The downloadable field journal is available here. It is used in "Rocks on the Move" and "Discover the Pinyon-Juniper Forest."
- Print on legal paper.
- It may help to click on "scale to paper" when printing.
- Copy double-sided for student journals.
Programs currently offered for fourth grade: Printable version of this page
(1) A Monumental Hike (Lower Monument Canyon - Weathering and Erosion and Animal Adaptations)
Students will go on a ranger-guided hike to the base of Independence Monument (from the Lower Monument Canyon Trailhead) to discover and identify the different agents of weathering and erosion that shape Monument Canyon and its landforms. During the hike, students will be exposed to a variety of animals and be able to identify unique adaptations that help animals to survive in the different life zones of the canyons.
Location: Lower Monument Canyon Trail
Duration: 4.5 hours – 4.5 miles round trip
Standards Addressed:
Science 4.1.4 Describe natural processes that change Earth’s surface.
Science 4.1.5 Recognize that humans are affected by natural events.
Science 3.4.3 Identify characteristics of plants and animals that allow them to live in specific environments.
Science 3.1.4 Give examples of how organisms interact with each other and with nonliving parts of their habitat.
Pre-Visit Activity and Answer Key
Post-Visit Activity and Answer Key
(2) Rocks on the Move (Weathering and Erosion)
Students will go on a ranger-guided hike along the Canyon Rim Trail to explore and identify the different agents of weathering and erosion that shape the landscape. Field journals are available for this program (see note at top of page).
Location: Visitor Center, Canyon Rim Trail
Duration: 45 minutes – ½ mile round trip
Standards Addressed:
Science 4.1.4 Describe natural processes that change Earth’s surface.
Science 4.1.5 Recognize that humans are affected by natural events
Pre-Visit Activity and Answer Key
Post-Visit Activity and Answer Key
(3) Discover the Pinyon-Juniper Forest (Plant Adaptations)
Students will go on a ranger-guided hike to learn how plants are specially adapted to the pinyon-juniper forest and desert ecosystem along the Alcove Nature Trail. Field journals are available for this program (see note at top of page).
Location: Visitor Center, Alcove Nature Trail
Duration: 45 minutes – ½ mile round trip
Standards Addressed:
Science 3.4.3 Identify characteristics of plants and animals that allow them to live in specific environments.
Science 3.1.4 Give examples of how organisms interact with each other and with nonliving parts of their habitat.
Science 3.2.1 Recognize that green plants need energy from sunlight and various raw materials to live, and that animals consume plants and other organisms to live.
Pre-Visit Activity and Answer Key
Post-Visit Activity and Answer Key
(4) How do Animals Live Here? (Animal Adaptations)
Students will discover the wonders of animal adaptations. Through a variety of activities, students will be exposed to a variety of animals and be able to identify unique adaptations that help these animals survive in the high desert environment.
Location: Visitor Center
Duration: 45 minutes
Standards Addressed:
Science 3.4.3 Identify characteristics of plants and animals that allow them to live in specific environments.
Science 3.1.4 Give examples of how organisms interact with each other and with nonliving parts of their habitat.
Science 3.2.1 Recognize that green plants need energy from sunlight and various raw materials to live, and that animals consume plants and other organisms to live.
Pre-Visit Activity and Answer Key
Post-Visit Activity and Answer Key
