Sibley Academy - Summer, 2008
The Sibley Academy is a series of continuing education courses designed to provide students an introduction and, in many cases, an in-depth experience in a variety of subjects that fall within the realm of the Sibley Nature Center: "...to increase the awareness of the natural and historical environment of the southern Llano Estacado through a broad range of interpretive programs and personal experience." We try to accomplish through a series of classes that both deal directly with the environment or, in some cases, deal with subject matter that encourages individuals to go out and experience the outdoors and all that it offers.
The Academy is relatively new to the Sibley Nature Center and, as with any “work in progress,” is constantly searching for new ideas to better offer a well-rounded variety of subject matter to its constituents. We hope to continue this service with Summer, Fall, and Spring schedules.
If you, our consumers, have ideas for the Academy or can offer your experiences to the public or have ideas that would benefit from, we would love to hear from you.
Below are details for the classes offered in the Summer 2008 Sibley Academy. You may also download and print the entire catalog (PDF format).
Please click here for the Summer 2008 registration form (PDF format). Note that depending on the software you have on your computer, you may be able to complete this form online before printing and mailing it.
Jump to: Arts | Special Interest | For Kids Only!
Updated 5/20/08
Natural Sciences and History
- “Synapsids of the Permian” - Instructor—Michael Nickell
The synapsids were a class of animals that gave rise to the mammals. They were the dominant terrestrial animals in the middle to the late Permian period, but their numbers and variety were greatly reduced by the Permian mass extinction 250 million
years ago.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008.
Class minimum size: 5—Class Fee: $20, $15 Sibley members.
- “Dinosaurs” - Instructor—Michael Nickell
Dinosaurs were the dominant terrestrial vertebrates for over 160 million years from the late Triassic period to the end of the Cretaceous period. For about the first half of the 20th century, both scientists and the general public regarded dinosaurs as slow, unintelligent, cold-blooded animals. However, research since the 1970s has supported the view that they were active animals. This change of view was strongly influenced by evidence of the relationship of dinosaurs to birds.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008.
Class minimum size: 5. Class Fee: $20, $15 Sibley members.
- “Pterosaurs” - Instructor—Michael Nickell
Pterosaurs were the first vertebrates to fly. They existed from the late Triassic to the end of the Cretaceous period. Their wings were formed by a membrane of skin, muscle,
and other tissues stretching from the thorax to a greatly lengthened fourth finger. Pterosaurs are sometimes incorrectly referred to the popular media as “flying dinosaurs.” Pterosaurs spanned wide range of adult sizes from sparrow size to the largest flying creatures of all time such as Quetzalcoatlus, the Big Bend pterosaur.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008.
Class minimum size: 5—Class Fee: $20, $15 Sibley members.
- “The Scary Things That Live in West Texas” - Instructor—Burr Williams
Do you know what dangerous animals live in West Texas? Do you know the poisonous plants of our region? Do you know what to do if someone gets hurt? What do you do if you meet a mountain lion? What is the most dangerous creature in West Texas?
Session 1: June 30, 2008 (full session)
Session 2: Monday, July 7, 2008
Both classes Noon to 1 p.m. Class size minimum: 5—Class Fee: $20, $17 Sibley members.
- “Summer Birds of West Texas” - Instructor— Burr Williams
There are 85 species of birds that have nested in Midland County. Nesting behavior, fledgling bird behavior, post-nuptial wandering, and molting behavior is intriguing to observe. Learn about the most common summer birds of West Texas and why they do what they do.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Class minimum size: 5—Class fee: $20, $17 Sibley members.
- "Xeriscape Gardening" - Instructor—Burr Williams
Learn the basic premises and techniques of drought-adapted gardening, and learn about the best plants for West Texas. Annuals, perennials, ground covers and vines are covered in the first meeting. Trees, shrubs, and “desert” plants are covered in the second meeting. Each class participant will receive one plant from the Sibley Greenhouse. There will be two 2-class sessions.
Session 1—Tuesday, July 8, 2008, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. and Tuesday, July 15th, 2008 7:00 to 8:30 p.m
Session 2—Monday, August 18, 2008 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Class minimum size: 5. Class Fee: $25, $17 Sibley members.
- “Indians of the Llano Estacado - Instructor—Burr Williams
Participants will learn about the Jornada/Mogollon, Jumano, and Lipan Apaches in the first class and the Llanero Apache, Mescalero Apache, and Southern Comanche in the second class, and, finally the Kotsoteka Comanche, Kiowas, and Quahadi Comanche in the third class of each session. Learn how the Indians of West Texas utilized the southern Llano Estacado. Each adapted to the rugged landscape and neighboring peoples in different ways. Specific leaders and specific events will be discussed.
Session 1—Monday, June 9, 2008, noon to 1:00 p.m.
Session 2—Monday, August 11, 2008, noon to 1:00 p.m.
Class minimum size: 5. Class Fee: $25, $17 Sibley members.
- “Hispanics of the Llano Estacado” - Instructor—Burr Williams
From 1541 to 1875 Hispanic explorers, hunters, and traders visited the Llano Estacado. Discussions will include the entradas of de Vaca, Coronado, de Sosa and the legend of the blue nun. It will also cover the relationship between Comanche and Hispanic Ciboleros from 1778 to 1860 and will investigate the activities of the Comancheros from 1860 to 1874 and the pastores (sheepmen) from 1875 to 1880. Two sessions!
Session 1—Monday, June 20, 2008 noon to 1:00 p.m.
Session 2—Monday, August 18, 2008, noon to 1:00 p.m.
Class minimum size: 5. Class Fee: $25, $17 Sibley members.
- “Daytripping on the Llano Estacado” - Instructor—Burr Williams
West Texas is full of interesting places to visit. Learn about some special backroads of west Texas. Learn about old historical ruins, metal art, and other folk art of the region. A list of B&B ranches to visit overnight is also included.
Monday, July 14, 2008, noon to 1:00 p.m.
Class minimum size: 5 Class Fee: $20, $15 Sibley members.
Arts
- “The Textures of Nature” - Instructor—Michael Nickell
Use pencil, pen and ink, watercolors, acrylic paint, or mixed media to create natural textures. Topics could include, but not be limited to fur, feathers, scales, shells, water, stone, sky, wood, trees and other plants. Work from your own specimens or photographs. This is not a beginning painting or drawing class.
Every Thursday, June 12, 2008 through August 21, 2009, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Class minimum size: 5. Class Fee: $75, $65 Sibley members.
- “Close up Digital Photography” - Instructor—Burr Williams
Modern digital cameras open up a new world! Class participants will receive 30 minutes of lecture, and then hit the trail to try out what their camera can do. (Class participants must have a digital camera.) Close up digital photography by Sibley staff has revealed unknown behavior in rain bugs (velvet mites.) Other volunteer photographers for Sibley have revealed the peculiarities of cryptogamic soil and lichen. Anyone can discover something new, unknown to science! Three sessions of this class will be offered.
Session 1—Monday, June 30, 2008 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Session 2—Tuesday, July 29, 2008, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Session 3—Tuesday, August 5, 2008, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Class minimum size: 5. Class Fee: $25, $17 Sibley members.
- “Basic Digital Camera Use” - Instructor—Richard Galle
For beginners in digital photography. Learn the basic functions of your digital camera including aperture and shutter priority, white balance, ISO settings, downloading your pictures on a computer, and other basics that will make you a better photographer. All you need is a little time and your own digital camera. Please bring your cameras and instruction books to the class. Please note that this is NOT a photography class but a class to better acquaint you with your camera and its functions.
Monday, July 14, 2008, 6 to 8:30 p.m..
Class minimum size: 5, Maximum: 20. Class Fee: $25, $20 Sibley member.
- “Oil Painting With Ronna” - Instructor—Ronna Porter
This class is designed for students that have some art abilities. Explore oil’s nuances and techniques. Enhance your personal style and develop your creative potential to produce paintings with glowing color. Study design, composition, color theory, and abstract/ traditional approaches to create original paintings of your own. Instructor will provide a supplies list. All classes will be held on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
June 9th to August 19, 2008.
Class minimum: 5. Class Fee: $80, $65 Sibley members.
- “Natural Dyes" - Instructor–Ethel Matthews Rust
Learn how to extract natural dyes from native west Texas plants and utilize the dyes on different cloths. Students will learn to recognize appropriate plants, methods of extraction, and dyeing techniques.
Thusday, July 10, 2008.
Class minimum size: 5. Class Fee:Class Fee: $25, $17 Sibley members.
Special Interest
- “Map and Compass” - Instructor—Richard Galle
The Global Positioning System has made orienteering a breeze….but how many people do you know that truly know how to use a topographic map and a compass? Learn the use of map and compass in a fun and educational way. Orienting one’s self through the wilderness can be fun and entertaining and, if the situation arises, can save your life. The class will meet twice and maps and compasses will be provided by the instructor.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Class minimum: 6 Class Fee: $20, $16 Sibley members.
- “Backpacking” - Instructor—Richard Galle
Learn the basic skills and equipment to make backpacking a fun and safe sport. Learn basic map reading (not as intense as the Map and Compass course), various tools of the trade such as packs, sleeping bags, tents, stoves, water filtration devices, and cold weather gear.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Class minimum: 6 Class Fee: $20, $15 Sibley members.
For Kids Only!
- “Bug Camp” - Instructor: Michael Nickell
Summer “Bug Camp” is a week long introductory field and lab class to entomology and arthropod biology designed for 4th to 6th graders. Topics will include, but not be limited to, insect human relations, insect anatomy and physiology, behavior and ecology, development and metamorphosis, and taxonomy and classification. For more information, please refer to this essay.
Class Limit: 15, Class Fee: $50, $45 Sibley members.
All classes held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
"Bug Camp" has its own registration form. Please click here to download and/or print it (PDF format). You may be able to complete it online before printing, depending on your software.
Session 1—June 9-13
Session 2—June 16-20
Session 3—July 7-11
Session 4—July 21-25
Session 5—August 11-15
Session 6—August 18-22