NPS Photos 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
NPS Photos Frequently Asked Questions All fifth and sixth-grade Alaska school teachers are invited to register students for Denali Science School.
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.
In 2023, we are offering two spring sessions (new this year!) during the week of May 15-19, 2023, as well as two sessions per week from August 21 through September 29, 2023. Session 1 begins Monday and ends Wednesday. Session 2 begins Wednesday and ends Friday.
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.
School groups are responsible for costs of transportation to, from, and within the park.
In 2023, instruction, equipment, and sleeping quarters are offered free of charge to participating school groups. Students, teachers, and chaperones bring sleeping bags and mats to sleep in MSLC classrooms. In 2023, school groups are not responsible for on-site food service costs thanks to donations by park partners Doyon-Aramark Joint Venture and Alaska Geographic. It is important to us that on-site food service costs are not a barrier to attending Denali Science School, and we are grateful to both organizations for supporting students. Fifth- and sixth-grade Alaska school teachers can request to register your class for Denali Science School starting March 17, 2023. Requests made March 17-25 will be processed first, starting on March 26. Later requests will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Confirmations will be sent to teachers within two weeks of receiving requests.
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 [303 KB] to share with teachers, chaperones, students, and guardians. Teachers and chaperones should also read Information for Teachers and Chaperones [322 KB] to learn what to expect and how to navigate this logistically complex overnight program. You can e-mail the Denali Education Team anytime.
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Last updated: April 11, 2023