Teachers: Sign up now for ‘Denali Science School’

MAT-SU — Registration is open for Denali Science School, a new education program for Alaska fifth- and sixth-grade classes.

Denali Science School will bring whole classrooms of students into Denali National Park and Preserve for overnight field trips in autumn 2014. During these three-day programs, classmates will be immersed in Denali’s natural wonders through hands-on activities, hikes and journeys into the park.

Skilled National Park Service and Alaska Geographic educators will work with teachers to enhance each school’s curricula using Denali Science School.

These educators will provide most instruction and logistical support, while teachers and chaperones focus primarily on supervision. Session itineraries will vary depending on the group, but all sessions include a visit to the park’s sled dog kennels, a field trip into the park, and day and evening science and team-building activities.

Denali Science School is made possible by the partnership between Alaska Geographic and National Park Service through the Murie Science and Learning Center. In 2014, the program is offered free to participating school groups, including instruction, equipment, accommodations and in-park travel. Individual school groups are responsible for the cost of transportation to and from the park, as well as the cost of on-site food service at the Murie Center Dining Room. Student groups bring sleeping bags and mats and sleep in the Murie Center classrooms.

All fifth- and sixth-grade teachers in Alaska are invited to register their classes for Denali Science School. Each session can accommodate a maximum of 30 students and five adults. Two sessions will be offered each week from Sept. 1 to Oct. 10; Session I is offered Monday through Wednesday, and Session II is Wednesday through Friday.

Deadline to apply is April 1. Teachers will receive confirmation of selection by April 25.

For more information or to register, email Rachel_jencks@nps.gov, call (907) 683-6430 or visit bit.ly/1dUJJkt.