THE MOUNTAIN TRAIL OUTDOOR SCHOOL

Night Hike

(K)nights in the Forest

Half the world is always in darkness - yet it is seldom explored! The night hike allows students to explore the forest at night with a concentration on sensory awareness. Students learn about the adaptations of nocturnal animals and humans. Owls, bats, foxfire, and basic astronomy are often part of the trip. Key concepts/vocabulary: night vision, nocturnal, raptors, fear, imagination, adaptations, rods & cones, bioluminescence, and triboluminescence (join us on a night hike and experiment with triboluminesence yourself!!).

From the North Carolina Standard Course of Study

Go back to NC class list.

4th Grade TOP

Science

Competency Goal 1

The learner will build an understanding of animal growth and adaptation.

1.01 Relate structural characteristics and behavior of a variety of animals to the environment in which they are typically found.

1.02 Determine animal behaviors and body structures that have specific growth and survival functions in a particular habitat.

5th Grade TOP

English

Competency Goal 2

The learner will apply strategies and skills to comprehend text that is read, heard, and viewed.

2.09 Listen actively and critically by:

  • asking questions.
  • delving deeper into the topic.
  • elaborating on the information and ideas presented.
  • evaluating information and ideas.
  • making inferences and drawing conclusions.
  • making judgments.
6th Grade TOP

English

Competency Goal 1

The learner will use language to express individual perspectives drawn from personal or related experience.

1.03 Interact appropriately in group settings by:

  • listening attentively.
  • showing empathy.
  • contributing relevant comments connecting personal experiences to content.
  • monitoring own understanding of the discussion and seeking clarification as needed.

1.04 Reflect on learning experiences by:

  • describing personal learning growth and changes in perspective.
  • identifying changes in self throughout the learning process.
  • interpreting how personal circumstances and background shape interaction with text.
7th Grade TOP

English

Competency Goal 1

The learner will use language to express individual perspectives in response to personal, social, cultural, and historical issues.

1.03 Interact in group settings by:

  • responding appropriately to comments and questions.
  • offering personal opinions confidently without dominating.
  • giving appropriate reasons that support opinions.
  • soliciting and respecting another person’s opinion.

1.04 Reflect on learning experiences by:

  • analyzing personal learning growth and changes in perspective.
  • examining changes in self throughout the learning process.
  • determining how personal circumstances and background shape interaction with text.
8th Grade TOP

English

Competency Goal 1

The learner will use language to express individual perspectives through analysis of personal, social, cultural, and historical issues.

1.03 Interact in group activities and/or seminars in which the student:

  • shares personal reactions to questions raised.
  • gives reasons and cites examples from text in support of expressed opinions.
  • clarifies, illustrates, or expands on a response when asked to do so, and asks classmates for similar expansion.

1.04 Reflect on learning experiences by:

  • evaluating how personal perspectives are influenced by society, cultural differences, and historical issues.
  • appraising changes in self throughout the learning process.
  • evaluating personal circumstances and background that shape interaction with text.

Go back to NC class list.