Lesson Plan

On Top of Old Smoky: Field Trip Preparation Part 1 - Grade 5 (North Carolina)

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A view of distant mountains from Clingmans Dome.
A view of distant mountains from Clingmans Dome.

NPS Photo - Beth Wright

Grade Level:
Fourth Grade-Sixth Grade
Subject:
Climate, Earth Science, Geography, Meteorology
Duration:
30 minutes
Group Size:
Up to 60
Setting:
classroom
National/State Standards:
Science
5.P.1.1
5.P.2.1
5.P.2.3
EX.5.P.2.3
5.E.1.1
5.E. 1.2
5.E. 1.3
EX.5.L.1.2
5.L.2.1
5.L.2.2
EX.5.L.2.2
5.L2.3
EX.5.L.2.3
Keywords:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, fifth grade, weather, climate

Overview

Clingmans Dome serves as the high elevation classroom where students examine the ecology of sky-island habitats. The mountain top is also a great venue for students to build their understanding of weather and landforms both through direct observation and through the use of maps, data, and activities.

Objective(s)

1) Calculate changes in temperature as elevation changes.
2) Understand why temperature changes with elevation.
3) Understand the health risks associated with extreme temperature changes.

Background

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an excellent backdrop for students as they explore the natural world. The program is designed to introduce students to the interdependence between the climate and the biodiversity at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Additionally, students will gain knowledge of how human activities can adversely affect the biodiversity within the park.

Teachers coming on the accompanying field trip should download our complete field trip packet that includes all of the lessons: On Top of Old Smoky pre-site lessons, information and directions about the field trip and On Top of Old Smoky Wrap-up post site lessons.

Download the full On Top of Old Smoky Field Trip packet (includes Preparation and Wrap-up lessons).

Materials

This lesson includes a temperature and elevation worksheet that compares two elevations in the park and a Pre and Post Site Test.

Procedure

Assessment

Administer a pre and post site test that in included in the unit.

Vocabulary

Altitude, elevation, temperature, topography

Last updated: April 14, 2015