For Teachers

A group of youth enjoy recreating and learning about their parklands.

NPS Photo / D. Sharp

Welcome Educators!

Whether you’re looking to plan a field trip, request a classroom visit, or find some curriculum ideas; this page is for you!

Field Trips:

Need a break from the classroom? Bring your students to the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center! Play a game, make a craft, explore the museum, and learn about local wildlife and culture.

Distance Learning:

Visiting the parklands with your class may be a challenge, but now it's easier to bring the park to your classroom! Join a ranger for a live distance learning program to experience the unique landscapes, history, and wildlife that bring Noatak National Preserve to life!

 

Students explore the museum at the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center.

NPS Photo / D. Sharp

Distance Learning Programs Offered:

• Visiting the Western Arctic (K – 3rd): Take a tour through the landscapes of Western Arctic National Parklands (Noatak National Preserve, Kobuk Valley National Park, and Cape Krusenstern National Monument). Glimpse the region's unique flora and fauna, and learn about the impressive Kobuk sand dunes; the largest active dune system in the arctic!
• Arctic Animal Adaptations (4 – 6th): Learn what it takes for wildlife to survive harsh winters above the arctic circle.
• The Science of Winter (7 – 12th): Explore how snow and ice have shaped the life and landscapes of northwest Alaska, and how a warming arctic is altering these existing systems.

Contact the education specialist here to reserve your distance learning program.

 

A ranger reads a story to a group of students.

NPS Photo / C. Nelson

Classroom Visits:

Looking for a classroom visit? A ranger can visit your classroom to lead students through interactive curriculum-based activities.

Not in Kotzebue? No problem. We can arrange village visits at no cost to the school for public schools in the Northwest Arctic Borough School District.

Sample Programs:

• Owl Moon Ranger Read Along (K – 2nd): We’ll read the story Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, play a game and make a craft to learn more about owls.

• Arctic Animal Adaptations (3 – 6th): Students will explore several species that migrate, hibernate, or remain active during the arctic winters, and learn about different arctic adaptations.

• Compass and Map Reading (6 – 9th): Students will learn to use a compass and read a topographic map.

• Safety and Survival (6 – 12th): We’ll go through different scenarios to identify important steps and gear to bring along and remain stay safe during different survival situations.

• Marine Mammals (6 – 12th): The arctic is home to some incredible marine mammals. Discover how these animals thrive in the icy seas, their importance to local Iñupiaq peoples, and how contemporary challenges threaten their existence.

* Interested in a different program, topic, or want to schedule a program? Contact our education specialist here to learn more.