Cuyahoga Valley National Park, in partnership with the Conservancy for CVNP, and with the generous support of the National Park Foundation, will be offering Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) programs virtually for winter 2023-2024. These programs are geared specifically to a PreK-5th grade audience. 4th grade students will receive a free national park pass (or voucher) good through the summer of 2024.

Please note that all times listed are in EST.

Please read the following instructions carefully!

PreK-2nd grades:

"Wild About Animals" introduces students to animals that live in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Through games, a story, and skulls and pelts students will learn about these animals and discover the adaptations that help them survive in their habitats.

3rd-5th grades:

Teachers, you can choose from the following topics:

"Prehistoric Peoples" explores what archeologists have discovered about the prehistoric peoples of northeast Ohio. Students will learn about how these prehistoric groups met their needs, and how their cultures changed over time.
"Ohio & Erie Canal" explores Ohio’s canal era. Students will learn about the history and economic importance of the Ohio & Erie Canal. Through primary and secondary sources, they will learn how and why the canal was used and why it eventually became obsolete.
"Northeast Ohio Geology" focuses on earth science by exploring the Ledges area of the national park. Students will learn about local landforms and discover how geologic processes including erosion, deposition, and weathering continue to shape northeast Ohio.
"Wetland Ecosystems" explores the concept of an ecosystem by focusing on wetlands in the national park. Students will learn about the living and non-living components of wetlands, and how energy passes through local wetland food webs.

All programs will include three program pieces: an asynchronous video to welcome and introduce your students to the concept of national parks, a live presentation with a CVNP ranger or educational staff, and a follow up activity that can be done at your own pace. There is a 5 student minimum per virtual program. Please reach out to mpostlethwait@forcvnp.org for special accommodations such as homeschool programs for less than 5 students.

As the pre and post are asynchronous, we are only asking you to schedule the live portion of the program.

Here's how:

STEP ONE: Select your preferred date and time. Only available times will appear as an option. Please note that programs typically run for 45 minutes. We have created the hour-long time slots to allow for flexibility. If your class time is not on the hour or half hour and takes two sessions (for example: if your class time is 10:45-11:15, please reserve both applicable sessions (10:00-11:00 and 11:00 -12:00).

STEP TWO: When you have chosen your date, you will receive access to the pre-site video. Your instructor will send you the post site activities following the program.

STEP THREE: We will also follow up with you to arrange the logistics of the live presentation. We are able to utilize Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google platforms. Please discuss with us if you use a different platform. Due to security measures, the invite must originate from YOU. Our instructor will need a link to join the session and will plan on logging in 5 minutes prior to the start of the program.

STEP 4: Here's a great opportunity for your 4th grade students to gain free access to national parks and federal lands! At the conclusion of your program, we will email you vouchers for your students to get into our nation's treasures for free! For more information on the vouchers and the Every Kid Outdoors program, visit Every Kid Outdoors.

CVNP Every Kid Outdoors VIRTUAL 2023-2024 Program