2026 Summer At Nichols

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• Geology and Ecology of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

  June 5, 2025 - June 18, 2025

  $3,800.00

  Geology and Ecology of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Open to Nichols rising 9th - 12th Grade Students. Rising 9th with Instructor approval Begins June 6th with classes, travel June 9th - 17th, some course options continue with scheduled work with instructors throughout the summer. Program options include: $3,800.00 (1/2 Credit Option) $4,300.00 (Full Credit Option) Join for two weeks of hands-on, experiential learning, as we travel to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. with instructors Josh Ring and Kristen Kelley.   Yellowstone National Park, America’s first national park, is located in the heart of the United States and serves as the core of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which includes Grand Teton National Park and surrounding national forests in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. In this course, you will explore the ecology, geology, and art related to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.   We will cover the fundamentals of geology, including geologic history, extinction events, volcanism, and climate change, as well as the unique volcanic and geothermal features of Yellowstone. You will also learn about ecological principles such as natural cycles, ecosystem dynamics, and the effects of reintroducing wolves to the park. Additionally, we will discuss ecosystem management in collaboration with local native and traditional communities.   Art will play a crucial role in conveying the beauty and importance of the area, highlighting Yellowstone’s establishment as our first national park. Each student will choose one option to earn credit for this course. The available options are: Science Focus (½ Credit): A research project and presentation completed during the trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton. (Saturday, June 6th - Wednesday, June 17th) Art Focus (½ Credit): An art project and presentation completed during the trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton. (Saturday, June 6th - Wednesday, June 17th) Science Focus (Full Credit): This option involves more in-depth research. Students will collaborate with the teacher before the trip to identify an area of interest and prepare a research proposal outlining their individual work planned for before, during, and after the trip. After the trip, students will continue their research and prepare either a paper and presentation (such as a talk or a poster) or another format. Students will also maintain a portfolio documenting their work and progress throughout the process. Final presentations will be held at the end of the summer during the Yellowstone Exhibition Night. (Saturday, June 6th - Wednesday, June 17th, with scheduled meetings with the teacher throughout the summer) Art Focus (Full Credit): This full-credit option includes expanded independent study and art-making post-trip throughout the summer, culminating in a portfolio presentation or performance on Yellowstone Exhibition Night. Students will also enjoy recreational activities like Wildlife Watching, Hiking, Kayaking, Horseback Riding, White Water Rafting and Fly Fishing. Dates: All Options - Classroom instruction at Nichols from June 6 - 8 All Options - Travel to Yellowstone and Grand Teton from June 9 - 17 (estimated time of travel, actual dates may vary) Full Credit Option – Continued scheduled meetings with the instructor throughout the summer Program cost includes airfare, accommodations, ground transportation, meals and planned experiences. Total Trip Cost is $3,800.00 for 1/2 Credit Option and                                $4,300.00 for Full Credit $1,000.00 trip commitment and non-refundable deposit due upon registering – credit card or check payment only.  Commitment and non-refundable deposit are due by March 15th.  Final payment will be added to the student's school account on May 1st.  There are both minimum and maximum enrollment requirements in order for this program to run, so don’t delay. * Nichols reserves the right to cancel this program due to insufficient enrollment (Full refund will be issued) Students who finish this course will earn credit in Art (full year option can be used for graduation requirements) or Science.  Full Course Syllabus and Itinerary are available from the instructors.  Please review the summer attendance and homework policies before registering to take this course. Developed and directed by Nichols Environmental Science teacher, Joshua Ring and Arts Department Chair Kristen Kelley. *** Please note that this program is available to Nichols’ students only.    Click this link for an informational video Click here  Click this link to register Click here