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Here are a few time-tested activity plans to get you started in Central Park. Each activity plan contains background information, vocabulary, a list of materials needed for the lesson, and activity instructions. Click on the title of each activity plan to download it as a PDF. Art & Design Students compare realistic landscape paintings with a real- life landscape in the Central Park North Woods. Students then use space tricks to create their own landscape drawing/painting. Life Science & Earth Science Tree Observation & IdentificationStudents observe and identify trees using multiple senses — sight, smell, touch, and hearing. In addition, focusing on the top ten trees of Central Park, they learn how to classify trees by scientific name. Students learn how to analyze rocks and rock formations in order to draw conclusions about mineral composition, glacial scarring, evidence of weathering, and signs of life. Students get a hands-on, close-up look at a variety of pond organisms by scooping, investigating and making observations on their own. Students use their observation skills and scientific tools to collect and study the diversity of animals in Central Park’s water bodies. Students study the features of bird feathers, beaks, and feet to consider the process of adaptation. In addition, they learn how to observe and identify birds in Central Park. History & Social Studies With the help of visual depictions of the Park — past and present — students begin to understand the transformation and evolution of Central Park while realizing that some of the activities that have taken place in the past still occur today. Students begin to understand the difficulty of being Park stewards and maintaining the Park for ALL of its users when they debate whether or not proposed “improvements” to Central Park over the years should have been completed. Critical Thinking, Literacy & Math Help your students to enjoy excellent pre- and post-visit activities in critical thinking, literacy, and math. |
