Chapter 4: The United States "The National Park Service"

Introduction

In this chapter students have read about the geography of the United States. As settlers moved in and built towns, cities, and roads, the landscape of this country changed. Recognizing the need to preserve wilderness and historical locations, the United States government established the National Park Service. Yellowstone National Park was the first national park in the world.

Lesson Description

Students will visit the Web site for the National Park Service. They will research the formation of the park system. They will also search through Yellowstone National Park's site for specific information about the first national park. Finally, they will be asked to create a travel brochure about Yellowstone.

National Geography Standards:
Standard 4: The geographically informed person knows and understands the physical and human characteristics of place.
Standard 16: The geographically informed person knows and understands the changes that occur in the meaning, use, distribution, and importance of resources.
Standard 18: The geographically informed person knows and understands how to apply geography to interpret the present and plan for the future.

Instructional Objectives

1. The student will be able to list the three reasons for the formation of the United States National Park Service.
2. The student will be able to create a travel brochure of Yellowstone National Park.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. March 1, 1872
2. Congress
3. 1) For the pleasure and enjoyment of the people, 2) For the preservation of natural resources and wonders, and 3) To maintain the wilderness setting in its natural condition
4. 76 minutes
5. Brochures will vary.

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