Junior Ranger Badges: 4th Grade Completes Immersive National Park Study

Junior Ranger Badges:
4th Grade Completes Immersive National Park Study

The Every Kid Outdoors Program is an interagency collaboration between the Department of the Interior, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and U.S. Forest Service that provides fourth graders with free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas! To learn more about these protected areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and marine sanctuaries, 4th grade embarked on a year-long integrated study of our country’s 63 national parks. Teaching team Stephanie Livesey and Liz Berger scaffolded lessons across the grade’s social studies, science, math, and language arts units to provide students with a hands-on, holistic approach to the research process.

In social studies, students delved into the history and significance of national parks, learning about the conservation efforts that protect these natural wonders. They researched the unique geographical features and cultural histories of various parks, developing a deep appreciation for the country’s natural heritage. Science lessons brought the ecosystems within these parks to life. Alongside EE Coordinator, Karen Linehan, students studied a wide range of flora and fauna to understand the delicate balance of nature and the importance of biodiversity. In math, students collected data on park sizes, visitor statistics, and weather patterns, analyzing the data to create different iterations of graphs and charts that visually represented their findings. And language arts lessons honed students’ research and writing skills as they composed detailed reports inspired by their chosen parks. They then created dioramas which they presented to their 3rd grade buddies next door in a conference-style poster session.

Two significant highlights of the project was the class’s May field trip to Moores Creek National Battlefield in nearby Rocky Point--(The Battle of Moores Creek Bridge is the first decisive victory of the American Revolution for the Patriots)--and a visit with two Friends School parents who previously worked as park rangers. Both of these visit provided a tangible connection to their studies, allowing students to exFrperience firsthand the historical and natural significance of the National Park Service. Reflecting on the project, 4th-grade teacher Stephanie Livesey shared, “This has been an incredible journey of discovery for our students. They’ve engaged with each subject in such meaningful ways, and it was amazing to watch their curiosities come to life. They even requested a field trip to the Northeast Library to meet with an archivist!"

This year-long project is just one poignant example of our commitment to fostering curiosity and hands-on learning. In just one short year, our 4th grade class have grown as researchers, scientists, mathematicians, and writers, showcasing their ability to connect interdisciplinary lessons with real-world experiences. We are so proud of their achievements and the enthusiasm they’ve shown in exploring the beauty and importance of our national park system.