Bridging MOuntains Network Teaching Resources
Mountain Studies Institute is dedicated to fostering understanding and exploration of San Juan Mountains through science, including ecology, hydrology, forestry, climate, and social science. The Bridging Mountains Network brings schools and communities together through shared curriculum, research, and field trips. We hope these resources promote curiosity and sense of place for students and teachers across our mountain communities.
Environmental Education Needs Assessment
With the help of many partners and advisors, MSI completed a regional needs assessment in 2021 (click the button below to read the report). This study explores the current state and needs of environmental education in the San Juan Mountains region.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION RESOURCE GUIDE for Southwest Colorado: a resource for students, parents, and teachers to find experiential and career building opportunities nearby:
View Online PDF
Printable Booklet - print landscape, double-sided, flip on short edge. Fold in half and stable the middle.
Activities and Lessons
Water
Our waterways are the veins of our communities, connecting the highest mountain basins above Silverton and Telluride to the lower valleys of Farmington and beyond. Help us understand the health of our waterways, and how they change with events including the Gold King Mine spill and 416 Fire.
Forests
Forests cover much of our local land, from the pinon-juniper stands of our lower elevations to the ponderosa pines surround many of our towns, to the spruce-fir communities of our towering mountains. Join Mountain Studies in researching how our forests respond to factors including water availability, fire, insects, diseases, climate changes and land management strategies.
Climate
These lessons contain many different activities, concepts, and teaching materials that can be used either in sequence or separately as stand-alone modules. For an overview of how climate topics can support academic standards, visit Learn More About Climate.
Resilience Scenario Games
Post-Wildfire Preparedness Game: In Person. Ideal for 12-80 people. ~75 minutes.
Climate Change Mitigation Planning Game: Virtual or In-Person Ideal for 12-32 people. ~65 minutes.
Request materials and instructions from jeremy@mountainstudies.org
Annual Youth Summit
At the San Juan Resilience Youth Summit, students will present to an authentic audience of several schools, land managers, and community leaders on environmental topics.
Students Can Volunteer
MSI offers opportunities for students to get involved in Citizen Science Projects or to volunteer during events!
