Middle school students connect with Yellowstone National Park remotely to learn about Yellowstone’s geology, wildlife and history, and what it’s like to be a park ranger. NPS PHOTO
EBS STAFF
While the best way to learn about and appreciate Yellowstone is to visit the park in person, this isn’t always an option for everyone. Luckily—thanks to technology—Yellowstone still has so much to offer those who want to explore its fascinating geology, wildlife and history. Since 2011, Yellowstone National Park has offered the opportunity for classrooms to have a park ranger visit them—virtually—and it has been a huge hit.
Classrooms can Skype with a Yellowstone National Park ranger to learn about geological features including geysers, hot springs and volcanoes; facets of park ecology like wildfire; wildlife such as bears, bison, elk and wolves; the cultural history of Native Americans; and Yellowstone’s rich history as the world’s first national park.
Students can also interview a ranger about their job, or even participate in a “guess that park” mystery Skype. The subject matter and format can be adapted to a wide range of ages. Many teachers host the session in conjunction with the Yellowstone National Park Service “Expedition Yellowstone” curriculum, or integrate it into Yellowstone-related lessons in their own curriculum.
A YouTube clip of a Skype session between a ranger and a classroom shows the ranger filming a group of bison grazing in a snowy field. The classroom, viewing the encounter remotely, responds with a collective “whoa.” One kid says,“Go touch one!”
Another student responds, “No, you can’t touch them!”
The ranger explains visitors have to stay 25 yards or more from bison in the park. She goes on to share facts about the animals, such as their weight (up to 2,000 pounds) and how they sometimes sidle up to geothermal features in the winter to stay warm.
Together, the ranger and students watch as the herd ambles near a sidewalk through a snow-covered playground at the Mammoth Hot Springs community center. “I think one’s trying to get on a swing,” the ranger says, prompting a round of giggles from the kids.
The Skype with a Ranger program has been growing each year to meet demand from teachers who want to share the wonders of Yellowstone with their students, and help foster park preservation and stewardship. Since October of 2015, 17,300 students in 44 states and 17 countries have participated in the program.
Yellowstone Forever is the official education and fundraising partner of Yellowstone National Park, and is a proud supporter of the Skype with a Yellowstone Ranger program. To learn more about the organization, visit Yellowstone.org.
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
July 29 (Monday) 6:00 pm - October 7 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description
Event Details
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description information. Please wear layers, bring water and snacks. Bear spray recommended.
Time
August 5 (Monday) 9:00 am - October 7 (Monday) 12:00 pm
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
August 5 (Monday) 6:00 pm - October 14 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be
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Event Details
Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be taught by a variety of teachers from Santosha and BASE. This summer all proceeds will go to Big Sky Band-Aid, aside from the first one on the 26th that is happening during Pride week- all funds donated for that class will go to Big Sky OUT. A delicious lunch will also be served by Gourmet Gals following our practice each Wednesday (included in donation). You are welcome to donate with cash at the event or you can Venmo @Santoshabigsky and make a note for Community Yoga. Hope to see you in the Park!
Time
August 7 (Wednesday) 12:00 pm - October 7 (Monday) 1:00 pm