WSCU Extended University Studies is offering a variety of graduate level courses for K-12 educators.
Travel with WSCU Extended University Studies through Southwest Colorado and learn the history and geology of the area.
Dr. Tom Prather leads participants along the north rim of the Black Canyon during this day-long course. Students enjoy the spectacular scenery and examine the unusual geologic history of the Black Canyon. Transportation and a sack lunch are included. Cost: $30.
Join expert anglers from the Gunnison River Fly Shop on this day-long course. Students are outfitted with equipment and the mechanics to begin fishing Gunnnison's gold medal waters. Transportation, fishing equipment, and sack lunch are provided. Cost $15.
Spend a morning learning basic juggling patterns such as "the cascade" and "the shower" from professional juggler Paul Haygood. This fun and easy class fits all student levels and abilities. Includes three juggling balls. Cost: $15.
Join Karen Immerso on a local, full-day hike as a warm-up for bigger summer adventures. This early summer season hike to the summit of Boston Peak at 11,703’ takes off from Spring Creek. Not a large, significant, nor well-known summit, this beautiful spot opens to lovely views of the surrounding area. Transportation and a sack lunch are provided. Cost: $20.
Students learn a variety of tricks with 3 balls or clubs, how to juggle four, five, six, seven, even eight balls at a time, as well as how to juggle four or five clubs. This class caters to the skill level and desires of participants, offering flexibility for students learning at different paces. Students may learn passing as many as nine balls or clubs between two people. Includes three juggling balls. Cost: $15
An extreme brass experience in the Rocky Mountains. Open to brass players of all ages.
Travel to the Alpine Tunnel outside of Pitkin, Colorado, near the Continental Divide. Along the historic railroad route, the group stops to discuss the construction and operation of the rail line which ran intermittently from 1882-1910. Upon arriving at the top, the group explores the structures related to the Alpine depot, with a short walk to the tunnel itself. Transportation and a sack lunch are provided. Cost: $25.
This course covers basic digital photography, including: types of digital cameras and how they work, basic shooting functions, and image processing. Composition, use of light, and other techniques are also discussed. The second half of the class is spent outside on the WSCU campus taking pictures, with time for students to get feedback on their images from the instructor. Participants need to bring a digital camera and memory card. Cost: $20.
WSCU Extended University Studies Road Scholar Program, Riding in the Wilderness. An intergenerational program for grandparents and granchildren.
The Cochetopa Park trip with Bruce Bartleson explores some of the less well-known aspects of the Gunnison Country geology. Examine a little known precious metal mine, the Maple Leaf, and one of the largest uranium mines in the country for its time, the Los Ochos. The group explores some of the very ancient history of the Gunnison area. Transportation and sack lunch provided. Cost: $30.
Learn the basics of bicycle maintenance from Brian Chapel, lead bike mechanic at Gunnison’s own Rock N’ Roll sports and trained at the Barnett Bicycle Institute. Students learn how to change a flat tire, fix a chain, install and uninstall wheels, lubricate cables and housing, simple derailleur adjustments, tighten bolts, use grease properly, and recognizing signs and symptoms of potential future problems. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bicycles and tools, but tools will be available from instructor. Cost: $10.
Explore the Fairview Peak Fire Lookout, perched at 13,214 feet, and constructed of stone in 1912. Discussion of the historic restoration work occurring at the lookout, along with Forest Service and fire lookout history, are covered while overlooking much of the Gunnison Basin. Transportation and a sack lunch are provided. Cost: $25.
Enjoy an afternoon of creativity with artist Donna Rozman. Participants form simple clay birds and enclose a wildflower seed pod within. By placing the unfired clay birds in the garden or yard, the clay birds slowly disintegrate in the rain, wind, and weather, gradually germinating the seeds. Open to all ages and abilities. Supplies are provided. Cost: $15.
