🏞️ Yellowstone National Park: 8th Grade Curriculum📚 Curriculum Overview.

📅 Week 1: Introduction to Yellowstone

Objectives:

• Understand the significance of Yellowstone as the first national park.

• Identify the park's location and major geographical features.​

Activities:

• Watch the introductory segments of the video to familiarize students with the park's landscapes and features.

• Utilize the National Geographic interactive map to explore Yellowstone's geography. 

• Create a KWL chart (Know, Want to know, Learned) to assess prior knowledge and set learning goals.​Education | National Geographic Society+2PBS: Public Broadcasting Service+2PBS: Public Broadcasting Service+2PBS: Public Broadcasting Service

🌋 Week 2: Geothermal Features and Geology

Objectives:

• Explain the formation of geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles.

• Understand the volcanic activity underlying Yellowstone's geothermal features.​PBS Video on Yellowstone's Geothermal Activity

Activities:

• Discuss the geothermal phenomena showcased in the video, such as Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring.

• Conduct a virtual tour of Yellowstone's geothermal areas using the PBS "Let's Go! Virtual Yellowstone Tour" lesson plan. 

• Create diagrams illustrating the formation of various geothermal features.​SchoolTubePBS: Public Broadcasting Service+1PBS: Public Broadcasting Service+1

🐾 Week 3: Wildlife and Ecosystems

Objectives:

• Identify key wildlife species in Yellowstone and their roles in the ecosystem. Video

• Understand the concept of keystone species and the impact of species reintroduction.​

Activities:

• Analyze the video segments highlighting Yellowstone's fauna, including bison and gray wolves.

• Engage in the "Who Am I?" lesson to research and present information on specific animals and their habitats. 

• Discuss the ecological effects of the gray wolf reintroduction in 1995.​Britannica Kids+1SchoolTube+1NPS.govSchoolTube

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Week 4: Cultural History and Conservation

Objectives:

• Explore the human history associated with Yellowstone, including Indigenous peoples and early explorers.

• Understand the importance of conservation and the role of national parks.​

Activities:

• Investigate the historical context of Yellowstone's establishment as a national park.

• Utilize the "Yellowstone Travel Through Time" lesson plan to examine historical artifacts and documents. 

• Discuss current conservation efforts and challenges facing the park.​NPS.gov

📝 Assessment and Extension

Assessment:

• Students will create a multimedia presentation or report summarizing their learning about Yellowstone's geology, wildlife, and cultural history.​PBS: Public Broadcasting Service

Extension Activities:

• Participate in a virtual ranger-led program to deepen understanding of specific topics. 

• Engage in the Yellowstone National Park Sorting Mat activity to reinforce knowledge of the park's biodiversity. ​NPS.govTwinkl

This curriculum provides a structured yet flexible framework to explore Yellowstone National Park's multifaceted significance, fostering an appreciation for natural wonders and the importance of preservation. For an in person experience join Appleseed Expeditions on a journey to Yellowstone. Find out more.