Junior Ranger Challenge -- Design a Visitor Center

Hello Ranger-in-Training,

Military engineer Thaddeus Kosciuszko was very skilled at designing and building forts during the Revolutionary War. He had to consider where to put the fort, what it would be made from, and how many windows and doors it would have. He would even have to think about where the soldiers inside the fort would go to the bathroom.

Sometimes park rangers get to design big things, like exhibits or a new visitor center. A visitor center is a place where visitors can talk to rangers, get maps, and go to the bathroom. Some visitor centers have exhibits about the park, or theaters where visitors can watch a film.

Now it is your turn to be a designer. Are you up for the challenge?

Your friend,
Ranger Renee

 

Your challenge: Design a visitor center for the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

 

Directions

1. Read the information below about the visitors who come to the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial to see the house and learn more about the Polish patriot.
2. On a piece of paper, design a visitor center for the house. Your drawing MUST have a bathroom and somewhere to learn about Thaddeus Kosciuszko. It can also have a gift shop, a theater, and even a play area for families.

Looking for ideas? Check out some examples in the Junior Ranger Challenge Photo Gallery.

 

Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

Read the information below to help you figure out what to put in your visitor center.

• The house is a place where visitors can learn about Polish freedom fighter Thaddeus Kosciuszko.
• The house is in a part of Philadelphia with a lot of red brick buildings.
• Many of the visitors to the house are from Poland.
• Many visitors speak Polish and English.
• Usually there are five visitors in the house. It's not super crowded.
• Some visitors ask is there are special things for kids to do when they visit the house.
• Some visitors want to learn more about the forts Kosciuszko designed.
• Some visitors ask if there are books or movies about Kosciuszko.

 

BONUS! Design a house that YOU would want to live in

1. On a piece of paper, draw a picture of your dream house. Will it be on a hill overlooking your neighborhood? What will it be made of? How many rooms will it have?
2. Your house will need to have windows and doors.