Class of 2009 TSS Scientists- A Great bunch of kids!

Thanks for following our adventures!

Trip to Coyote Rock

Fearless Leader

Learning the GYE

Our introduction to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem as done by Grad Student Walker. We covered topics such as ecosystems, Hydrothermal features, the volcanic history of Yellowstone, Mammals,  and the history of Yellowstone. 

It was a great introduction before heading into America;s First National Park. What a day.... sunshine and spectacular temperatures to study everything from thermal bacterial cultures to animal energy conservation in winter. 

Did you know that 36% of Yellowstone was burned 20 years ago? A spectacular event that helped to regenerate the forest floor.

We had an incredible day of scientific observations....fun snow coach ride to!

Yellowstone

Our day in Yellowstone was AMAZING! We saw many many things...like bison, and people falling down, and Old Faithful. The bison were EXTREMELY close to us (as close as 10-15 feet). It was really cool being this close to the bison herd. 

Our Day in Yellowstone

Rick Yoo..."How big is a Moose!".

Help me I'm falling! " Mr. A. help me my ankles hurt!".

Austi

Animal Tracking

We are trying to figure out what animal made these tracks in our study area.   Looks like it was jumping?   Maybe dragging a tail or a leg?

Ou species account is important to our study of animal in the snow.

Seniors listening to story time

Ready to head to the dorms.  Seniors gather together in a group to listen to the "Lorax".

"It's nice to just spend time with my friends at TSS".  

Seniors 2009

Evening Reflection

Each evening before bed time the group leaders share a story with the group. Tonight Kelsey shared a great story about the "Lorax" a Dr. Suess story about caring for the environment.

I am the Lorax I speak for the trees!

Good night.

Dinner

Snow Shoe Models

Our day in Grand Teton existed of on the snow travel by snow shoe.  We visited the moraines and valleys of the ice age and learned about glaciation.

A fire in 1985 provided a great study area for the effects of fire in the environment.

Awesome day!

Grand Teton Visitor Center Tour

Reconnecting

.....as we explore different group processes for reconnecting with nature, we discover that it is not hard to find oneself and and the work we feel authentic to us.

Just relax and and let yourself be chosen by the life form that wishes to speak through you.

As I sit down quietly writing in my journal in the pure white snow I have a sense of the "being" that awaits to emerge in me....It is mountain!

Snow Consolidation-Stellar!

TSS Camp at Kelly

Journals

We turn inward and stumble upon our roots in the expansive intertwining ecology of this incredible planet

We ask for the spirit of Gaia to be with us here.  I hear the "roaring"

We  all awaken to our true and only nature...none other than the nature of Gaia, this living planet earth.

A journal reflection.

Digging and Skiing

Yesterday all students were divided into groups and banished into the wilderness with our field instructors. We all learned to put on, take off, fall and most importantly get up on cross country skis. We started the day by getting our hands dirty by digging snow pits and finding the density, depth and depth of each layer of snow. We used the data we collected to learn if an animal would want to burrow under the snow to keep warm from the elements. But we learned many important skills while in the wild, such as how to get snow out of our pants, how to go up hill while on skis and not fall. But the most hilarious lesson anyone learned yesterday was do not fall next to a tree. Erin fell next to a tree and managed to get stuck in the snow up to her stomach after taking her skis off in an attempt to free herself. She would have been imprisoned  by the snow pack if it were not for a majestic bear, aka BEN. Who came to her rescue and lifted her from the snow pack. All in all the first day was an incredible success. This is my third trip to the Teton Science School and I have enjoyed myself many each time. But I must say that so far this trip has been my favorite.

The Glide and Slide Technique

Before we head out on our morning expedition we practice that last piece of finesse on skis.

Heading out to dig snow pits and examine profiles of the snow layers.

Wow thats fun!

Alex teaching his fellow classmates how to stop.

On the Snow

Morning touring lessons. Three teams take to the open meadows to orientate to travel over the snow.

I am Erin

Erin shares with the group about her life.  How she came to be here at Teton Science School.  It was a rich evening sharing and listening to the travels of others.

We are heading out to learn to ski this morning.  Here we go!

First Day at Teton

After a half an hour of packing and preparations, the 2009 attendees of Teton Science School boarded the bus and set off for distant mountains. The ride was energetic, with everyone having their fair share (or more in the case of some) of energy, as people were excited to begin their week. Three total stops divides up the drive and gave both the students and the teachers a break from the bus. A truck stop just an hour from Judge, a bathroom break at the Chevron in Diamondville, and finally the lunch break in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Welcome

Welcome to the Judge Memorial Catholic High School website for Teton Science School 2009.  We have arrived at camp and have settled in.  Tonight we are building a community of scientists ready to study the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Stay tuned for our blogs and pictures. A link will be established from the JMCHS website.