Yosemite Summer Field Research Course

Course Description

“I really enjoyed being out on the trail and observing the wildlife around us. Forming a research question and collecting the data was fun. I loved learning the names of all the plants and animals we ran into on the trail.” —Xina, Santa Barbara, California

Our Field Research Course

Our Field Research Course is for students entering 11th or 12th grade with a passion for exploration, science, and adventure.

What you will learn

On this course, you can create your own ecological research project while backpacking in the Yosemite wilderness. You will get to experience an ecological research expedition among some of the most dramatic scenery on Earth and learn:

• Wilderness survival and backpacking skills
• Sierra Nevada natural history and ecology
• How to record field observations and identify patterns
• How to generate answerable questions and hypotheses
• How to collect data that will answer your question
• How to analyze and present your data to other scientists

The Field Research Course lasts for two weeks and is both physically and intellectually challenging. You will spend a few days acclimatizing at our Crane Flat campus before embarking on a backpacking adventure in the Yosemite backcountry. During this expedition, you will take part in National Park Service research projects and then carry out a project based on your own interests. At the end of the course, you will present your research to park scientists, NatureBridge staff, and the other students.

Research teams consist of 12 students and two NatureBridge educators. Everyone does their part to ensure that camps are set up, dinner is ready on time, and research objectives are met. There is also plenty of time in each day to enjoy the natural beauty of Yosemite and each other’s company.

“Though I still don’t believe in perfection, I think Yosemite and my experience there is as close as I will ever get.” —Samantha, Field Research Course Participant