Introduction
This project originates in an entry level American History class. The idea of National Parks and conservation would be used to mane interdisciplinary ties to the subjects of English, Science, and Art. Students will be working in groups in their American History class to complete this project.
In this lesson students will work from the perspective of a government surveyor in 1870. They are given the task of creating an argument revolving around what would become Yellowstone National Park. These arguments will fall into one of two categories: The formation and preservation of the land for a national park, or the development of the land for commercial and industrial use. The overarching theme of these studies will force students to reflect upon the essential question, "Is the preservation of natural areas worthwhile in a modern world that may use them otherwise?"
In this lesson students will work from the perspective of a government surveyor in 1870. They are given the task of creating an argument revolving around what would become Yellowstone National Park. These arguments will fall into one of two categories: The formation and preservation of the land for a national park, or the development of the land for commercial and industrial use. The overarching theme of these studies will force students to reflect upon the essential question, "Is the preservation of natural areas worthwhile in a modern world that may use them otherwise?"