NPS photo / Nathan Kostegian Denali as a ClassroomRegistration is now open for Denali Science School, an immersive program serving classes of Alaskan students in Grades 5 and 6. During three-day, two-night programs, students and their teachers will learn through hands-on activities, science research, and outdoor immersion in the best classroom of all: Denali National Park and Preserve! Denali Science School is made possible by the National Park Service and its non-profit partners through the Murie Science and Learning Center (MSLC). Educators from the National Park Service and Alaska Geographic work with teachers to enhance each school’s curricula. Park educators provide logistical support and lead most learning sessions, while teachers and chaperones traveling with students focus on session support, supervision, and leading a few learning sessions on their own. Session itineraries usually include day hikes, a visit to the park’s sled dog kennels, team-building activities, and day and evening science explorations. Logistics
Frequently Asked Questions All fifth and sixth-grade teachers in Alaska are invited to register for Denali Science School.
In 2022, we are asking for groups of 20–30 students, and an adult-to-student ratio of 1:6. Teachers are encouraged to work together prior to registration to combine or sub-divide classes to meet this requirement. If you are unable to find a partner class, the Denali Education team may combine smaller groups so that we can serve as many students as possible.
Two sessions will be offered each week from August 22 through October 7, 2022; Session 1 will span from Monday through Wednesday, and Session 2 from Wednesday through Friday.
Educators from the National Park Service and Alaska Geographic work with teachers to enhance each school’s curricula. Park educators provide logistical support and lead most learning sessions, while teachers and chaperones traveling with students focus on session support, supervision, and leading a few learning sessions on their own.
In 2022, instruction, equipment, and sleeping quarters will be offered free of charge to participating school groups. Students, teachers, and chaperones bring sleeping bags and mats and sleep in the MSLC classrooms.
School groups will be responsible for the costs of transportation to, from, and within the park. School groups are also responsible for the costs of on-site food service. Financial aid will likely be available to help cover the costs of meals for schools in need of assistance. Please indicate in the comments section of the registration form if you would like to discuss this possibility. If you are a classroom teacher for students in grades 5 and 6, you can make a request to register your class for Denali Science School starting March 1, 2022. Requests made from March 1–8 will be processed first, starting on March 9. Subsequent requests will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Confirmations will be sent to teachers within two weeks of receiving the request.
We're excited that you'll be joining us in the fall! When your registration is confirmed, the Denali Education team will be in close contact with you via e-mail, and will send a Program Overview to share with teachers, students, guardians, and chaperones. Teachers and chaperones should take some extra time to also read through Preparing for and Attending Denali Science School, which will help adults become aware of the expectations and logistics needed to successfully navigate an academic excursion like this. You can e-mail the Denali education team anytime.
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Last updated: April 12, 2022