Field Courses

FIELD COURSES

Field courses offer hands-on learning experiences at exciting destinations throughout the Palm Springs area. They are optional, require advance ticket purchase, and are open to adult, registered conference participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticket prices include round trip bus service between the Palm Springs Convention Center and the field course site.

All CSTA Field Courses will depart by bus from the Palm Springs Convention Center located at 277
N. Avendia Caballeros, Palm Springs, CA. Times listed include travel time, which may vary depending upon road and traffic conditions. Please arrive at the bus departure site in front of the Palm Springs Convention Center 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time to ensure an on-time departure. For outdoor activities, participants are encouraged to wear walking shoes, layered clothing, and carry a backpack containing sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, binoculars, camera, a notepad, and a pen. Lunch will be provided only where noted. CSTA recommends that you bring your own snacks as needed.

Friday, October 21, 2016

FC01: Sex at the Zoo - The Importance of Genetic Diversity in Captive Populations
The Living Desert is a remarkable zoo and botanical garden representing the desert environments of
North America and Africa. With over 1,200 protected acres, and 450 wild animals. Come explore how the Living Desert helps endangered species. Teachers will also learn about the Species Survival Plan that is used to make decisions about the mating of endangered animals and use data to make decisions about which individuals should be mated. Participants will be able to tour the zoo.

• More details: Please wear comfortable closed toe walking shoes suitable for the field, sunscreen, a hat and bring some extra water to drink.
• When: Friday, October 21, 2016 - 8:00am-5:30pm
• Fee: $75 (includes a box lunch)
• 30 maximum attendees

Photos Courtesy of Greater Palm Springs CVB.

FC02: College and Career Readiness in Clean Tech and Wind Energy
You are preparing your students to be college and career ready in science. Find out what this really means as you tour a wind farm with one of the industry's pioneering experts and a business startup "reactor" where alternative energy and medical startups are inventing the jobs of tomorrow! Even in a struggling economy there are many good jobs with benefits to go unfilled because applicants lack the skills in science and math. You will meet people in their job sites, find out what they do, and learn how they use science and math in their careers. [STEM].

• More details: Please wear comfortable closed toe walking shoes suitable for the field, sunscreen and a hat.
• When: Friday, October 21, 8:00am - 1:00pm
• Fee: $65 (includes a box lunch)
• 20 maximum attendees

Photo Courtesy of Greater Palm Springs CVB.

Saturday, October 22, 2016

FC03: Geology of Joshua Tree National Park
At nearly 800,000 acres in size, Joshua Tree National Park is immense and infinitely variable. Viewed from the road, this desert park only hints at its vitality. Closer examination reveals a fascinating array of plants and animals that make their home in this land shaped by strong winds, unpredictable torrents of rain, and climatic extremes. The fascination aboveground is nothing compared to the active geology underground where smaller faults extending from the larger San Andreas Fault continue to shape the desert. With National Park Service Rangers, come explore this amazing desert landscape through its geology. Participants will travel gravel roads in the park and hike off trail in locations best suited for viewing the geology up-close and personal.

• When: Saturday, October 22, 7:00am - 6:30pm
• Fee: $85 (includes lunch)
• 30 maximum attendees