Independent Research Shows Camp’s Science Curriculum Enhances Student Performance at School and Promotes “Seriously Fun” Learning

Today, with educators statewide committed to improving science education, many Texas teachers find this is a great time to get outdoors and turn their attention toward making learning more meaningful, relevant and fun for all kids at Sky Ranch in Van, TX.  That’s because their students are experiencing academic success back home with improved standardized science test scores after they participate in Sky Ranch School Programs, according to a recent independent study.   Visit: www.skyranch.org.

Research conducted by Cheryl T. Burette, Ph.D. evaluated the Sky Ranch School Programs science curriculum and its impact on student academic performance.  The study revealed that 28% more students who participated in the Sky Ranch School Programs passed the STAAR (State of Texas Assessment of Academic Reediness) test than those who did not attend.  The results indicate that students at schools participating in Sky Ranch’s environment-based curriculum do better academically or show improvement after the introduction of interactive outdoor science education.

“For more than 20 years, our outdoor education program has enjoyed a strong reputation for delivering high quality experiences to public and private schools featuring a strong Earth, physical and life science curriculum, in addition to interactive historical lessons and leadership development,” says Todd Witt, Sky Ranch School Programs Director.  “Outdoor educational experiences with intentional purpose powerfully impact a young person’s intellectual, physical, spiritual, social and moral development. At Sky Ranch, we see it even impact test scores as well, as evidenced by these recent findings.”  

Sky Ranch works closely with teachers and administrators to develop programming specifically designed to support their learning goals at school.  This cohesive partnership engages hands-on learning experiences that connect to kids’ real lives and helps make education relevant. “Using our 450-acre summer camp facility as a classroom, we can offer kids educational opportunities far more compelling than a textbook or sitting within the four walls of a classroom,” says Witt.

Sky Ranch is one of the country’s premier summer camps, as well as a widely regarded School Programs provider and Retreat/Conference Center.  By combining cutting edge curriculum with a well-trained energetic staff, Sky Ranch School Programs is impacting lives in schools across the state  by giving students increased access to engaging learning experiences through class trips and leadership development. The program also features environmental education experts and re-enactment historians who bring the love of learning to life for students on class trips to Sky Ranch’s sprawling picturesque landscape deep in the piney woods of East Texas.

Sky Ranch School Programs supplement and enhance the curriculum taught in the classroom.  Serving students in grades 4-6, Sky Ranch offers a host of different courses, both academic and adventure based, that allows teachers to customize a class trip or an overnight visit to meet the needs of their students and curriculum requirements.  “Through outdoor education, training and recreation Sky Ranch promotes active learning through direct personal experience and offers excitement, fun and adventure within a framework of safety,” says Witt.

Witt explains that Sky Ranch School Programs are set apart because they are not just aligned to support the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) assessment; they are intentionally designed to support the TEKS curriculum while supplementing each teacher’s classroom lesson plan to best serve the needs of the students.     

“The students are able to associate concepts learned in the classroom with real, tangible examples from nature at Sky Ranch,” says Witt.  The unique teaching tools used by the Sky Ranch School Programs staff make the concepts memorable and allows the teachers the ability to refer back to these experiences even weeks after the trip is over.”

The skilled professional Sky Ranch School Programs staff is a collective group of highly-qualified, postgraduate degree educators, naturalists and environmental specialists unique to most outdoor education programs. This experienced team is specifically equipped and trained to make abstract concepts come alive for students, when they apply those concepts through experiences in a real-world situation.

For example, at Sky Ranch kids take the idea of erosion and apply it as they explore an actual watershed, including a lake, stream and estuary. A visiting fifth-grade teacher recently observed, "We had studied erosion in our classroom and done numerous experiments, but the students didn't make the connection. At Sky Ranch it suddenly made sense to them."

Located in scenic East Texas, Sky Ranch is uniquely blessed with the incredible facilities of a 5-star summer camp including a beautiful lake, nature center and magnificent woodlands.   The outdoors makes a terrific classroom where students can observe, listen, count, measure and ask questions.  At Sky Ranch, fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students actively engage in learning outdoors through taking water quality samples around the 90-acre lake, restoring native landscapes, gardening and recording field observations about weather, flora and fauna.

“We see firsthand how outdoor education makes a major contribution to physical and environmental education and it enhances many other curriculum areas,” says Witt. “It contributes to personal growth and social awareness and develops skills for life and the world of work. Qualities such as a sense of responsibility and a purpose in life are nurtured at Sky Ranch. Best of all, our kids experience a great deal of intrinsic enjoyment and satisfaction from just being unplugged from electronics and tuned into the nature around them,” he adds.

Many teachers and administrators are currently making plans to take their students to Sky Ranch late winter and early spring.  “We’re gearing up for our class trip this spring because visiting Sky Ranch is more than a school outing, it’s an important part of our lesson plan that promotes fun learning and helps boost our kids’ test scores,” Susan Mundt, 5^th Science, Academy at Nola Dunn, Burleson, TX. “The active learning and outdoors adventure our kids experience at Sky Ranch introduces our students to the environment in a way which develops an understanding, appreciation, awe, wonder and respect. When we go to Sky Ranch, we’re able to apply what we’ve learned in the classroom and bring it outdoors. That’s why it has such an impact on our kids because they can learn by doing, which promotes knowledge comprehension and retention,” she says.

Sky Ranch School Programs foster sensitivity to the environment, and help students to see themselves in a global context.  This may make an impact on these future adults by generating an awareness and need for the sustainable use of the world’s natural resources. “Sky Ranch encourages a positive ‘opting in’ and ‘can do’ attitude,” says Joynce Henk, 5^th Grade Science, Green Valley Elementary, Birdville, TX.  “Students’ horizons are broadened and new challenges come to be relished rather than shunned, and perseverance and determination are reinforced.  By sharing these experiences, many kids not only benefit on tests, they show increased in self-esteem and relationships with teachers.  Our kids also bring back a sense of stewardship of the environment with lasting impressions made about the importance of conservation and the relevance of science.”

For more information on about the top-quality outdoor education experience offered through the Sky Ranch School Programs, visit www.skyranch.org or call (903) 266-3300.

About Sky Ranch

Impacting 58,000 guests each year, Sky Ranch offers an unparalleled array of programs, activities and experiences in a safe positive and exciting environment.  With nearly 60 years of experience and 3 locations, Sky Ranch’s goal is the pursuit of excellence and the organization is dedicated to creating unique camp opportunities and promoting intentional, recreation-based learning and personal growth.

Its caring and carefully selected counselors encourage fun, purposeful interactions and provide extraordinary and meaningful camp experience that impacts lives forever.

Campbell’s Personal Experience Focuses on Impact of  Arthritis and Urges Texans to Join “Earl’s Dream Team”

Today, the Arthritis Foundation named the University of Texas and NFL Running Back Hall of Famer Earl Campbell as the 2014 Official Hero of the Texas Walk to Cure Arthritis Series. In his new role, Campbell will lend his support to the Arthritis Foundation’s statewide signature events to be held in Austin (4/26), D/FW (5/3), Houston (5/3) and San Antonio (5/17).  The Texas Walks will be four of more than 130 similar events across the nation in recognition of National Arthritis Month in May.  The Walks unite these major Texas cities to put an end to arthritis, a chronic disease that affects 53 million adults in the U.S., four million Texans and more than 25,000 children across the state. They also feature family festivities, food, entertainment, a pet-friendly environment and loads of fun! 

“Earl has a huge heart for Texas communities and it’s only fitting as one of the state’s leading sports legends that he join the Arthritis Foundation to help spread the word about the impact arthritis has on so many people by sharing his own personal experience,” said Susan Carter, Chief Executive Officer, Arthritis Foundation South Central Region.

Throughout his football career, Campbell was always known for his ability to sustain a hit. And while this led to amazing success - first as a linebacker in his early playing days and later as a running back at John Tyler High School, the University of Texas at Austin and the Houston Oilers - the punishment his body received on the football field ultimately took its toll.

Since retiring from football in 1985, Campbell has suffered from severe osteoarthritis in his knees, feet and back. He’s gone through more surgeries than he can count, including two knee replacements.

But he’s happy to report these days he isn’t sidelined by arthritis. Thanks to new medications and regular work outs in the UT weight room, Campbell has ditched his wheel chair and now has real hopes of playing nine holes of golf again.

“Arthritis is terribly misunderstood.  No one talks about it, and most just shrug it off as something inevitable that happens as they age.  We need people to understand the impact arthritis has on the young and old alike, and there’s no one better to command an ear than Earl Campbell,” saidCarter, “Earl has graciously agreed to step up and help us get the dialogue started.  He is a true hero in so many ways, but using his voice in this manner will impact the lives of thousands of people at risk for and living with arthritis.”  

Today, Campbell is thankful for greater mobility and wants to make sure no one is limited by arthritis, our nation’s number one cause of disability. That’s why he’s joined forces with the Arthritis Foundation’s Walk to Cure Arthritis and formed EARL’S DREAM TEAM.

CALL TO ACTION

“Arthritis affects people of all ages from nine months to 90 years of age, and the debilitating symptoms are devastating," said Carter.  "We are encouraging everyone throughout the state of Texas to join EARL’S DREAM TEAM to help the millions of children and adults living in disabling pain.  And we invite those who live in and around Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio to sign up and participate in this year's Texas Walk to Cure Arthritis Series.”

According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are three simple ways for individuals to join EARL’S DREAM TEAM:

1. Form your own team of family members, co-workers and friends as part of EARL’S DREAM TEAM, and fundraise to help find a cure and end the pain of arthritis.
2. Join EARL’S DREAM TEAM as an individual and fundraise to help find a cure and end the pain of arthritis.
3. Donate to EARL’S DREAM TEAM to help find a cure and end the pain of arthritis.

To join Earl’s Dream Team, or to learn more, register or make a donation online, visit:

http://www.arthritis.org/texas/earlcampbell/

Earl Campbell is an excellent source for a story about:
• Former athlete affected by arthritis
• The challenges of living with arthritis
• Turning around a challenging situation into something positive

About the Arthritis Foundation

Striking one in every five adults and 300,000 children, arthritis is the nation’s leading cause of disability. The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org) is committed to raising awareness and reducing the unacceptable impact of this serious and painful disease, which can severely damage joints and rob people of living life to its fullest. The Foundation funds life-changing research that has restored mobility in patients for more than six decades; fights for health care policies that improve the lives of the millions who live with arthritis; and partners with families to provide empowering programs and information.

Frontiers of Flight Museum celebrates National Engineers Week with three engineering programs for Dallas area students at the middle school, high school, and college level Feb. 18-20.  The Museum's event, located at 6911 Lemmon Ave., is sponsored by the Exxon Mobil Corporation. Visit: http://www.flightmuseum.com/event/engineers-week/.

The programs are FREE for all school groups. Teachers may schedule their classes for these presentations by contacting the Museum’s Education Department at (214) 350-3600, ext. 229 or at welch@flightmuseum.com.

Individual visitors are welcome to attend any of these engaging and interactive sessions (free with regular admission).

Tuesday, February 18

10:30 am, 12:00 noon, and 1:00 pm

The United States Navy: Engineering Aspects of the Lockheed P-3C “Orion”

U.S. Navy Crew members who fly this sophisticated weapons system discuss the engineering behind the turboprop engines and other systems of this complex four-engine aircraft.

Wednesday, February 19

10:00 am and 11:15 am

The D/FW International Airport Fire Training and Research Center: Aircraft Rescue Firefighting and Structural Training

Members of the airport’s elite firefighting unit describe the engineering, technology, tactical planning and training behind the vehicles, equipment and

personnel utilized in responding to airport emergency situations. A crash unit from the City of Dallas Aviation Department will be on site.

DEMONSTRATION:

A disaster preparedness exercise with units from both D/FW International Airport and Love Field is scheduled from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Museum’s west side parking area. The public will be able to view the exercise but must remain behind established barriers.

Thursday, February 20

10:30 am, 12:00 noon, and 1:00 pm

Former CIA Photoreconnaissance analyst Glenn Farmer: The Technology of High-Altitude Photoreconnaissance and the U-2 Spy Plane

Museum Volunteer Glenn Farmer explains the technology behind the aircraft and cameras employed in high-altitude photographic reconnaissance, using actual images taken by Lockheed U-2 pilots during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.

The Museum’s Summer Flight School and School-Year Educational Programs  Promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

Thanks to a recent $50,000 grant from The Boeing Company, Dallas’ Frontiers of Flight Museum’s widely recognized “Flight School” will soar to new heights, as  the Museum’s summer and school-year educational programs will be enhancedand expanded to serve more students throughout  North Texas. Visit: http://www.flightmuseum.com/education-overview/.

The grant, combined with funds to be raised at the 2014  Frontiers of Flight Museum Gala on April 11, will help the Frontiers of Flight Museum double the number of children served in the Museum’s on-site and satellite STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education programs from 6,000 to more than 12,000 in 2014.  The funding will support professional services to develop and expand content, and provide program enrichment and evaluation for continuous improvement and growth.  It will further the Museum’s goal of securing additional staffing, technology and teaching resources to serve more children.  These enhancements   will help meet the accelerated demand for the Frontiers of Flight Museum’s outstanding educational programs within the North Texas community.

The Museum recently enhanced its infrastructure and has experienced an extraordinary period of growth.  A new website, donor and member database, POS system, marketing materials and public relations have contributed to the Museum’s increase in community awareness. These initiatives, along with new programs and exhibits, have resulted in an over 30% increase in attendance last year.  This success sets the stage for the Museum to place special emphasis on its rapidly growing STEM education programs to better meet the interest and needs of North Texas school children and educators.     

“The Museum is a learning laboratory using aviation and space flight to encourage and promote student excellence in STEM education, which are integral parts of both our school-year and summer Flight School programs,” said Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones, President and CEO, Frontiers of Flight Museum. “Generous funding support from the Boeing Grant and the 2014 Frontiers of Flight Museum Gala will help us strengthen the Museum’s science, technology, engineering and math education programs and encourage student interest in those fields, ultimately bolstering the workforce of the future.”

Many of the students who have participated in the Museum’s educational programs have their sights aimed high on becoming aviators, rocket scientists or just learning the basics of aviation.

“The Frontier’s of Flight Museum’s Flight School has been a tremendous experience for our son Will,” said Cynthia Thomas.  “Will began attending Flight School as a youngster.  Today, he’s a sophomore at Central High School in Keller ISD and he continues to be inspired to excel and he’s encouraged to gain more knowledge on aviation as he returns each summer.  Will loves the Frontiers of Flight Museum’s expert instructors who make the program educational, interactive and most of all, fun!”  

Children participating in eight different aviation camps in Dallas said that they enjoy coming back year after year. “I like coming each summer because  these camps have taught me everything I know about rockets and airplanes, and I even learned how to apply new math skills too,” said Grace Nobles, an eighth grader at The Alexander School in Richardson. “Flight School is lots of fun and I can’t wait for the 2014 summer camps to begin.”  

Parents and grandparents said that their children have learned a wide range of aviation lessons. “They’re learning physics and they’re learning about space,” said Craig Marckwardt, whose grandson Nate has been a long-time participant in the educational programs.

Nate, now 11-years-old, joined his grandfather on his first visit to the Frontiers of Flight Museum at age 3.   Since then, he participated in the Museum’s “Friday Flights” (for children 4-6), and he has progressed in every level Flight School and Rocket Science program appropriate to his age and grade level since.  Nate is currently enrolled in Aero Lab and Rocket Lab for this summer and is looking forward to both. “I can say with some pride that Nate likely knows the Museum's exhibits and aircraft as well as any of the volunteer docents, yet  he still enjoys regular visits with his sister and me to the Frontiers of Flight Museum every chance he gets,” said Marckwardt.

The Frontiers of Flight Museum, a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate, is a gem in the North Texas community that attracts over 100,000 visitors annually including 30,000 students.  The Museum is conveniently located just north of downtown on Lemmon Avenue at the southeast side of Dallas Love Field Airport, north of Mockingbird Lane.

Housed in a modern 100,000-square-foot facility, the Frontiers of Flight Museum provides a focal point to explore the history and progress of aviation, as mankind continues to pursue going higher, faster and farther. Educational classes for all ages are offered throughout the year, designed to excite the imagination in science, technology, engineering, and math through spacecraft design, aerodynamics, model-building, space survival, and other disciplines.

 “The Frontiers of Flight Museum is grateful for the community’s support of our future growth and innovative development of our educational programs,” said Sutterfield-Jones. This type of ongoing support will help the Museum fuel  students’ love of learning and help North Texas children aim high academically.”

For information call: (214) 350-1651 or visit www.flightmuseum.com.

Last night, the Arthritis Foundation hosted a special reception in honor and appreciation of the organization’s friends and supporters.  The event, held at “3015 at Trinity Groves,” recognized volunteers and donors for their past support and dedication last year. Shelley Tims, Director, Community Advancement, Arthritis Foundation South Central Region also announced that one of the organization’s signature community-wide events now has a new name.  The Arthritis Walk is now the Walk to Cure Arthritis North Texas which will be held at its new location at the Ballpark at Arlington on Saturday, May 3. The new name showcases its commitment to finding a cure and ending the pain of arthritis, the nation’s #1 cause of disability.  For more info visit: www.northtexasarthritiswalk.org.

During the reception, Tims explained that the Arthritis Foundation is working to improve the lives of nearly 1 million Dallas-Ft. Worth area residents, as well as 3.9 million adults and 25,000 children across Texas who struggle every day with this serious health epidemic. To help reduce the unacceptable pain, disability and other burdens of arthritis and related diseases, the Arthritis Foundation offers information, events, research grants, advocacy activities and other vital programs and services to those in the Dallas-Ft. Worth communities and throughout the state. Visit: http://www.arthritis.org/texas/.