School Trip to Alaska

Experience the last great frontier on an unforgettable educational adventure through Alaska's towering mountains, ancient glaciers, and untamed wilderness. From spotting grizzly bears in Denali National Park to cruising alongside massive tidewater glaciers and soaring over North America's highest peak in a classic bush plane, students don't just learn about science—they live it. Along the way, they'll explore ecosystems shaped by ice, discover incredible wildlife, and gain a deeper appreciation for conservation through immersive, hands-on experiences. Alaska isn't simply a destination—it's a classroom unlike any other, inspiring curiosity, adventure, and a lifelong connection to the natural world.

​

Sample Schedule

​

Day 1 – Day 1 – Welcome to Alaska!

• Anchorage → Denali National Park

• Arrive in Anchorage

• Travel north through the spectacular Matanuska-Susitna Valley

• Stop for scenic overlooks and wildlife viewing

• Visit the Denali National Park Visitor Center

• Ranger presentation on Alaska's ecosystems

• Evening nature walk searching for moose, caribou, foxes, and birds

Educational Focus

• Boreal forest ecology

• Glacial geology

• Wildlife adaptations

• Introduction to Arctic ecosystems

​

Day 2 – Explore Denali National Park

• Wildlife Expedition & Student Photography

• Morning wildlife tour into Denali National Park

• Search for:

• Grizzly bears

• Moose

• Dall sheep

• Caribou

• Wolves (if fortunate)

• Golden eagles

• Student wildlife photography challenge

• Short tundra hike with naturalist guide

• Evening campfire discussion:
  "How predators shape ecosystems.

Educational Focus

• Predator-prey relationships

• Tundra ecology

• National Park conservation

• Climate impacts on Alaska

​

Day 3 – Explore Alaska's Wild Heart and Volunteer

• Talkeetna & Wilderness Discovery

• Travel south through some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery to the historic town of Talkeetna, a charming mountain community nestled at the base of Denali. Stroll through local shops and art galleries, learn about Alaska's rich history and mountaineering culture, and enjoy breathtaking views of Denali (weather permitting). Continue with a guided nature hike through boreal forests, where students investigate local ecosystems, identify native plants, and look for signs of wildlife such as moose, beavers, and bald eagles.

• In the afternoon, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and volunteer. This is where students observe rescued grizzly bears, wood bison, musk oxen, wolves, lynx, moose, elk, and other iconic Alaskan animals while learning about wildlife rehabilitation, habitat conservation, and the challenges facing Arctic species.

Educational Focus

• Boreal forest ecology

• Wildlife conservation and rehabilitation

• Alaska's natural and cultural history

• Human impacts on northern ecosystems

• Biodiversity and adaptation

​

Day 4 – Kenai Fjords National Park

• Glacier & Marine Wildlife Cruise

• Spend the day cruising through one of Alaska's most spectacular marine environments.

• Students may observe:

• Tidewater glaciers

• Humpback whales

• Orcas

• Sea otters

• Harbor seals

• Puffins

• Bald eagles

• Steller sea lions

• Watch enormous glaciers calve into the ocean while learning how glaciers shape Alaska's coastline.

Educational Focus

• Marine ecology

• Ocean food webs

• Glaciology

• Marine mammals

• Climate science

​

Day 5 – Alaska Wildlife & Departure

• Scenic Turnagain Arm

• Beluga Point

• Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

• Earthquake Park

• Downtown Anchorage

Afternoon departure.

​​​​

​Plan an unforgettable educational science and conservation trip to Alaska with Appleseed Expeditions, where students explore one of the world’s most pristine natural laboratories. From the glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park to the wildlife-rich tundra of Denali, this immersive experience brings Earth science, ecology, and conservation to life through hands-on learning in real-world environments. Students study climate change impacts, glacial geology, marine ecosystems, and wildlife conservation while developing a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship and sustainability. Designed for schools seeking a meaningful school trip to Alaska or student trip to Alaska, our programs combine rigorous STEM education with transformative outdoor adventure, inspiring the next generation of scientists, conservationists, and global citizens.