Want to finish the year with an engaging and educational project for your students? Introducing them to the Arkansas State Parks can provide summer adventure ideas while teaching economics, history, and adventure. The curriculum, filled with a variety of activities, is available on the Bessie B. Moore Center for Economic Education website. It can be used virtually, face to face, or in combination. Students research parks across the state and understand how they meet their goals of providing recreation and education; preserving natural, historical and cultural resources; enhancing the economy; leading in resource conservation; and honoring tradition while seeking innovation. Everything you need is on this website! This curriculum was created by Dr. Rita Littrell with research, creativity and technical assistance from four star University of Arkansas education majors: Blake Carter, Elizabeth Fletcher, Joey Snow, and Anastasia Young. Update: three now have teaching jobs!
Working in groups, students compete to create a park to attract Gen Z customers. Integration of technology with history, recreation and education results in many enticing options! Arkansas Parks might want to take notice!! Students use a timeline to track the park development and create brochures to share the amenities and adventures of each park. One Pagers are included for students to create park descriptions. Google Earth takes students to park locations. You can make virtual visits to Arkansas parks with tours provided by Arkansas Park interpreters. These are coupled with activities provided by each park ranging from history, ecology, conservation and more. Students learn about park employees and the skills needed to pursue this career. Dr. Mamie Parker, from Wilmot, Arkansas and her stellar environmental career serves as an example. Her teacher encouraged her to pursue her love of nature and gardening. The value of the teacher’s belief in her made a huge difference. Plan a ‘movie‘ day to learn about the founding of and continued financing of the Arkansas State Parks system. What services are free and how can they increase their revenues? Students consider this as they design their parks. Mystery Park guessing game and Quizezz activities add in more fun.
Additionally, use this curriculum to teach technology to your students. The university students recorded Tech How-To videos you can show your students to help them with projects and research. The Quick Links section provides tons of information for student projects and research. The individual park tours can be found here also – scroll down.
For project ideas or discussion, feel free to contact Dr. Littrell directly – rlittrell@walton.uark.edu. She would be happy to work with you. Or to provide a professional development for your teachers. Happy end of a trying year! Let’s hope for an improved 2021 – 22!
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