Course Description

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

On this course, you can earn college credit by creating 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, Yosemite Institute staff and the other students.

Research teams consist of 12 students and two Yosemite Institute Field 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.

Successful students earn three community college credits from Columbia College in Sonora California. This makes the Field Research course an exciting way to make your college application stand out from other applicants.

Hear what former students have to say about the course.

Want to join us? Register today.

Got questions? Call us at 209 379 9511 Ex. 33 or submit an online inquiry form.