NGSS-Aligned Science Lessons

At our science camp, we're all about taking education to the next level. Our lessons are specifically designed to align with Next Generation Science Standards, ensuring that your students can build upon the knowledge they've gained in the classroom. Through experiential, hands-on learning, our lessons offer a unique way for students to fully grasp and explore the subject matter. And because we believe that learning should be both engaging and fun, our lessons are designed with enjoyment in mind. With our approach, students can learn while having a blast at camp.

  • Learn how the physical and behavioral adaptations of desert owls make them elite predators in this region. Dive into a hands-on experience when you get the chance to dissect an owl pellet and record the abundance and diversity of the owl’s diet.

    Standards: MS-LS4: Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

    Disciplinary Core Ideas: LS4.A: Evidence of Common Ancestry and Diversity

    LS4.B: Natural Selection

    LS4.C: Adaptation

  • Students will learn how to use GPS devices to track down different caches around camp. At each cache, students will learn about different animals that will help lead them to the final cache! They will discuss the high desert food web & animal adaptations.

    Standards: MS-LS2: Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy and Dynamics

    MS-LS4: Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

    Disciplinary Core Ideas: LS2.B: Cycle of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems

    LS4.C: Adaptation

  • Students will discover the relationship between kinetic and potential energy through archery. They will learn how to shoot arrows & conduct an experiment to test their hypothesis.

    Standards: MS-PS3: Energy

    Disciplinary Core Ideas: PS3.A: Definitions of Energy

    PS3.C: Relationship Between Energy and Forces

  • Enjoy the beauty of the Prescott National Forest on one of our scenic trails. Students will discuss the difference between an ecosystem and environment and learn about some of the local flora and fauna in the high desert.

    Standards: MS-LS2: Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy and Dynamics

    Disciplinary Core Ideas: LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

    LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience

  • Students will discuss different shelters, their corresponding environments, and what elements the shelters are protecting against. They will also get a chance to design and build their own shelter with the surrounding natural materials.

    Standards: MS-ETS1: Engineering Design

    Disciplinary Core Ideas: ETS1.A: Defining and Delimiting Engineering Problems

    ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions

    ETS1.C: Optimizing the Design Solution

  • Students will strategize & build a campfire while learning about how wildfires are a healthy process for desert environments. They will also discuss prevention and the forest's protection against human-caused fires.

    Standards: MS-LS2: Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy and Dynamics

    Disciplinary Core Ideas: LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

    LS2.B: Cycle of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems

    LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience

  • Students discuss plate tectonics and acquire a deeper understanding of how local geological features were formed. They will also get the chance to develop a stronger appreciation for rocks & their significance in our world.

    Standards: MS-ESS2: Earth’s Systems

    Disciplinary Core Ideas: ESS2.B: Plate Tectonics and Large-Scale System Interactions

  • Learn about the different stages of the water cycle and how they specifically relate to desert environments like ours. We will discuss water conservation techniques and brainstorm how to minimize human impact and water waste in our everyday lives.

    Standards: MS-ESS2: Earth’s Systems

    MS-ESS3: Earth and Human Activity

    Disciplinary Core Ideas: ESS2.C: The Roles of Water in Earth’s Surface Processes

    ESS3.A: Natural Resources

    ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems