May 4 (Saturday) - Day hike at Soledad Canyon. Learn about things to pack, wilderness rules, safety, hygiene etc. Pizza will provided afterwards for students and parents. Any and all questions can be answered here.
June 9 (Sunday) - Meet at NMSU campus at 8 am. Get fitted for your gear. You will be provided with backpack, sleeping bag, water bottles etc. We will drive in NMSU vehicles to the trailhead in the Gila and set up camp there. The drive will be approximately 3.5 hours. On the way we will stop at a Gila National Forest Office to meet a Wilderness District Ranger.
June 10 (Monday) - We will stay the day at the trailhead, learn about the scientific method, conduct our first science project, and visit the Gila Cliff Dwellings.
June 11 (Tuesday) - Hike about 4 miles to main campsite; tents, food, and camping cookers will be provided and the weight will be distributed among all participants. Once there, we will set up camp and collect and purify water to fill up our water bottles. We will conduct another science project and start making observations for your own group science study.
June 12 (Wednesday) - In groups you will decide on your study question / hypothesis and start collecting data. We will visit Jordan Hot Springs and you will be able to take a warm bath!
June 13 (Thursday) - Collect data.
June 14 (Friday) - Hike back out and return to Las Cruces. The group will stay the night and eat dinner on campus.
June 15 (Saturday) - Analyze data and prepare presentations. Library resources will be available. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. At 3 pm students will present their projects for family and friends! A slide show from the trip will also be shown. Coffee, water, baked goods, and fruit will be offered. We will conclude our trip around 4 pm.
