Bicycling Portland's Bridges
Sunday, July 2, 2023
Course Number SS415X or SS515X 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
Travel over five Portland bridges via bicycle, and explore six others during a 20 mile loop adventure along both banks of the Willamette River. Along the way, you’ll discover the history and architecture of each bridge, and you will learn the importance of each bridge, regarding local geography, recreation and commerce. Ideas for classroom lessons and field trips will be discussed. The cost of handout materials should be less than $10.
Central Columbia River Gorge and Hood River
Friday, July 7, 2023
Course Number SS417X/SS517X 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
In this exciting new class, we’ll explore the natural and human history of the Central Columbia River Gorge, from Starvation Creek to Hood River. We will examine the amazing geology of this area, with hikes along the Starvation Creek Trail and along the Columbia River. We will also focus on human impacts here, discussing Native American history, pioneers to the area, the building of the historic highway, and modern industries, including windsurfing and kiteboarding. We’ll also learn about Hood River’s public art program on a Downtown walk. Along the way, discussions will focus on ways to bring this information to our students in a variety of curriculum areas.
Bicycling the Columbia River Greenspace: History, Art & Science
Saturday, July 8, 2023
Course Number HI406B or HI506B 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
You will have the option of biking the Columbia River Green space, or accessing key points along the trail via car and on foot, to learn more about natural systems, local history, water usage and transportation options. We’ll begin with a tour of the I-205 bike trail, and then we’ll parallel the Columbia River, focusing on native plants, recreation and transportation opportunities. Eventually, we’ll study the Interstate Bridge, and we’ll make our way across it into Washington. Once in Vancouver, we’ll explore Esther Short Park, the Vancouver Renaissance Trail, Old Apple Tree Park, Marine Park, Wintler Park and the Water Resources Center. Along the way, we’ll discover intriguing artwork, beautiful green spaces and historic sites. Ideas for classroom lessons and field trips will be discussed. The cost of handout materials should be less than $10.
Exploring the Larch Mountain Trail (Multnomah Falls and Wahkeena Falls Loop Hike): Birthplace of Multnomah Falls)
Monday, July 10, 2023
Course Number SC413j or SC513j 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
We will meet near the base of Multnomah Falls, where we will learn both the natural and human history of the area. Ascending the trail, we will cross the historic Benson Bridge and then reach the platform at the very top of Multnomah Falls. Continuing beyond Multnomah, we will discover several hidden waterfalls on our way to our lunch stop at Wahkeena Spring. In the afternoon, we will head down the scenic Wahkeena Trail, discovering Fairy Falls and Wahkeena Falls along the way. Eventually, we will complete the six-mile loop hike with a return to our starting point.
Upper Hood River Valley
Thursday, July 13, 2023
Course Number SS417v/517v 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
In this exciting and informative new class, we’ll explore the natural and human history of the Upper Hood River Valley, and the NE slopes of Mt. Hood. We will examine the unique geology of this area and we’ll discuss native flora and fauna on two high elevation hikes in the Mt. Hood National Forest. We’ll also look at the area’s cultural sites with visits to Cooper Spur Resort and the Hutson Museum in Parkdale. Along the way, discussions will focus on ways to bring this information to our students in a variety of curriculum areas.
Oregon Zoo and World Forestry Center
Saturday, July 15, 2023
Course Number SS415Q/SS515Q 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
Discover the variety of educational opportunities available at the Oregon Zoo. We will visit diverse habitats, where we see more than 100 animal species from five different continents. Our extensive stay at Zoo will provide participants with information and ideas that can be implemented with students across the curriculum. In addition, our visit to the World Forestry Center will provide us with information about local, national and international forests, and how we can implement environmental education with our students.
Beaverton's Parks & Natural Areas
Sunday, July 16, 2023
Course number SC418g or SC518g 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
In this fun and informative class, we’ll explore both historic and natural sites in and around Beaverton, where we’ll discover unique architecture, gorgeous parks, natural wetlands, and an abundance of flora and fauna. We will begin with a visit to the Tualatin River Wildlife Refuge area, home to a variety of native Oregon waterfowl. Here, we’ll learn to identify native birds in their natural habitat. Next, we’ll visit the historic Jenkins Estate. Later, we’ll visit Tualatin Hills Nature Park, a 215 acre treasure in the heart of the city and then Commonwealth Lake. Throughout the day, classroom lesson field trip ideas will be discussed that can be easily implemented with students at a variety of grade levels.
Hidden Treasures of the Columbia River Gorge: Oneonta Gorge & Elowah Falls
Monday, July 17, 2023
Course Number SS416t or SS516t 1 credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
In this fun and informative new class, we will explore the Horsetail Falls and Ponytail Falls areas, and we will make our way along the Oneonta Falls Trail. Here, we will discuss the geology and natural history of the Columbia Gorge. A walk along the new paved section of the old Columbia Highway will take us to McCord Creek where we will discuss the human history of the area, and exploration of the nearby trail will lead us to two hidden waterfalls. Along the way, ideas will be discussed to help enhance your science, math, history and writing lessons.
Portland's Hidden Parks and Natural Areas: Science, Art, and History
Wednesday-Friday, July 19-21, 2023
Course Number SS403R or SS503R 3 Credits $340
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
Visit a dozen parks throughout the city. The focus will be on history and environmental studies as we explore Oaks Bottom, Elk Rock Island, Ladd's Addition and the Lone Fir Cemetery. Further exploration will take us to Riverview Cemetery, Marshall Park, Gabriel Park, Peninsula Park, Columbia Park, Cathedral Park, and Kelley Point Park. Lots of ideas will be discussed for energizing lessons across the K-12 curriculum.
OMSI & More
Sunday, July 23, 2023
Course Number SS411b or SS511b 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
Discover dozens of science, history, art and architectural lesson ideas, as we tour two impressive museums on Portland’s east side. We’ll visit OMSI and the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, and we will tour the outside exhibits adjacent to OMSI and discuss the natural and human history of the Willamette River. Along the way, we’ll discover lots of ideas for bringing the study of science, history and math to the classroom.
Exploring Bonneville & Eagle Creek
Monday, July 24, 2023
Course Number SS412y or SS512y 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
We'll begin with a two mile leisurely hike to Wahclella Falls. Later, we’ll tour Bonneville Dam to learn more about its history and its impact in providing hydroelectric energy for the Portland area. We’ll also look at salmon populations and recreational opportunities in the area. An additional visit to the Bonneville Fish Hatchery will enable us to study sturgeon, trout, and salmon. A study of the Bridge of the Gods at Cascade Locks will also be included. We will see salmon spawning in Eagle Creek and hatchery fish awaiting spawning at the Bonneville Fish Hatchery.
Exploring Bend's Natural Areas
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Course Number TBA 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
In this exciting new class, we’ll discover four of Bend’s most beautiful and most historic natural areas. Along the way, we will learn about local geology with a visit to Pilot Butte, an extinct volcano, and we’ll learn how to identify a variety of native plant and bird species on our trek along the Deschutes River Trail. We will also discover urban art and wildlife during our visits to the Old Mill District, and Shevlin Park. Most importantly, we’ll discuss ways to bring the study of nature, art, local history and culture to our students through meaningful classroom lessons and field trips. Our adventures will provide ideas that will energize history, science, math and art activities across the curriculum in K-12 classrooms.
Exploring Bend's Lava Land Country
Thursday, July 27, 2023
Course Number TBA 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
In this exciting new class, we’ll learn about the geology of Central Oregon with visits to the Lava lands Visitor center, Lava Butte and the Lava River Cave. We will also visit the High Desert Museum, where we will learn more about the natural and human history of Central Oregon. Along the way, our adventures will provide ideas that will energize history, science, math and art activities across the curriculum in K-12 classrooms.
Historic Vancouver
Saturday, July 29, 2023
Course Number SS 411c or SS511c 1 Credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
Discover living history, interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for your students as you visit the Vancouver Historic Site, Officers Row, the Pearson Air Museum, and the Vancouver Land Bridge in this one day class. The Vancouver Historic Site was one of the first military and supply centers in the west, and continues to serve as an educational resource. A walk along Officer's Row will provide insight into 19th century architecture, while the Pearson Air Museum provides an historic look at aviation. This class will provide lots of ideas to build your history and science curriculum.
Exploring Skamania County
Monday, July 31, 2023
Course Number SS412Z or SS512Z 1 credit $140
There can be additional materials and entrance fees. Check with the instructor for specific details for this class.
In this fun and diversified class, we will tour Skamania Lodge and the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center. We will learn much about the area's history, art and natural history. In the afternoon, we will hike the Beacon Rock Trail, and other points of interest on the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge.
Peter's Walking Tours and Continuing Education Courses.