COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL/Artwork by Tyra Olstad

The logo for Travelin' Trunks incorporates the four trunk themes.

Petrified Forest National Park is currently working on two exciting new educational programs: Travelin' Trunks and a High School education program.

The Travelin' Trunks will feature four subject matter trunks, each with lessons aligned to Arizona Science, Mathematics, and Social Studies Standards. The trunks are designed for teachers to use in the classroom. Filled with materials and supplies needed for each lesson, reference books, and general park information, the trunks will be an excellent resource to supplement a park visit or to introduce park resources to students. The only cost to use the trunks would be for shipping.

Rocks and Fossils will contain lesson plans and materials related to paleontological and geological resources found within the park. Lessons will include geologic time and processes, petrification, fossilization, and climate change.
Ancient Folks will contain lesson plans and materials related to archeological resources found within the park. Lessons will include cultural changes over time, dendrochronology, pottery, petroglyphs, middens, and climate change.
Trails, Rails, and Roads will contain lesson plans and materials related to historical resources found within the park. Lessons will include discussions of trading posts, Historic Route 66, the Civilian Conservation Corps, and changes in travel over time.
Critters, Climate, and Cover will contain lesson plans and materials related to the animals and plants adapted to the grassland ecosystem found within the park. Lessons will include food webs, skull identification, bird watching, invasive species, water quality, and climate change.

The High School education program will be a field-based experience designed to inspire young people in the sciences, with specific emphasis on paleontology and archeology.