|
NPS photo
Contact: Cynthia Von Halle, 907-983-9206 Local teens in Skagway high school recently developed a free phone APP that explains the natural side of Dyea. Native plants and animals are described for easy identification. There is also a bit of history sprinkled within the program providing interest for almost everyone. The project was facilitated by teacher Vivian Meyer with staff from Klondike Gold Rush and students Rosalie Westfall, Kiara Selmer, Donovan Henson and Sienna Johnson. The students went on field trips and completed research through their multimedia class time for approximately 6 months. Park Rangers and Historian Karl Gurcke visited the classroom to share park expertise that could be integrated into the mobile APP.Known as "A Class Act," this exciting program is intended to work with youth in gateway communities. By adopting this same class and continuously working with them from ninth grade through graduation, park educators hope to showcase these projects during the NPS Centennial in 2016. As for what the Class of 2016 will do next, equipment for producing videos has been purchased for future projects. Superintendent Mike Tranel commented that "this has been a great opportunity to connect parks and classrooms. The students have learned more about the remarkable natural environment and they did a great job on the Dyea App project. Our work with the Class of 2016 has been an excellent opportunity to connect parks and classrooms. The students have learned more about the remarkable natural environment that surrounds them. The park and the public will benefit from the students' comfort with, and willingness to learn and share new technology. We look forward to working with Skagway School again this fall." |
Last updated: April 14, 2015