[energetic music]
[calm instrumental music]
Shenandoah National Park is an amazing place to visit with a diversity of
natural areas to explore. Imagine being able to bring your class here to learn
firsthand about science concepts. The park is an ideal outdoor classroom with
its wildlife rich forests, rocky peaks, and cool mountain streams.
Through hands-on experiences and exploration, students will discover the wonders of
the natural world while applying what they have already learned in the classroom.
Imagine a kindergartner drawing a map of the sounds heard around
him in the forest, or a second grader quietly watching a deer to determine for
herself how it survives in the meadow. Picture sixth grade students collecting
and identifying macro invertebrates as a way to determine stream health,
or high school students analyzing soil samples to understand weathering and erosion on mountain slopes.
Of course being outdoors for the day is different from being in a
classroom, so to aid in planning a visit the park offers workshops to orient
teachers to the park and share tips for a successful school trip.
During this fun day workshop participants learn about and practice outdoor teaching techniques
that utilize sensory awareness, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Park Rangers then lead field activities for teachers to explore some of the same
sites that their students might visit.
After attending a workshop what's the next step?
For kindergarten through sixth grade classes, call the education office to schedule your field trip.
Reservations are accepted for the upcoming school year beginning in August.
School groups are also welcome to use the park to meet their own educational goals.
These field sessions are self-guided. Instructions for obtaining a fee waiver for these
visits can be found on the Park's website.
Arrange for chaperones. We recommend one for every ten students.
Chaperones are a great help with small group explorations in the field.
Prepare for the outdoors. Remind students and chaperones to dress for the weather.
Temperatures on the mountain average ten degrees cooler than your school location,
plus it may be rainy, foggy, windy, or even snowing!
Wear long pants, even in warm weather, for protection, sturdy shoes, and dress in layers.
A hat will protect you from the sun and insects. Bring rain gear, just in case.
Large trash bags with head and arm holes cut into them make great ponchos.
Share Leave No Trace principles with your class. Leave No Trace is a set of
principles that aim to reduce human impact within our ecosystem.
Seeing wildlife during your visit can be a memorable experience, but remember to
observe quietly from a safe distance. All animals and plants are protected in the
park so please do not attempt to feed or harm the animals.
Leave everything as you find it so others may enjoy them.
For more information about Leave No Trace, please visit www.lnt.org
Your field trip usually begins at one of the park's public areas for a brief snack and restroom stop.
Then it's off to the trail or meadow.
Field explorations last one and a half to two and a half hours
depending on the program and your time constraints.
After your time in the field you're welcome to lunch in one of the park's nearby picnic areas.
For more information, or to schedule a trip,
contact the education office at
(540) 999-3500 extension 3489
or visit our website at nps.gov/shen
Shenandoah National Park will be a memorable and fun learning experience
for you and your students. We look forward to working with you to plan your visit.