Distance Learning

A smiling ranger wearing a black bear hat and paw-shaped mitten waves, next to a picture of a black bear waving.

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Distance learning programs are interactive webcam-based programs where students connect directly with a ranger. We use props, videos, pictures, and PowerPoint presentations to engage students during the program.

Scheduling a Distance Learning Program

You must schedule your program at least two weeks in advance. Our calendar fills up fast, so please plan ahead.

To schedule a distance learning program, please fill out the Distance Learning Request Form at the bottom of this page.

After providing the requested information, a ranger will work with you to schedule your program and a brief test call of the webcam connection. Programs are roughly 45 minutes in length, but we like to have a flexible ending time so we can answer student questions. Most programs have interactive elements where the students will complete an individual or small group activity. Prior to the program, the ranger will let you know what supplies you'll need (blank paper and markers or a printed PDF of a worksheet etc., for example).

Distance Learning Program Offerings

Below is a list of distance learning programs offered by Sleeping Bear Dunes. Don't see a program that meets your needs? Just ask! Specialized programs are available on a case-by-case basis.

You can also learn more about our other education programs, including field trips and in-classroom visits.

 
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    Distance Learning Request Form

    NPS Form 10-1750 (Rev. 04/2021)
    National Park Service

    OMB Control No. 1024-0228
    Expiration Date 11/31/2025

    Discussion Points for Virtual / Distance Learning Program

    Virtual and/or Distance Learning can vary depending on the technical capabilities of the park and the school. in order to find appropriate accommodations for your learning experience, here are some categories to be prepared to discuss with the park:

    1. Internet Access
    2. Phone Access (speaker phone or conference line)
    3. Mobile or digital video conferencing capabilities
    4. Firewall
    5. Hardware and Software Capabilities
    6. Classroom pre-work or assignments

    Disclaimer:

    A park representative will follow-up to confirm group details once this request has been received and reviewed.


    NPS Form 10-1750 (Rev. 04/2021)
    National Park Service

    OMB Control No. 1024-0228
    Expiration Date 11/31/2025

    Notices

    Privacy Act Statement

    Authority: Public Law 114-289 National Park Service Centennial Act and 54 U.S.C. 100701 Protection, interpretation, and research in System.

    Purpose: To administer education programs for education audiences including but not limited to school groups, scouting groups, extracurricular groups, and home school groups.

    Routine Uses: To effectively manage requests for education received by the NPS, the Education Reservation Request Form is used to collect basic education reservation information to facilitate operational aspects of scheduling groups for park education programs, including in-park education programs, ranger in classroom programs, and/or online distance learning programs.

    Disclosure: Voluntary, however, failure to provide the requested information may impede the ability to grant your education reservation request.

    Paperwork Reduction Act Statement

    We are collecting this information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501) to provide park managers and educators the information needed to schedule and conduct education program activities. All applicable parts of the form must be completed in order for your request to be considered. You are not required to respond to this or any other Federal agency-sponsored information collection unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. OMB has approved this collection of information and assigned control number 1024-0288.

    Estimated Burden Statement

    Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to average 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, National Park Service, 1201 Oakridge Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80525. Do not send your completed form to this address.

    Last updated: November 4, 2024

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    Contact Info

    Mailing Address:

    9922 Front Street
    Empire, MI 49630

    Phone:

    231 326-4700

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