NPS Photo
Using distance learning technology, a ranger presents an education program to a school group.
Distance Learning Programs
Badlands National Park conducts interactive classroom presentations through distance learning video conferences. Schools with video conferencing dial the park's IP address (64.251.168.34) at the scheduled time to connect with a ranger. To schedule a presentation, please contact the park's Education Specialist for more information.
A test connection can be arranged before your scheduled presentation.
Reservations are now being accepted for the 2009-2010 school year.
Grades 1-5: Time Travel with Fossils
Badlands National Park protects rich fossil beds that contain evidence of ancient life. The fossils include marine creatures that lived from 74 to 65 million years ago and ancient mammals that lived from 37 to 25 million years ago. Students will make inferences about ancient animals and environments based on the fossil evidence presented to them. (30-45 minutes)
Pre-conference materials:
Teacher Background Information
What Color Was I? Lesson Plan (5.6 MB PDF)
Fossil Trading Cards (1.84 MB)
Grades 3-4: Bison Banquet
Badlands National Park is home to a population of approximately 800 bison. Learn about the bison's natural and cultural history as you explore the many traditional Native American uses of the bison. Students will see bison parts and brainstorm possible uses for these items. (45 minutes)
Pre-conference materials:
Teacher's Background Information (79 KB PDF)
A Bison's Lunch Lesson Plan (232 KB PDF)
Bison by the Numbers Lesson Plan (105 KB PDF)
Traditional Uses of the Buffalo Handout (520 KB PDF)
Grades 6-8: Layers of Sedimentary Rocks
The Badlands are layers of sedimentary rocks sculpted by the geologic forces of deposition, weathering, and erosion. Learn how ancient environments like rivers, flood plains, and an ocean deposited the rock layers that we see today. The ranger will point out geologic features easily observed from the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Fossil evidence found within the Badlands layers will be displayed and discussed. (45 minutes)
Pre-conference materials:
Teacher Background Information
Badlands Layers Worksheet (60 KB PDF)
Grades 7-12: Swift Fox Biology and Restoration
This series of lessons uses research data from the swift fox wildlife restoration program to explore life science topics, such as populations, ecological interdependence, and careers in biology. The first and third lessons are delivered by the classroom teacher and are required preparation for the video conference lessons. The second and fourth lessons are presented by Badlands National Park staff via video conference. During the video conferences, students will interact with park rangers and analyze real scientific data. (45 minutes)
Pre-conference materials:
Swift Fox Curriculum Unit (803 KB PDF)
Badlands Virtual Experience
Views of the National Parks (Views) is a multimedia education program that presents stories of the natural, historical, and cultural wonders associated with national parks. Views includes a Badlands Virtual Experience and a Teacher's lounge.
