Last updated: February 17, 2022
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Cuyahoga Valley Self-Guided Field Trip: Activity 1
This activity is one of four parts of a self-guided field trip developed by Teacher-Ranger-Teacher Tan Truong in 2020. Visit the field trip page for more information.
NPS / Kerry Muhl
Teachers and chaperones can use the discussion guide to facilitate conversations with students about the National Park Service. Students will complete pages 4 and 5 from the Junior Ranger Handbook.
Location
Start at Station Road Bridge Trailhead. Carefully make your way to the kiosk near the northern edge of the parking lot.
Materials
- Junior Ranger Handbook
- The Valley Guide
Discussion Guide
Goal
Students will have a better understanding of Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s theme as a park for people.
Objective
Students will be able to connect their interests to activities available at Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Duration
15 minutes
Introduction
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a park for people.
Questions to Ask
- What do you think the phrase, “park for the people” means?
- What is a park you have been to, and what did you do while you were there?
Explanation
Parks are outdoor areas for people to enjoy.
The mission statement of the National Park Service is: "The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations." The National Parks belong to all of us!
Activity: the National Park Service Symbol
Have students turn to page 4 of the Junior Ranger Handbook to complete what the National Park Service symbol represents.
Answer Guide
- The Sequoia tree represents the plants.
- The bison represents animals.
- The mountain represents scenic landscapes.
- The lake represents water resources and recreation.
- The arrowhead represents history and culture.
Explanation
Have a student volunteer to read the following paragraph at the bottom of page 4 in the Junior Ranger Handbook:
"Did you know? Yellowstone became the world’s first National Park in 1872. In the early years, most national parks were in western states. This is why the badge has western symbols. Today, the National Park System includes seashores, battlefields, monuments, huge wetlands, scenic rivers, islands, and urban parks (like Cuyahoga Valley)."
More Fun Facts
- Congress established Cuyahoga Valley National Park in 1974 as part of the Parks to the People movement. This Civil Rights initiative created national parks in and near cities, intending to improve access for people of different backgrounds and economic means.
- The Cuyahoga River valley has provided metropolitan residents with access to the countryside for nature, scenery, and outdoor recreation since the time that Cleveland and Akron became major industrial centers in the late 1800s.
- Today, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a place where people seek personal health, wellness, and renewal. Located within a one-hour drive to over three million people, Cuyahoga Valley National Park has the potential to be a park for all.
Activity: Turn, Pair, Share
Ask students to turn to one person standing next to them and share an activity that they would like to do or try at Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Explanation
To find out what you can do on a visit to Cuyahoga Valley on your own or with a park ranger, refer to the Valley Guide. This is one way to find out about ranger-led programs that you and your families can join such as hiking, bird watching, and full moon walks.
Activity: Plan a Visit
Have students work with a partner to review the Valley Guide and complete page 5 of the Junior Ranger Handbook what they would like to do in the park. Pick one ranger-led program and one spot for scenery and wildlife watching.
Sources
- Junior Ranger Handbook
- The Valley Guide
Continue the Field Trip
Explore the rest of the activities that make up this self-guided field trip: