At Sly Park Environmental Education Center, students explore the Winter Solstice and seasonal changes through hands-on activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The curriculum incorporates Astronomy and Earth Science, addressing NGSS standard MS-ESS1-1 by guiding students to model the Earth-Sun-Moon system and explain phenomena like lunar phases, eclipses, and seasons.
Outdoor Educator Suzanne White, known affectionately as “Fern,” shares that there are many opportunities for students to experience and learn about Winter Solstice and the early sunsets of winter firsthand during their stay at Sly Park. “Night skies arrive early these days, so we even touch on these concepts as we hurry back from afternoon hikes before it gets too dark,” said Fern. “It’s a natural way to help students connect the science of the solstice with their daily experiences.”
Winter Solstice provides the perfect opportunity for students to see the Earth-Sun relationship in action. “We also use our Digital Starlab to model the Earth’s tilt and show how it affects daylight and seasons,” explained Fern. “The Starlab enables us to incorporate cultural stories about why daytime is shorter in winter than in summer.”
Night hikes, a highlight of the outdoor education experience, allow students to explore the night sky and discover visible constellations during the solstice season. Visiting teacher Michelle Hutton from Rock Creek Elementary School explained how Sly Park’s lessons complement classroom learning: “Our astronomy class leads right into the Amplify Science unit we cover in February on Earth, Moon, and Sun.”
The Winter Solstice-inspired activities at Sly Park inspire students to explore deeper questions about the natural world. “From observing constellations to learning about Earth’s axial tilt, students leave with a renewed sense of curiosity and an appreciation for how the solstice connects us to both science and history,” said Fern. “Seeing the students’ faces light up when they connect these dots is the best part of my job.”
Beyond science, Sly Park brings cultural relevance to solstice learning. Educators incorporate stories from past cultures that sought to explain seasonal changes and the shorter days of winter. These stories, paired with scientific modeling, provide a holistic understanding of the solstice, blending mythology and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning in a way that captivates students.
About Sly Park
Sly Park Environmental Education Center, about 60 miles east of Sacramento in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, sits at about 3,500 feet in forested foothill terrain. Visiting students live at Sly Park for three, four, or five days, during which time they engage in a variety of outdoor activities in all weather conditions. Students sleep in heated cabins with bunk beds, private showers, and indoor bathroom facilities. Hearty, balanced meals are served in a welcoming cafeteria. Educators interested in bringing their students to Sly Park Environmental Education Center can learn more about field trip opportunities and resources online or by calling (916) 228-2485.