4th graders participate in hands-on learning experience in the Everglades
NPS / Kathryn Curtis
Education Programming for 2023 - 2024
Ranger-led field trips are offered from mid-October through mid-April to students in 4th through 12th grade.
General Information
These programs are best suited for local schools within reasonable driving distance. Program descriptions can be found below.
Registering for Programs: Registration for 2023 - 2024 field trips is not yet open. The form will be available to teachers on Tuesday, August 15th at 8:00 AM EST.
How to register: Registration usually opens mid-August each year. Because programs fill quickly, we suggest teachers request a date as soon as they know their preferred date(s) and program(s).
First time teacher? : First-time teachers to Everglades Education Programs will need to attend an in-park Teacher Workshop. You can sign up for a workshop by selecting the workshop date you will attend while registering for your program.
Transportation: Assistance with bus transportation may be available and can be requested during registration.
Need more information? : Review the information below on each in-person day program offered. For more information, call the Education Office at (305) 242-7753 or email us.
Maximum group size: Depends on platform used. Usually 100 devices.
Teachers & Chaperones: No limit.
Description: Teachers across the world can sign up for a free, curriculum-based virtual program for students. Presentations engage students in a live video and allow participants to interact with a Park Ranger in real time.
Park Ranger and students leaving the Shark Valley observation tower
NPS Photo
In-Person Program Descriptions
In-person programs are available from October through April each school year.
Shark Valley Day Program (4th graders)
Location: Shark Valley (Miami)
Maximum group size: 58 students
Teachers & Chaperones: 1 adult per 10 students (not to exceed 64 total)
Description: Students explore the vast Shark Valley slough on a narrated, open-air tram tour and hike to the observation tower for a bird's eye view. Alligators, wading birds, turtles, and fish are just a few of the residents commonly encountered. Students learn about the Everglades watershed and their own connections to the south Florida ecosystem.
NPS Photo
Royal Palm Day Program (5th & 6th graders)
Location: Royal Palm & Long Pine Key (Both Homestead)
Maximum group size: 59 students (some flexibility for larger groups)
Teachers & Chaperones: 1 adult per 10 students (not to exceed 65 total)
Description: Rangers lead students through four different Everglades habitats, including: the freshwater slough, sawgrass prairie, pine rocklands, and hardwood hammock. Students are often able to observe alligators, wading birds, turtles, and fish and discuss adaptations. Rangers challenge students to think about their own connections to the Everglades ecosystem.
Students reflecting in front of Nike Missile Barn
NPS / Denise Diaz
Nike Missile Program (9th-12th graders)
Location: Meet at Ernest Coe Visitor Center (Homestead)
Maximum group size: 45 Students
Teachers & Chaperones: 1 adult per 10 students
Description: Students become soldiers as they are immersed in history at the HM 69 Nike Missile base. Rangers facilitate activities as students reflect upon living life as a soldier during the Cold War, life as a child affected by Operation Pedro Pan, and about why history is still relevant today.
Program Availability: Programs are offered December through March to 5th and 6th grade students from the surrounding community. (There may be flexibility 7th grade and above, depending on staffing).
Cost: Programs are free. Schools provide transportation and meals.
