Lesson Plan
Curated OER

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
Curated OER

Learning Landscapes

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders analyze a landscape depicting Yosemite during the time of the Wild West. They compare their perceptions of the West from film and television to this representation. They observe the use of scale and color to depict size and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Create a Brochure

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students explore the animals, plants and features of Yosemite in order to create a brochure. They, in groups, are assigned different areas of the park to create brochures for. They access websites imbedded in this plan.
Unit Plan
National Park Service

Climate Science in Focus: A Streamflow River Study

For Teachers 9th
Data speaks, but it's our job to determine what it's trying to say. Young scientists explore the changes in weather and climate using data from the Yosemite National Park in a six-day unit. Learners first compare weather and climate and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mapping It Out: A Post-Trip Lesson

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students make a rough map of Yosemite and add elevations to the map. They are encouraged to bring photos from the trip and add them to their map.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

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
Curated OER

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
Curated OER

Rock On!

For Teachers 4th - 6th
After five class sessions, young scientists will be able to identify common rock types: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. This plan involves hands-on activities, includes various handouts and worksheets, and requires there to be...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Art is a great way to convey or express an idea. Learners choose an idiom, draw it, and use transfer paper to create photograms. They discuss how why they chose the phrase they did, and how they expressed that idea through their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

You Can Depend on Me

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Learners identify how they depend on others, and examine and discuss the images on the California Quarter Reverse. They view and discuss images of various habitats, complete a Habitat Research worksheet, and create a habitat diorama.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Oh, California: Understanding Primary Sources: What Did John Muir See?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers read a selection from the writings of John Muir. They discover his view on California and its natural resources. They create a display of images that show what California has to offer.