Classroom at Crater Lake

The Trust developed the Classroom at Crater Lake program to draw upon the Park's potential as a "classroom without walls" to increase the scientific knowledge of teachers and students alike.

The Classroom program provides two days of training for 4^th and 5^th grade teachers. Those teachers use the curriculum provided to help teach state-required science content, and bring their students to the Park for two visits. In Fall, Park staff educate the students about geology; in Spring, students don snowshoes to discuss Park wildlife.

Outside evaluations completed each year have shown over 80% of teachers increase their science knowledge, and 100% of the student work submitted has demonstrated an increase in science knowledge as well.

All program costs are paid by for by private donations to the Trust. Program partners include the Southern Oregon Educational Service District; Crater Lake National Park; and the Science and Learning Center.

Classroom 2008/2009 Update

Classroom at Crater Lake continues to be a highly effective and growing experiential education program. We met and surpassed our goals for serving students in the current year, and provided a teacher training workshop as planned (albeit a smaller one) despite difficulties raising the original project budget. We also continue to refine and add to the program. Furthermore, as a supplemental activity and a chance for students to “show off” their learning to their families, we have developed “Family Days” at the park with a range of special activities and free park admission. The first Family Day in Fall 2008 included Klamath dancers and free root beer floats; the Spring 2009 event featured igloo building and Dagoba hot chocolate. Specific measurable outcomes of this project between July 2008 and June 2009 included:

• Providing 5,260 student visits to approximately 4,000 unique 4th and 5th grade students, with 60% of these students coming from lower income Title I schools.
• Training 14 teachers from 7 districts and three different Oregon counties
• Demonstrating an increase in scientific knowledge among at least 80% of students
• All trained elementary teachers (100%) reported increased confidence in teaching science and in taking students to the park

For just $40, you can make this program possible for a student in need; for $1,000 you can sponsor an entire classroom!

Please make a gift.

For more information, or to apply for training, contact Linda Hilligoss.

Special thanks to Bank of America for all there support of the Classroom at Crater Lake.