People have always depended on nature for their survival. From early hunting and gathering societies, to modern agricultural ones, the same processes have occurred. Photosynthetic organisms have captured the sun's energy and made it available for heterotrophs, such as ourselves; decomposers have recycled nutrients. Interactions among predators and prey have kept populations in check. Symbiosis has ensured that organisms will be able to survive in many different environments.

For the past century, ecologists have applied scientific principles to the study of organisms and their environment, or ecology. However, much is still unknown. As humans continue to change the environment, new interactions are observed and the fate of natural areas becomes more precarious throughout the world. According to the National Park Service, our national parks are reservoirs of information of great value to humanity. As such, the parks can and should be centers for broad scientific research and inquiry.

Source: http://www1.nature.nps.gov/challenge/challengedoc/index_frames.htm

Click the map and visit the NPS science and research site, Research in the Parks. Once there, drag your cursor over specific states to visit different research projects in U.S. National Parks.

Divide into research groups and then divide the regions listed below among the groups. Each group should choose 3-6 research projects to investigate.

1. Western U.S.: AK, HA, WA, OR, CA, MT, NV, ID, UT, CO and WY

2. Southwestern U.S.: AZ, NM, TX, OK, AR and LA

3. Midwestern U.S.: ND, SD, NE, KS, MN, IA, MO, WI, IL, MI, IN and OH

4. Northeastern U.S.: PA, ME, VT, NH, MA, NY, CT, RI, NJ and DE

5. Southeastern U.S.: MD, WV, VA, KY, TN, NC, SC, GA, AL, MS and FL

When you have chosen your research projects, click on the notepad and use the Student Handout: Research in the Parks to take notes.

After you have completed your investigation, meet together to share what you have learned.