SnowSchool Field Trip- Homeschool Groups
Field Trips • K-12 classes
About
KMTA’s SnowSchool connects students throughout Southcentral Alaska to the wild and wonderful world of snow! Winter in Alaska provides some of the best learning and recreation opportunities of the year and our program encourages meaningful connections and healthy behaviors that last a lifetime. Students strap on snowshoes and set out for a day of scientific exploration and outdoor adventure that emphasizes teachable moments and hands-on exploration of the snowpack and winterized watersheds.
Program Goals
- Provide students with knowledge of basic snow science and hydrology using an experiential, inquiry-based teaching model.
- Expose students to the winter environments and recreation opportunities in the KMTA NHA.
- Provide opportunities to practice their science, social, and outdoor skills.
- Model and cultivate stewardship behaviors and an appreciation for the natural world.
Highlights
SnowSchool highlights from the 2024-25 school year include: - building winter survival quinzees - snow sculptures - belly sliding down the big hill in Turnagain Pass - looking for recent avalanche activity - digging snow pits & looking at snow crystals - building snow tunnels - create miniature watersheds - reading "Hello, Water" on a sunny winter day - playing snowshoe rock, paper, scissors
What's included
Pre & Post Visit (optional): Our education staff will visit your group before and after your field trip as part of our experiential learning cycle model. Alternatively, pre and post visit materials can be provided for families to review with their students independently.
Field Trip: SnowSchool field trips are typically 3 - 4 hours and include a rotation of activities and snow-centric learning topics. Program options are: - Our Forests in Winter - Water, Ice and Snow - Winter Survival (Grades 5 and up) - Avalanche Awareness & Safety (High School only)
Field Trips can take place in a variety of locations throughout the Heritage Area. Start and end times are flexible to accommodate bus availability. Program locations include: - Girdwood (Moose Meadows or Girdwood School trails) - Turnagain Pass (Center Ridge Recreation Area) - Devil's Creek Ski Area - Seward (Bear Lake area or Primrose Campground)
Program gear, materials and instruction: Our experienced, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic staff and volunteers will lead all activities, games and adventures during your SnowSchool program. Snowshoes and all program materials are provided by KMTA. Extra gear (hats, gloves, layers) and boots are available to students who need to supplement their own winter gear.
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