Fieldwork



Fieldwork is an integral part of the educational program at GCCS. Field studies are carefully structured to address the learning goals of the expedition, and afford students rich opportunities to “learn on location.” Students interview experts, examine artifacts, conduct research, make observations, and gather data through note-taking, sketching, and photography. Fieldwork deepens and extends students’ understanding of the content and nurtures their skills as life-long learners. In line with our Outward Bound approach, during fieldwork students are challenged to work to the limits of their stamina and academic ability while collaborating with one another. Quality work is the expectation during field study activities, just as it is during in-school activities.

Most fieldwork takes place at local museums, parks, nature centers, businesses, and historic sites, and lasts from one to five hours. At times, overnight field studies to locations outside Rochester are planned when distant resources are central to our students’ understanding of the content of an expedition.