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RECM 0072 - Wilderness Survival

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/recm-0072/

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Formerly known as PHED 78 Hours: 54 (27 lecture, 27 laboratory) Description: Designed to enhance the student's understanding of the outdoors and the natural world. Interactive discussions and experiments involving shelter, water, fire, food, tracking, hazards, and other basic survival skills. Field study required. (CSU) Units 2 Lecture-Discussion 27 Laboratory 27 By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Distinguish between animal tracks to identify the species and the direction and speed of the animal's travel. Compare and contrast two separate environments in order to evaluate the natural resources available and prepare, plan and execute a survival strategy. Assemble snares and demonstrate ability to generate shelter, water, fire and food from natural resources. Course Content Outline I. Introduction A. History of wilderness survival B. Seeing through native eyes II. Tracks and Trails A. Animal prints B. Gaits C. Actual tracks and size III. Runs, Ridges, Tunnels and Eskers A. Description B. Channels IV. Beds, Lays, Wallows, Baths, Nests, Burrows, Dens and Caves A. Beds, lays and forms B. Dust baths and wallows C. Nests, dreys and lodges D. Dirt mounds E. Burrows and dens V. Scat and Urine A. Limitations B. Communication C. Predator and prey D. Scat identification E. Urine and other secretions VI. Signs of Vegetation and Fungi A. Mushrooms and fungi B. Grasses and forbs C. Live trees and shrubs D. Other activities VII. Other Signs A. Digging and rooting B. Kill sites VIII. Animal Remains A. Hair B. Antlers C. Dead animals IX. Conclusion A. Story telling B. Passing down the secrets Course Objectives Course Objectives Lecture Objectives: 1. Predict consequences in a survival situation; 2. Differentiate threats from non-threats in order to formulate quick decisions; 3. Infer a theory for animal activity by scrutinizing patterns of animal tracks; 4. Compare and contrast two separate environments in order to evaluate the natural resources available; 5. Prepare, plan and execute a survival strategy; 6. Evaluate specific varieties of wood to determine when and why the wood is needed; 7. Judge a situation in order to revise and adapt a course of action due to environmental, weather and/or other hazardous concerns; 8. Evaluate a tracking scene by locating and analyzing site specific clues in order to solve prior animal behavior. Laboratory Objectives: 1. Appraise wilderness predicaments and conclude whether they are in a survival situation; 2. Distinguish between animal tracks in an effort to determine the species; 3. Calculate animals' gaits by dissecting information provided by the tracks; 4. Assess the wilderness surroundings in order to compose a list of natural resources available; 5. Assemble snares and demonstrate water-finding techniques; 6. Examine a track and ascertain the species, as well as the direction and speed of the animal's travel; 7. Construct a solar still for the purpose of collecting water; 8. Generate shelter, water, fire and food from natural resources. Methods of Evaluation Essay Examinations Objective Examinations Projects Reading Assignments 1. Read chapter on "Patterns and Gaits," and be prepared to discuss in class. 2. Complete an internet research project on bedding, nests and caves and be prepared to discuss, in a group format, various habits and outcomes presented. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Students will write a three page paper on different species identification. 2. Students will keep a journal recording thoughts, observations, and reflections from the classroom discussions and field trips. 3. Students will view photos of various animal tracks and be asked to identify the animal that created them. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Methods of Instruction Laboratory Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.