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Open to all current PK-12 Educators and National Park Rangers/Staff!
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CLOSED for 2022. Follow us at #STEAMinthePARK for our Adventures. Applications for 2023 open on January 5th for NEW campers. 

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Our mission is to encourage educators to engage students in thoughtful, real-world problems that challenge our world today using the National Parks and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as inspiration. 

​We are bringing educators from around the country together to connect, collaborate, and create content. These four or five-day events will happen each summer at different National Park Sites.  In 2022, we are hosting 8 events. 

Niobrara National Scenic River May 28-June 1
Bryce Canyon National Park June 5-9
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve June 18-22
National Mall and Memorials Park June 25-29
Acadia National Park July 17-20
Mammoth Cave National Park July 24-27
Crater Lake August 7-10
Great Smoky Mountains August 15-19
 

Each camp includes a look at a Global Goal Challenge that the park faces. Educators (PK-12) will connect, collaborate and create content to share with their students, school, and community. We are looking for educators who are eager to make a difference in the world through outdoor education. We know that outdoor experiences help students increase their understanding of natural and human communities which leads to a sense of place. Students can develop stronger environmental attitudes and have a deeper understanding of civic issues. We want to provide outdoor learning experiences to support educators so they can raise the next generation of responsible citizens who care about each other and the Earth. With STEAM in the PARK, we know that learning outside the classroom can help teachers create enthusiasm for learning, provide a real-world context and expose students to a range of STEM careers. Our goal is to integrate outdoor learning via the National Parks with Real World Problems utilizing tools such as the UN Global Goals.

​Opportunities to Give!

Does the session relate to the nature and needs of GT, the assessment of GT or the curriculum of GT?

• Our inquiry-based learning at each STEAM in the PARK event is based on the idea that children are curious and tend to ask complex questions; like to know "why?" and "how?" things happen.

Is the presenter experienced in the GT area?

• Dacia, also known as Dr. Drizzle, is an internationally recognized educator who travels the country inspiring teachers and administrators alike to integrate STEM into everyday instruction. A regular presenter at marquee education events such as NSTA, ISTE, and SXSW EDU, Dacia has been empowering educators to engage students through STEM for more than 20 years. She is known world-wide for her innovative approach to learning and is passionate about building relationships, building the culture of STEM, and building capacity. She also frequently speaks as an expert in the areas of outdoor education, project-based learning, differentiation in the classroom, and UN Global Goals implementation.

Is the training supported by research in GT?

• We know that outdoor experiences help students increase their understanding of natural and human communities which leads to a sense of place. Students can develop stronger environmental attitudes and have a deeper understanding of civic issues. We provide outdoor learning experiences to support educators so they can raise the next generation of responsible citizens who care about each other and the Earth. With STEAM in the PARK, we know that learning outside the classroom can help teachers create enthusiasm for learning, provide a real-world context and expose students to a range of STEM careers. Our goal is to integrate outdoor learning via the National Parks with Real World Problems utilizing tools such as the UN Global Goals.
  
• Environmental studies provide the perfect opportunity for gifted children of any age to build critical and creative-thinking skills while also building skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) areas. While exploring issues related to sustainability and environmental concerns, gifted learners are able to identify problems, develop research questions, gather and analyze data, develop possible solutions, and share this information with others. The opportunities provided for educators at STEAM in the PARK will allow students to solve real world problems that the parks face and apply them to their own communities.

Will the instructional strategies presented in the training help teachers differentiate curriculum for gifted?

• STEAM in the PARK instruction is concept focused and principle driven. Curriculum and strategies created during the event will give students the opportunity to explore and apply the key concepts of the subject being studied. This will allow struggling learners to grasp and use powerful ideas while encouraging advanced learners to expand their understanding and application of the key concepts and principles. (i.e. water filtration systems, invasive species, climate action, responsible production and consumption, life below water, and quality education)
  
• We know that students are active explorers. Our work at STEAM in the PARK will provide opportunities for students to grow in their independence of thought, planning, and evaluation.

Make An Impact Here!

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Opportunities to Go!

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2022 STEAM in the PARK Sites!

Meet the 2021 STEAM in the PARK Ambassadors

Just a snapshot of our time together!