National Park Service Introduces Denali Science School

News Release Date: March 3, 2014

Contact: Maureen Gualtieri, [phone]

DENALI PARK, AK:Registration is now open for Denali Science School, a new education program for Alaskan fifth and sixth-grade classes.Denali Science School will bring whole classrooms of students into Denali National Park and Preserve for overnight field trips in autumn 2014.During these three-day programs, classmates will be immersed in Denali's natural wonders through hands-on activities, hikes, and journeys into the park.

Denali Science School will be instructed by skilled National Park Service and Alaska Geographic educators who will work with the teachers to enhance each school's curricula.These educators will provide most instruction and logistical support, while teachers and chaperones will focus primarily on supervision.Session itineraries will vary depending on the group, but all sessions include a visit to the park's sled dog kennels, a fieldtrip into the park, and day and evening science and team-building activities.

Denali Science School is made possible by the partnership between Alaska Geographic and National Park Service through the Murie Science and Learning Center (MSLC).In 2014, the program will be offered free of charge to participating school groups, including instruction, equipment, accommodations, and in-park travel.The individual school groups are responsible for the cost of transportation to and from the park, as well as the cost of on-site food service at the MSLC Dining Room.Student groups bring sleeping bags and mats and sleep in the MSLC classrooms.  

All fifth and sixth grade teachers in Alaska are invited to register their classes for Denali Science School.A maximum of 30 students and 5 adults (teachers and chaperones) can be accommodated per session. Two sessions will be offered each week from September 1 through October 10, 2014; Session I will span from Monday through Wednesday, and Session II from Wednesday through Friday.

More details about Denali Science School can be found at https://go.nps.gov/denaliscienceschool, along with a downloadable registration form.Teachers may submit registration forms from March 1 through April 1 by email, fax, or mail. Final confirmation will be provided to teachers by April 25, 2014.Interested teachers with questions about the program should contact Rachel Jencks, Denali Education Specialist, at e-mail us, or 907-683-6430.