The Park is a playground and a classroom for young visitors and students. Credit: Michael Okimoto.
We understand that students are the next generation of Great Basin National Park stewards. Reaching thousands of students each year, we work to inspire, educate, and connect students to Great Basin National Park through place-based, Next Generation Science Standard-driven educational programs.
Because of the small size of Great Basin National Park’s full-time staff, the Foundation leads all school education programs about the Park.
Are you a teacher looking for lesson plans, field trips, or classroom visits? We'd love to serve you!
Virtual Programs
We lead virtual programs that teach about ecology, geology, and biology through exploring Great Basin National Park's caves, dark skies, and other topics. Students near and far are able to deepen science core learning, while sparking their curiosity about national parks. Teachers can easily sign up for virtual programs at the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration. All programs are free and can be adjusted to fit your classroom's needs.
We are a CILC Pinnacle Award Winner for Program Excellence!
Astronomy Education
One of Great Basin National Park's most precious resources are its pristine night skies. Astronomy education provides an avenue for students to learn critical math and science concepts while considering their place in the universe. Great Basin National Park holds the only research-grade observatory, and we partner with universities to do both research and education.
For middle and high school students we offer virtual learning opportunities that combine Great Basin National Park, dark skies, and key physics concepts. To learn more please reach out to us at education@greatbasinfoundation.org
Field Trip Programs
If your school is driving distance to the Park, we offer a three-touch model to connect students to the ecology, geology, and natural history of the vast and biologically diverse Great Basin. We do a pre-program classroom visit (either in person or virtual), followed by a Park field trip, follwed by a post-program classroom visit (either in person or virtual). This allows students to get the most out of our time together - build familiarity and comfort with our educators and deepen their connection to Great Basin National Park.
We generally work with 3rd-6th graders but can accommodate other ages. 4th grade students will receive an Every Kid in a Park pass, so that they can continue exploring national parks with their family for free throughout the year.
Lion Lessons
Would you like to engage your middle school students in learning about wildlife biology, ecology, large predator management, and Great Basin National Park research? This six part program blends in-person or virtual lessons taught by our educators with activities led by classroom teachers using curriculum we supply and supports 6th-8th grade science learning. To learn more please reach out to us at education@greatbasinfoundation.org
What teachers are saying:
"I would absolutely recommend this program to others. It was an outstanding experience that kept students fully engaged, with every question answered clearly and thoughtfully. The presenters sparked genuine curiosity about nocturnal animals, dark-sky conservation, and the unique ecosystems of Great Basin National Park. The content tied directly into our science curriculum, supporting units on ecosystems, animal adaptations, and human impact on the environment, as well as Earth and Space Science concepts related to natural light, night skies, and the effects of light pollution. It also strengthened inquiry skills and environmental stewardship by encouraging students to think critically about how protecting dark skies benefits both wildlife and people. It was meaningful, memorable, and highly relevant to what we teach."
"This was so interesting! Our kids were still talking about it a week later. It definitely opened their eyes to a whole new world!"
"Learning was genuinely lifted for everyone who joined this program. Students were completely drawn in, and their curiosity kept growing as the session went on. One teacher shared that “every student’s question was answered clearly and respectfully, and the Q&A alone lit a fire of curiosity in my class,” and that really captured the feel of the whole experience. Kids were fascinated by nocturnal animals—bats, owls, kangaroo rats, coyotes—and how each depends on natural darkness. Another teacher said the program “made ‘night’ feel alive” and that students “left eager to research Great Basin’s wildlife—and excited to go outside at night to listen and observe.” Beyond just excitement, students made strong academic connections. They began to understand why dark skies matter, how light pollution affects ecosystems, and what simple changes people can make to help. The whole experience encouraged them to think more deeply, ask better questions, and see themselves as young environmental stewards. It wasn’t just a virtual field trip—it truly shifted the way they learned and engaged with the world."
"My students loved learning about mountain lions because we have them in this area and they are so cool. This made the learning worthwhile and authentic. I think they also enjoyed having someone else come and share something new! My students definitely gained a new appreciation for apex predators. They also understood top down and bottom up ecosystems in a much more thorough way!"
"Access to this program gave many of my students a once in a lifetime experience. They were able to connect to nature on a new level. It is important for students to understand and appreciate nature, and without this program, they would not have an opportunity to do so."