The North American Model of Conservation has transformed wildlife and habitat management around the world. It is the most successful model of management in history, at a time when society poses many risks to wildlife and habitat globally. The Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation has launched an exciting education initiative, called Conservation Adventures, aimed at addressing critical gaps in education as it pertains to wildlife and habitat conservation. Through this effort, we will educate students on the North American Model of Conservation, its impact and importance for the future of ecosystems while fulfilling educational requirements in several core and elective classes.

Thank you for your interest in Conservation Adventures, and for exploring new ways for your students to learn to love the natural world around them. If you have any questions or would like to sign up, please see the frequently asked questions section or feel free to contact us directly.

Course Description: Students will develop skills, build an understanding of science and learn scientific techniques taught through the lens of conservation with an emphasis on hands-on, real-world activities. The curriculum focuses on wildlife conservation and the outdoor recreational activities that financially support the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, such as hunting, fishing, trapping, conservation work, shooting sports and boating. Conservation Science gives students a foundational basis for how these activities directly benefit habitat acquisition, enhancement and protection, as well as wildlife management, including game, non-game and endangered species. Students are not required to participate in these activities, but rather the lessons relate to these recreational activities. Some examples include:

• Conservation Work: Investigating the effects of trash on wildlife and habitat while conducting a cleanup project.
• Fishing: Applying scientific methods and writing a formal lab report while testing the breaking strength of fishing knots.
• Hunting: Learn anatomy standards during the processing of a game animal, such as a pheasant, rabbit or deer.
• Shooting Sports: Applying physics standards related to force, acceleration, aerodynamics, projectile motion, etc. to the flight path of an arrow.
• Boating: Learning about hydrology while applying physics standards, such as buoyant force, average density, volume, etc., to kayaking.

Designed to Engage Students: Project-based learning, flipped classrooms, inquiry, depth of knowledge, critical-thinking skills and differentiated instruction are buzzword in education today. Conservation Adventures courses incorporate all of these concepts organically while using concrete, real-life examples to teach students the importance of conservation.

Versatile: Most states require students to take three (or more) credits of science to graduate. With approval from your school district, the Conservation Science class could fulfill the third credit required. If a student takes more than the required science credits, this course could fulfill a required elective credit. Additionally, many schools use the curriculum for their agricultural science programs. 

Course Resources Provided:

Student Workbook: A paperback, consumable workbook containing the different units of study. The workbook is designed for the students to read the daily topic and complete the introductory assignment prior to coming to class. Class time can then be spent applying the content, answering students’ questions and exploring the topic in more detail.  (Each student will also receive a digital version of the workbook)

Teacher Edition Workbook: This includes answer keys, grading rubrics, suggested course sequence and unit duration, national and state science standards covered in each unit or activity, assessments for each unit, etc.

Online Materials & Resources: The teacher will have an online login that allows access to:

1. Digital versions of the student and teacher handbooks
2. Links to online resources for each unit
3. Additional teacher materials, including: suggested labs/experiments, activities, projects, assessments, etc.

Ongoing Support: Conservation Adventures staff will be available to help organize, plan and implement course activities. This includes, but is not limited to, helping to schedule guest speakers, provide or help source the necessary equipment and supplies for various course activities, etc.

Teacher Trainings: We will also offer training sessions for instructors.

Relevance to State Curriculum: Our course offerings will provide students with a curriculum that aligns with state requirements for graduation. For example, the Conservation Science class could fulfill the third science credit required for graduation in Ohio or Pennsylvania. If a student takes more than the required science credits, this course could also fulfill one of the five required elective credits.