NPS Photo by Kathy Zelenka

Children run down a big dune on a school field trip

Discovering the Park with Children

The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity.

Albert Einstein

The resources of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve can help bring classroom studies alive.

We offer:

• Ranger-led education programs both at the park and in local classrooms
• Out of the Blue, an on-line curriculum resource for K-12th grade teachers and students
• Field trip guidelines for chaperones and teachers
• Logistical help for planning a trip
• Hands-on, interactive exhibits and a new 20-minute film at the Visitor Center 

You may request a ranger-led education program by calling our Education Specialist at (719) 378-6344 or send an email. We are also happy to discuss ideas for how to incorporate Great Sand Dunes' resources into your own lesson planning.

Groups with an accredited school that are visiting the park for primarily educational purposes may also apply for an entrance fee waiver. Download and fill out the Entrance Fee Waiver Form (.doc Word file, 50KB). Form must be received at least two weeks prior to your visit. Complete the form and email to the address on the form, fax to 719-378-6310, or mail to: Fee Supervisor, Great Sand Dunes NPP, 11500 Hwy. 150, Mosca, CO 81146.

Questions about fee waivers may be directed to: Fee Supervisor, (719) 378-6352, or send an email. 

Ranger-led Education Programs

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve offers age appropriate, curriculum-based education programs for K-12 students. Subject areas include geology, animals and ecosystems, plants, cultural history, and wilderness and Leave No Trace skills.

Hands-on, place-based education will increase students' understanding of how their lives are connected with the natural world and provide an excellent outlet for creativity, exploration, and student-driven inquiry.

Programs at the park generally last 1-2 hours, depending on the time of year, staff availability, and teachers' schedules.787If your students produce exceptional writing or artwork following your visit, ask the Education Specialist about opportunities to have their work posted on the National Park Service LEARN web site or the Hands on the Land network.

Classroom programs are available September through early April for San Luis Valley schools.

Out of the Blue

Curriculum resources for K-12 classrooms, including lesson plans for elementary teachers, five research-based on-line activities for middle school students, and a "Town Hall Meeting" activity about water issues for high school students.

Many of these activities and lesson plans are suitable for the classroom, others are designed to be done while visiting the park. Activities from this section may also be useful as pre-trip materials or post-visit extensions of your Dunes unit.

Additional NPS On-line Activities

NPS WebRangers is an on-line opportunity for children six and up to become a Junior Ranger even if they are not able to visit a National Park Service area.

*Colorado Content Standards