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Defend National Parks

Defend National Parks

United States National Parks boast unique geological features, diverse ecosystems, and recreational opportunities. Students will investigate several of these places of beauty and create a triorama model of one.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Cotton Balls
  • Craft Materials
  • Heavy Paper
  • Natural Materials
  • Recycled File Folders

Steps

  • Step 1

    The grandeur of the American West inspired the idea of national parks. In 1861 Ferdinand Hayden, head of the government's new geological survey, explored the headwaters of the Yellowstone River. He strongly advocated for setting aside the region as a national park. In 1872 President Grant signed a bill designating 2.2 million acres of land as "a public park...for the benefit and enjoyment of the people" and stating that there was a federal responsibility to preserve the sites and retain their natural condition.

  • Step 2

    The United States has 63 national parks, which are protected areas operated by the National Park Service (NPS). Have students investigate a few and choose one they would like to learn more about and then depict in a triorama model. They might be intrigued by the tributary canyons of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the stalagmites and stalactites of Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, the tropical wilderness and animals of the Everglades in Florida, the giant sequoia trees in Yosemite in California, or many more.

  • Step 3

    Have students create a triorama of the national park they chose. To create the pyramid shape students will fold a square piece of heavy paper or a recycled file folder bringing the corners together on a diagonal line. Then have them cut along one of the folds from the corner to the center. To form the triorama they will pull one flap back over the other. Have them note which area will be hidden from view when this is done. They should lay the drawing surface flat for ease of decorating the background of their triorama. When they are done they will take that one end of the flap and pull it behind the other flap and secure it with tape create an open pyramid shape.

Standards

SCI: Convey designs through sketches, detailed drawings, or physical models to communicate ideas and solutions.

SCI: Design pictorial or graphic representations/models that are useful in communicating ideas.

SS: People, Places, and Environments: Use data to analyze human behavior in relation to its physical and cultural environment.

Adaptations

Have students explore some of the threats to national parks, such as climate change, invasion of non-native species, adjacent development, etc. Have them choose one area to learn about what can be done to combat the threat.

Theodore Roosevelt has been called the "conservation president." During his tenure he doubled the number of sites within the National Park system. Have students learn more about his commitment to the land and its conservation.