North Winds Institute
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Subjects:
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Natural Science, History, Cultural Studies, Glaciology, Geology, and Geography
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Course Description
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Students will study glaciology, Alaskan wildlife ecology, Gold Rush history, and Native Alaskan culture in this Field Science and Cultural Studies program. Monthly live classes build the foundation of knowledge along with the use of printed curriculum, books, and educational materials to support their learning throughout the program.
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In the field, students will study Alaska’s glaciers up close to understand how they form, move, and shape the landscape, and they will observe wildlife in its natural habitat with guidance from scientists who work in these ecosystems. Students will explore the history of the Alaskan Gold Rush through hands-on study of historic sites and presentations that bring the era to life, and they will learn directly from historians and local experts about the traditions, art, and living heritage of Native Alaskan communities through cultural programs and guided learning experiences.
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Program Options
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explorer
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July 11-21, 2027
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Course Description
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We will visit Alaska on a 10-day in-person educational expedition, studying glaciers, wildlife, Gold Rush history, and Native Alaskan culture. The program moves from Ketchikan and Juneau to Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier, Denali National Park, and Fairbanks. Students will join monthly live classes that build the knowledge they will bring to the field. Printed curriculum, books, and educational materials are provided.
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Pathfinder
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July 11-18, 2027
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Course Description
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We will visit Alaska on a 7-day in-person educational expedition, studying glaciers, wildlife, Gold Rush history, and Native Alaskan culture. The program moves from Ketchikan and Juneau to Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, and Whittier. Students will join monthly live classes that build the knowledge they will bring to the field. Printed curriculum, books, and educational materials are provided.
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Field Study Sites and Academic Focus
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- Ketchikan, Alaska – Tongass rainforest ecology; Native Alaskan culture and totem pole tradition
- Juneau, Alaska – Alaska’s remote capital city; glaciers and the landscape they shape
- Skagway, Alaska – The Klondike Gold Rush and the frontier town it created
- Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve – Tidewater glaciers, ice retreat, and the marine wildlife of the bay, Junior Ranger Program
- College Fjord, Alaska – How glaciers form and carve fjords, valleys, and lake
- Whittier, Alaska – Glacier-carved Prince William Sound landscape and Alaska outdoors
- Denali National Park – North America’s tallest peak (20,310 ft), tundra ecosystems and wildlife, Junior Ranger Program
- Guided Tundra Wilderness Day Tour with a certified naturalist. See Cathedral Mountain, wildlife rich Sable Pass, and braided wash of the Toklat River and Stony Hill Overlook.
- Fairbanks, Alaska – Gold Rush history and the culture and environment of Interior Alaska
- Historical tour of Fairbanks including authentic steamboat with a narrated history program, study of early prospectors, live bush pilot demonstration, historic landmarks along the Chena River, Trail Breaker sled dog Kennel. Chena Village tour to experience the early lifestyle of the early Athabascan people.
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