Lesson Plan

On Top of Old Smoky: Field Trip Preparation Part 3 - Grade 5 (North Carolina)

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:
30-45 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, air pollution, air quality

Overview

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an excellent backdrop for students as they explore the natural world.  This unit is broken into three parts. The overall unit involves a trip to the park and is accompanied by three preparation activities and three wrap-up activities.  This is Part 3 of the field preparation activity of the unit. 

Objective(s)

1) Identify sources and effects of air pollution
2) Plot a course and measure distance on a map

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 packet includes an air pollution mapping activity and game and a Pre and Post Site Test.

Procedure

Assessment

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

Extensions

Create a chart at school that displays the daily air quality index.

Vocabulary

Coriolis effect, jet stream, pollution

Last updated: April 14, 2015