Not So Boring Botany (the study of plants)
If I touch this plant, could I get a rash? Can this leaf stop the itch of an insect bite? Could this berry be eaten without causing sickness? Or is it like the gut berries in Hatchet? Learn how to identify plants and spring flowers. Impress your classmates and teachers with your ability to name the flora and use big words while on the hikes to Turnhole Bend and Cedar Sink! Text: Wildflowers of Mammoth Cave National Park, by Randy Seymour, 1997, The University Press of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 254 p.
Learn How to Read Palms!
Its not mysticism; its technology. Personal Digital Assistants like Palm Pilots are showing up in shirt pockets everywhere. They may even make an appearance in a classroom near you. Take a hands-on tour of a palm-sized computer that is practical, convenient, and just plain cool.
Think Within the Square!
Bring your camera and learn how to take great photographs, especially underground! Create a photographic record of the Traveling Classroom's experience. A disposable camera is an excellent choice for this trip!
Science Sleuth
Probe into the depths of the Earth with state-of-the-art electronic devices that collect data about the environment. Take precision measurements of temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure as you explore different caves. Download the data into a laptop and present this data in charts and graphs. Discuss probing questions about your findings and post the results on the Traveling Classroom Website.
A Bit Sketchy
How are art and scientific illustration different? Discover how to make a visual record in the absence of modern technology. Learn to draw accurately! No experience necessary!
Gorp? Birdseed? Trail Munchies?
It's all the same; high-energy food that can be eaten on the go. What makes a healthy, energy-boosting and tasty trail mix? Hop on the trail to explore the different ingredients in making trail food.
Website Development and Maintenance
This class will require students to meet before the trip to establish the Traveling Classrooms website. Students who choose this elective will be expected to also participate in one of the above listed electives. Some evening free time may be devoted to uploading data to the website while in Kentucky.
