University Economic Development Association

Network

MOSS – McCall Outdoor Science School

Award Category: Talent+Place
Project Site: MOSS - McCall Outdoor Science School
Submitted By: University of Idaho
Contact: Jana Jones, 208.364.4568

Case Study

University of Idaho – MOSS – The McCall Outdoor Science School serves as a cornerstone of the University of Idaho land-grant mission. Since 2001 MOSS has been a hallmark of hands-on, field-based research, teaching and outreach programs that connect the U of I to its constituencies statewide.

This unique school is an innovative example of Adventure-based learning and serves over 3,000 K-12 students from across Idaho by providing immersive, place-based STEM educational programing.

This school is operated by the University of Idaho’s College of Natural Resources.  The mission of the McCall Outdoor Science School is to facilitate place-based, collaborative science inquiry within the context of Idaho’s land, water and communities. We provide experiential learning opportunities among students, educators, scientists and citizens to foster the critical thinking skills necessary to address complex issues.

MOSS has four program areas: 1) Youth Programs; 2) Graduate Programs; 3) Teacher Education; 4) Community Programs.

The University and its partners use MOSS to foster scientific literacy, leadership skills and open-minded dialogue through graduate and professional education, youth science programs, seminars and more. 

Our program has been successful in short-term outcomes and long-term impacts including: increases in scientific literacy, participation in STEM careers and positive attitudes toward science in Idaho.

In Idaho, we have a beautiful outdoor science school which is helping to create the critical thinking workforce of the future.

Finalist Presentation

UEDA Awards of Excellence Finalists presented at the Annual Summit in Milwaukee on October 22 and 23, 2018. Summit attendees then voted for the best initiative in each category.