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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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Personal Stories of the National Parks

For Teachers 6th - 8th
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...
Lesson Plan
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Looking for a Windshield Experience

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
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....
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This is America

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students explore world geography by viewing a documentary film in class. In this national parks lesson, students view the Ken Burns documentary about the subject and identify the contributions of individuals in support of the parks...
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Sing Away Songs

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research the history of Bryce Canyon National Park. They identify geological features of the Park while examining its recreational activities. They work together to write lyrics to a song about the Park.
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Sondheim: Secret Metaphors

For Teachers 9th - 12th
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...
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Writing Through Art

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Examine the works of visual and performing artists with upper graders. Using the works, they identify the comparisons among the techniques used. They will also review the six traits of effective writing and keep a writing journal...
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Plant Identification: New Jersey vs. Ecuador

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders discover the different plants that grow in different climates through specimen collections.  In this botany lesson, 6th graders examine plants from both New Jersey and Ecuador and discuss what conditions could create...
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Reptiles and Amphibians

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore biology by viewing animal videos in class. In this amphibian and reptile instructional activity, 4th graders identify the key differences between reptiles, amphibians and other animal classifications. Students view...
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Models of Succession

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students create a model city in order to understand the effects human habitats have on the environment.  In this environment lesson, students examine the effects human habitats have on the environment.  Students create a model...
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Wilderness Lesson Plan

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students investigate the wilderness by reading magazine articles and discussing with their peers.  In this wild life lesson, students read a page from the Natural Inquirer magazine and examine photographs online of wilderness...
Lesson Plan
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Going on a Seed Safari

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students describe biology by identifying different plants in class. In this seed lesson, students discuss the process of how a plant grows from seed to leaves. Students attend a field trip to their garden or another park and collect a...
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Mount Auburn Cemetery

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners use photos, maps and reading materials to examine the history and role of Mount Auburn Cemetery. They analyze the landscape of the cemetery, consider how it affects visitor's emotions and feelings and then design an original...
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Artifact Ethics

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders examine their own values and beliefs about archaeological site protection and evaluate possible actions they might take regarding site and artifact protection.
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Fujiyama

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine and discuss Mt. Fuji (Fujiyama) and its effect on the culture and philosophy of Japan. This high school lesson is ideal for a Social Studies, Humanities, or Asian Studies class.
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Exhibition: Nathan Oliveira

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the life and works of Nathan Oliveira. In groups, they discuss his influences on the type of art he made and how his emotions are reflected in his artwork. They also note the characteristics of each section of the...
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Painted Lodges

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore lodge construction as a representation of culture. In this cultural diversity and Native American history lesson plan, students listen to a narrative explaining the origin of Native American painted lodges. Students...
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Old Growth Forest Mural

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students explore the four characteristics of an old growth forest. In this forest lesson, students research old growth forests and their inhabitants. Students work in four separate groups and create a mural for their characteristic of an...
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Mini Museum

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students brainstorm about the different types of museums and complete a worksheet by looking at artifacts and what they think that object did. They work together in groups to complete a KWL chart throughout the lesson.
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The Landscape

For Teachers 10th - 11th
Students create works of art that portray their connection to their environment, construct class sculptural landscape, record changes to their environment since their grandparents' time, and paint one referenced art work from new...
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Remembrance Through Public Art

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students discuss the purpose of public art, in the form of memorials. They research the design and planning of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C., then plan their own memorial and construct a 3D model.