sargent center school program curriculum

School Program Curriculum

What we teach

First and foremost, School Program addresses current state curricular requirements for science, mathematics, social studies, health, and language arts. Students gain important foundational knowledge during their stay.

In addition, Sargent Center provides students with an understanding of their importance in the world’s social and environmental future. Through a focus on experiential education, we show students that they can make a difference by encouraging them to appreciate not only the environment, but their own potential.

How we teach

The School Program staff will design and deliver three lesson blocks—morning, afternoon, and evening—for your school group during each day of your stay. Though classroom teachers select the lessons of their choice prior to arrival at School Program, our highly-trained instructors will lead students and teachers throughout each day’s activities.

Teachers may choose lessons from three hands-on subject areas to complement their classroom curriculum:

Field investigations

Through activities that explore key ecological concepts, students gain awareness, appreciation, and respect for the natural environment. Activities might include:

Use of dichotomous keys to identify flora and fauna
Wetland exploration and specimen collection
Star gazing

Adventure

Students build trust and self-confidence as they meet challenges such as navigating a high ropes course. During adventure activities, students develop skills in:

Problem solving
Teamwork
Goal setting
Decision making
Positive risk taking

Outdoor skills

Students develop an appreciation for natural resources as they interact with the environment through activities such as:

Fire building
Canoeing
Orienteering
Hiking
Cross-country skiing

What you’ll achieve

One of the greatest outcomes of participation in School Program is the emergence of each class as a cohesive, cooperative team that values the contribution of each individual. Sharing challenging experiences helps everyone—students, teachers, and parents—develop greater sensitivity and respect for each other, which translates into more positive interactions both in the classroom and at home.

Click here to get started planning your School Program at Sargent Center.