Teaching 'The National Parks'
RSSClassroom resources on the televised series
Kathy Ishizuka -- School Library Journal, 10/01/2009
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Official White House photograph by Pete Souza |
The President and his family were among the 270 million visitors last year to our national parks, where Obama took in the epic vista of the Grand Canyon in August (above). Whether you find it spiritual or otherwise restorative, or simply a great good time to get outside, communing with nature on this scale is part of our national heritage, hence the Ken Burns treatment in his latest televised series “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.” Teaching materials for the series include video clips, lesson plans, and activities, all available on PBS Teachers. On October 7, PBS Teachers and Classroom 2.0 will cohost a free webinar, “Teaching About Place with Ken Burns,” on using the series to teach digital storytelling, among other topics.
While 100 state parks in California remain threatened with closure due to the budget crisis, our protected wild places will undoubtedly get a boost from the series. We just have to get our kids out there. On his site, Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, offers resources for helping children enjoy the outdoors.
