Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Photography and the National Park Service

For Teachers 9th - 12th
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...
Lesson Plan
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From Yosemite to Joshua Tree

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders discover diversity of plant and animal life in California's parks and compare findings to identify what makes park areas unique. Students then publish their discoveries in picture books of their own design.
Lesson Plan
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Images of the Parks

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students explore U.S. geography by completing a research project about the National Parks. In this scenery image analysis lesson, students identify the different national parks in our country and observe paintings and images by famous...
Lesson Plan
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Pre-Trip Readiness

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students demonstrate an understanding of one of the forces, floods, affecting Yosemite. After watching a video of a 1997 flood of the valley, students go to a website imbedded in this plan and answer questions.
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Build a Journal

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students prepare for field journaling at Yosemite Institute. They create and decorate their Institute journal giving them both a place to journal and ownership of it.
Lesson Plan
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Born to be Wild

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Learners watch an episode depicting the human vs. polar bear conflict in Churchill, Canada. They conduct online research and analyze the information. They interpret the facts and use storytelling techniques and role playing to convey...
Lesson Plan
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Saving the Big Trees

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students use a core map to obtain information about the Big Trees for measuring and graphing. In addition, students judge whether the Big Trees should be preserved or conserved.
Lesson Plan
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Creating Journals

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students take a virtual tour of Yosemite and selects photographs to use in their journal.
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Natural Beauty

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students read and investigate the accomplishments of John Muir. They gather information about one of the United States National Parks founded by John Muir. They create a tri-fold brochure about John Muir and a National Park he founded.
Lesson Plan
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Postcard to Self

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students, during their free time near the end of their journey they are, reflect on their trip.
Lesson Plan
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Designing the Wilderness - The Hetch-Hetchy Reservoir

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars study the controversy over building the Hetch Hetchy Dam and determine their points of view regarding the use of public lands.
Lesson Plan
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John Muir's Vision Lives On

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students identify perspectives on land management issues. They research and debate Yosemite's General Management Plan and develop personal responsibility on a local issue through citizen action.