Sitka Sound Science Center (SSSC) supports field courses with field studies, lab activities, and
classroom experiences in the areas of natural and physical sciences, ecology, fisheries, culture,
and community. SSSC creates connections to local experts, provides logistics for field
excursions, and schedules classroom space. Set in the Gulf of Alaska and the Tongass National
Forest, Sitka Sound Science Center is well-positioned to provide rare field learning opportunities
and unique workshops critical to understanding the human relationship to the natural world.
Culture
Field courses provide the opportunity for unique place-based learning experiences that could not be taught in a classroom. Here in Sitka, we are lucky to live and work on Lingít Aaní, or Tlingit land. We partner with the Sitka Tribe of Alaska and local culture bearers to provide a cultural context to our visiting field courses. Local culture bearers often speak to students about traditional foods, arts, and language. One of the most well-known traditional foods of Southeast Alaska is salmon. Eating, cooking and fishing salmon is all part of the culture here in Sitka. If students are here in the fall, they get to see the rivers fill with salmon and may assist the hatchery staff in spawning the adult fish that return to the Science Center. If a field course arrives in the spring, they can see the young salmon fry before they are released into the ocean. Overall, life in a small town that is rich with culture provides many learning opportunities for students.
Perspectives
A small population does not limit the variety of diverse ideas and perspectives that Sitka
has to offer. SSSC works collaboratively with your staff and faculty to identify talented experts
tailored for each field course. We can set your class up with local experts, culture bearers,
fishermen, working scientists and professionals well respected in the community. Our speakers
have a passion for sharing their expertise and are dedicated to educational outreach.
Topics that have been discussed during field courses:
- Old growth forests
- Resource protection
- Hydroelectric energy
- Fishing
- How small communities address local health issues
Adventure
With the cold, clear water of the Sitka Sound and the steep, rugged slopes of the mountains, there are nearly endless opportunities for adventure. Sitka Sound Science Center offers snorkeling experiences to field courses led by our own PADI Master Instructor. Students are fully outfitted and prepped to observe kelp forests and the life of the rocky intertidal zone from a unique perspective. Or, courses can take to the mountains and find panoramic views of the island. There are hiking trails suited for a wide variety of activities and ability levels. Other adventures that SSSC can coordinate for you and your class:
- Paddle boarding with Sitka
- Sound Science Center
- Marine wildlife boat cruise
- Flight seeing tour
- Local foods foraging walk
Start your planning process by sending an email or calling education director Janet Clarke jclarke@sitkascience.org.
2023 Field Courses
University of California Santa Cruise: Marine Ecology and Student Research
Maybeck High School: Life in Southeast Alaska
University of San Francisco: Culture and Environment
Auburn University: Culture and Environment
University of Exeter: Marine and Terrestrial Ecology
2022 Field Courses
Maybeck High School: Adventuring in Alaska
Sequoyah High School: Life and culture of a small Island town through the lens of the UN
Sustainable Development Goals
University of Exeter: Ecosystems of the North
University of San Francisco: Culture and the Environment
George Mason University: Science in the News
Williams-Mystic: Maritime Studies – Coastal Community Response to Climate Change
