The study of our nation's heritage, both formal and informal, is an essential part of our civic education. By broadening the historical context through which we interpret parks and the events that unfolded within them, the NPS Civic Engagement initiative strives to tell the unique story of each park faithfully, completely, and accurately.

Teaching difficult subjects can be a challenge. But the National Park Service is committed to moving away from the "comfortable" and often narrow interpretations of historical events traditionally presented in our parks. By paying careful attention to the perspectives of diverse audiences, the resulting interpretative programs provide a unique opportunity for students to explore complex social issues within contemporary American society.

Parks can also serve an important role in the development of students' citizenship skills and "understanding of place." Civic engagement is critical for sustained stewardship in our parks and for developing a collaborative vision for the future. Employing learning models that incorporate interrelated teaching strategies -- like place-based education, service learning, civic education, and conflict resolution - can both bond students to their communities and teach civic duty in new and exciting ways.

Incorporate Civic Engagement into Your Educational Programs and Lessons
Read the Case Studies on this Web site for real-life stories of civic engagement efforts between educators, their communities, and parks around the country.

Read about A Forest for Every Classroom, a place-based, resource-and-civic-learning model now serving as a pilot project in high schools across the state of Vermont.

Visit National Park Service educational websites, LearnNPS and Exploring the Real Thing, for a wide variety of curriculum and opportunities.

Review the civic engagement materials in the Resources section of this Web site.

Send questions and comments through the Dialog section of this Web site. For any additional need, please Contact Us.

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