Category: Outdoor Learning

‘Bats of Alaska! Yakutat’s Summer Explorers Camp’ by ACSA Staff

ouralaskanschools on

The land of the midnight sun and the study of nocturnal animals, such as bats, isn’t what you would expect at your typical summer camp—however, this unique combination made for a memorable experience for students and members of the Yakutat community.  

For the past 12 years, Sarah Israelson, the middle school teacher for Yakutat School District, has led the district’s Summer Explorers Camp for students in grades 3-8. The two-week camp focuses on STEM projects and has a theme around local wildlife or nature. This year, Israelson and her team chose bats.   Continue reading ‘Bats of Alaska! Yakutat’s Summer Explorers Camp’ by ACSA Staff

‘One Health: Onward & Upward’ by Amanda Montavon

ouralaskanschools on


Everyone deserves to live the healthiest life possible, but health and well-being depend on many factors. Our individual health is impacted by the health of our community, the health of animals and the health of the environment. This holistic approach of recognizing the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health is a collaborative and transdisciplinary approach to wellbeing known as One Health. Continue reading ‘One Health: Onward & Upward’ by Amanda Montavon

‘AK Students’ Passion for Trees Contributes to Rainforest Reforestation’ by ACSA Staff

ouralaskanschools on

named

On a fall ride to school in 2022, a 4th grade student from Fronteras Charter School named Solei noticed that many trees were being cut down to make way for new housing. It bothered her, and after lots of discussion about it with her family, she decided to ask her principal if she could raise awareness about deforestation and also raise money to help with planting new trees. Continue reading ‘AK Students’ Passion for Trees Contributes to Rainforest Reforestation’ by ACSA Staff

‘Kuspuk Remote Culture Camp’ by the Kuspuk School District Staff

ouralaskanschools on

Blending cultural studies, education curriculum, and summer camp may seem difficult. However, the team at Kuspuk School District has found a way to do all three and continue to grow their Remote Culture Camp which began in 2021.

Continue reading ‘Kuspuk Remote Culture Camp’ by the Kuspuk School District Staff

‘Alaska Alexander Archipelago Tongass to Tidal Science Academy, Port Alexander, AK’ by Julia Trischman

ouralaskanschools on

Have you ever heard of AAATTSA? Alaska Alexander Archipelago Tongass to Tidal Science Academy is a magnet program in the Port Alexander School within the Southeast Island School District. Six high school students from all over the nation flew to Sitka, Alaska, then took an adventurous float plane ride to remote Port Alexander to find themselves fully embracing nature in an off-grid community. 

While living in Port Alexander and attending the Port Alexander School, students were also enrolled in a rigorous 9-week Environmental and Ecological elective course. This course allowed students to dive deeper into the understanding of the Tongass and marine ecology through weekly units and weekly field studies.  Continue reading ‘Alaska Alexander Archipelago Tongass to Tidal Science Academy, Port Alexander, AK’ by Julia Trischman

‘Outdoor Learning in KIBSD’ by Anthony White

ouralaskanschools on

It’s Saturday, weather is turning out fairly decent, for Kodiak at least. You ask your kids, “Want to go for a hike?” They reply with a resounding yes. You all get dressed for the weather, put on your sturdy hiking shoes, grab your pack, some water, a few snacks and you head out the door.

Continue reading ‘Outdoor Learning in KIBSD’ by Anthony White