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Alaska Adventure 2009. Learning and Adventure in America’s Last Great Frontier. Adventures to Planet Earth Alaska Adventure 2009 Overview. 8 day program Hotel and cabin accommodations Large deluxe motorcoach Finest field guides
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AlaskaAdventure 2009 • Learning and Adventure in America’s Last Great Frontier
Adventures to Planet EarthAlaska Adventure 2009 Overview • 8 day program • Hotel and cabin accommodations • Large deluxe motorcoach • Finest field guides • From ocean, to glaciers, to tundra of Denali, to culture of native Alaskans
Alaska Adventure Itinerary • Our route takes us north from Anchorage, to Denali National Park, and south to Seward and the Kenai Peninsula
Brief Highlights of Program • Kenai Fjords National Park-tidewater glaciers • Cruise to see glaciers “calving” into the sea • Lunch at Fox Island • Whales and dolphins in Gulf of Alaska • Touch a moving glacier • Denali National Park wildlife viewing
Brief Highlights page 2 • Denali tundra wildlife safari-Alaska’s “big five” • Alaska Railroad journey-Denali to Anchorage • Alaskan cultural center-meet native Alaskans
Earth Explore FoundationAdventures to Planet Earth • Sponsoring Teacher-led educational programs since 1995 • Founded by teachers and outdoor educators • Mission is to connect students with Planet Earth • 4 thousand students have participated
Adventures to Planet EarthFun and Learning in Inspiring Places
Just the Facts-Earth Explore • Teacher led • Low adult to student ratio • Credit opportunities • Always hands-on • World’s finest partner universities and outdoor educators • An ideal mix of learning and fun adventure • Preparation Meetings get students ready for the trip
Programs are mission based, emphasizing cross disciplinary study of Planet Earth. Not just a Student “Tour” • Study Planet Earth, its history, natural environments and cultures • Create enduring connections with the natural world • Encourage young people to become involved with Planet Earth and its future
What happens when? • Groups form August through December • All Adventures usually full by January 1st • Teacher conducts preparation sessions in late winter and spring • Usually 4-6 two hour get-togethers • Student receives the Naturalist newsletter quarterly, and program Adventure Guide
What happens when? • Travel Packet arrives in May Detailed day to day itinerary Official program cap, field journal, photo credentials, luggage tag, T-shirt
Earth Explore Online PDFs to download • Program Newsletters • Student Application • Health Form (spring) • Academic Credit Outline • Fundraising Packet
Earth Explore AdventuresStudent application process • Applications accepted until local group is full, then waitlist is begun • If student is not known to teacher, interview is required • Limited number of spaces for each Adventure each season • Student application is mailed, faxed, or submitted online
Student application process - continued • Lead teacher will have materials or they can be requested from the National Office or downloaded online • Friends or siblings can participate, but they must be interviewed if not known to the teacher
Our Alaska Adventure • Begin in Anchorage • City Overview and Orientation • Native Alaska Heritage Center Alaska’s diverse native cultures
Anchorage to Talkeetna • Overnight at frontier outpost of Talkeetna, gateway to Denali and expeditions to the Alaska range • Iditarod headquarters tour
Denali National Park • Tundra Wildlife Viewing • Spotting of Alaska’s “Big Five” animals • Naturalist programs on tundra ecosystem, wildlife and habitats • Viewing of 20,320 foot Mt. McKinley (Denali) • History and Ecology of Region
To Anchorage via Rail • Afternoon/evening transfer via Alaska Railroad with dinner onboard
Anchorage to Seward • Spectacular Chugach National Forest • Historic Seward • Alaska SeaLife Center on Resurrection Bay
Seward to Kenai Fjords Natl Park • Glacier Cruise-naturalist led program on glaciers and Alaska’s ocean environments-viewing of humpback whales, orcas, porpoises
Calving Tidewater Glaciers Aialik Bay, Kenai Fjords National Park
Seward to Anchorage • Hike to Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park to touch ancient glacial ice • Discussion of climate change, global issues