM presentations to the Clark County School District Executive Cabinet and the Board of Trustees.
• RRDLC informational handouts provided to community members, teachers, and students at Joshua Jubilee community event and Clark …

Oliver Ranch Science School Complex & Wild Horse And Burro Facility: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending December 31, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Oliver Ranch Project

Executive Summary

Activity highlights during the first quarter of Year Two include the following actions toward task agreement deliverables:

• Agenda and minutes prepared and distributed for two core group meetings
• Historical curriculum 100% completed
• Cultural curriculum 100% completed
• Night sky curriculum 50% completed
• Green Building curriculum 25% completed
• Communications/Outreach Plan revised and prioritized
• RRDLC newsletter under final review by BLM state office

Oliver Ranch Science School Complex & Wild Horse And Burro Facility: Annual Progress Report, Year Ending June 30, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Oliver Ranch Project

Assist in project coordination between numerous stakeholders such as the Clark County School System, Desert Research Institute, Community College of Southern Nevada, UNR Cooperative Extension, Nevada State College, local museums, state parks, non-profit organizations, federal agencies, and the public to ensure appropriate educational curricular activities and venues are provided for in the conceptual design of the School and the Wild Horse and Burro facility where appropriate as well as assist in the NEPA process as needed. The activities will be conducted at least in part by university faculty, staff and students as part of the university’s research, teaching, and service …

Forever Earth Program: An Overview, Public Lands Institute

Presentations (DM)

• Education
• Scientific studies and research
• Water quality monitoring
• Command post activities