National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Canyonlands National ParkOutdoor education field trip
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Canyonlands National Park
2nd Grade
2nd Grader studying rocks
NPS Photo by Neal Herbert
2nd grader studying rocks
 

Rocks (download PDF)
Students explore a few rocks and minerals of the area. They investigate how sandstone was formed and experiment with both wind and water to determine which is the most effective erosional process. Students explore cryptobiotic soil, and search for clues to discover how we use rocks differently than the people who lived here in ancient times.

Preparing for Winter (download PDF)
This in-class presentation uses story and visualization to explore how different types of animals survive the winter.

Changes in Plants and Animals (download PDF)
Students explore plant changes by performing a play depicting the life cycle of a wildflower through the seasons. They explore life cycles of frogs and toads, along the way discovering the difference between them. Students learn about insect metamorphosis, focusing on moths and butterflies, and discover the surprising world of insect galls.

Download entire 2nd Grade Curriculum
[2mb PDF file]

Tadpole Shrimp  

Did You Know?
Naturally occurring sandstone basins called “potholes” collect rain water and wind-blown sediment, forming tiny ecosystems where a fascinating collection of plants and animals live. Tadpole shrimp, fairy shrimp and many insects can be found in potholes.
more...

Last Updated: August 24, 2006 at 11:59 EST