![]() 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
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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: December 15, 2022