Zooey Noble

Mr. Ziser’s section out on a hike at Red Rock Open Space.

Both Mr. Ottmer and Mr. Ziser are co-teaching the outdoor science program at Coronado High School for the first time ever. In this 2025-26 school year, Outdoor Science and American West is a new course during 3rd and 4th period, one class split into two blocks and taught by both Mr. Ottmer, anatomy and previous outdoor science teacher, and Mr. Ziser, AP Gov and history teacher, who are excited for this opportunity.

Ziser was added to the class in order to allow more students to enroll and be able to experience the course. The two teachers and the district communicated regularly to make the dream a reality and create this combination of field science and real-world historical study. Outdoor Science focuses on practicing field science and completing projects that make a positive impact on the community. American West focuses on teaching history as an experience rather than a set of facts to be memorized.

Ottmer originally started this class as an after school club that he ran for 15 years. This is his 4th year teaching the program as a class and throughout the years the class has grown enormously. Ottmer explains, “My very first year, I just had 20 students in the class, and then it grew to two sections of the class.” Although the class has limited space, Ottmer and Ziser are working together to create a memorable and inclusive experience for any who are interested.