Middle School
Outdoor Education
The outdoor education program at GSLS is an integral part of our curriculum beginning in 4th grade. The overall goal of the program is to expose students to a number of diverse ecosystems, through experiences that go beyond the limits of the classroom. The Outdoor Education program, in fourth through seventh grades, allows students opportunities to explore the natural world during unique and rewarding field experiences. Outdoor Education trips are invaluable for team building and for strengthening students' relationships, both among one another and with their teachers. Students develop self-reliance, independence, cooperation and trust. Trained outdoor educators lead the students in educational, fun and challenging activities. Teachers integrate students' outdoor education experiences with the grade level science and history curriculum.
The fourth grade spends three days and two nights at Coloma Outdoor Discovery School, near a historic mining town, complementing their study of California history. Fourth grade also spends one night in Yosemite and later in the year they ride the train to Sacramento to visit the state capital.
Fifth graders spend 4 nights and 5 days at Mount Hermon in the Santa Cruz mountains. Fifth grade also spends the night on Angel Island participating in a Civil War reenactment.
Sixth and seventh grade students attend Olympic Park Institute near Lake Crescent in Port Angeles, Washington. Sixth graders study earth science, and seventh graders study physical science while hiking, canoeing and team building. Additional outdoor education opportunities may be added to the year.