MPEC School Programs

The MPEC's specialty is providing outdoor-based educational experiences for students. Our award-winning programs cover a multitude of topics and subjects, and all activities are based on local and state academic standards. Although many of our programs serve Pueblo School District #60, our programs are available to schools throughout southeastern Colorado. Below are some of our most popular programs, or we can custom design a program to meet specific educational objectives.

Nature: The Natural High
In recognition of the Red Ribbon campaign to educate students about making healthy life choices, Pueblo School District #60 fifth-grade classes are offered this opportunity to spend a full day exploring and learning about the ecosystems of the Foothills Life Zone. DARE prevention education targeting substance abuse is integrated into activities. In order to provide a comprehensive immersion into the subject matter, this field trip is designed for one class per day.

Earth Studies
This is a year-long outdoor-based program that currently serves up to thirteen fifth-grade classes from up to five schools in Pueblo School District #60. Each class spends six full days throughout the school year at the Mountain Park Environmental Center in Beulah. Earth Studies is an extended version of the successful "Nature: The Natural High" program model. Approximately 300 District 60 students will participate each school year. Winner of the 2003 "Best New Program" award from the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education.

Lions Coyotes and Bears, Oh My!
Lions Coyotes and Bears, Oh My! is (almost) what Dorothy said when she walked into the forest in "The Wizard of Oz". The MPEC can promise a land of "Ah's" through this in-classroom educational opportunity available to elementary classrooms. This hands-on program, using actual skulls, skins, and track molds, will introduce students to the basic biology of several forest animals.

PROGRAM CURRICULUM
Each field trip of "Nature: The Natural High" and "Earth Studies" for District 60 is based on a standards-based curriculum pre-approved by District #60 administration. Integrated into the science modules are additional lessons in math, language arts, geography, social studies and physical education. Reading materials come from a variety of sources. Most full-day sessions include hiking, collecting field data, recording observations, and doing journaling activities. Preparation and assessment materials are provided to teachers.