Students of all ages need to get outside to study stuff that is found outside.

 

And they are doing just that at Cave Spring High School.

 

Biology teacher Stephen Biscotte led the charge, helping the school win a handful of grants, including a $5,000 Lowe's Toolbox Grant to transform an outdoor eating area into fully functional classroom space. Other grants have helped add additional items, including a Vernier 30th Anniversary Grant worth $10,000 in Vernier sensors, allowing every science class to explore topics related to the environment.

 

Teachers across various subjects - math, English, physics, biology, and French - are taking advantage of the space for their students. During peak times of the year such as spring and fall, Biscotte said, the outdoor classroom is used daily.

 

Find out more about the outdoor learning space >>> 

If you don't know what a .gpx file is then you can probably stop reading ... unless you want to learn more.

 

A .gpx file is a data file of "points" or GPS coordinates collected by GPS devices when set to tracking mode. Many hikers and cyclists will use a GPS device to track their ride or hike, and then later upload it to a variety of websites where they can view the distance traveled, elevation change, etc.

 

We have more than 600 miles of trails in the Roanoke Region, many of which we've already mapped and thus have the .gpx file.  But we need more!

 

The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) has an ambitious plan to create a feature-rich database containing detailed information on all the best mountain biking trails in the country (and eventually beyond). IMBA will be relying on local chapters, like Roanoke IMBA (RIMBA), to compile trail info, descriptions, pictures, and GPS tracks of the trails in their area.

Find out how you can get involved >>> 

Is your outdoor wear getting a little shabby? 

 

Why not buy a couple new items for your (or someone on your list) this holiday?  

 

For cyclists, Roanoke Outside Bike Jerseys are always the perfect fit. Or show off your support for Roanoke's Six-Eleven Bicycle Co. with a t-shirt. Both options are available locally and make perfect gifts. And according to the 3/50 Project, $68 of every $100 spent at locally-owned stores returns to the community.  

 

Check out these items and all the other great gift ideas for hikers, cyclists, runners, anglers, and everyone on your list in the 2012 Outdoor Lover Gift Guide. 

 

Check out the gift guide today >>>