For Teachers

Our 2024 education season is open for bookings!

We are offering a 3 different in-class programs for area k-5th graders. Please email deto_interpretation@nps.gov if you have interest. Here are the programs we are offering:

A Day in the Life of a Prairie Dog

Grade: K-2

Program Length: 30-45 mins

Subject: Prairie Dog Communication/Social Life

Lesson Overview

Students will learn about the highly complex social lives of prairie dogs, their place in the ecosystem, and the importance of protecting these animals. Through an activity where students actively create prairie dog calls, students will conceptualize the dynamics between dogs and how they use teamwork to escape danger.

Next Generation Science Standards Addressed: ESS3.ALS1.A, LS1.D, LS2.A, LS4.D, ESS2.E

Vocabulary and Concepts Covered: Survival, Teamwork, Language, Community, Family, Habitat

A Journey Through Time

Grade: 3-5th Grade

Time: 45 minutes

Subject: Geology in tandem with cultural and historical significance

Lesson Overview: Students will become time travelers while learning the three types of rock, the rock cycle, how Devils Tower was formed, including geologic theories, and the erosion process. Tied together with the Native American Stories of Creation.

Next Generation Science Standards Addressed: NGSS: 4 -ESS1-1, 4-ESS2-1, 4-ESS2-2, 4-ESS3-2

Vocabulary and Concepts: Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic, Rock Cycle, Erosion, Columnar Jointing, Native American terminology

Exploring Food Webs

Grade: 3-5th Grade

Program Length: About 45 minutes

Subject: Life Sciences

Lesson Overview: Students will be learning about relationships within ecosystems and how changes within an ecosystem can affect other animals and plant life. A Food Web model will allow them to see the importance of each species and the role they play.

Next Generation Science Standards Addressed: 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 3-LS2-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-PS3-1, 5-LS1-1, 5-LS2-1

Vocabulary and Concepts Covered: Food Web, Herbivore, Carnivore, Omnivore


Planning a trip to Devils Tower National Monument for academic or scientific reasons?

You may be eligible for a fee waiver.


We can typically provide students with a specially scheduled curriculum-based educational program during the spring and fall while visiting here (staffing dependent).

Most winters, our staff travels to area schools and facilitates in-class educational programs.

To find out more details about current "In Park" and/or "In Classroom" education programs facilitated by National Park Service Staff, shoot us an email or give a quick call:
deto_interpretation@nps.gov
307-467-5283x635

If it does not work for a National Park Service-facilitated education program while on your field trip, you can always just go for a self-guided experience with your students.


Please note: Only bona fide educational or scientific institutions are eligible for a fee waiver. You must submit documentation as proof of your institution’s status.

Your application must include the following:
Number of Chaperons Permitted by Fee Waiver:
• Per 20 college students - 1 chaperon (maximum)
• Per 10 high school students - 1 chaperon (maximum)
• Per 5 elementary/middle school students - 1 chaperon (maximum)

Fee Waiver Limitations:
• Fee waivers will not be given at the park entrance
• Refunds will not be granted
• Fee waivers ONLY apply to entrance fees, not camping or any other fee
• Service, civic, fraternal, or similar organizations (e.g., scouts, rotary, elks, religious) do not qualify for academic fee waivers unless the above criteria are met

Complete and submit the below form 2 weeks before the requested date. Send it to deto_interpretation@nps.gov, and if you completed section 5 (fee wavier), include deto_fee_office@nps.gov

Click Here and Download the Education Reservation Request Form.

Field Trip Info

Currently, school field trips to Devils Tower typically consist of a Ranger Program at our Pavilion near the start of the tower trail and a self-guided hike around the Tower Trail.

The Ranger program consists of a 20-30 min presentation by a National Park Service Ranger, after which many teachers take their students on a self-guided walk around Devils Tower on the 1.3-mile Tower Trail Loop. Some choose to do part of this trail due to time constraints. For larger groups (+35), many decide to stagger their students by half going on the tower trail right away and the other half stopping for a Ranger program at the Pavilion. Then once the program concludes, this group departs for the Tower Trail directly. Once the first group finishes the tower trail loop, the Park Ranger can facilitate another program for the students that first went on the hike (while the other finishes up the tower trail hike).

We also have a picnic area where your group can have lunch and/or use the space for other instructor-led activities. Our trail through prairie dog town is nearby, which many students enjoy. Please keep your distance from the prairie dogs and ensure your instructors/chaperones are present throughout.

Basic Park Map
Picnic Area at Devils Tower National Monument
Hiking Trail Information

We invite you to book a class field trip!

To have a ranger-guided activity:

Please Email: deto_interpretation@nps.gov with "Field Trip" in the title. We will reply with more scheduling information.

Last updated: February 24, 2024

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 10
Devils Tower, WY 82714

Phone:

307 467-5283 x635
Devils Tower National Monument Information Line

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