Denali Science School

NPS photo / Nathan Kostegian

 

Registration is now open for Denali Science School! During this three-day, two-night program, fifth- and sixth-grade classes from Alaska schools learn through hands-on activities and science research in the vast outdoor classroom that is Denali National Park and Preserve.

Denali Science School is hosted by the National Park Service and non-profit partners based at the Murie Science and Learning Center (MSLC). Educators from the National Park Service and Alaska Geographic work with teachers to enhance the curricular learning goals of participating school groups. Park educators provide logistical support and leadership for most learning sessions, while teachers and chaperones traveling with students focus on supervision and learning support and lead a few sessions on their own. Program itineraries typically include day hikes, team-building activities, day and evening science explorations, and a visit to the park’s sled dog kennels.

Logistics

• Lodging and Equipment: In 2022, instruction, equipment, and sleeping quarters are offered free of charge to participating school groups. Students, teachers, and chaperones should bring sleeping bags and mats to sleep in MSLC classrooms.

• Transportation: School groups are responsible for costs of transportation to and from the park.

• Food: School groups are responsible for costs of food in the park. Food is served in the Murie Hall directly adjacent to the MSLC and includes hot dinners both evenings and breakfasts both mornings, plus bagged lunches on the second and third day. Financial aid is likely available to help cover food costs for schools in need. Please indicate your need for financial aid in the comments section of the registration form.

• COVID: COVID mitigations are in progress and always adapting. Vaccinations will likely not be required. Testing may be required. In the event of a positive COVID case, immediate evacuation of affected students, teachers, and chaperones are the responsibility of the school.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

   Who can attend?

All fifth and sixth-grade Alaska school teachers are invited to register students for Denali Science School.

   How many can attend?

We best serve groups of 20-30 students with an adult-to-student ratio of 1:6. We encourage teachers to work together to combine or divide classes as necessary to meet this requirement before registering. If you are unable to find a partner class, the Denali Education Team may combine smaller groups in order to serve as many students as possible.

   When are sessions offered?

Two sessions are offered weekly from August 22 through October 7, 2022. Session 1 begins Monday and ends Wednesday. Session 2 begins Wednesday and ends Friday.

   What role do educators and chaperones play?

Educators from the National Park Service and Alaska Geographic work with teachers to enhance the curricular learning goals of participating school groups. Park educators provide logistical support and leadership for most learning sessions, while teachers and chaperones traveling with students focus on supervision and learning support and lead a few sessions on their own.

   How much does Denali Science School cost?

In 2022, instruction, equipment, and sleeping quarters are offered free of charge to participating school groups. Students, teachers, and chaperones should bring sleeping bags and mats to sleep in MSLC classrooms.

School groups are responsible for costs of transportation to, from, and within the park. School groups are also responsible for costs of food in the park. Financial aid will likely be available to help cover food costs for schools in need. Please indicate your need for financial aid in the comments section of the registration form.

   How can I register my class? When is the deadline?

Fifth- and sixth-grade Alaska school teachers can request to register your class for Denali Science School starting March 1, 2022. Requests made March 1-8 will be processed first, starting on March 9. Later requests will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Confirmations will be sent to teachers within two weeks of receiving requests.

   My class is registered! What information can I share with our school community?

How exciting that you will visit us in the fall! Once your registration is confirmed, the Denali Education Team contact with you via e-mail with a Program Overview to share with teachers, chaperones, students, and guardians.

Teachers and chaperones should also read Information for Teachers and Chaperones to learn what to expect and how to navigate this logistically complex overnight program.

   Who can I contact if I have additional questions?

You can e-mail the Denali Education Team anytime.