Where in the World is Badlands National Park?

Task One: The bus driver needs directions to get you and all of your classmates to Badlands National Park. Go to http://maps.google.com/ to get directions. Enter your home town in line A and Badlands National Park in line B. Answer questions 1 - 4. 

 1) In what state is Badlands National Park?

 2) How many miles is it from your school to Badlands National Park?

 3) How long will your drive take?

 4) How many states will you drive through on your way?

Task Two: What is a national park? Go to www.nps.gov/pub_aff/refdesk/NPS_Overview.pdf and read the paragraph under the heading Mission. Answer questions 5 - 6. 

 5) The National Park Service is the agency that preserves and protects national parks. In 2016, the National Park Service will celebrate its centennial. In what year was the National Park Service created? 
 
6) The mission statement of the National Park Service "is to conserve the __________ and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the ___________ of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them ____________ for the enjoyment of _________ generations."

Task Three:  A friend in another class wants to know what is so special about Badlands National Park. Research some facts about Badlands National Park. Go to www.nps.gov/badl. Answer questions 7 -8. 

7) Look under “Plan Your Visit.” List two fun things that you would enjoy doing when you visit the park.

8) National parks preserve outstanding natural areas. Look under “Photos and Multimedia.” You can also watch these videos at http://www.youtube.com/badlandsNPS. Watch the Welcome Video and one additional video that interests you. List three things you would find in nature at Badlands National Park. It can be an animal, a plant, or a landform.

Task Four (Conclusion): You are almost ready for your trip! A Badlands National Park Ranger will visit your class to help you learn more about the Badlands. Your teacher will explain what the park ranger will talk about. Write two questions that you want to ask the park ranger. At the end of the park ranger's visit, you will get to ask your questions!