Page:What is a National Park.pdf/1

 Geology Unit Haleakalā National Park

Next Generation Science Standard:
 * 5-ESS3-1 Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.

Description: Students will analyze the arrowhead logo as an introduction to the National Park Service, an agency whose mission is to protect and preserve natural and cultural resources for future generations and provide visitors with opportunities for recreation and learning. Students learn how the design of the National Park Service arrowhead is made up of symbols, and then have a chance to create their own design specific to Hawai‘i. We will then be introducing ways that we can help care for our parks through the 7 Leave No Trace principles, and help students to understand that the National Parks belong to each and every one of us!

Duration: 45 minutes

Objective: At the end of this lesson, the students will be able to:


 * Determine how Haleakalā National Park protects natural, cultural, and geologic resources and how the students can help protect them too.

Background: Haleakalā National Park became a national park when it was established on August 1, 1916 as part of Hawai‘i National Park. It became a separate park unit on July 1, 1961. There are over 400 national park sites in the United States. These places include parks, battlefields, monuments, seashores, historic sites, and recreation areas. The National Park Service protects these places because they are important to our nation. The National Park Service mission states, “The National Park Service preserves the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The National Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.” The arrowhead is the symbol for the National Park Service. Each picture inside the arrowhead represents something that is protected in a national park site.

It is important for all park visitors to practice good stewardship ethics and behaviors in order to pass these unique natural and historical treasures on to future generations in an unimpaired condition. Haleakalā National Park protects the natural, geologic, and cultural resources that are found in this special place. It is a land steeped in ancient Hawaiian legends and tales. Together we are all responsible for the care and protection of the park. The seven “Leave No Trace” principles help us to care for our parks. Pre-Visit Lesson Plan #1: What is a National Park?1