National Parks Proposal Project

Ignite your students' curiosity and creativity with the National Parks Proposal Project! This dynamic, cross-curricular resource empowers learners to dive into environmental science, hone their persuasive writing, and master social studies skills as they craft compelling research and engaging letters to advocate for their park proposals. Inspire critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world communication—all in one comprehensive package. Great for in-class or distance learning.

I love National Parks, so I enjoy doing a mini unit about different National Parks in the United States and then wrapping up the unit with this project.

Basically, students will be researching sites in their state that are not currently National Parks, but could potentially become a National Park. Then, they will write a formal persuasive letter to the National Park Service to 'propose' that a specific site should become a National Park. Students will research and discuss the cultural, historical and environmental significance of the site and will also learn how to research, cite and write a formal letter.

It typically takes around 7-8 class periods (sometimes longer or shorter depending on the group) to complete the research and the letter. 

I typically use this project in my science classes, but it could also be used in a language arts or social studies class as a research project.

This project has four parts:

1. My State’s National Parks Research-students will research existing National Parks in your state

2. Potential National Park Sites Research-Students will research sites in your state that could possibly become a National Park

3. My Site Research-Students will choose one particular site to focus on and will do extra research about that site.

4. Proposal Letter Directions and Rubric-Students will write a 2-page persuasive letter to the director of the National Park Service to propose that a certain site becomes a National Park.

This product includes:

1. Teacher Directions-including prep info and materials needed

2. Teacher tips

3. Teacher procedure

4. “My State’s National Parks Student Packet-research on National Parks within their state.

5. “Potential National Parks” Student Packet-research on areas that could become a national park.

6. “My Site Research” Student Packet-students choose an area and research it.

7. “Proposal Letter” Student Packet-directions for writing their letters, citations information and rubric.

To do this activity, students will need:

• Pencil

• Ability to research (computer, chromebooks, I Pads, etc.)

• Copy of student packets (INCLUDED)

Also, check out my Youtube Channel for FREE informational videos about the national parks along with FREE video guides for your students!

Join my email list here to learn about ways to encourage students to experience the content!

You can also follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube!

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at edventureswithmrsd@gmail.com.

Thank you!