ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
The Science Behind the Seeds: (grades 1-12)
The Science Behind the Seeds takes students through Living with the Land at Epcot on an interactive exploration of how science, technology, sustainability and teamwork come together to generate potential solutions to meet the needs of a growing population. Students will walk away with a comprehensive understanding of how plants are propagated, how various hydroponic techniques function to help vegetation grow, and how integrated pest management can protect the flora from pests and diseases, addressing the issue of how to feed the communities of our world’s expanding population.
Discovering Marine Life Conservation (grades 3-7)
Explore diverse marine environments with educators from The Seas with Nemo & Friends and learn about marine conservation and what you can do to help protect ocean life. Students play the role of marine conservationists to learn about the difficulties facing aquatic animals in the wild and ways they can help them. During this 3-hour program your group will practice their observational skills to identify a variety of fish species, as well as predators and prey. They will also team up to brainstorm creative solutions for protecting our oceans and marine life.
Exploring Careers in the Marine Sciences (grades 8-12)
Meet our marine biology professionals for a discussion on various marine careers and the education and experience it takes to succeed, in the field. "Make a splash" and investigate five fascinating career tracks during this 3-hour program. Discover how Disney scientists maintain the environment and inhabitants of the nearly 6 million gallon aquarium at the center of The Seas with Nemo & Friends, which is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Students will learn the education and training required for a marine science profession, understand the responsibilities of studying and caring for aquatic animals and how they can play a role in oceanic conservation.
Sustainable Practices in Wildlife Conservation (grades 7-12)
Discover how diverse people and animals respond to conservation challenges on a global level as you adventure through Disney's Animal Kingdom Park. Bring environmental studies lessons to life with this 3-hour program at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park. Students gain new perspective while discovering how all people and animals are connected, and how each uniquely responds to environmental challenges. Your group will study different cultural perspectives on conservation, challenges to fossil fuels and the human development of renewable energy. Students will work together using their new knowledge to create an effective conservation action plan. Use a problem-based approach to create a conservation plan of action with their newfound skills and fresh perspective.
APPLIED SCIENCES
Energy and Waves Physics (grades 3-12)
Embark on an interactive adventure where you'll explore the physics of light and sound through select attractions at Magic Kingdom Park and see optics and acoustics in action. Put the physics of light and sound into focus for your students.. Discover the wide range of energy waves found in the Electromagnetic Spectrum and the practical uses of electromagnetic waves. in this 3 hour academic adventure students will experiment with ultraviolet (UV) light, fluorescence and optics to see how they can be manipulated to create the immersive environment of Disney attractions.
Everyday Chemistry (grades 4-9)
Gain a greater understanding of modern chemistry and its practical application through observations and hands-on experiments within Epcot. Students in grades 4-5 will travel through Futureworld to identify elements of the Periodic Table, study polymers, and see chemical reactions happening all around them. In this 3 hour academic adventure a visit to Mission: Space will help uncover the relationship between chemistry, space exploration and technology. This program was developed in conjunction with the Education Division of the American Chemical Society.
The Evolution of Technology (grades 6-12)
Explore the attractions of Future World at Epcot to develop an understanding of how human needs and wants drive the development and acceleration of technology. During this adventure, students will come to understand the broader scope of technology and how innovation is inspired. In this 3 hour academic adventure, attraction experiences help demonstrate the factors that drive technology development and how mankind's challenges are being aided by these advancements.
The Science of Disney Imagineering: (grades 6-9)
Discover how Walt Disney Imagineer uses the powers of science to develop our world-famous theme parks and attractions. Students will join an Imagineering Associate to explore how Walt Disney Imagineering uses Newton's Laws of Motion to create multi-sensory experiences within the Disney Parks. In this 3 hour academic adventure hands-on experiments challenge students to test the force of gravity and study how combining it with technology can create an enhanced affect. Students will uncover how our Imagineers are able to turn ordinary spaces into immersive spaces that challenge their perception of reality.
LIBERAL ARTS
Discovering the American Spirit (grades 5-12)
From the Wild West to the Declaration of Independence, students are transported back in time to experience American history through the stories and attractions in Liberty Square and Frontierland. Students will journey into Liberty Square to get better acquainted with our country's great leaders and understand the impact of their influence. Then explore Frontierland to learn about sharing our cultural values and traditions from one generation to the next. In this 3 hour academic adventure students will also act as American pioneers to study the Gold Rush and the challenges of settling the western frontier.
Introduction to Global Citizenship (grades 4-12)
Discover how technology, communication and commerce have bridged cultural gaps around the world as you navigate the international pavilions of Epcot World Showcase. Students will explore the cultures of several nations represented within Epcot's World Showcase where students will interact with international ambassadors to gain an understanding of how technology, communication and commerce bridge cultural gaps. In this 3 hour academic adventure students discover that while cultures vary, we all united in a global community. Students will be introduced to another culture through a meet and greet with a World Showcase Representative.
Techniques of Teamwork through Improvisation (grades 6-12)
Band together as a creative ensemble, practice improvisation and team-building techniques, and use your newfound knowledge to stage your own performance! In this three hour program at Epcot, students gain insights into how improvisational theories can be applied to real-life situations at home, school or in future careers. Every student plays a role in a mock production and they are taught professional communication techniques that, with practice, help build confidence, unleash creativity and cultivate teamwork.
Animation Academy “The Secrets of Drawing Disney Characters”: (grades 9-12)
In this learning adventure, participants discover how basic geometric shapes combine to create iconic Disney characters who evoke a myriad of emotions. Guided by a Disney artist, students use artist-quality materials to illustrate their very own Disney character. Along the way, they’ll add some basic techniques and tricks to their repertoire of core art skills—which will help give their future drawings a professional edge!
Cel Animation “Ink & Paint”: (grades 5-12)
Explore some of the history and timeless art of animation and experience hand-painting a celluloid sheet—the technique the Ink & Paint artists used to create classic Disney Films. Students have the opportunity to step back in time and discover some of the historical background of Walt Disney’s animation and the techniques used by the celebrated Ink & Paint artists to create the great Disney animated classics.
Photography: A Visual Adventure: (grades 6-12)
Guided by a professional from the Disney Fine Art Photography team and a Disney Y.E.S. facilitator, participants will discover photographic tools and elements that will enhance their photo storytelling. Discover the art of storytelling through images—and take your art of photography to a new level!
Story Telling Drawings: A Gesture Drawing Class (grades 9-12)
In this interactive workshop, students will learn gesture drawing and see how it applies to other art forms, most notably, animation. Guided by a Disney artist and with the assistance of a live, costumed model, students get a glimpse of the reality of quick-sketching from life.
Story Telling Drawings: A Gesture Drawing Class (grades 9-12)
In this interactive workshop, students will learn gesture drawing and see how it applies to other art forms, most notably, animation. Guided by a Disney artist and with the assistance of a live, costumed model, students get a glimpse of the reality of quick-sketching from life.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Creative Thinking the Disney Imagineering Way (grades 9-12)
Become an honorary Disney Imagineer for a day and learn the creative process used by Walt Disney Imagineering to concept and create the magic of our world-famous theme parks and attractions. Students will examine the creative process of the world-renowned Walt Disney Imagineers. This experience is designed to demonstrate the benefits of forming a team with diverse talents to brainstorm and identify innovation solutions. In this 2.5 hour academic adventure students may find a unique perspective and even be inspired by their classmates during immersive group interactions.
Disney Leadership Strategies (grades 9-12)
Investigate proven management strategies employed by The Walt Disney Company, see how leadership spurs innovation, and promote personal and professional success. Students will learn Disney management skills and business strategies for becoming an effective leader. In this 3 hour academic adventure specially designed activities help students explore their entrepreneurial skills, practice communicating with and empowering people and discover how to inspire team excellence.
Managing Your Personal Brand (grades 4-12)
Formulate strategies for personal and professional success, start planning for a promising future, and discover how to navigate unexpected career highs and lows. This 3-hour field study aims to help students become self-aware, self-disciplined and self€motivated to increase their potential for becoming future leaders. Your group will learn that their choices tell their personal story and that they have the power to control their image. They will come to understand how to project a positive image, build their skill set through the collection of experience and apply them to leading others.