(copied from SecularHomeschool.com)
I’ve been waiting with bated breath for the documentary “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” that began airing last night on PBS. Mostly, because I am always incredibly impressed by anything Ken Burns produces, but also because I am a HUGE supporter of National and State Parks! And the first two segments of the series (which runs for 6 nights – – 12 hours total) did NOT disappoint!
I know that a lot of teachers and homeschoolers are trying to create unit studies and projects based on this documentary, and I can understand why. The possibilities for curriculum tie-ins to a production on our National Parks are practically limitless! So, I decided to put together some of the tools and sites that I am aware of that would go well with any study on this subject.
Of course, PBS has it’s own site for educators, which hosts a lot of different lesson plans and ideas for studying about National Parks. But here are some other options as well…
Media
Geology of the National Parks – A virtual tour
Windows into Wonderland – beautiful electronic field trips put together by the National Park Service. Explore everything from the wolves of Yellowstone to the geysers.
Language Arts Tie-Ins
SpellingCity: National Parks Play games with spelling words related to the documentary.
Vocabulary Fun Build your national-park-related vocabulary skills using any of these topics for games:
- Flora
- Geology
- Trees
- Nature
- Animals
- Travel
Yellowstone: Native American Myths – review some of the Native American myths and then write your own
Science Tie-Ins
Interactive Map: Where Yellowstone Wolves Roam
Weird Life Forms in Yellowstone
Yellowstone’s Kid’s Site: Scavenger Hunt
Volcano World – Geology of Hawaiian Volcanoes
Social Studies Tie-Ins
Sierra Club: John Muir Exhibit
National Park Service: The Statue of Liberty
National Park Service: Teaching with Historic Places
Webrangers – Become a park ranger and explore the world of the national parks
Enjoy these great resources, and make the most of this wonderful documentary on America’s National Parks!
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