Basic Survival

Class Description:

Students will use the winter woods as a classroom as they participate in a small group survival situation. During the first 45 minutes indoors, students will participate in a simulated bus crash, make a list of the seven body needs for survival, and learn about hypothermia. Two hours will be spent on a survival activity in the Sawmill Creek Valley. Using limited resources, each group will construct a shelter, make a fire, boil water and make a cup of cider. As the instructor makes rounds from group to group, team building skills and a positive attitude will be stressed. Students will relate this experience to small group performances in everyday life and the benefit of positive group interaction to the environment.

Total Time: 3 hours (2 hours outdoors)
Audience: 6-20 students, 4th grade through adult
Activity Level: moderate
Travel: 1/4 mile
Total Uphill Travel: 200 ft.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the Basic Survival class students will be able yo:

Describe the 7 basic needs for survival.

Describe the effects of hypothermia.

Work cooperatively to prioritize tasks and make a plan of action.

Give examples of the power of a positive attitude.

Demonstrate creative thinking and resourcefulness.

Evaluate their performance as a team and relate it to everyday life.

Justify the need for citizens who can work together for a quality environment.

Minnesota Graduation Standards

The Basic Survival class will provide students with guided practice, in an authentic setting, to support the following Graduations Standards. We have chosen one to three “major focus” standards per grade level. Due to the holistic nature of environmental education, several other standards, not listed here, are addressed as well.

Task Management Skills: Resource Management, Time Management, Perserverance, Teamwork

• 6-8th Managing Resources: Group Resources: (3-10)
• 6-8th Decision Making: Physical Education and Fitness (6,7)

• 4-5th Decision Making: Physical Education and Fitness (4)

Wolf Ridge Curriculum Concepts

• Understanding and respecting others enables us to work together effectively as a community.
• Working cooperatively to accomplish goals promotes mutual support and benefit.
• A positive attitude improves situations.
• Problem solving, decision making and risk assessment are skills which empower to reach our goal.
• Developing group interaction skills will improve our responses to future life situations.
• Quality individuals make a quality group.

Classroom Connections*

• Journal page download
• Pre-visit activities
• Post-visit activities
• Links to Basic Survival information and activities on the web

*requires Wolf Ridge password