Joshua Tree National Park provides the perfect outdoor setting to enhance classroom-based learning. You can visit on your own or have a ranger join you for an outdoor education program. All ranger-led education programs are curriculum-based (California State Education Standards, NGSS) and free of charge. Ranger-led Field Trips Submit the Field Trip Reservation Request Form via email to jotr_education@nps.gov. Things to keep in mind while filling out this form:
Field Trip Reservation Request Form You may also choose to submit a Transportation Funding Request Form. Preschool and KindergartenWho Lives in a National Park Early ElementaryJunior GeoKids Upper ElementaryGeoKids Middle and High SchoolTune in to TrackingStudents will be provided the opportunity to learn how the threatened desert tortoise thrives and how park scientists keep track of the population. Students will track and take measurements of “tortoises” in the wild (no live animals will be used.) Location: Cap Rock Nature Trail, Black Rock Nature Center, or Cottonwood Campground Issues in Park Management Surrounded by millions of people in a highly populated part of the country, the park faces many issues when trying to fulfill its mission to preserve and protect natural and cultural resources for all in perpetuity. Students will be guided through areas experiencing the effects of change and explore reasons why they think these issues exist and how the park should react. Teachers can select topics from the following list of current issues: graffiti, climate change, impacts of increased visitation, or the teacher can work with staff on current issues pertinent to the classroom. Location: throughout the park. Education staff will assist to find an appropriate location. Discovering the Ancients Students will visit scientific plots selected for long-term data collection where they will ID and age certain plant species in Joshua Tree. Data collected will be entered into a database available to park scientists. It is strongly recommended that the Guest Speaker pre-visit program, Discovering the Ancients, also be scheduled to prepare students for the field trip. Locations- Throughout the park. Education staff will assist with best locations.
Self-guided Field Trips
Academic fee waivers are available for groups that choose to take a self-guided trip to Joshua Tree National Park.
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Last updated: September 16, 2021