School & Group Field Science at Yosemite

Here are resources to help plan your trip:  

Logistics & Forms

Logistical Checklist:  this checklist helps you plan and organize your program with us from the first step to arrival day.

Participant Registration Form (Spanish): all students and adults must complete and sign this form to participate in our programs.

Pre-trip Questionnaire:  the necessary paperwork that helps us prepare for your visit.

Volunteer Services Agreement a National Park Service form that allows us to work on stewardship projects in the park, an essential part of our program.

Trail Group List:  tool to help you break out your group into hiking instruction groups and communicate health or dietary concerns.

Boystown Rooming Assignments:  groups staying in Boystown must complete this form.

Student Store Order Form: See our line of T-shirts and other fun stuff for sale in our Student Store and pre-order items for your class.

Have questions about any of these forms?  Contact Kesia Lopez at 209-379-9511 ext 25.

Plan your educational experience

In Yosemite National Park, we have seven areas of study to choose or mix and match:

• Climate Change: Climate change is a critical issue in our world, especially in our national parks. Study about topics such as climate and weather patterns, the greenhouse gas effect, the carbon cycle, and possible consequences of global climate change. Students will learn what climate change is, how it may affect Yosemite, and how actions at home and globally can impact our natural world.
• Ecology: Explore the connections between Yosemite’s diverse environments and the plants and animals that live there. Delve into Yosemite’s ecosystems by studying how plants and animals adapt to their surroundings through observation and identification. Learn how living things and their surroundings are interconnected.
• Geology: Students will be inspired by Yosemite’s rocks to learn about the ancient and ongoing processes that shape and change the earth. Take a closer look at granite to see its minerals, learn about about the rock cycle, discover the powers of plate tectonics, or grasp the mighty forces of erosion while learning about the formation of the magnificent Yosemite Valley.
• Human History of Yosemite: Explore Yosemite’s rich cultural history by learning about the American Indians of this region, pioneer history, and how Yosemite played a pivotal role in the establishment of the National Park System. Students may visit the Indian Museum and visit with an Indian Cultural Demonstrator or focus on how the actions of individuals resulted in the creation of Yosemite National Park.
• Watersheds: Yosemite’s rivers, creeks, and waterfalls create a dynamic place to study the science of water. Learn where water comes from and how we can have an effect on this vital resource. Students may become scientists as they take part in a water quality study in one of Yosemite’s creeks.
• Scientific Process: Bring what students have learned in the classroom to life as they are on a path of discovery. The natural world provides hands-on opportunities for science in action. Students will become scientists by answering scientific questions through careful observation, inference, and direct experimentation. Inquiry opportunities range from informal exploratory investigations to utilizing the scientific method and research techniques to process student questions.
• Open (Educator Choice): NatureBridge field educators come from diverse education and professional backgrounds. Put the decision of academic content for your program in the hands of your field educator. An open academic emphasis allows educators to tailor their instruction to their strengths and passions as well as what they feel is best suited for your students.

Backpacking

Groups seeking an opportunity to experience the wilder side of Yosemite National Park might consider a two to three night backpacking trip in the Yosemite backcountry.  Our educators facilitate programs that allow students to appropriately challenge themselves while exploring the wilderness and practicing Leave No Trace ethics. Students learn how to prepare for such experiences and how to work together to ensure the safety and enjoyment of each team member.

• Group size strictly limited to 12 students, one chaperone and two NatureBridge educators.
• Students and chaperones must be in good physical condition, capable of hiking 4-8 miles a day with a 30-40 pound backpack.
• Separate hiking groups are prohibited from hiking together, meeting up in the back country, or camping a half mile from one another.
• Different trails have different trail head quotas, so larger groups might be restricted to specific trails during certain times of the year.
• We reserve the right to cancel a trip for any reason or exclude individuals who are not prepared with the required equipment or appropriate behavior.

Next steps: Are you looking for information to share with your students and parents? Find more in "Information for Students & Families."

Thank you for volunteering to be a chaperone!  Your positive attitude and willingness to participate is of great importance to both students and NatureBridge staff.

Chaperone Manual:  This lays out the trip and discusses the chaperone’s role in program success. All chaperones need to read this before attending.

Participant Registration Form (Spanish Version): all students and adults must complete and sign this form to participate in our programs.

If you decide to participate as a chaperone on one of our programs, you can expect:

• To hike 5-7 miles a day with an elevation gain of up to 2,000 feet.
• To participate as a positive role model during the program. You will be in charge of 24 hour supervision and discipline for students in your care.
• To be in a different trail group than your son/daughter. In our 40 years of experience, we have found that students engage more freely with their group members without a parent present.
• To possibly not participate in day programs each day. No more than two adults are allowed to hike with each field group.