Education programs and field trip planning information for teachers.
Students can experience Native American culture, learn about Montana’s heritage, explore natural sciences and more. Parks’ staff can assist with programs geared toward your curriculum needs.
Most field trips are only offered in the spring and fall. Please contact the park directly for more information or to reserve a date. Field trip curriculum can change over time so please check back for new field trip opportunities.
State parks are also a great place for teacher-led programs. Council Grove, Frenchtown Pond, or any of Montana's 54 parks can be utilized if teachers have a topic they would like to explore with their classes in an outdoor classroom.
Be sure your students know:
Time and date of departure
Point of departure
Educational Objective of the field trip
Necessary expenses
Lunch Plan
Appropriate dress
Parental permission forms as required by the school
Rules of the teacher and the park
Field Trip Supplies (camera, notebook, pencils, art supplies, etc.)
It is important that students, whether working as a class or in small groups, have proper supervision. We recommend one adult accompany every 12 to 15 students. All chaperones should clearly understand their disciplinary duties and stay with the students during the field trip.
Discipline is the responsibility of the teacher and chaperones. Please explain to your students that appropriate, orderly behavior is expected during their visit. Use simple rules of respect for park resources and courtesy toward each other, keeping in mind that other people will be visiting at the same time. All plants, minerals, animals, fossils and artifacts are protected by state law and should not be disturbed.
Contact Bannack State Park: 406 834-3413, email: dalec@mt.gov
This program is intended to teach students about animals through the use of furs (hides) and skulls. It is divided into three parts that can be taught together or separately. The materials discussed are based on the inventory at the Bannack State Park Office.
Content Standards: TBD
Grade Level: K-8th
Park staff lead a guided walking tour of the town site, presenting a glimpse of Bannack’s past. This tour will describe how Bannack came into existence, the Montana gold rush, Native Americans, the formation of the Montana Territory, law and order, life in a primitive mining town and Bannack’s evolution from a thriving mining town into a ghost town. A special tour is available for grades K-5. We recommend this tour for all our visitors.
Content Standards: Social studies, science, English CC
Grade Level: K–12th
Students observe a demonstration of the gold panning process then try panning gold themselves, keeping any gold they find. A simple explanation of gold deposits and some of the various minerals associated with gold and specific gravity are also discussed. This is one of our most popular activities.
Content Standards: Social studies, science, math CC, English CC, health
Grade Level: K–12th
This unique scavenger hunt is geared for 5th through 8th grade although we can adapt this for younger students. Students will use a worksheet and work in teams to answer questions about Bannack’s buildings, its residents and its past. Includes a creative writing component. Responsible adult chaperones MUST accompany students to assure safety and preservation.
Content Standards: Social studies, English CC, arts
Grade Level: 5th–8th
Students ride their bus to the Apex Mill for a tour. Discussion centers on Bannack’s mining history, as well as placer and lode mining concepts and techniques and mineral processing technology. Students will get an explanation of the assay procedure and the processes involved in cyanide leaching and flotation and the final smelting of the gold. How the people of Bannack prospered during the Great Depression is also discussed.
Content Standards: Social studies, science, math CC, English CC
Grade Level: 6th–12th
Students ride their bus to the cemetery and then walk among the graves of Bannack’s former residents. A worksheet accompanies the tour. Much can be learned by reading the grave markers. This activity will give the students insight into the difficult lives the early inhabitants of Bannack endured.
Content Standards: Social studies, math CC, English CC
Grade Level: 6th–12th
Contact Chief Plenty Coups State Park: 406 252-1289, email: akind@mt.gov
Chief Plenty Coups State Park offers any of our classes as in-school programs for your students. Our staff will travel to your school and present any of the standards-based, interactive class choices. Please call (406) 252-1289 for further details.
Go beyond the frog or butterfly and explore some of the Park’s resident animal’s life cycles. In this science-based class, students learn about scientific observations while trying to match young animals to their prospective parent.
Content Standards: Science
Grade Level: K–3rd
From producers to consumers, students will explore the interconnectedness of the food web and see what happens when species are removed in this interactive science-based class.
Content Standards: Science
Grade Level: K–5th
The buffalo was not only a source of food, it was clothing, shelter, tools and other necessities for Plains Indian peoples. Students explore traditional methods of tanning a buffalo hide as well as examining examples of new technologies brought by European and American traders.
Content Standards: IEFA, Social Studies, History
Grade Level: K–5th
Double-ball, run-and-scream, stick guessing game, and hoop-and-arrow are just a few of the popular traditional Native American games students can experience here. In the process of playing the games, students learn the history of the games, how they relate to various Montana Native peoples, and how to interact and socialize with one another. Specific activities vary depending on age level and duration of visit.
Content Standards: Social Studies, English CC, Health, IEFA
Grade Level: K–12th
Water is essential to life, from the Chief’s Sacred Spring to the water you drink. This environmental education class will explore the impacts of pollution, how it enters the water cycle and the simple actions we can take to reduce water pollution.
Content Standards: Science, Social Studies
Grade Level: 3rd–8th
Symbols convey powerful messages and surround us every day. Students analyze different American Indian symbols from Chief Plenty Coups Ledger to Sioux Winter Count Robes. Students also explore and discuss symbols they see in everyday life.
Content Standards: IEFA, Social Studies, History, Art
Grade Level: 4th–8th
Competition or co-operation? Students work in small “tribes” to survive environmental and technological changes. This class explores group dynamics, resource management and history through the use of game pieces representing a tribe’s survival “toolbox.”
Content Standards: IEFA, Social Studies, History
Grade Level: 4th–8th
Based on Chief Plenty Coups’ story with his grandfather. In this activity, students will race one another to capture a toy butterfly, “to lend me your grace and swiftness” as said by Chief Plenty Coups.
Content Standards: Social studies, English CC, health, IEFA
Grade Level: K–3rd
Four coups were needed to become a Crow war chief. Students try to raid “toy horses” to complete this coup….but don’t get caught!
Content Standards: Social studies, English CC, health, IEFA
Grade Level: K–5th
Students take a Ranger-led short hike to explore birds and wildlife throughout the Park. Students are provided binoculars and bird guides to use.
Content Standards: Science, social studies, health, art, English CC, IEFA
Grade Level: K–8th
Contact First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park: phone: 406 866-2217, email: ccarlson-thompson@mt.gov
In this 30– to 45–minute program, your students will learn how and why the Plains Indian people performed a buffalo jump. Using a narrative based on archaeological information as well as on the oral traditions of Montana’s Native people, students learn the importance of a buffalo jump, including the spiritual significance. The program includes a visit to the jump itself where the cliff edge and original drivelines can be seen.
Content Standards: Social studies, English CC, IEFA
Grade Level: K–12th
This 30 minute program will include a shortened version of the What the Buffalo Became class, followed by the chance for students to create their own buffalo puppets. Students then get the opportunity to share what they learned using the puppet they have created.
Content Standards: Art, social studies, English CC, IEFA
Grade Level: K–2nd
This 30 minute activity includes the reading or telling of one or more Native American Stories from our wide selection of children’s books, followed by a discussion of what the children learned.
Content Standards: Social studies, English CC, IEFA
Grade Level: K–2nd
In this 30 minute program, your students will learn the similarities and differences between three types of Native American Artwork – pictographs, petroglyphs and winter counts. Students will learn the importance of artwork to the First Peoples culture and will have the opportunity to create their own artwork in the form of a winter count.
Content Standards: Art, social studies, English CC, IEFA
Grade Level: K–5th
During this 30 minute program, your students will have the opportunity learn more about the objects and information in the visitor center through listening to an introductory talk by a Park Ranger. This will be followed by a scavenger hunt where students will have the opportunity to explore the visitor center, searching for answers to clues and questions. Students will typically work with one other partner.
Content Standards: Social studies, English CC, IEFA
Grade Level: 2nd–5th
In a 30– to 45–minute program, your students will learn the importance of the buffalo (bison bison) to the Plains Indian people. The program relates the needs of survival in the prehistoric, historic and modern eras by relating them to the needs of the students. Reproduction arts and artifacts are used in the program so that students can touch, feel, smell and see various items produced from parts of the buffalo.
Content Standards: Art, social studies, English CC, IEFA
Grade Level: 4th–5th
This program can be 1 hour for a 1 ½ mile hike or 2 hours for a 3 mile hike. During this program your students will learn much more about the lives of the First Peoples, including communication, survival skills, uses of the buffalo, tipi life, song and more. The Buffalo Jump Talk at the top of the jump is often combined with this hike, adding an extra 30 minutes to the program.
Content Standards: Social studies, English CC, health, IEFA
Grade Level: 2nd–8th
In this 30– to 45–minute program, your students will learn about the 12 tribal nations of Montana. Based on information produced by the Montana OPI, this interactive program informs students of the names of the tribes, what they call themselves in their own languages, the signs for the tribes in the traditional sign language, where the tribes are located today, and where their traditional territories were located.
Content Standards: Social studies, English CC, IEFA
Grade Level: 3rd–8th
Double-ball, run-and-scream, stick guessing game, and hoop-and-arrow are just a few of the popular traditional Native American games students can experience here. In the process of playing the games, students learn the history of the games, how they relate to various Montana Native peoples, and how to interact and socialize with one another. Specific activities vary depending on age level and duration of visit.
Content Standards: Social studies, English CC, health, IEFA
Grade Level: 3rd–12th
Contact Flathead Lake State Park: 406-837-3041, email: Aletheia.McCurry@mt.gov
Hands-on activities, a guided hike, and a scavenger hunt near the lake are mixed with lessons in this 3-hour program. Students will learn about the types of rock and the rock cycle, how Flathead Lake formed, and why the rocks here are so special. Students will use deductive reasoning to answer questions about the rocks they find.
Content Standards: Science, history, English
Grade Level: 3rd–5th
Hiking and games make this 2.5-hour field trip engaging from start to finish. Students will learn how everything in nature is connected and why each species plays an important role. Students will also participate in introductory birding to learn about the special feathered friends found in the valley. By the end of the field trip, students will have a better understanding of forest food webs and nature’s balance.
Content Standards: Science, health, social studies
Grade Level: K–6th
In this 2.5-hour program, students will learn about plant and animal habitat needs, nutrient cycling, and healthy ecosystems. While hiking on the trail, students will be encouraged to use their senses to explore the plants and animals of our forests and enjoy ranger-led activities.
Content Standards: Science, health
Grade Level: K–3rd
From American Indians to homesteaders, Flathead Lake has an interesting cultural history. Students will not only learn of the humans who helped shape the history of the region, but also the geologic activities that created the lake and valley. This 2.5-hour field trip includes a short hike.
Content Standards: Science, social studies, IEFA, English
Grade Level: 3rd–6th
This 3-hour field trip focuses on enabling students to become more aware of their surroundings. By comparing human senses to various animals, students will increase their understanding of animal adaptations and hunting patterns. This program involves games, crafts, and short walks.
Content Standards: Science, Art, health
Grade Level: K–6th
Contact Giant Springs State Park: 406 727-1212, email: Alex.Sholes@mt.gov
Join one of our guides on a 1/2 mile trail to learn more about the north-central Montana prairie and riparian ecosystems. The trail provides an excellent panorama of the Missouri River as well as close-up views of a number of 89important plant species and a variety of animal habitats. Students will be encouraged to pay attention to small details in the landscape and learn more about how different elements of the scenery interact with one another, as well as how a number of facets of the land have influenced human history. The program ends near Giant Springs and the Roe River, providing a perspective on these fascinating natural features.
Content Standards: Science, social studies, health, English CC
Grade Level: K–12th
Giant Springs Fish Hatchery raises and releases nearly a million trout each year. This program provides an inside look at the whole process, explaining the significance of the Montana fisheries program, the distinguishing characteristics of the fish we raise, and the strategies used to care for and transport large numbers of fish. Depending on the time of year, students may catch glimpses of tanks full of thousands of small fish or trays loaded with fresh trout eggs. The program ends at the show pond, where we provide food so that students may feed some of the biggest and oldest trout.
Content Standards: Science, English CC
Grade Level: K–12th
Experience Giant Springs State Park using all five senses – hearing, sight, touch, taste and smell! Our guides will help students start a nature notebook, where students will record their experiences and observations at Giant Springs. Students are encouraged to take their nature notebooks with them and to continue exploring the outdoors.
Content Standards: Science, health, English CC
Grade Level: PreK–1st
Experience Giant Springs State Park using all five senses – hearing, sight, touch, taste and smell! Students will learn how to explore the outdoors through journaling. Our guides will help students start a nature notebook, where students will record their experiences and observations at Giant Springs.
Content Standards: Science, health, English CC
Grade Level: 2nd–4th
This topic covers the history of the park starting with Lewis and Clark and continuing to present day. Students will learn about water—discussing ground water and aquifers. We will play a game that reviews the journey water takes to the springs. If you’d like a longer session, we can also include a short nature walk about the animals and plants at Giant Springs.
Grade Level: All age groups; best suited for 4th and above.
Giant Springs State Park offers a unique opportunity to experience and learn about groundwater and aquifers. Students will learn about the importance of ground water to humans, and will create and observe their own aquifer-in-a-bucket. An additional interactive activity is available, in which students learn about how aquifers filter water from the earth’s surface.
Content Standards: Science, health, English CC
Grade Level: 5th-8th
Students will have the opportunity to play the role of a land developer on a piece of land along the Missouri River. Students will discuss their development choices and learn about the different types of pollution that can affect rivers such as the Missouri.
Content Standards: Science, health, English CC
Grade Level: 9-12th
Discover some of the hidden history of Giant Springs on a hike to the sites of the smelter, bunkhouse and managers house of a smelting operation that ran from 1889 to 1901. Students will learn about the smelting process, and the history of the industry in Giant Springs State Park.
Content Standards: social studies, health, English CC
Grade Level: 9-12th
Contact Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park: 406 287-3541, email: rarmstrong@mt.gov
Guided interpretation includes geology (cave formations’ development, coloring and types), history (discovery, early people’s use of the area, early cave tours, CCC and the Lewis & Clark Expedition), wildlife, and conservation. The tour is a two-mile, two-hour hike requiring the visitor to duck often, bend in half and ascend/descend over 600 steps. A light jacket and good walking shoes are needed. Large groups will be broken up and students may have the opportunity to explore the visitor center and outdoor interpretive signs.
Content Standards: English CC, health, science, social studies
Grade Level: K–12th
Contact Lone Pine State Park: 406 755-2706, email: bschwartz2@mt.gov
Spring 2021 Field Trip Programs
All programs include a hiking component, and are expected to last about 4 hours.
We do not provide lunch or snacks – please make sure to provide for your students’ needs.
Birds
Grade Levels: K-4
Program Description: Birding is for everyone! This topic provides an immersive experience in bird anatomy, diversity, and identification.
Water
Grade Level: K-4
Program Description: Enhance your students’ understanding of the importance of water! This topic covers subjects ranging from water usage to the water cycle.
Forests
Grade Levels: K-6
Program Description: Discover the forest on a whole new level! This topic focuses on the interconnectedness of forest elements such as trees (K-1), animals (2-4), and even fire ecology (5-6).
Wildlife
Grade Levels: K-6
Program Description: Previously known as “Skulls, Skins and Bones,” this field trip is a classic! Animals, their adaptations, and their habitats are covered to varying extents, depending on the age group.
Insects
Grade Level: K-4
Program Description: From creepy-crawlies to beautiful butterflies, this program is all about bugs! Students will learn the importance of insects and review insect characteristics and life stages.
Contact Madison Buffalo Jump State Park: 406 285-3610, email: daveandrus@mt.gov
Students listen to a presentation that discusses people’s use of the Missouri Headwaters area for more than 10,000 years; the use of the atlatl, a compound hunting tool; the atlatl parts and how both launchers and darts could have been made from area products, such as wood, bone, rock, leather, and feathers; the mechanics of atlatl throwing; and why the atlatl was more effective than throwing a dart by hand. Students then have a chance to throw atlatls within the safety of a shooting range.
Content Standards: Science, social studies, English CC, technology, IEFA
Grade Level: 3rd–7th (Adaptable for various grades and learners)
This program explores Madison Buffalo Jump and how Native people for thousands of years resourcefully used the landscape to hunt bison, which provided their food, clothing, shelter, and tools. Students have a chance to hike the archaeological site’s main trail to see how the jump worked. In addition, depending on the group’s schedule, students may try throwing an atlatl—another prehistoric hunting tool.
Content Standards: Speaking and listening, social studies, science, IEFA
Grade Level: 4th–7th
Contact Makoshika State Park: 406 377-6256 , email: makoshika@mt.gov
Students tour Makoshika’s Visitor Center and receive interpretive discussion pertaining to the geological, paleontological, archeological, cultural and historical significance of the park; the resources the park manages; and the Great Plains ecosystem in which the park is located. Discussion begins with the history of the park and its importance as a place of scientific study and for recreational enjoyment. Students are then toured through the three themed interpretive rooms in the visitor center and provided a timeline-structured explanation of the physical world that was present and contributed to the several time periods of earth’s history relevant to the local physical world, culminating in what physical presence can be observed today in the park. The interpretive themes covered include: the marine period underlying the visible layers of the park today; the age of dinosaurs, including their lifestyles, their demise, and their presence today as fossils; and discussion of earth’s surface life following the extinction of dinosaurs, including the rise of mammals and the appearance and impact of humans on the natural landscape.
Content Standards: Science, English CC, social studies
Grade Level: 3rd–12th
Contact Missouri Headwaters State Park: 406 285-3610, email: daveandrus@mt.gov
Students learn about the fur trade, including the story of mountain man John Colter, and the process of trapping beaver. They also pass around hides and discuss distinctive features of fur-bearing animals that currently live or once lived near the Missouri River headwaters.
Content Standards: English CC, social studies, science
Grade Level: 3rd–6th
Students listen to a presentation that discusses people’s use of the Missouri Headwaters area for more than 10,000 years; the use of the atlatl, a compound hunting tool; the atlatl parts and how both launchers and darts could have been made from area products, such as wood, bone, rock, leather, and feathers; the mechanics of atlatl throwing; and why the atlatl was more effective than throwing a dart by hand. Students then have a chance to throw atlatls within the safety of a shooting range.
Content Standards: Science, social studies, English CC, technology, IEFA
Grade Level: 3rd–7th (Adaptable for various grades and learners)
Students hike around Fort Rock for a longer or shorter tour of this significant limestone structure, which enables them to see the landscape around the Three Forks. Topics include Native American, early explorer (Lewis and Clark and fur trade), and early settlement history as well as natural studies of plants, animals, and geography. Through discussion with their guide, students demonstrate an understanding of the theme “Missouri headwaters history represents a confluence of cultures.”
Content Standards: English CC, social studies, science, IEFA
Grade Level: 3rd–7th
Contact Pictograph Cave State Park: 406 254-7342, email: jkostrba@mt.gov
Teacher’s Guide to Pictograph Cave State Park Educational Programs
Students explore the natural environment around the cave with a discovery-based scavenger hunt activity.
Content Standards: Science, Speaking and Listening, Art, Writing, Health, IEFA
Grade Level: preK–2nd
Students will discover what pictographs are, how they were painted and the importance of pictographs. Students will learn about the pictographs found at the park, and will have the opportunity to create their own pictographs.
Content Standards: Art, Social Studies, Speaking and Listening, IEFA.
Grade Level: preK–3rd
Become more familiar with the traditions of regional tribes as you have fun exploring some of their traditional ideas and beliefs.
Content Standards: Social Studies, Speaking and Listening, Art, IEFA
Grade Level: preK-8th
This program introduces a variety of tools used in the early Plains cultures and includes an activity on how to look at artifacts and how to build tools using simple materials.
Content Standards: Social Studies, Speaking and Listening, Science, Math, IEFA
Grade Level: K–3rd
The guided trail tour is currently offered in two different formats. Please note that neither option takes students directly into Pictograph Cave due to safety reasons; however, all topics are covered via audio-visual materials.
A ranger will guide the group along a ¾ mile interpretive trail discussing the caves’ human history and archeological past. The tour will end in the Visitor Center classroom with a PowerPoint explanation of Pictograph Cave.
In lieu of the traditional trail tour, a full length virtual tour is available and will cover the same materials as the conventional format
Content Standards: Social Studies, Science, Speaking and Listening, Art, Health, IEFA
Grade Level: K–12th
Students discover the flora and fauna of the park in detail on a ranger-led nature walk (generally either the Trail Tour OR Nature Walk is chosen, as some information overlaps). One of the following topics can be chosen as the primary focus:
Geology of the Billings Area: Students learn about the rocks of the area, how they were formed, and why they are considered dynamic
Plant Ecology: Students learn about plant cycles and the importance of plants to inhabitants of the region
Noxious Weeds: Students discover issues regarding noxious weeds and plans that restore native habitat.
Animals of Central Montana: Students become familiar with animals of the local ecosystem and learn to recognize animal signs including scat, tracks and sounds.
Content Standards: Science, Speaking and Listening, Health, IEFA
Grade Level: K–12th
This program introduces the concept of stratigraphy and what makes something an artifact. Students will have the opportunity to act as a professional and practice techniques used by archaeologists.
Content Standards: Social Studies, Science, Math, Writing, Speaking and Listening, IEFA
Grade Level: 4th–12th
This program introduces a variety of tools used in the early Plains cultures and includes an activity on how to look at artifacts and how to build tools using simple materials. Students then have the opportunity to learn the technique of throwing the atlatl.
Content Standards: Social Studies, Speaking and Listening, Science, Math, IEFA
Grade Level: 5th–12th
Contact Travelers’ Rest State Park: 406 273-4253, email: maci.macpherson@mt.gov
Travelers' Rest field trips are available and are coordinated through Travelers' Rest Connection. View the field trip, distance learning, and educational materials options here.
Native American history at Montana State Parks
Montana State Parks, in partnership with the Office of Public Instruction, has created 21 model lesson plans for K-12 teachers that each feature a Montana State Park. While the students’ knowledge and personal experience can be enhanced by an actual visit to a State Park, the lesson plans stand alone in the classroom.
With Montana State Parks’ traveling educational trunks, you can bring a park to your classroom! Supplement a lesson plan and provide fun, hands-on learning for your students. A variety of grade levels and topics were considered when developing these trunks, so there is sure to be one that will fit both your students’ interests and your curriculum. Additionally, our educational trunks are specifically designed to support state education standards.
To reserve a trunk please contact the State Park Manager at the park listed. Montana State Parks is happy to provide these trunks free of charge to educators but requires that the return postage is paid for. Check back for new trunks that are being developed.
This trunk contains pelts and hides of buffalo, beaver, badger, coyote, ermine/weasel, fox, mink, muskrat, otter, raccoon, rabbit and skunk. Each hide is tagged with the English name, Crow name and a short description of the Crow’s use of the animal. Also included in the trunk are directions for downloading Crow Language app for smart phones.
Grade Level: K-12
Contact: Chief Plenty Coups State Park (406) 252-1289
Birding Exploration
Learn about birds, their migration, habitats and how to be a good steward. Included are binoculars, neck and shoulder harnesses, a spotting scope, and a copy of Flying WILD lesson plan book, and the Sibley Birds West field guide. This trunk was made possible by a donation from the Jean Smith estate to enhance bird conservation and education. Jean Smith was an ornithology professor at Carroll College in Helena and an avid outdoors woman.
Content Standards: Science
Grade Level: K-12
Contact: Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park (406) 287-3541
Lewis and Clark Expedition
This trunk covers the history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, as well as daily life on the journey. The trunk includes a video, books, beaver skin, wool blanket, writing utensils, sewing utensils, trading items, and personal items such as clothing and eating utensils. A curriculum is included.
Content Standards: IEFA and social studies
Grade Level: K-12
Contact: Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park (406) 287-3541
Bat Education
Explore the world of bats with a bat skeleton, videos, books, a curriculum, and more. The trunk focuses on bat truths and myths, bat characteristics and habits, and bat conservation.
Content Standards: Science
Grade Level: K-12
Contact: Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park (406) 287-3541
Cave and Geology
Journey through the dark, wet Lewis and Clark caverns with a hardhat, carbide lamp, climbing gear, rock samples, speleothems, and much more. This trunk contains a curriculum and can be used in conjunction with a field trip to Lewis and Clark Caverns.
Content Standards: Science
Grade Level: K-12
Contact: Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park (406) 287-3541
Crow Astronomy
Using the Office of Public Instruction’s Montana Skies: Crow Astronomy curriculum, Montana Skies integrates traditional Crow oral star stories with ethno-astronomy and contemporary astronomy concepts guided by Crow keepers of that knowledge. Included in this trunk are star maps, a planetarium projector and solar system models. The Montana Skies DVD and Teacher’s Guide can serve as a resource to implement Indian Education for All in Science, Social Studies, and the Arts.
Content Standards: Science and Social Studies
Grade Level: 4th-8th
Contact: Chief Plenty Coups State Park (406) 252-1289
Paleontology
Engage early scientists, artists, and outdoor-lovers alike with this trunk full of fossil casts, coloring pages, posters, and paleontology field kits. Young students will get a taste for the wonder of paleontology and the massive scale of the animals that once roamed Makoshika. The trunk is very large and may be costly to ship so it is recommended that a number of schools or organizations in an area arrange to share the trunk for a few weeks, transporting it from one place to another as needed.
Content Standards: Science and social studies
Grade Level: K-12 with focus on K-6
Contact: Makoshika State Park (406) 377-6256
Getting the Gold
Transport your students into the era of mining and the gold rush with artifacts and mining activities based on Bannack’s history. Mining artifacts, modern mining equipment, ore samples and paydirt are included. Geology and the formation of gold deposits, the mining camp, and mining methods are described.
Content Standards: Science and social studies
Grade Level: K-12 with focus on 5-8
Contact: Bannack State Park (406) 834-3413
