During the 1800s the United States was expanding westward; land was there for the taking.  Kids explore how some early photographers used their photography to influenced the US Congress to save areas like Mirror Lake. They...

Students explore historical information about U.S. national parks using the stories of Edward and Margaret Gehrke as a primary source document. In this United States geography, history, and literacy lesson, students view the diary...

Students examine the history of the National parks. In groups, they discuss the concepts of conservation and preservation. They discuss the use of natural resources and how some are renewable and non-renewable. To end the lesson, they...

Students work to preserve American National Parks. For this environmental activism lesson, students research the history of the national parks and determine why they were created. Students then focus on protecting the land, using it for...

Students identify American geography by participating in a national parks activity. In this road trip lesson, students view the Ken Burns documentary "National Parks" and identify the importance of automobiles in the park system....

Students explore world geography by viewing a documentary film in class. In this national parks instructional activity, students view the Ken Burns documentary about the subject and identify the contributions of individuals in support of...

High schoolers, beginning individually and later in small groups use the decision making model to address the question of reintroducing the wolf into Yellowstone National Park. Each small group elects a spokesperson to report to the...

Students explore the natural wonders of this once remote area in Utah and explore how it became a popular tourist destination in the early 20th century. They examine how the region was used by Mormon settlers, scientists and the government.

Learners identify examples of humans altering nature and the positive and negative effects of these behaviors for both humans and nature. They assess the impact of tourism on specific national parks, as well as conservation efforts in...

Students explore the national parks of the American West. In this geography skills lesson, students watch "U.S. Geography: The West," and examine print and Internet sources about the national parks found there. Students feature their...

Learners examine the life, contributions, and influence of Teddy Roosevelt. They view a slideshow lecture and take notes on a handout, filling in the blanks on the handout. Students then write a persuasive letter to a governmental...

Your learners will take a trip through history as they peruse through historic digitalized newspapers, reading real articles from such historical periods in the United States as the Temperance movement...

Students explore the background behind the building of the access roads to the National Park in Montana. The arguments for the building of these roads in wilderness regions and the environmental issues involved are examined.

Students examine their place in society by looking closely at themselves as well as their role in their family and community. Students also examine the origin of the National Parks system and how it contributes to National Identity.

The murder of Emmett Till, the Selma to Montgomery march, and the desegregation of Boston schools are the focus of three units that ask class members to investigate why these events were so key in the struggle for civil rights....

Young geologists discover the important role that rocks and minerals play in our everyday lives through this series of hands-on activities. Starting off with a lesson that defines the difference between plants, animals, and...

Seventh graders, using national parks as models, illustrate the energy flow in ecosystems. Working in groups, they use murals, flow charts, or other visual displays to record their findings. Students represent the food chains and webs...

Students examine Wilson's ideals of world peace and world order and the conflict between these ideals and the U.S. Senate's policy of isolationism. Wilson's visionary stance and its significance in forming the policies of our government...

Students complete activities that go along with the study of and possible fieldtrip to Columbus Park in Chicago, IL. They discover how urban conditions influenced the creation of city parks. They examine the preservation of historic...

Students examine the importance of the George Washington Birthplace National Monument. As a class, they complete a K-W-L chart about George Washington and write about what they believe is going on in a picture they are shown. They are...

Use maps, readings, and photographs to analyze the historic, cultural, and social conditions surrounding the activities of the Dalton brothers and their gang. Learners identify how the residents of Coffeyville defended themselves against...

Eighth graders study the history of Lincoln's home.  In this American History instructional activity, 8th graders examine artifacts from his home to learn about his beliefs.  Students participate in a webquest on Lincoln's...

Students explore the work of Stephen Sondheim. In this musical theater lesson, students examine the musicals Merrily We Roll Along and Sunday in the Park with George. Students identify and anaylze linear and...

Sixth graders examine three national parks and focus on what makes them special. Working in small groups, 6th graders create a small newspaper in which each of them writes an article that expresses the concerns of their park.