Teton Science Schools emphasize Six Innovative Programs in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Six Innovative Programs in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Teton Science Schools have offered quality educational programming in Grand Teton National Park since 1967, utilizing the wild lands of Yellowstone National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest and the National Elk Refuge. No matter the season, our great variety of residential and day programming provides place-based, experiential education opportunities for all ages all year long, from fostering leadership skills to building awareness of sustainability issues. Whether we cover geology, ecology, weather or plant and animal adaptation, you will leave the program with a deep understanding and appreciation for the ecology and unique natural history of the Greater Yellowstone Geo-ecosystem. Teton Science Schools’ model for experiential learning fosters hands-on/minds-on learning in the outdoors, and our professional staff can adapt programs to meet the goals of your group.
The Sustainability Initiative at Teton Science Schools is the process of educating about and monitoring Teton Science Schools' natural resource use. This process helps Teton Science Schools understand its environmental, economic, and community impacts and make informed decisions regarding energy use, resource consumption and waste.
Journeys School of Teton Science Schools
Journeys is a Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade independent school in Jackson Hole, Wyoming engaging college-bound students with an innovative and challenging curriculum that cultivates lifelong learning. Our program consists of four critical pillars that act together to empower students to change the world. Our students accept academic challenges and ask hard questions in a balanced, open-minded, and reflective manner.
Solar Energy Production
A demonstration photovoltaic system totaling roughly 6.4 kwdc (4% of total campus energy use) has been tied into the power grid, permitting power to flow back into the grid at times of low onsite use. Current data for solar array one and solar array two is available online for student use in science and math classes.
High-Performance Design Features
A few examples of the environmentally intelligent building solutions that were applied to the Journeys School and Jackson Campus include:
Buildings were sited to take advantage of site issues such as solar gain, late day shading in summer and building “into” the site. Narrow building footprints are oriented to maximize daylight, passive solar gain and natural ventilation.
Thermal Analysis Software computer modeling was used to locate window openings for maximum cross-ventilation, eliminating the need for air conditioning. Indoor air quality is controlled with outside air using Heat Recovery Units that recover heat from exhaust air.
Concrete containing up to 40% fly ash (a byproduct of power generation) was used as a substitute for cement.
Metal roofs, wall panels and fiber cement siding were used to provide durable, fire-resistant exterior cladding.
Most building materials were left untreated to reduce volatile organic compounds and off-gassing that might occur due to toxicity of finishes. This also eliminated ongoing re-finishing and maintenance. Structural systems such as roof panels, wood shear walls, and concrete slabs were left exposed on the interior, eliminating the need for extra finish materials.
Natural gas boilers and radiant-heated concrete floors were installed to provide a high-efficiency, low-maintenance heating system.
Only carpeting with 100% recycled-content backing was used. Low-flow sinks and showers reduce annual water use by a target of 20-25%.
Untreated plywood and oriented strand board, made from smaller trees and chips, were used to cover many of the interior surfaces. Engineered lumber structural systems used smaller diameter trees for production.
Sustainability Committee
The sustainability committee at Teton Science Schools was developed to address sustainability issues within the organiation. The committee consists of board members and staff/faculty from all program areas within the organization. The comittee's purpose is to develop and initiate a plan for sustainability at Teton Science Schools. The plan will incorporate and prioritize ownership for staff, faculty and board members around sustainability initiatives. Integrating educational opportunities, improving infrastructure and reducing consumption and waste will focus the committee's efforts.
Solar Energy Production
Teton Science Schools' Jackson Campus has two solar arrays that serve as educational models for visitors to the campus. The photovoltaic panels produce 4% of the total energy on campus. The panels are grid-tied to take advantage of net metering in the state of Wyoming.
| 
