An Introduction to U.S. National Parks
The activities in the first part of this unit are designed to familiarize students with the national park development in a number of ways. A simple outline map and a comprehensive list of parks, introduces the learner to the extensive distribution of parks throughout continental U.S. and several territories. Exercises using mathematical concepts, not only communicate content, but also reinforces mathematical operations, and illustrates their applicability to other disciplines. The fact sheet outlines key facts that are pertinent to U.S. Parks. Major legislation, statistics, history, and an assortment of data, clearly illustrates the seriousness of the park movement. With such diverse information available, both the teacher and student can be quite imaginative and embellish the skeletal outline with the settings and circumstances involved in the park system. A student, for instance, can thoroughly research an item and report findings to the class. The debating exercise and speeches allows the learner the opportunity to practice oral skills and analyze divergent positions, which are imperative to effective communication. Vocabulary development increases the learner’s capacity to participate more fully in the communication process. While some terms have special meaning in the context of national parks, others are useful words that enrich vocabulary on a general basis. Also, mastery of specific terminology is a prerequisite to the comprehension of the reading passages.
The objectives of lesson one are:
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1. To
identify
regions where U.S. Parks are located.
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2. To
compare
the size and distribution of parks.
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3. To
know
important numerical information, including dates and statistics about national parks.
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4. To
increase
vocabulary related to national parks.
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5. To
practice
debating techniques using park issues.
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6. To
know
about problems inherent in park system.
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7. To
understand
different perspectives of park issues.
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8. To
increase
reading capacity.
Resources
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1. Outline map of U.S.
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2. List of parks in U.S. and Territories
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3. Selected facts about the history, economics, and management of U.S. Parks
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4. Essays on contrasting positions on issues and experiences
Activities
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1. Park location and placement
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2. Mathematical calculations and problem solving
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3. Group processes—teamwork
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4. Public speaking—speech and debate
The United States
(figure available in print form)
Activities
I
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1.
Locate
the states in which the national parks and national monuments are located in and
fill in
the outline map.
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2. Which states have the greatest number of national parks?
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3. What region of the U.S. are they located in?
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4. Calculate the acreage of land for each state and determine rank in descending order.
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5. Which states have the greatest number of national monuments?