Ken Burns Read students the National Park Service (NPS) mission statement: “The NPS preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations.” Lead a discussion about why wilderness areas exist, the balance between humans and nature, and all the factors that must be taken into consideration in managing and maintaining a national park.
Divide students into groups of three and give each group a set of words:
- Group 1: Enjoyment, Education, Inspiration
- Group 2: Preserve, Unimpaired
- Group 3: Enjoyment, Education, Inspiration, Preserve, Unimpaired
Now have each group design a park that upholds the words they have been given and make five rules to ensure that their visitors are adhering to their park’s mission. Then do a park tour and have each group present their park and its rules. (Activity courtesy of NatureBridge. Learn more at www.naturebridge.org.)
