Teachers are required to take training in order to participate in the Suitcase for Survival. The practical workshop emphasizes the importance of conservation of natural resources, with special attention given to Mississippi's forest and forest products. The subject and field trip are conducted by foresters, conservationists, and scientists from industry and participating agencies and institutions. This program brings teachers to Yosemite to live for 5 weeks in the summer while developing curriculum-based programs related to the natural and cultural history of the park. The results are made available to teachers outside the park.
Programs are hands-on, interactive and interdisciplinary.
An exchange of ideas and suggestions between park staff and educators is encouraged. Recertification credit is given for participation. This is a graduate-level course for teachers and graduate level college students designed to familiarize students with challenges in natural resource management, introduce existing environmental education curricula dealing with natural resources, and nontraditional techniques in teaching concepts in ecology and natural resource management. Hands-on and active classroom and field trip time is included. Lessons enhance Utah studies, social studies, science, language arts, art and mathematics.