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At Mount St. Helens Institute, we strive to create a safe learning environment for all students and participants of our programs. We follow the 3 R’s of respect to create a foundation for learning and for caretaking ourselves, others, and the world around us.
Next Generation Science Standards are the foundation for which we have designed our unique volcano and ecology focused curriculum. Each activity connects with one or more of the key concepts like; patterning, cause and effect, structures and function, energy and matter, scale proportion, systems and more. This unique landscape where there is constant change creates an amazing opportunity for experiential learning.
Pre Trip Activities
1980 eruption story YouTube video developed by Mount St. Helens Institute staff
Hummocks Trail illustrated guide for geology & ecology interpretation created by Mount St. Helens Institute Artist in Resident Jackie Roberti in collaboration with Mount St. Helens Institute staff.
Mountain Moves eruption activity video developed by Mount St. Helens Institute staff
1980 eruption story Presentation (creates copy) for teachers and/or group leaders to present in their own classrooms
Sediment on the Move Storyline: FREE integrated curriculum designed for 4th grade students aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. Materials are modular and adaptable for asynchronous and synchronous classroom settings.
Volcano Tuesdays: a series of pre-recorded 30-45 minute videos showcasing do-at-home activities teaching various topics about volcanoes.
Our Resources for Extended Learning document and our Recommended websites page.
We offer a variety of different activities based on the ages and needs of your group. Below are a few of our unique geology, and ecology focused activities
Hummocks Hike
Hummocks Hike
The hummocks are a unique ecosystem created by the landslide materials that came off of the top of Mount St. Helens in the May 18th 1980 eruption. This 2.5 mile loop trail is a highlight for most groups.
Hazard Mapping
Hazard Mapping
This activity allows students to get creative and make their own unique communities while navigating various volcanic hazards. What will their people do? What did people do while navigating ash clouds, mud flows, lateral blast and mayhem of the 1980 eruption?
Ecology Field Study
Ecology Field Study
This activity for high school students has been created to mimic how real scientists continue to measure the changing landscape after the cataclysmic disturbance of 1980 eruption on Mount St. Helens. Students have the opportunity to follow scientific protocols to sample soil, measure trees, count plants and more.
GPS Scavenger Hunt
GPS Scavenger Hunt
What are coordinates? How can these numbers lead us to educational treasures? This activity helps students work in groups to find boxes hidden in the landscape that are filled with ecological and geological knowledge that gives them a sense of place.
Igneous Rock Investigation
Igneous Rock Investigation
Students will explore rock samples from our rock cart, making observations about the various features of each rock. They will learn how observations about color, density, crystallization and texture can give clues about how the rock was formed. Like true detectives, they will even use hand lenses (tiny magnifying glasses)!
What type of resources do you have for educational groups or others to use independently of MSHI staff?
What type of resources do you have for educational groups or others to use independently of MSHI staff?
Large whiteboards: The atrium area contains 2-4 large (4’ x 5’) whiteboards on wheels with information about the area including a regional map and map of our facility as well as information about volcanoes. These materials can be moved and the whiteboards can be used for various purposes.
Costume bins: We have an excellent supply of costume supplies in >5 large bins.
Art supplies: We provide a large variety of art supplies for groups including watercolors.
Games: We have a towering shelf of board games and card games for free-time fun. Some are related to nature.
Library cart: Our library contains excellent resources about Mount St. Helens and general natural history as well as children’s books.
Geology cart: Our rock cart contains many rock samples from Mount St. Helens and other volcanic rocks including hand lenses for close up observation.
Binoculars: We have ~15 sets of binoculars available for groups to use. Spotting scopes may be provided upon request.
What is the role of Institute staff during an education program?
What is the role of Institute staff during an education program?
For day education programs: A staff member will be with your group the entire length of your program.
For overnight education programs:
MSHI staff will lead 8 hours of educational activities per night of your overnight trip.
Groups & chaperones are responsible for supervision and direction in the evening time and in the morning before breakfast.
Overnight groups will be provided with the contact information of a staff member who will be on call for safety but who will NOT sleep in the same facility as participants.
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