Virtual Learning

Rangers show off a skull in a virtual program.

NPS Photo

Learn from Around the World!

Sequoia and Kings Canyon’s Rangers can come to your classroom virtually! Teachers from across the world can sign up for a free, curriculum-based virtual program for students. Programs engage students in a one-hour virtual program on a variety of park topics. All programs are free and designed with Common Core and Next Generation Science teaching standards.

Details

• Distance education programs are primarily available in November and December.
• Programs are up to 1 hour in length.
• Videoconferencing format for programs include Zoom, Google Classroom through Hangouts, Microsoft Teams or any other web-based service you use for class.
• To request a program, please decide on a program topic below, then fill out the form at the bottom of this page (ONLY AVAILABLE WHEN PROGRAMS ARE BEING OFFERED -- typically in the fall).

 

Available Programs

The open requests period for programs usually begins in the early fall of each year. Check back here in the fall.

Note: The program offerings below were new or revised for the 2024-2025 school year.

The following programs have suggested grade levels to meet the Next Generation Science Standards for California Public Schools. These standards may vary in your state.

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• Read with a Ranger
  • Invite a local National Park Ranger to read a storybook to your class. Afterwards, connect with the text through a ranger-led activity. Programs are approximately 30 minutes in length. Suggested Grade: Transitional Kindergarten to Kindergarten.
• Bear Essentials
  • Introduces students to the American Black Bear including habitat, diet, lifecycle and how human activity can have a negative impact on a bear’s natural behavior. The program includes a Ranger Introduction, the reading of the book We Are Bears, a song activity, and a discussion about bears. Suggested Grade: 2nd Grade.
• A Giant's Life – Sequoia Tree Life Cycles
  • Introduces students to the giant sequoias found at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Includes an introduction to the NPS, reading and song activities, and discussion on size and adaptations of giant sequoias. Suggested Grade: 2nd Grade.
• Life in the Zone – Ecosystems & Elevation
  • This program introduces students to the concept of life zones within the Sierra Nevada through a virtual trip up into the mountains. Students explore how climate (temperature and precipitation) shapes a landscape and discover how plants and animals adapt to survive in each life zone. This lesson culminates in a hands-on group game. Suggested Grade: 4th Grade.
• Meet Our National Parks
  • Introduces students to a uniquely American invention, namely, the national park. It explores what national parks protect by examining the elements found on the National Park Service (NPS) arrowhead emblem. Suggested Grade: 4th Grade.

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