Community Projects: Field Biology Program
Crescent Valley High School
Corvallis, Oregon

Started by high school science teacher Bob Madar as a dropout prevention program in 1989, Field Biology has grown into an intensive, two-year, project-based, biology course that now attracts students from all academic levels. Program students spend their first year acquiring a firm base of biological knowledge, scientific research experience, and fieldwork skills. Then, in the second year, they operate primarily in the field. Working with professional scientists from area environmental labs, they conduct research and develop projects that are of particular interest to them as well as beneficial to the local community.

 
"The kids are phenomenal! Their use of scientific language is impressive and seems very natural. They demonstrate a scientific awareness that I rarely see in high school students--and this is due to their involvement in the project. This connection is made very clear to the viewers."

Scott Eddleman
Senior Curriculum Specialist
Cambridge Physics Outlet

 
"Learning That Works sparked great discussions among high school teachers about what constitutes 'good' science."

Mark St. John
Evaluator
Inverness Research