Lesson Plan - Too Many Tourists!

Watch a Video
Watch the video “America’s National Treasures.” Discuss the goal of the National Park Service and invite students to describe national parks they’ve visited.

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• alleviate 
• stewards

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about what visitors can do to help protect national parks.

1. How does a timed-entry system work? What is the main purpose of the new timed-entry system at some national parks?
In a timed-entry system, people must book a time slot to enter a park. Some national parks are beginning to use timed-entry systems to limit the number of visitors and keep crowds from getting too large.
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2. What are some examples of bad behavior that visitors at national parks have engaged in, according to the article?
Some examples of bad behavior that visitors at national parks have engaged in include leaving behind trash or human waste, trampling plants, and getting too close to wildlife.
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3. Based on the article and its sidebar, “Protect Our Parks,” what do you think is the meaning behind the name of the group Leave No Trace?
Based on the article and the sidebar, “Protect Our Parks,” you can guess that the name Leave No Trace refers to the idea that when you visit a natural area, you should not leave behind any sign that you were there. That includes leaving litter, damaging the natural resources, or taking things like rocks or plants. 
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FEATURED SKILL: Analyzing a Graph
Use the skill builder “Top Parks” to have students complete a pictograph of the seven most visited national parks, then answer questions using the graph.
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