Capstone Experience

The Capstone Teaching Practicum is the culminating experience of the Graduate Program. It enables students to synthesize their year-long learning in a challenging and practical way. Many graduate students have felt that this was the most valuable experience of the Graduate Program.

Capstone Teaching Practicum Objectives

  • Synthesize field teaching, ecology, & leadership skills developed through the academic year
  • Teach greater content depth using a wider array of education strategies
  • Mentor students over multi-week programs
  • Lead multi-week programs with greater independence from faculty & chaperones
  • Effectively use backcountry experiences as an educational tool
  • Lead longer term research & science inquiry projects

Capstone Teaching Practicum Opportunities

June, July & August 2012

  • Eight weeks of program leadership & field teaching and one week of summer break

High School Field Ecology

  • Four week science course for high school students focused on field ecology & field research
  • Week-long backpacking trip in the Tetons

Field Natural History

  • Three week field course exploring arts & writing in nature, natural history & the outdoors
  • Multi-day backcountry trip

Teton Junior Science School

  • Teach outdoor day programs for elementary students on a wide variety of topics and ages

Multi-cultural Field Programs

  • Lead  three week field programs for high school students from ethnically diverse backgrounds

Field Research with the Conservation Research Center

  • Conduct field research in bird banding, nest survival, pika ecology, and other projects

Ecology Project International

Outdoor Adventure Programs

  • Assist leading backcountry trips with organizations based in Jackson Hole

Natural History Interpretation

  • Intern with federal agencies interpreting natural resources for the public

Program concludes August 4 to 11, 2012 depending on Capstone Project that the student is leading.