“I realized the beauty of nature”
“I went in with no friends and came out with a lot”
“I got away from society and learned more about the planet and mountain”
(2023 Edge Sky School students)
When you come to Edge you’ll access one-on-one support and self-paced learning, as well as unique and creative programs that take you outside of the classroom. Interested in learning about science, ecology and the stars? Check out the experience that Edge students have at Sky School!
What Is Sky School?
Sky School is part of a tuition-free elective class called “Investigating the Ecology of the Sky Islands” that partners Edge with UA Sky School to learn about astronomy, science and our earth. Sky School is open to all Edge students, and returning students can join and act as group leaders, but it’s a popular course and typically fills up fast. We meet every Wednesday for two periods. The course is taught by Edge science teacher Lee Borzick and University of Arizona Sky School instructors, and includes a lot of different components that take place off campus.
What Do We Learn?
Sky School introduces Edge students to the ecology of the Sonoran Desert and the Santa Catalina Sky Islands, and we learn about careers in the fields of environmental science, conservation, and forestry. Students work in small groups to develop and implement their own research project investigating a research question of their choice. Research projects are implemented at the Mount Lemmon Sky Center and students present the results of their studies to their classmates and family on the final night of the capstone trip. We also learn from guest speakers and take day trips – like traveling to Sabino Canyon Recreation Area to volunteer with their erosion control and watershed programs.
As a capstone to the course, we spend four days and three nights at the Mount Lemmon Sky Center, in the Catalina Mountains, learning about geology, dendrochronology (that means dating tree rings), ecology, data collection, and astronomy with the use of UA telescopes. Plus we get to do fun team-building activities and games.
Why Do We Love Sky School?
For one thing, Sky School is a highlight of our Edge school year every year. It’s a unique opportunity to get outside of Tucson and experience nature first hand. We participate in authentic science inquiry experiences that we just wouldn’t be able to access in a school classroom. We meet and work alongside UA scientists, and maybe spark an interest in pursuing a STEM-related college degree and/or career. And we definitely develop a deeper understanding of the Earth, our universe – and our role in it. What’s not to love?
Ready to explore the world around you with hands-on learning? Learn more about how Edge can help you achieve your graduation goals and enroll today.
About Edge
EDGE is a Cognia accredited, tuition-free, charter high school, with two campuses in the greater Tucson area. We provide an alternative to traditional education, meeting the diverse learning and life needs of our students with our blended curriculum and flexible morning or afternoon class schedules. Our high-quality, passionate teachers are dedicated to individualized instruction in our small academic classes. Be you. With us. At Edge.