At Sierra Nevada Journeys, learning goes well beyond the classroom, and some of the best discoveries actually start right outside that door.
Imagine the students gathered by the creek, watching the water running over the rocks. They're asking questions, they're observing, they're trying things out. What's in the water? Where does it go? What does it tell you about the world?
It may just be a field trip, but they learn a lot in the process. They get to do some science, work in a team and realize how much there is to explore in the natural world. They learn that their ideas matter, their questions are valid, and they can solve problems when they go out to investigate. That experience then feeds into the more in-depth science learning that comes after.
When Students Become Scientists
Science sticks with the students when they actually get to do it.
With Classrooms Unleashed, Sierra Nevada Journeys brings science into the classroom and nearby outdoor spaces across Northern Nevada and the Sacramento area. The lessons are directly aligned with grade-level standards and incorporate both classroom and field-based learning.
Rather than just reading about ecosystems, they actually see them. Rather than just learning the science terms, they use them as they go, as they explore, compare, predict and find out.
"Learning about rocks was so fun,I feel like a real geologist now." – 4th grader, Pleasant Valley
Sometimes the best part of the whole experience is the question a student asks along the way.
Outdoor learning sparks curiosity, since there's rarely a 'right' answer like on a worksheet. You have to look more closely, listen to each other and think about what you're seeing.
These skills carry right back into the classroom and continue to develop long after the field trip ends, showing how much one field trip can contribute to a range of lessons.
Learning That's Bigger Than a Science Lesson
A day out in the open can teach the students far more than just the subject in question.
They may find themselves comfortable trying new things and may develop the confidence to put an idea forward to the group or learn to work through a problem with their peers.
"I like where I got to see the ducks and be in nature. I'm extremely shy and I'm a little bit okay to be with other people now." – 3rd grader, Coral Academy
For some students, outdoor science also offers the chance to visit a place in nature they've never seen before.
What Students Take Home
Following an outdoor science experience, students very rarely go on to talk about the standards they've met or the vocabulary they've acquired. They're far more likely to recall something they found by a creek, a problem they solved with a mate or a teacher who somehow opened their eyes to a new way of seeing.
They're more likely to remember something they found by a creek, a challenge they worked through with a mate, or an instructor who helped them see things in a different light. Those memories feed into the bigger story of long-term impact.
"I know more about weathering and erosion." 4th grader, Ruhkala Elementary
These memories link learning to the real world and give the students something to be proud of and something to be curious about.
For 20 years, Sierra Nevada Journeys has helped young people make these connections through outdoor science, camp and partnerships with schools and communities.
The Educators Who Make Discovery Possible
Every great outdoor learning experience has an educator who can turn a fairly mundane moment into an opportunity to learn. Sierra Nevada Journeys educators don't just give answers; they help students look more closely, ask new questions and work together to find the answers themselves.
This could mean helping a student spot something odd, guiding a group through a science experiment, or helping a reticent student find the right question to get them involved.
Students pick up on how their teachers teach. They're a good reminder that a little patience and a bit of creativity can go a long way in making something difficult understandable. One third grader at Echo Loder described how the class played a game to illustrate the science concepts rather than just being told the facts.
"Irene was very kind, and she made it all make sense when it was difficult." – 4th grader, Pleasant Valley
It's a very different way of teaching that takes a lot of patience, creativity and genuine enthusiasm for working with children. Those very qualities account for their effectiveness.
Science educators run the hands-on programs in Reno and Sacramento, and the outdoor instructors run the learning at Sierra Nevada Journeys' Outdoor Education Camp near Portola, CA.
Together they create experiences that build science knowledge, build relationships and give students the space to grow.
Join our team of outdoor educators
If you like working with children and being outdoors, then this could well be the right job for you.
Sierra Nevada Journeys is recruiting for several outdoor education and camp roles. Check out our Careers Site for details of the current vacancies and apply today.
Making Science Accessible
We believe every student should have access to these opportunities, regardless of background or financial situation.
In 2025 we hit more than 33,000 students, 59% of whom were from disadvantaged communities.
These are thousands of opportunities for kids to get out into the world, experience science, get into the natural world, and discover something about themselves. They also represent the scale of impact behind the next cohort of teachers.
Our Community Makes Science Learning Available
The 2025 Community Report highlights the positive impact we've had on over 363,000 students since 2006. That's a massive achievement, and it wouldn't have been possible without the dedication of our teachers, school partners, community groups, donors and families who believe in the value of outdoor learning. As we close out the year, we want to thank everyone who helped make these experiences possible and share the story that's been written as a result.
When a child gets the opportunity to explore, investigate and discover for themselves, the impact can be transformative and extend well beyond a single day out.
See What Your Help Can Do
Check out Sierra Nevada Journeys' 2025 Community Report to learn more about the students, teachers and partners behind our mission.