For Teachers

About Our Educational Programs

NPS Ranger-led educational programs are curriculum-based and follow the educational standards for the State of Texas. These programs are offered during March-May and September-October only. Fall and Spring registration only.

Group size: Size is limited to 40 students (2 classes),but may be fewer on days when ranger staffing or space is limited. Group size is kept small enough for everyone's enjoyment and educational value. Due to increasing demands for programs, schools are restricted to two ranger-led programs per class per year.

For reservations, please contact 806-857-6680 to discuss scheduling. Schools must have a reservation and limit numbers. If you have more than 40 in your group, you will not be able to book a reservation and will have to split up the group on different days. We cannot take reservations for an entire grade of a school, such as 60-90 students. Our staff has been reduced and we do not have the capability of handling large groups at this time.

Spring and Fall Reservations:
*School Reservations for Spring only January 2, 2025 - February 28, 2025
After February 28^th, reservations will be closed.

*School Reservation for Fall only March 3, 2025 – April 30, 2025.
*Programs may be scheduled for Mondays only.

Programs offered:
1st-3rd grades - Mini-Magnificent Animals
1st-3rd grades - Habitat Hike
4th-6th grades - Alibates Flint Quarries Hike
4th-6th grades - Mammals of the Texas Panhandle
4th-6th grades - Ice Age Megafauna

*Choose one program only.
For reservations, please contact 806-857-6680 to discuss scheduling.

Guidelines For Your Trip
Regardless of the season, students and chaperones will have a more enjoyable experience if they are well-equipped for the day. It is the mission of the National Park Service to preserve and protect our resources for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

Resource Stewardship: A firm framework of rules should be discussed in advance. Leave No Trace Principles should be followed when in the park. Respect the plants, animals, and the rights of others. No littering!

School Regulations: Teachers are responsible for making sure that all school system regulations regarding parental permission slips and travel authorization/insurance, etc.… are followed.

Clothing: Check the weather and have students wear appropriate clothing. Our weather may change suddenly and layering is an option. Footwear should be comfortable and appropriate for the weather conditions. No open-toed shoes.

Nametags: For safety and courtesy, the rangers prefer to call the students by name.
A single piece of masking tape with the first name written in big letters, works well.

Groups: Divide each class into the recommended group sizes for your program before arriving at the park. Assign at least one chaperone to each group. (A typical bus of 40 students would be divided into two groups of 20 students each.)

Lunch Time: You may have lunch on the Alibates grounds or travel to McBride Canyon where there are beautiful campgrounds. Please Leave No Trace.

Items to Leave Behind: Students should not bring CD players, radios, I-pods, or cell phones. These items can be lost and may distract students’ attention. Adults should turn off their cell phones during the field trip. Designate one adult to serve as the class photographer as the ranger does not have time to stop for photos during tour.

Safety: An accident can ruin a field trip and jeopardize future ones. Safety is of the utmost importance. Students should always stay with adults and groups must have the appropriate number of chaperones. Always listen and follow the ranger.

Chaperone Guidelines & Responsibilities

Chaperone requirements for ranger-led educational field trips (these numbers include the teacher):
K–2nd grade: 1 adult for every 3 students (example: 22 students, 8 adults required/allowed)
3rd–5th grade: 1 adult for every 5 students (example: 22 students, 5 adults required/allowed)
6th grade and higher: 1 adult for every 10 students (example: 22 students, 3 adults required/allowed)

Chaperones are key players for a successful field trip in the park. Brief them before the trip so they are fully aware of your expectations and needs.

Other information:

• Do not bring siblings or extra people who are not part of the class.
• Help set boundaries and provide leadership.
• Keep actions and sounds from disturbing others.
• Teachers, please ride on the school bus to the quarry tour.
• Chaperones should also ride the bus to the quarry tour. (Parking is limited.)
• Provide guidance to students for lunch and clean-up.
• Please inform the ranger of any special needs or concerns

Most importantly… plan, follow the rules, adapt, learn and have fun.