| The Wilderness Classroom Organization
(WCO) is a non-profit organization that strives to engage,
excite, and motivate students and teachers using an
interactive technology-based learning model that draws
upon peoples' innate curiosity and desire for exploration.
We fulfill our mission of enriching students' daily
lives and improving students' academic achievements
through 6 main goals: |
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1.
Encourage people to expand and explore their
world by fostering an appreciation for wilderness
and cultural diversity while introducing people to
some of the world's wildest places and most unique
cultures.
2. Provide
easy to use curriculum based on state and national
standards that will provide the motivation, instruction,
and resources necessary to enhance teacher instruction.
3. Foster an
interactive learning environment which turns students
into adventurers and facilitates collaboration between
students, teachers, scientists, and explorers as they
investigate important issues and make real life decisions.
4. Develop
lasting relationships between students and their Learning
Adventure guides that will provide students with the
guidance and inspiration they need to set their own
goals and achieve their own dreams.
5. Introduce
children and young adults to the wonders of canoeing,
kayaking, skiing, camping, and other forms of wilderness
travel and encourage people to experience the increased
knowledge, self confidence, and physical fitness that
is gained through wilderness exploration.
6. Draw connections
between students' choices and the effects their actions
have on the world and facilitate projects that help
students make a difference on a local and global level.
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Fullfilling our mission
The Wilderness Classroom
Organization strives to fullfill its mission through two
major program areas; Online Learning Adventures, and School
Visits and Teacher Training Seminars.
Online Learning Adventures are interactive,
technology-based programs which connect students and teachers
with live expeditions. Online Learning Adventures help students
expand their world, solve mysteries, and make real life
decisions without leaving their classroom. Plus, activities
are aligned to state and national standards, making it easy
to integrate adventures into teachers existing lessons.
Each year, students join their Learning Adventure
guides on two unforgettable learning adventures. Plus, they
have access to past Learning Adventures including, a 2,340
mile journey by canoe down the historic Mississippi River,
a 550 mile trek with sled dogs across Canada's frozen wilderness,
and many more exciting adventures.
School Visits and Teacher Training Seminars
The Wilderness Classroom visits school before
and after each learning adventure. Learning Adventure guides
speak to groups of 5 students or 500 and tailor each presentation
to meet the needs and interests of your school. During school
visits, The Wilderness Classroom also conducts teacher training
seminars. During seminars, teachers can ask questions, collaborate,
and expand on ways of using Learning Adventures in their
classrooms, while learning new technology-based teaching
methods. These activities prepare teachers and motivate
students for the Online Learning Adventure which awaits
them!
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