Mapping the

National Parks


A WebQuest for Third Grade Social Studies

Amanda Wise - 2006

Last updated June 14, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

Detail of Clarence E. Dutton's Tertiary
History of the Grand Caynon District,
1882, Sheet 6.

 
Would you be willing to give your land to the government for the development of a new national park?
Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page | Home

#1 Introduction

Over the years, visitation to the United States National Parks has risen due to increasing popularity. The United States is home to hundreds of National Parks, National Monuments, Preserves, Historic Sites and more. These spectacular marvels are just waiting for you to visit them!

 
Would you be willing to give your land to the government for the development of a new national park?
Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page | Home

#2 Task

Let’s take a road trip! Each group will create their own trip around the four national parks that have been chosen. We will be engaging in several activities to lead up to your final presentation. Enjoy the ride and happy exploring!!!

 
Would you be willing to give your land to the government for the development of a new national park?
Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page | Home

#3 Process

  1. Take student questionnaire.
  2. The class will be divided into 4 groups.
  3. Each group will explore the site Mapping the National Parks to gain background knowledge.
  4. Visit the link for each park; Acadia, Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, and Yellowstone. And the link for A Brief History of Mapping the National Parks.
  5. Use the graphic organizer as you move through the sites. The information you will need can be found in the first few paragraphs of each page.
  6. Choose a route that you will use for you trip. Make sure you start and end in Waynesburg.
  7. Use MapQuest to find the distance between each of your destinations.
  8. As you find the distance between places add the distances to your Trip Analysis Sheet.
  9. Each group will give a final presentation about the parks. The group will create a poster to highlight important facts about the parks and the route they will be taking for their road trip.
  10. Use the Things to Keep in Mind List.

 
Would you be willing to give your land to the government for the development of a new national park?
Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page | Home

#4 Evaluation

Evaluations are based on a group effort with each student equally contributing to the work being done. Necessary deductions will be made for those individuals not contributing.

Checklist for Trip Analysis

Rubric for Final Project:

CATEGORY 4 3 2 1
Title Title tells the purpose/content of the map, is clearly distinguishable as the title (e.g. larger letters, underlined, etc), and is printed at the top of the map. Title tells the purpose/content of the map and is printed at the top of the map. Title tells the purpose/content of the map, but is not located at the top of the map. Purpose/content of the map is not clear from the title.
Labels - Accuracy 90-100% of the items are labeled and located correctly. 80-89% of the items are labeled and located correctly. 79-70% of the items are labeled and located correctly. Less than 70% of the items are labeled and located correctly.
Labels & Features - Neatness 90-100% of the labels can be read easily. 89-80% of the labels can be read easily. 79-70% of the labels can be read easily. Less than 70% of the labels can be read easily.
Park Information Each park has at least 5 facts or points of interest. Each park has 4 facts or points of interest. Each park has 3 facts or points of interest. Each park has 2 or less facts or points of interest.
Route Trip was planned in a logical round trip order. Trip was planned in round trip order. Trip was planned in unlogical order. Trip was not planned in an orderly fashion.
Home Started and ended in Waynesburg. Started in Waynesburg, didn't return. Ended in Waynesburg, didn't start. Did not start and end in Waynesburg.

 

 
Would you be willing to give your land to the government for the development of a new national park?
Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page | Home

#5 Conclusion

1. Each group will present their final project.

2. Student Scenario: Pretend that you own over 100 acres of land that has been in your family for over a century and you have been approached by government officials about selling your land that they have designated to become part of a new national park. In a letter to State Representative H. William DeWeese express your thoughts and opinion about selling your land. Would you object? Would you demand certain compensation? Think about eminent domain.

Use the letter template to write your letter. Items in italics are places where you need to put your information in.

3. Exchange your letter with a partner for a peer review and reflection. Partners can make changes and suggestions for the final copy.

4. Make changes and turn in your final copy.
Would you be willing to give your land to the government for the development of a new national park?
Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page | Home

#6 Credits and References

Designed by Amanda Wise, 2006, with Central Greene School District in partnership with An Adventure of the American Mind at Waynesburg College. Last updated
June 14, 2006.

Template created April 2006 by Amy Martin, An Adventure of the American Mind at Waynesburg based on a template designed by Lisa Bradshaw, An Adventure of the American Mind - Colorado.

Many ideas for webquest content and worksheets were adapted by permission from An Adventure of the American Mind - Northern Virginia Partnership, Dr. Rhonda Clevenson, Director.